Child and Youth Psychology

Get to know Child and Youth Psychology

From Child and Youth Psychology's website.

• Our approach

  Sessions work through a relational psychodynamic lens, focusing on unconscious patterns and attachment dynamics that shape how young people relate to others. Linda explores these patterns through conversation, play, dreams, and interactions—including with her therapy dog, Hugo—to help children and teens understand what's really driving their behaviours and emotions. She also draws on elements of CBT, DBT and ACT to teach practical skills alongside this deeper relational work. The goal is to transform attachment patterns and relationship dynamics rather than simply "fix" problems, recognising that less helpful behaviours often have roots in how young people have learnt to see themselves in relation to others. Sessions are warm, observant, and tailored to each child's individual needs and communication style.

• Working with families

  Parents are ideally an integral part of therapy, as your relationship with your young person is one of the most important factors in transforming their relational patterns. Linda will negotiate the level of your involvement at the start of treatment, understanding that this may shift over time as your child develops. Your young person will have a safe, confidential space to explore themselves, but Linda works toward change in the wider family system too. If significant safety concerns arise in session, she will encourage your child to share this with you, and if they are unwilling to do so and she has worries about their safety, she will let you know. Open communication between therapist and parent is central to supporting real change.

• Meet the team

  Linda Anderson is a Clinical Psychology Registrar, registered psychologist working toward clinical registration. She has a background as a high school teacher and recently worked with adolescents experiencing chronic and severe mental health conditions through Child and Youth Mental Health Services. She has lived experience of parenting a neurodivergent child, professional training in neurodiversity-affirming practices, and a strong interest in attachment theory and relational psychodynamic work. She is also supported by Hugo, her therapy dog, who joins sessions in the Red Hill clinic on Mondays and is usually present during telehealth sessions.

• Your first visit

  At your first appointment, Linda will conduct an initial assessment to understand your child's history, current challenges, and what brought you in. She'll observe how your young person presents in the waiting room and during the session itself, looking for patterns in what they say and do. You'll work together to negotiate how involved you as a parent will be in the ongoing therapy, recognising that your relationship with your child is central to the work. This initial conversation establishes the foundation for treatment and helps clarify what your family hopes to achieve through therapy. Linda takes a compassionate, thorough approach to this first meeting, taking time to understand your child as an individual.