Your well-being is my ultimate concern.  Whether you’re an individual, a couple or a family looking for help - my therapy sessions are designed to strengthen your confidence, and assist you in the healing process.  I am a registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Association (APS).  As a mother of four boys and one girl I understand the challenges and stressors that parenting and family life can bring.  I am committed to providing my clients with therapy in the context of a caring, empathetic and supportive context. I have been working with individuals and their families in their homes for over twenty years treating a variety of mental health issues including stress, anxiety and depression.  I have been delivering the Parenting Together Program into homes for over 15 years, teaching parents the 5 core skills to reduce child non-compliance and improve attachment between parent and child with very positive results.  I have also worked at ADHD-WA (previously known as LADS) specializing in treating ADHD in children, adolescence through to adults.

​

I use a variety of evidenced based therapeutic methods depending on the age and the types of problems my clients are experiencing.  I will often use a combination of approaches as I individualize therapy to the client's needs to produce the best possible outcomes.  These approaches include CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) BT (behavioual therapy) IT (interpersonal Therapy, Attachment and Mindfullness. 

​

I seek to educate my clients about their problems and provide them with the skills to bring about positive changes in their life.  My goal is to empower individuals to maintain goals once therapy has ended.  Helping my clients to develop a healthy lifestyle plan which includes adopting good lifestyle habits i.e diet/nutrition, exercise and sleep hygiene is an essential part of the recovery process. Medication can be an important part of recovery for some individuals, however some may have concerns about taking prescribed medication to treat disorders.  Discussing these issues in therapy may be helpful.  If you would like to have a consultation  contact me today to arrange an appointment time.  Mobile:  0411645136 medicare rebates available

PARENTING TOGETHER PROGRAM

Do You Want To?

- Strengthen Basic Parenting

- Improve emotional well being in your child

- Enhance relationships with your child

 -Reduce stress levels

​

Features

​

- Help at home

- Individualised program

- You are supported and not alone

​

MEDICARE REBATES AVAILABLE

​

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM?

​

The 'PARENTING TOGETHER PROGRAM' is a well researched program of in home parent education and intervention for families who are experiencing difficulties parenting children from 3 - 8 years, who may have mood anxiety and emotional problems.  It is based on experts in the field of child development and can be adapted to suit children with specific needs such as ADHD and ASD.

​

The main goal of the program is to enhance the pleasure and positive experience of family interaction through direct therapy with parent and child.  On completion of the program you will have developed skills necessary to improve your child's behaviour and enjoy a positive relationship with your child.

​

WHAT'S INVOLVED?

​

1.  An inhome assessment of your child's behaviour through a semi-structured interview and observation.  Information gathered will be used to understand events which may trigger a problem behaviour.  This assessment will help guide the treatment plan.

​

2. Parent training involves being taught five core skills in this Two-Phase training program in your home.  Through discussion and demonstration you will be taught and then practice each new skill under my guidance.  Your child is present and actively participates throughout the sessions.  The parenting skills are explained, modelled and roleplayed with me, yourself and your child. This provides a great opportunity for you to consolidate the skill.

3. Intervention involves 1 - 2 weekly sessions of 60 -70 minute duration with an averageof 8 -10 sessions depending on your needs.

​

4. Ongoing feedback will be carried out at the beginning of the weekly sessions to ensure your goal are being met

​

MEDICARE REBATES are available on referral from your G.P or paediatrician.

​

To Make an appointment contact Trina Michailidis on 0411645136

​

​

In my therapy sessions, we’ll work to solve current problems and improve positive thinking and behavior. I will help you “re-frame” your reactions and provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles. I’m confident you’ll find my personalized Individual Therapy beneficial and inspirational. Get in touch to book an appointment.

ATTACHMENT

ATTACHMENT is one of the most popular and empirically grounded theories related to parenting.  Attachment is one specific aspect of the relationship between child and parent with its purpose being to make the child feel safe, secure and protected.  It is where the child uses the primary caregiver as a secure base from which to explore and when necessary as a place of safety and source of comfort.  A parent plays many different roles in the lives of their children, including teacher, playmate, disciplinarian, caregiver and attachment.  Of all these roles attachment is the most important in predicting the child's social and emotional outcome. 

​

There are four major types of infant-parent attachment: secure; insecure- avoidant; insecure-resistant; and insecure-disorganized.  A secure attachment has long been recognized as a protective factor against social and emotional maladjustment.

IMPACT OF CHILD'S TEMPERAMENT ON ATTACHMENT AND PARENTING

Attachment security is partially influenced by biology through temperament.  Temperament can be described as a neurobiological element that differs from person to person in emotions, sociability and self control.  The concept of temperament is important as it can help parents understand and accept characteristics of their children without feeling responsible for having caused them.  Children who are slow to adjust or shy or irritable are likely to experience conflict with their parents and less likely to receive parental acceptance and encouragement.  Being attuned and responsive to children with such temperaments can be a very demanding task for parents.  

Parents want their children to grow up to be healthy well adjusted adults that can take charge of their own lives.  By identifying the child's temperament and adjusting parenting styles to better fit the needs of the particular child can mitigate the influence of the child's temperament.

​

If you would like support to help you better understand your infant or child and support in establishing a secure attachment contact me on 0411645136

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder and one of the most common mental health conditions in children. It is estimated that about two thirds will still have symptoms when they are adults. 

ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity that interferes with the individuals functioning and development. However the  impact of ADHD is not just on attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity but can also affect their ability to learn and socialize well.  Often children with ADHD have poorer working memories and difficulty regulating emotions. 

​

ADOLESCENTS WITH ADHD - Most kids dont grow out of ADHD and as it estimated that about two thirds of teens will still have sypmptoms when they are adults continuing support is needed. Wha'ts more is that they often mature more slowly than others their age.  Individual therapy can be very helpful in supporting teenagers and twentysomethings with some of the challenges of ADHD. 

There are also ways that parents can help their teenage and adult children take positive steps towards adulthood.

Many individuals with ADHD are empathetic and despite their challenges become remarkable members of the community.

​

ADULTS with ADHD often struggle in a number of context including work and both romantic and friendship based relationships.

They often have difficulties with time management and organization and can easily feel overwhelmed.  It is estimated that around 70% of individuals with ADHD often experience difficulties in self-regulating their emotions.  Emotional dysregulation often results in an excessive emotional reaction considered inappropriate for the individuals developmental age and the social setting it occurs.  This often leaves the individual in hot water and difficult to get out of situations.  With the appropriate support individuals can develop skills and strategies to improve their emotional regulation across a range of settings.

​

I have a strong commitment towards supporting the needs of individuals and their families with ADHD. Over the years I have come to realize the importance of supporting whole families with ADHD in a "family based context".  As ADHD is highly hereditary often parents with ADHD are struggling to support and manage children with the same condition or the parent may have a partner with diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD.

Only trained health care providers can diagnose or treat ADHD.  If you are concerned that your child, teen or family member may be struggling with ADHD  contact me for a confidential appointment on 0411645136.

​

​

​

​

WHAT IS AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Autistic Spectrum Disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder with symptoms presenting from early childhood and limiting or impairing the individuals everyday functioning. Many of us over the years have heard the term Autism and Asperger's syndrome used and often interchangeably.  Due to the large range in the variation in the way this disorder expresses itself the term spectrum is now used.

​

Although manifestations of the disorder can vary greatly depending on the severity of the autistic condition there are essential features of ASD.  These are persistent impairment in reciprocal social communication and social interactions, they have difficulty understanding human relationships and the rules of social convention. They also display restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities.  They are inflexible and unable to cope with change.  This leads to stress and anxiety and makes them extremely emotionally vulnerable.

​

Intellectual functioning varies widely from individuals with intellectual impairment through to average to above average intelligence and superior rote memory skills. It is not uncommon for individuals with ASD to have concurrent conditions including ADHD and anxiety disorders. 

Parents are often left feeling very confused and overwhelmed by their child's behaviour.  An accurate diagnosis is important and early intervention provides the child with the best possible long term outcomes.  If you are concerned about your child's behaviour and would like to make a confidential appointment please contact me today on 0411645136. 

​

ANXIETY DISORDERS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

Anxiety is the uneasiness, worry or tension we experience when we expect a threat to our security. Anxiety has three related components: cognitive (our thoughts), physiological (physical symptoms) and behavioural (behaviours).

Fears and anxieties in children, adolescents and adults are often normal common and passing reactions to demands of a host of situations.

For example in the toddler years separation anxiety emerges but often resolves itself after a few months.  Adolescents often have concerns regarding peer groups, rejection in social relationships, moral issues and career choice.  Social media can severely impact your teenagers self esteem this is a serious concern as low self esteem is a well known risk factor for anxiety and depression.

Adult worries and concerns include issues such as finances, relationships with significant others, children, job stability, life satisfaction and health.

​

There are many different ways in which anxiety expresses itself across the lifespan from the reassurance seeking, clingy, crying toddler to the restless resistant and temper tantrums of preschooler to the adolescent who may disengage and keep their worries to themselves as they may be embarrassed or think they will be misunderstood by adults. Both teenagers and adults may resort to numbing behaviours such as substance use or gratifying behaviours such as overeating.

​

When Does Anxiety Become A Disorder?

​

An anxiety disorder is at the extreme end of the continum of anxiety.  To be considered a disorder four criteria must be met:  The anxiety is DISPROPORTIONATE it is excessive and well out of proportion to the trigger or context;  It is DISRUPTIVE interfering with the individuals everyday functioning; It is DISTRESSING leaving the individual distraught and easily upset and; Has an extended DURATION continually persisting over a period of time, usually at least a month.

With the right age appropriate therapy individuals of all ages can learn to manage their anxiety and live fulfilling lives. Untreated anxiety disorders can become quite debilitating and have an impact on all those around the sufferer. If you are concerned that yourself or a family member may be struggling with anxiety contact me today on 0411645136 to make a confidential appointment to start a new tomorrow.

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY THERAPY