Parenting Psychologists and Therapists in Padstow, NSW

Photo of Vera Nedelkovska, Counsellor, PACFA
Vera Nedelkovska
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
Integrating evidence-based practices to help you thrive in relationships and life. I’m Vera, a passionate therapist dedicated to guiding you through your personal journey with counseling, therapy, and hypnosis. My approach centres around you, creating a nurturing space where you can explore and overcome your challenges. I specialise in empowering you to build healthier relationships, increase your resilience, and foster a deeper understanding of yourself. With my support, you can achieve lasting personal growth and transformative changes in your life.
Integrating evidence-based practices to help you thrive in relationships and life. I’m Vera, a passionate therapist dedicated to guiding you through your personal journey with counseling, therapy, and hypnosis. My approach centres around you, creating a nurturing space where you can explore and overcome your challenges. I specialise in empowering you to build healthier relationships, increase your resilience, and foster a deeper understanding of yourself. With my support, you can achieve lasting personal growth and transformative changes in your life.
(02) 8105 6855 View (02) 8105 6855
Photo of Maureen Deeb, Counsellor, PACFA
Maureen Deeb
Counsellor, PACFA
Padstow, NSW 2211
I now have the privilege of helping others through their life challenges, family, parenting, relationship issues, grief, mental health, whatever the struggle is.
I believe the counselling process is sacred and it is an honour and privilege to be trusted with someone’s story. I understand counselling is not necessarily an easy process, thus I believe it is important to meet my clients where they are at and work at a pace that suits them. Encouraging clients to work with me and always give them choices along the way.
I now have the privilege of helping others through their life challenges, family, parenting, relationship issues, grief, mental health, whatever the struggle is.
I believe the counselling process is sacred and it is an honour and privilege to be trusted with someone’s story. I understand counselling is not necessarily an easy process, thus I believe it is important to meet my clients where they are at and work at a pace that suits them. Encouraging clients to work with me and always give them choices along the way.
(02) 8105 6747 View (02) 8105 6747
Photo of Anita S, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Anita S
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Anita is a registered psychologist and board-approved supervisor with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults across a broad range of psychological concerns. She has particular interests in anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma and PTSD, life transitions and adjustment difficulties, eating and body image concerns, Intellectual Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Anita also works extensively with individuals who have experienced trauma, including abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. She provides psychological services through Medicare, private referrals, Victim Services, NDIS and Open Arms.
Anita is a registered psychologist and board-approved supervisor with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults across a broad range of psychological concerns. She has particular interests in anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma and PTSD, life transitions and adjustment difficulties, eating and body image concerns, Intellectual Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Anita also works extensively with individuals who have experienced trauma, including abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. She provides psychological services through Medicare, private referrals, Victim Services, NDIS and Open Arms.
(02) 8105 6470 View (02) 8105 6470
Photo of Vanessa Allen, Social Worker, AMHSW
Vanessa Allen
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
Vanessa is a Mental Health Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Counsellor. ​ Vanessa is known for her empathetic approach and desire to empower clients, so they can make positive changes in line with their values. Her calm and caring nature allows her to build trust even with the most resistant clients. She has worked with people from diverse backgrounds and of all ages. Her calm and caring nature allows her to build trust even with the most resistant clients. Vanessa is also a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician and a Certified RO-DBT Practitioner.
Vanessa is a Mental Health Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Counsellor. ​ Vanessa is known for her empathetic approach and desire to empower clients, so they can make positive changes in line with their values. Her calm and caring nature allows her to build trust even with the most resistant clients. She has worked with people from diverse backgrounds and of all ages. Her calm and caring nature allows her to build trust even with the most resistant clients. Vanessa is also a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician and a Certified RO-DBT Practitioner.
(02) 8074 5994 View (02) 8074 5994
Photo of Sonya Thompson, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Sonya Thompson
Counsellor, ACA-L2
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, parenting struggles, ADHD, trauma, or grief, you deserve support that's warm, practical, and genuinely helpful.
I draw on CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to shift unhelpful thought patterns, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to build psychological flexibility, attachment-based therapy to understand relationship dynamics, and trauma-focused and emotionally focused approaches to process difficult experiences and strengthen connection.
Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, parenting struggles, ADHD, trauma, or grief, you deserve support that's warm, practical, and genuinely helpful.
I draw on CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to shift unhelpful thought patterns, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to build psychological flexibility, attachment-based therapy to understand relationship dynamics, and trauma-focused and emotionally focused approaches to process difficult experiences and strengthen connection.
(02) 7501 1289 View (02) 7501 1289
Photo of Michelle Kl Boyle - Michelle Boyle Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Michelle Boyle Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Serves Area
Michelle’s professional skills and life experience allows her to be approachable, knowledgeable and understanding with her clients. With extensive experience across a broad range of concerns and diverse backgrounds, Michelle provides her clients a safe open space to explore challenges, supporting clients to investigate possible areas where understanding and adjustment can bring about positive growth and greater wellbeing. Taking NDIS clients (unregistered provider)
Michelle’s professional skills and life experience allows her to be approachable, knowledgeable and understanding with her clients. With extensive experience across a broad range of concerns and diverse backgrounds, Michelle provides her clients a safe open space to explore challenges, supporting clients to investigate possible areas where understanding and adjustment can bring about positive growth and greater wellbeing. Taking NDIS clients (unregistered provider)
(02) 7501 1068 View (02) 7501 1068

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Zahra Kais, Social Worker, AMHSW
Zahra Kais
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I provide evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, and ACT, plus parenting programs such as Circle of Security and Emotion Coaching.
Welcome! I am a Mental Health Professional offering evidence-based, compassionate online therapy across Australia. I am an approved Victims of Crime counsellor, supporting individuals impacted by trauma and complex life experiences. I help clients build practical tools to manage anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, and trauma, strengthen emotional regulation, and improve relationships. I provide culturally sensitive, neuro-affirming, inclusive care.
I provide evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, and ACT, plus parenting programs such as Circle of Security and Emotion Coaching.
Welcome! I am a Mental Health Professional offering evidence-based, compassionate online therapy across Australia. I am an approved Victims of Crime counsellor, supporting individuals impacted by trauma and complex life experiences. I help clients build practical tools to manage anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, and trauma, strengthen emotional regulation, and improve relationships. I provide culturally sensitive, neuro-affirming, inclusive care.
(02) 4210 5681 View (02) 4210 5681
Photo of Anson Wang, Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Anson Wang
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Rockdale, NSW 2216
Hello, I’m a therapist (AMHSW) with decades of clinical experience to support child/teens, their parents and adults, primary specialty includes: 1 Trauma and complex trauma 2 Eating disorders 3 Intense emotion and interpersonal/family difficulties/conflicts 4 Depression, anxiety and OCD 5 Emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and adolescents 6 Parenting a child or teenager with mental health or behavioural challenges 7 Parenting while managing your own mental health 8 Ongoing parent–child or parent–teen conflict, disconnection or breakdown in communication
Medicare rebates available. Extensive clinical experience in mental health, human development, and effective parenting. I balance strong relational attunement with practical strategies that create real change. Trained and experienced in CBT, DBT, ACT, FBT, SFT, EFT, ABFT, PMT, and Circle of Security.
Hello, I’m a therapist (AMHSW) with decades of clinical experience to support child/teens, their parents and adults, primary specialty includes: 1 Trauma and complex trauma 2 Eating disorders 3 Intense emotion and interpersonal/family difficulties/conflicts 4 Depression, anxiety and OCD 5 Emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and adolescents 6 Parenting a child or teenager with mental health or behavioural challenges 7 Parenting while managing your own mental health 8 Ongoing parent–child or parent–teen conflict, disconnection or breakdown in communication
Medicare rebates available. Extensive clinical experience in mental health, human development, and effective parenting. I balance strong relational attunement with practical strategies that create real change. Trained and experienced in CBT, DBT, ACT, FBT, SFT, EFT, ABFT, PMT, and Circle of Security.
(02) 9090 4723 View (02) 9090 4723
Photo of Brett Mark Acworth, Counsellor, PACFA
Brett Mark Acworth
Counsellor, PACFA
Warriewood, NSW 2102
Changes in our relationships are changes we often feel deeply: with our partner; in our family; with our children as they grow; with our parents as they get older; in our workplace; with friends.
My life's work has been to help people struggling with changes they feel deeply. I work with people to understand their experience of the changes in their lives and help to make some sense of the experience. I work with individuals, couples and families, with a focus on improving relationships. I consider issues of social justice and trauma.
Changes in our relationships are changes we often feel deeply: with our partner; in our family; with our children as they grow; with our parents as they get older; in our workplace; with friends.
My life's work has been to help people struggling with changes they feel deeply. I work with people to understand their experience of the changes in their lives and help to make some sense of the experience. I work with individuals, couples and families, with a focus on improving relationships. I consider issues of social justice and trauma.
(02) 8403 0803 View (02) 8403 0803
Photo of Susan Dalby - Women In Mind, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Women In Mind
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
Most parents mean well and do their best but because our culture is generally ignorant about the early needs of children the child has to learn how to adapt.
I can help you to understand where these thoughts and behaviours originate and I also help you be in touch with your Central Nervous System which is greatly shaped by by early experiences. I use Schema Therapy EMDR and many other approaches. I am passionate about helping women to self actualize.
Most parents mean well and do their best but because our culture is generally ignorant about the early needs of children the child has to learn how to adapt.
I can help you to understand where these thoughts and behaviours originate and I also help you be in touch with your Central Nervous System which is greatly shaped by by early experiences. I use Schema Therapy EMDR and many other approaches. I am passionate about helping women to self actualize.
(02) 4058 4435 View (02) 4058 4435
Photo of Jacqueline Schell, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Jacqueline Schell
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Hornsby, NSW 2077
Jackie has a strong interest in helping to empower parents and offers stand along parent coaching sessions on a one off basis or in packages of 3 or 6.
During the initial interview, Jackie will ask about your presenting concern and explore the history surrounding the problem for which you need help. Then she will develop a formal psychometric assessment plan for ADHD, Autism, School Readiness, Giftedness et., for example, or plan a course of therapy to suit your or your child's individual needs.
Jackie has a strong interest in helping to empower parents and offers stand along parent coaching sessions on a one off basis or in packages of 3 or 6.
During the initial interview, Jackie will ask about your presenting concern and explore the history surrounding the problem for which you need help. Then she will develop a formal psychometric assessment plan for ADHD, Autism, School Readiness, Giftedness et., for example, or plan a course of therapy to suit your or your child's individual needs.
(02) 8403 0050 View (02) 8403 0050
Photo of Colleen Mary Nicholas, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Colleen Mary Nicholas
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Greystanes, NSW 2145
Hi. I’m Colleen Nicholas. I’m an Art Therapist, Sandtray Therapist, Interactive Drawing Therapist and Counsellor. I offer expressive therapies in addition to talk therapy, because sometimes words are not enough. It can be difficult to find words to express what we are thinking, feeling or experiencing. Sometimes we are not aware of the “real issue” that’s causing our distress.
Hi. I’m Colleen Nicholas. I’m an Art Therapist, Sandtray Therapist, Interactive Drawing Therapist and Counsellor. I offer expressive therapies in addition to talk therapy, because sometimes words are not enough. It can be difficult to find words to express what we are thinking, feeling or experiencing. Sometimes we are not aware of the “real issue” that’s causing our distress.
(02) 8609 3981 View (02) 8609 3981
Photo of Emma Chow - Emma Chow | The Filial Space, Psychotherapist, MA
Emma Chow | The Filial Space
Psychotherapist, MA
Ermington, NSW 2115
It’s hard not to feel triggered, slipping into fight, flight, or freeze, or defaulting to unhelpful parenting patterns.
Filial Therapy is a specialised relationship-focused therapeutic program for parents/ caregivers and their children, in which you learn some of the main tools from the play therapist's toolbox. I'll guide you to conduct a special and transformative type of play with your child that will help you grow in confidence in your parenting skills and foster healing.
It’s hard not to feel triggered, slipping into fight, flight, or freeze, or defaulting to unhelpful parenting patterns.
Filial Therapy is a specialised relationship-focused therapeutic program for parents/ caregivers and their children, in which you learn some of the main tools from the play therapist's toolbox. I'll guide you to conduct a special and transformative type of play with your child that will help you grow in confidence in your parenting skills and foster healing.
(02) 7804 4503 View (02) 7804 4503
Photo of Lily Choi, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L1
Lily Choi
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L1
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Lily holds a Bachelor’s in Medicine, a Master’s in Theological Studies, a Diploma in Counseling, and a Professional Certificate in Integrative Christian Counseling. She is a DM of CCAA and has experience as a psychiatrist and pastoral counsellor. Fluent in Chinese, Lily specializes in counselling for Christians, spiritual growth; emotional disorders, adolescent emotional disorders, PTSD, interpersonal communication and so on. Lily 是医学学士,神学研究硕士,拥有专业基督徒心理咨询的整合心理咨询的学位和证书,教会客座讲员,曾在中国北京担任精神科医师,多年管理及教牧辅导经验。澳洲基督徒咨询师协会会员。AIFC 基督教关怀与辅导专业证书课程负责人、讲员。健康门徒(中文)事工负责人。 Lily 擅长领域是基督徒的咨询,属灵生命的长进; 情绪障碍(包括伴有严重精神疾病症状的)、PTSD、青少年情绪障碍,人际关系、人际沟通、亲子关系等。
Lily holds a Bachelor’s in Medicine, a Master’s in Theological Studies, a Diploma in Counseling, and a Professional Certificate in Integrative Christian Counseling. She is a DM of CCAA and has experience as a psychiatrist and pastoral counsellor. Fluent in Chinese, Lily specializes in counselling for Christians, spiritual growth; emotional disorders, adolescent emotional disorders, PTSD, interpersonal communication and so on. Lily 是医学学士,神学研究硕士,拥有专业基督徒心理咨询的整合心理咨询的学位和证书,教会客座讲员,曾在中国北京担任精神科医师,多年管理及教牧辅导经验。澳洲基督徒咨询师协会会员。AIFC 基督教关怀与辅导专业证书课程负责人、讲员。健康门徒(中文)事工负责人。 Lily 擅长领域是基督徒的咨询,属灵生命的长进; 情绪障碍(包括伴有严重精神疾病症状的)、PTSD、青少年情绪障碍,人际关系、人际沟通、亲子关系等。
(02) 8403 1509 View (02) 8403 1509
Photo of Kara Markovics - Kara Markovics - Mindful Me Therapy, Counsellor, PACFA
Kara Markovics - Mindful Me Therapy
Counsellor, PACFA
Woollahra, NSW 2025
We're also big believers in working with and supporting parents, teaching them new tools to add to their emotional toolkit for use in real life and at home.
Is your teenager's world drifting further and further away from yours? Have you noticed a recent behaviour change or reluctance to go to school? Mindful Me is a boutique teen and family counselling studio that connects with families by keeping it real. We tailor each session to meet your unique family needs, ensuring everybody feels comfortable and heard each step of the way. We look at mental health with a view of resolving matters for the long term. Not just dealing with the issues at hand, but also understanding its origin.
We're also big believers in working with and supporting parents, teaching them new tools to add to their emotional toolkit for use in real life and at home.
Is your teenager's world drifting further and further away from yours? Have you noticed a recent behaviour change or reluctance to go to school? Mindful Me is a boutique teen and family counselling studio that connects with families by keeping it real. We tailor each session to meet your unique family needs, ensuring everybody feels comfortable and heard each step of the way. We look at mental health with a view of resolving matters for the long term. Not just dealing with the issues at hand, but also understanding its origin.
(02) 9159 6257 View (02) 9159 6257
Photo of Sanober Rizvi, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Sanober Rizvi
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Gregory Hills, NSW 2557
Waitlist for new clients
Sanober has a warm and empathic approach to therapy and has over 20 years of experience. Sanober assists with a range of concerns including feelings of low self-worth, emotional neglect or loneliness, relationship concerns, rumination and worry, perfectionism and need for control, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and abuse and difficulties regulating or expressing emotion. She is passionate about supporting and empowering people to improve their emotional wellbeing, increase quality of life, cope with difficulties, manage distress, and bring about meaningful, lasting change. Sanober is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT and EMDR.
Sanober has a warm and empathic approach to therapy and has over 20 years of experience. Sanober assists with a range of concerns including feelings of low self-worth, emotional neglect or loneliness, relationship concerns, rumination and worry, perfectionism and need for control, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and abuse and difficulties regulating or expressing emotion. She is passionate about supporting and empowering people to improve their emotional wellbeing, increase quality of life, cope with difficulties, manage distress, and bring about meaningful, lasting change. Sanober is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT and EMDR.
(02) 4214 4927 View (02) 4214 4927
Photo of Lauren Piper, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Lauren Piper
Psychologist, PsyBA General
3 Endorsed
Caringbah, NSW 2229
I see children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD or autistic profiles who feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or worn down by systems that weren’t designed for them. They may be navigating anxiety, burnout, emotional regulation challenges, trauma, identity questions, or life transitions. Their goal is to better understand themselves, feel accepted rather than “fixed,” and build confidence using strengths-based, practical strategies that genuinely fit them. I am also an EMDR therapist and support clients in processing trauma in a safe, compassionate way. I too am a mum of two and proudly neurodivergent myself.
I see children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD or autistic profiles who feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or worn down by systems that weren’t designed for them. They may be navigating anxiety, burnout, emotional regulation challenges, trauma, identity questions, or life transitions. Their goal is to better understand themselves, feel accepted rather than “fixed,” and build confidence using strengths-based, practical strategies that genuinely fit them. I am also an EMDR therapist and support clients in processing trauma in a safe, compassionate way. I too am a mum of two and proudly neurodivergent myself.
(02) 7501 0314 View (02) 7501 0314
Photo of Praveena Rajeswaran, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Praveena Rajeswaran
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Sydney, NSW 2000
I specialise in supporting people develop a meaningful life, learn about their inner worlds, as well as supporting children, parents & families to work towards strong & meaningful family relationships.
I have worked across a range of clinical & leadership positions within NSW Health. I am also passionate about supporting the next generation of psychologists as a PsyBA Approved Supervisor and Sessional Academic at ACU, supervising & lecturing psychology students, interns and registrars.
I specialise in supporting people develop a meaningful life, learn about their inner worlds, as well as supporting children, parents & families to work towards strong & meaningful family relationships.
I have worked across a range of clinical & leadership positions within NSW Health. I am also passionate about supporting the next generation of psychologists as a PsyBA Approved Supervisor and Sessional Academic at ACU, supervising & lecturing psychology students, interns and registrars.
View
Photo of Rupa Parthasarathy - Mindkshetra, Counsellor, ACA-L4
Mindkshetra
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Wentworthville, NSW 2145
Whatever life adversity/situation/issues the young(er) person is muddling through - anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger management, stress, bullying, friendship issues, social anxiety, learning difficulties and building self-confidence, dealing with loss - We are invested in helping the young(er) person navigate through this sensitive stage with a focus on strengthening their overall wellbeing using creativity as a means. We also help adults cope with a range of life issues like coping with stress, anxiety, depression, anger management, divorce or separation, identity and acculturation issues, improving communication. ​
Whatever life adversity/situation/issues the young(er) person is muddling through - anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger management, stress, bullying, friendship issues, social anxiety, learning difficulties and building self-confidence, dealing with loss - We are invested in helping the young(er) person navigate through this sensitive stage with a focus on strengthening their overall wellbeing using creativity as a means. We also help adults cope with a range of life issues like coping with stress, anxiety, depression, anger management, divorce or separation, identity and acculturation issues, improving communication. ​
(02) 8806 1337 View (02) 8806 1337
Photo of Katherine Elizabeth Sharbanee - Katherine Sharbanee Counselling and Therapy, Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Katherine Sharbanee Counselling and Therapy
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Online Only
My areas of focus include trauma, attachment and relationship work, couples counselling, perinatal and parenting counselling.
Clients seek me out when they are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or quietly struggling, often functioning well on the outside while feeling disconnected, anxious, or uncertain inside. They may be experiencing difficulties in their relationships, navigating parenthood or the perinatal period, recovering from complex or relational trauma, or noticing repeated patterns in how they relate to others that leave them feeling hurt, unseen, or alone. I offer a space where individuals and couples can be deeply heard, and explore their inner world to make sense of their experiences and work on a pathway to the highest quality of life.
My areas of focus include trauma, attachment and relationship work, couples counselling, perinatal and parenting counselling.
Clients seek me out when they are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or quietly struggling, often functioning well on the outside while feeling disconnected, anxious, or uncertain inside. They may be experiencing difficulties in their relationships, navigating parenthood or the perinatal period, recovering from complex or relational trauma, or noticing repeated patterns in how they relate to others that leave them feeling hurt, unseen, or alone. I offer a space where individuals and couples can be deeply heard, and explore their inner world to make sense of their experiences and work on a pathway to the highest quality of life.
0438 306 786 View 0438 306 786
Parenting Therapists
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.

When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.

How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.

Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.