Psychology in Newcastle supporting children, teens & adults
Improve mental well-being with the help of our experienced and caring psychologists. Offering a comfortable, respectful and nurturing space, we work collaboratively with clients and their families to build on strengths and guide them through challenging times. We understand the challenges that people can face in their day-to-day lives and we’re here to help children, adolescents and adults of all walks of life to thrive.
Our Psychology Services
The Willow Tree Clinic’s team of psychologists specialise in supporting children, adolescents and adults to better understand themselves, providing effective strategies for navigating life’s challenges. Accredited and experienced, our psychologists work with families and individuals in our Kotara clinic, in the community or via telehealth.
Our proactive approach to mental well-being
Our therapeutic approaches include:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Theraplay
- Mindfulness
- Motivational Interviewing
- Strengths-based approaches
- Trauma-informed practice
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Brief Solution Focused Therapy
Psychological, behavioural & diagnostic assessments
Our Newcastle psychology team conducts a range of psychological, behavioural and diagnostic assessments to identify the way forward for local families. These include assessments for:
- Cognitive Functioning (Intelligence)
- Academic Achievement
- Learning Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Mental Health Disorders (e.g., Anxiety, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Memory Functioning
- Parent/Carer and Child Attachment Assessments
- Functional Behaviour Assessment
Behaviour support services for Newcastle families
Once the assessment is complete, a behaviour support plan and/or skill-building intervention program is developed in collaboration with the individual and their family. We then work with you to implement the recommended intervention within the clinic, home or school environment to ensure consistency and increase the likelihood of positive change.
Psychology services for Adults
Our psychologists are well-equipped to assist adults with with client-focused therapeutic approaches, including but not limited to: Psychological Assessments (e.g., ADHD, ASD, Cognitive Assessment, Depression, Anxiety), ongoing therapy for mental health concerns (e.g., Depression, Anxiety, PTSD), support with workplace challenges, support with relationships, trauma therapy, support to improve self-care and overall wellbeing.
Through our experience in these therapeutic practices, we can individually tailor approaches to help clients develop the skills and resources to create meaningful and lasting change with the hope of improving their quality of life, quality of relationships with others, and achieving personal well-being and life goals.
How our psychologists use Theraplay®
Theraplay is an evidenced-based child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. Theraplay is appropriate for children of all ages (including babies/toddlers) and adolescents.
During Theraplay, the psychologist guides the parent and child through playful, fun games, developmentally challenging activities, and nurturing activities. Engaging each other in this way helps the parent/carer regulate the child’s behaviour and communicate love, joy, and safety to the child. It also helps the child feel secure, cared for, connected and worthy.
Theraplay is helpful for:
- Shy, withdrawn, or clingy behaviour.
- Acting-out, angry, or disruptive behaviour.
- Defiant, oppositional or controlling behaviour.
- Behavioural problems at school or with peers.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- A history of trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Psychology FAQs
What can I expect in my first psychology appointment?
The first appointment is an intake appointment, during which we gather information about you or your child’s relevant history.
We’ll work together to set meaningful goals and discuss options for appropriate supports. The clinician will also explain the terms of the consent form, as well as your rights to confidentiality.
What types of therapy do you offer?
Our clinicians have training and experience in several different therapies including:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Theraplay
- Mindfulness
- Motivational Interviewing
- Strengths-based approaches
- Trauma-informed practice
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Brief Solution Focused Therapy
How do I choose the right therapy approach for me?
During the intake appointment, the clinician will discuss the type of therapy best suited to help you meet your goals. You will have input into this discussion – we welcome your feedback on whether you feel the therapy modality would be a good fit.
Our psychologists take a personalised approach to therapy. Depending on the needs and goals of the client, different aspects of a therapy model are typically used with clients rather than sticking to one strict framework.
Can psychology services help children or adolescents?
How do psychologists support children and adolescents?
Psychologists can help children and adolescents understand and manage the symptoms of their diagnosis (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Psychologists also provide support in areas such as:
- Emotion regulation skills
- Building resilience
- Self-esteem
- Social skills/Interpersonal skills to improve relationships with friends and family members
- Support with suicide ideation and self-harm
- Adaptive skill building
- Parenting support
- Education Support
Do you offer psychology services for adults?
Yes, we have clinicians who are trained in providing therapy, assessments and behaviour support to adults.
Multi-disciplinary services
Occupational Therapy
Improve self-care skills and build confidence in daily life with evidence-based assessments and interventions.
Speech Therapy
Access evidence-based assessments and interventions to improve communication and everyday life for your family.
