Emma Ballard Psychologist

Get to know Emma Ballard Psychologist

From Emma Ballard Psychologist's website.

• Our approach

  Emma Ballard uses a person-centred, positive and solution-focused approach grounded in evidence-based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), informed by neuroscience. Sessions are designed to help clients feel safe, heard and supported while working through their concerns, with a focus on building practical, useable strategies. For children under 13, sessions are typically playful, relaxed and skills-based, with a collaborative approach that includes both parent and child time. Resilience building is central to the counselling work, with the aim of equipping children to manage challenges themselves.

• Working with families

  When working with children under 13, Emma takes a collaborative approach that usually includes both parent and child, with sessions typically containing dedicated time with you as a parent for feedback and support alongside time alone with your child. For teens and young adults, parent involvement depends on age and circumstances—many older teens and young adults prefer to attend independently, though some parent involvement may be included when suitable. All sessions are strictly confidential, and information is only disclosed when legally required or if there are concerns about health and safety, with clients being made aware of any disclosure when appropriate.

• Meet the team

  Emma Ballard is a registered psychologist with an endorsement in Educational and Developmental Psychology, holding a Master's degree in Guidance & Counselling, a Bachelor of Education in Special Educational Needs, and a Bachelor of Primary Education. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and young people. She is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is a full member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi), working in private practice in St Ives, Sydney.

• Your first visit

  During a first appointment or initial assessment, you'll have time to discuss your child's concerns in a warm, friendly and compassionate environment where their uniqueness is valued. The session structure typically includes dedicated time with you as a parent to provide feedback and support, as well as time alone with your child depending on their age. For counselling, the focus is on understanding what brought you in and beginning to explore practical coping skills and strategies tailored to your child's needs. If an assessment is being conducted, Emma will use evidence-based tools such as cognitive, academic or ADHD assessments depending on what's needed to guide learning support or assist with diagnosis.