Nasim Wesley

Get to know Nasim Wesley

From Nasim Wesley's website.

• Our approach

  The Space Psychotherapy uses a psychodynamic psychotherapy approach based on the belief that children develop unhelpful patterns of behaviour rooted in early experiences, and that lasting change comes through understanding these patterns rather than seeking quick fixes. With children, therapists use a child-centered approach, often incorporating play or drawing to help them express underlying anxieties that are difficult to put into words. Sessions focus on how these patterns interfere with life in the here and now, and parents are considered an important part of the therapy, with reciprocal feedback crucial to success. Sessions are 50 minutes (occasionally extended to 80 minutes for family sessions), and ongoing work is typically at least weekly, with the possibility of up to four times per week.

• Working with families

  Parents are considered an essential part of child psychotherapy, with reciprocal feedback crucial to the success of treatment. The team works collaboratively with parents, broadening their understanding of their child's difficulties and providing practical interventions. They also offer specialised talks, seminars and workshops on topics including parenting adolescents, parenting tweens, anxiety in children, and other developmental issues, which can be tailored to address the specific needs of your group. Regular communication and partnership between therapist and family is fundamental to the approach.

• Meet the team

  Nasim Wesley is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with 30 years' experience treating children, adolescents and their families. She has worked across child and adolescent mental health teams, Vision Australia's child and family team, and as a school psychologist in an independent girls' school, as well as in private practice. The broader team also includes Dani Klein (a clinical psychologist with almost 30 years' experience, specialist in family therapy), Andy Aronstan (a counselling psychologist with 20 years' experience and school psychology background), and Deborah Zolot (a clinical child psychologist with a doctorate and 20 years' private practice in Sydney following training in New York). All therapists are registered professionals eligible to provide Medicare-rebated services.

• Your first visit

  The initial appointment begins an assessment process that may take several sessions, during which you will discuss your child's concerns and relevant family history. This assessment gives both you and the therapist the opportunity to see if you can work together effectively. At the end of the assessment phase, you and the therapist will discuss together the plan for ongoing work, including how often sessions will occur and the expected length of treatment. The assessment is designed to gather comprehensive information while building the foundation for the therapeutic relationship.