Dr Jillian Horton

Get to know Dr Jillian Horton

From Dr Jillian Horton's website.

• Our approach

  Therapy focuses on developing a trusting relationship in a comfortable, confidential space. Initial sessions involve getting to know the child to develop a shared therapy plan. Treatment draws on several evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (which works with thoughts, feelings and behaviours), Clinical Hypnosis and Schema Therapy (using relaxation and imagery), Mindfulness Therapy (building awareness and emotional balance), Child Emotional and Behavioural Therapy (teaching adaptive behaviours with strong parental involvement), and Play Therapy (using play, puppets, drawing and games to explore issues). Sessions run for 50 minutes, typically weekly or fortnightly, with no fixed number of sessions—frequency depends on individual needs and circumstances.

• Working with families

  Parents are very much part of the therapy process, particularly in child emotional and behavioural therapy and play therapy. Parents may be asked to record behaviours, work with behavioural reward charts, set boundaries with appropriate consequences, and learn about age-appropriate developmental tasks. Sometimes parents explore their own parenting styles and how these impact their children. For school-based problems, schools may be involved where appropriate with parental permission. Treatment is discussed with you and a therapy plan is developed collaboratively.

• Meet the team

  Dr Jillian Horton is a Senior Clinical Psychologist with nearly 30 years of experience and 10 years of university training, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies (Clinical Masters and Ph.D). She is trained in clinical hypnotherapy and holds registration with Medicare and all major private health funds. The website does not mention other team members.

• Your first visit

  On your first visit, bring your referral if you have one. You will be collected from the reception area at your appointed time. Everything about how the process works will be explained to you at this appointment. The first few sessions focus on getting to know you and/or your child so a therapy plan can be developed together. Formal assessments may be used depending on what is needed, and these will be explained beforehand with an opportunity to ask questions. Confidentiality limits will also be explained at this first appointment.