What services we provide:
Individual sessions
I provide individual psychology sessions at my clinic in Caringbah. My space is filled with toys, sensory fidgets, beanbags, Lego and other fun things.
I work with some children from a non-directive play therapy framework. I also utilise directive play therapy activities and techniques for many children and young people. The framework w
I provide individual psychology sessions at my clinic in Caringbah. My space is filled with toys, sensory fidgets, beanbags, Lego and other fun things.
I work with some children from a non-directive play therapy framework. I also utilise directive play therapy activities and techniques for many children and young people. The framework will depend on the child's capacity and the therapy goals.
I work with adolescents and young adults with the framework that suits their therapy goals and personality.
I work with parents to assist them to navigate challenges with their children
You do not need a referral to see me, however if you would like to access a rebate on my full fee, seek advice from your GP about whether you qualify for a referral to psychological services.
If you or your child is an NDIS participant, I can work with both self-funded and plan-managed clients.
For schools
I can provide:
- Evidence-based programs for your students or tailor-made programs.
- Parent sessions tailored to your needs. E.g. How parents can help their child at HSC time or assist their child with anxiety.
- Teacher professional development sessions. I commonly run teacher PD on: PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and understanding child behaviours that present at school.
Group program information
Melanie Gotch is accredited by Macquarie University's Centre for Emotional Health to use the Cool Kids program. The intellectual property rights, including copyright, in the Program are owned by Macquarie University. Macquarie University does not endorse any particular provider of the program and their services.
Cool Kids Anxiety Program is a structured 10 session program run over a minimum of 10 weeks that teaches children and their parents how to better manage a child’s anxiety. The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and involves the participation of children and parents, and focuses on teaching practical skills. Topics covered in the program include:
- Learning about anxiety
- Learning to think realistically
- Parenting an anxious child
- Facing fears using stepladders and
- Learning coping skills such as assertiveness or problem solving
The Cool Kids anxiety program was developed by Macquarie University and has been running since 1993. The program has undergone continual scientific evaluation and development to include the latest understanding of anxiety and its treatment. It has been translated into a number of languages and today is used in clinics, schools, and hospitals around the world.
Macquarie University - Cool Kids Anxiety Program (mq.edu.au)
Cool Little Kids
WHAT IS IT?
Cool Little Kids is a program for parents of children aged 3-6 who are shy or showing signs of anxiety.
WHO ATTENDS?
Ideally both parents attend but if that is not possible, the primary caregiver attends. Parents learn valuable skills to help their child cope more effectively with symptoms of anxiety.
HOW DOES IT RUN?
This program is run over 6 sessions, and additional 1:1 parent sessions can be included to help further learning on key topics. This can be run in a group format or individually.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Contact me via email to ask about running this at your location or individually at my Miranda office.
Peaceful Kids
WHAT IS IT?
The Peaceful kids program is a mindfulness based program to help children cope with anxiety and stress.
WHO ATTENDS?
Children or young people attend and their parents are provided with information and resources after each session.
HOW DOES IT RUN?
This program runs over 8 weeks for approximately an hour per session. Children learn a new meditation each week and a range of other mindfulness strategies and positive psychology exercises.
I can provide this program as a group or individually. I can come to your school, or you can come to me.
Parent Shop programs
https://www.parentshop.com.au/
NO SCAREDY CATS
This is a workshop for parents of anxious children. It is about building resilience in your child and reducing anxiety in children aged 2-12. It is run in 3 x 1.5 hour sessions.
1-2-3 MAGIC
This is a workshop for parents of children aged 2-12. to learn skills in discipline, sorting behaviour, handling challenging behaviours, using emotion coaching and encouraging good behaviour. This is run across 3 x 1.5 hour sessions.
I can come to you to run these Parentshop programs. Minimum of 8 required.
Tailor made programs
Tailor made programs
I can develop a parent or teacher program to suit your needs. For example, I have presented to new Kindergarten parents about social and emotional development and I have presented to parents about emotion coaching and helping their child through HSC stress.
I can also develop group programs for students. For example, I have facilitated groups with high school students on topics of: stress management, mindfulness, healthy relationships, drug and alcohol harm minimisation, self esteem and body image.
I can facilitate teacher professional development. For example, I have presented to teachers about mindfulness and anxiety.