Supporting Your Child and Family Through Life's Challenges

When your child is struggling with mental health challenges, behavioural difficulties, or developmental differences, it affects the whole family. As a specialist in children and family therapy in Wollongong and the Illawarra region, I provide compassionate, evidence-based support to help young people thrive and families reconnect.

Whether you're dealing with anxiety, ADHD, trauma responses, school refusal, or challenging behaviours, I'm here to guide your family toward healing, understanding, and stronger relationships.

How Children and Family Therapy Can Help

Individual Support for Young People

Every child deserves to feel understood, valued, and supported. Through individual therapy sessions, I work directly with young people to:

• Process trauma and difficult experiences using evidence-based approaches like trauma-focused CBT

• Develop coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and overwhelming emotions

• Build self-esteem and confidence in neurodivergent children and teenagers

• Address behavioural challenges including aggression, opposition, and school refusal

• Support ADHD management through executive function skills and emotional regulation

Family Therapy for Stronger Relationships

Challenges with one family member impact everyone. Family therapy sessions focus on:

• Improving communication between parents and young people

• Understanding neurodivergent behaviours and how to support them effectively

• Developing consistent behavioural strategies that work for your family

• Healing from trauma that affects the whole family system

• Building cooperation and reducing conflict at home

• Supporting siblings who may be affected by their brother or sister's challenges

My Specialisations in Children and Family Therapy

Trauma Therapy for Young People

Childhood trauma can manifest in many ways - anxiety, behavioural problems, sleep difficulties, or emotional outbursts. I specialise in helping children and teenagers process traumatic experiences while involving the family in the healing journey.

I work with families experiencing:

• PTSD and complex trauma responses

• Anxiety and panic attacks following difficult experiences

• Behavioural changes after trauma

• Family trauma that affects everyone's wellbeing

ADHD Support for Children and Families

Living with ADHD affects more than just the child - it impacts family routines, relationships, and daily functioning. I provide comprehensive ADHD support that includes both the young person and their family.

ADHD counselling includes:

• Executive function skill development

• Emotional regulation strategies

• School and homework support strategies

• Parent coaching for ADHD management

• Sibling support and understanding

Neurodivergent Support and Understanding

Neurodivergent young people, including those with autism, sensory processing differences, or other developmental variations, need specialised understanding and support. I help families navigate neurodivergence with acceptance and practical strategies.

Neurodivergent family therapy addresses:

• Understanding your child's unique needs and strengths

• Sensory and environmental accommodations

• Social skills development in natural settings

• Managing meltdowns and emotional overwhelm

• Advocacy and support for school environments

Behavioural Support and Interventions

Challenging behaviours often communicate unmet needs or underlying difficulties. Rather than just managing behaviours, I work with families to understand the root causes and develop effective, compassionate responses.

Behavioural challenges I support include:

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

• Aggressive behaviours toward family members

• School refusal and attendance difficulties

• Self-harm and risky behaviours

• Sleep and routine challenges

My Approach to Children and Family Therapy

Evidence-Based and Trauma-Informed

I use proven therapeutic approaches including:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Family Systems Therapy

• Play therapy techniques for younger children

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adolescents

• Behavioural interventions tailored to individual needs

Collaborative and Strengths-Based

Every family has unique strengths and resources. I work collaboratively with you to:

• Identify what's already working well in your family

• Build on existing strengths and positive relationships

• Develop strategies that fit your family's values and lifestyle

• Include all family members' perspectives and needs

What to Expect from Children and Family Therapy

Initial Assessment and Planning

Our first few sessions focus on understanding your family's unique situation:

• Individual and family strengths and challenges

• Goals and hopes for therapy

• Previous experiences and what has or hasn't worked

• Collaborative treatment planning

Flexible Session Formats

Depending on your family's needs, sessions might include:

• Individual sessions with your young person

• Family sessions with parents and children together

• Parent-only sessions for strategy development and support

• Sibling sessions when appropriate

• Extended family involvement when helpful

Practical Skills and Strategies

Therapy isn't just talking - it's learning practical tools you can use every day:

• Communication techniques that actually work with your child

• De-escalation strategies for difficult moments

• Routine and structure approaches for ADHD families

• Sensory regulation techniques for neurodivergent children

• Self-care strategies for parents and caregivers

Getting Started with Children and Family Therapy

If you're concerned about your child's mental health, behaviour, or development, you don't have to navigate these challenges alone. Early intervention and family support can make a significant difference in your child's wellbeing and your family's harmony.

Signs Your Family Might Benefit from Therapy

• Your child seems anxious, sad, or angry most of the time

• Behavioural challenges are affecting family life or school

• Communication between family members has become difficult

• You suspect trauma may be affecting your child or family

• ADHD or neurodivergent behaviours are causing family stress

• School refusal or academic difficulties are persistent

• Siblings are being affected by ongoing family challenges

What Families Say

"Sharon helped us understand our son's ADHD in a completely new way. Instead of seeing his behaviour as defiant, we learned to see his struggles and support his needs. Our family is so much calmer now." - Parent of 12-year-old with ADHD

"After our daughter experienced trauma, we didn't know how to help her or our family heal. Sharon guided us through the process with such care and gave us practical tools we still use every day." - Parent of trauma survivor

Book Your Children and Family Therapy Consultation

Ready to take the first step toward supporting your child and strengthening your family? I offer initial consultations to discuss your family's needs and determine if children and family therapy is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does children and family therapy take? Every family's journey is unique. Some families see improvements in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We'll regularly review progress and adjust our approach as needed.

Will my child need to attend every session? Not necessarily. Some sessions may be family-focused, others individual with your child, and some may be parent-only to develop strategies and provide support.

Do you work with very young children? Yes, I work with children from early childhood through adolescence, using developmentally appropriate approaches including play therapy techniques for younger children.

What if my child doesn't want to come to therapy? It's common for young people to feel hesitant about therapy initially. I use engaging, non-threatening approaches and always respect your child's pace and comfort level.

Do you provide school reports or assessments? While I don't conduct formal psychological assessments, I can provide progress reports and recommendations that may support your child's educational needs when appropriate.

Sharon Alexandra provides specialist children and family therapy services in Wollongong, Illawarra, and across NSW via telehealth. With expertise in trauma therapy, ADHD support, neurodivergent counselling, and behavioural interventions, Sharon helps young people and families navigate challenges with compassion and evidence-based care.