Swiss Family Clinic

Get to know Swiss Family Clinic

From Swiss Family Clinic's website.

• Our approach

  The clinic uses a range of evidence-based psychotherapies tailored to each child's needs, including Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, Adolescent Interpersonal Therapy, Attachment-based and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Sessions involve a collaborative, relationship-focused approach where clinicians often incorporate play, games, creative and fun activities to help young people engage comfortably. The clinic sees children individually, with parent-child pairs, families, or small groups, depending on what's needed. Clinicians work in close partnership with parents and carers, viewing them as essential to supporting change and maintaining progress. The overarching philosophy emphasises fair decision-making where each individual is heard, respected and valued, reflecting Swiss ideals of consensus and concordance.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are actively involved throughout the process. The clinic routinely sees young people in conjunction with their parents and family, and sometimes family therapy becomes the main focus of the work. Clinicians work in close partnership with parents and carers, recognising them as essential to supporting change and maintaining gains into the future. At the first appointment, feedback may be sought from others (like teachers) with parental permission, and the clinic provides regular updates on progress and timely feedback to your referrer. The clinic also welcomes feedback from families at any time to ensure the best possible service.

• Meet the team

  The team comprises mental health clinicians from diverse professional backgrounds. Dr Hayden Wilson is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Medical Director with training from the University of Western Australia, a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Psychiatrists, and experience in both hospital and private sector settings; he offers assessment and therapy for infants through secondary school-aged young people. Dr Donald Payne is an Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine physician trained in the UK with 20 years' experience, including recent postgraduate training in Family Therapy. Helen Thomas is a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with over 20 years' experience specialising in trauma, attachment and relationship difficulties, trained in EMDR and Mentalization-Based Therapy. Katie Astley is a Clinical Psychologist with specialist training in autism assessment and experience in both public and private sector settings, working with young people facing anxiety, mood, school and relationship challenges. All clinicians draw on varied therapeutic modalities and set their own fees.

• Your first visit

  The initial appointment typically runs 1–1.5 hours, and you're asked to arrive 15 minutes early. You and your child (or the whole family) will be seen together, though individual family members can also be seen separately if comfortable. The clinician will ask many questions about your child's physical, emotional and mental health, growth, development, social skills, family dynamics, schooling and more. They may discuss who else—with your permission—could provide feedback, such as teachers. Many families find it helpful to bring a list of concerns or questions they'd like to cover. By the end of the appointment, the clinician will usually offer initial ideas, recommend a therapeutic approach, and discuss whether the clinic is the right fit for your family's ongoing needs. Payment is collected on the day via credit card, EFTPOS, cash or cheque, and the clinic will guide you through accessing any available Medicare rebates.