MIND AND SEEK

Get to know MIND AND SEEK

From MIND AND SEEK's website.

• Our approach

  Psychologists tailor therapy to each child's developmental level, presenting sessions in imaginative and non-threatening ways to create a safe place for self-expression. From pre-schoolers to teenagers, sessions are adapted to help children engage comfortably with their psychologist. Therapy focuses not only on helping children overcome personal challenges and adversity, but also on equipping them with skills to achieve their full potential. Psychologists use drawing, art materials, online resources, games, music, videos and books during sessions depending on the child's age and interests. Sessions can be delivered face-to-face at the Melbourne or Geelong clinics, or via video or phone if preferred.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are centrally involved in the assessment and counselling process. During assessment, a dedicated two-hour parent session allows you to share your observations and answer detailed questions about your child's history and presentation. The psychologist will discuss with you how to prepare your child, how they may separate during sessions, and how you might participate if needed. For counselling, parent sessions can be conducted as part of therapy or as an alternative approach if this suits your child better. The psychologist will be in contact via phone during sessions conducted from home to alert you if your child needs support. Psychologists value input from families, schools and health professionals, taking a collaborative, strengths-based approach that recognises your unique insights into your child's needs.

• Meet the team

  The team is led by Dr Chaille Breuer, a Clinical Psychologist with a PhD in Child Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in hospital, community, private and educational settings, who also lectures at the University of Melbourne. The wider team includes psychologists with endorsements in Educational & Developmental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or both, holding qualifications from recognised universities. All team members are registered psychologists or provisional psychologists completing their internships. Team members bring experience from public, private, non-for-profit, educational and community settings, with specialist interests including anxiety, trauma, ADHD, autism assessment, specific learning disorders, emotional regulation, depression, and neurodiversity. Several team members also offer parenting support and have knowledge of evidence-based parenting approaches.

• Your first visit

  For assessment appointments, the process begins with a comprehensive parent session lasting two hours, conducted either face-to-face or via Zoom, where the psychologist gathers detailed information about your child's developmental history, social communication, relationships, school experience, sensory behaviours, interests and emotional responses. Before this session, you'll complete questionnaires to help you reflect on your child's behaviours and prepare. The psychologist will then conduct a separate observation session with your child using activity-based or sensory-based activities tailored to their age. For counselling appointments, you'll be contacted by reception to arrange a suitable time, and the psychologist will work with you during the first session to establish how therapy will proceed and maintain appropriate privacy if sessions are conducted from home.