The Family Psychology Centre

Get to know The Family Psychology Centre

From The Family Psychology Centre's website.

• Our approach

  At FPC, therapy begins with a thorough assessment to understand your family's unique situation, because one size does not fit all. Psychologists use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy tailored to your child's needs. Sessions focus on strengthening your parenting skills through strategies like behaviour management and emotion coaching, while also teaching your child new coping skills to manage the difficulties they're facing. The service is designed around the understanding that children live within a family unit, and that parent and carer involvement is crucial to positive change. Sessions aim to provide you with proven strategies and support in a warm, empathic, and knowledgeable environment.

• Working with families

  Parent and carer involvement is central to how FPC operates, as the service recognises that the support and involvement of families is crucial to facilitating positive change in children's lives. The service is built on a family-centred framework, acknowledging that when one family member is struggling, everyone can be affected. Psychologists work actively with parents and carers, providing parenting education and support using emotion coaching as a framework to improve both child behaviours and parent-child connections. Your psychologist will partner with you to strengthen your own skills in areas like behaviour management, recognising that supporting you as a parent is essential to helping your child. The service is specifically committed to addressing the differing needs of all family members, not just the child.

• Meet the team

  The team is led by Director Dr Eleonora A Cattini, who holds a doctorate in clinical child, adolescent and family psychology from La Trobe University and has over 20 years of combined university training and clinical experience. She has worked across public and private mental health services, including in a hospital-based Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service where she served as principal clinical psychologist, and has extensive experience delivering cognitive assessments in schools. Dr Cattini has also worked as a Clinical Psychology Educator and provided clinical supervision to numerous psychologists across major universities. She has particular expertise in assessing learning disorders such as dyslexia and ADHD. The service operates with Dr Cattini and associates who deliver the clinical psychology services.

• Your first visit

  Your first appointment includes an initial assessment where your psychologist will conduct a thorough interview to understand your individual family's situation and concerns. During this assessment, the psychologist gathers detailed background information and works to develop a comprehensive understanding of what has brought you to the service. This personalised approach ensures that the treatment plan created is tailored specifically to your family's needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. The assessment process allows the psychologist to listen carefully to your concerns and begin building a supportive therapeutic relationship. Following this initial assessment, your psychologist will work with you to provide evidence-based strategies and support moving forward.