The Younger Years

Get to know The Younger Years

From The Younger Years's website.

• Our approach

  Treatment is tailored to each child's unique needs and developmental stage, drawing from a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, attachment-based interventions, and solution-focused brief therapy. Individual and family therapy sessions focus on improving mental health outcomes and wellbeing, with clinicians creating a safe, non-judgmental space where children and families feel comfortable to express themselves. The clinic keeps the therapeutic relationship central to change, working collaboratively with families and other professionals involved in care. Sessions are offered both in person in calm, nurturing clinic environments across Sydney and Perth, and virtually via video or telephone to allow families to access support nationwide.

• Working with families

  The practice works collaboratively with parents and carers from the first point of contact, with the practice manager endeavouring to match families with the clinician best suited to their needs. Family therapy is offered as part of the service alongside individual therapy, and treatment is tailored to each family's unique circumstances. Clinicians work with parents and carers on topics including parenting support for children with intense emotions or behavioural concerns, early attachment and bonding, post-natal concerns, and managing the impact of trauma and loss on families. The collaborative approach extends to working with other professionals involved in the child's care, ensuring coordinated and holistic support.

• Meet the team

  The team consists of experienced clinical psychologists, all members of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and registered with AHPRA. Dr Veronica McLennan is the Founder and Senior Clinical Psychologist directing the Sydney practice, with over 20 years' experience in Child & Youth Mental Health Services. Lindsay McFarlane is the Practice Director in Perth, offering a warm and compassionate approach. The team includes other clinical and educational psychologists such as Dr Brigid O'Leary (experienced educational and developmental psychologist), Natalie Dahora, Andrew Essen, Paige Noble (who emphasises attachment theory), Josephine Atwell, and Romina Gfeller, each bringing specialist skills and experience. Practice managers Kate Higson (Sydney) and Kourtenay (Perth) coordinate intake and support operations, ensuring clients are carefully matched with the right clinician from the start.

• Your first visit

  At your first appointment, your clinician will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your child's current challenges and needs. Before or at your initial consultation, if you have a GP mental health care plan, you'll need to bring this with you, and you'll be asked to complete a registration form emailed to you prior to your appointment. Following the assessment, your clinician will discuss with you how the practice can best help and work with you to create a tailored treatment plan. The process begins simply by contacting the clinic with a brief summary of the challenges you're facing, and the practice will match your child with the clinician best suited to your needs.