The Youth Mind Collective - Child and Adolescent Psychology

Get to know The Youth Mind Collective - Child and Adolescent Psychology

From The Youth Mind Collective - Child and Adolescent Psychology's website.

• Our approach

  At The Youth Mind Collective, therapy takes a holistic, flexible, and neurodiversity-affirming approach tailored to each child's unique strengths and needs. Sessions draw on evidence-based methods including Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play therapy, mindfulness, and Dr. Ross Greene's Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model, ensuring children engage in ways that make therapy both effective and enjoyable. Sessions incorporate play, creativity, and joy alongside structured techniques, creating a safe and supportive environment where trust and strong therapist-client relationships form the foundation for growth. Progress is tracked at every stage with clear documentation of growth over time, and goals are continuously revised to reflect each child's evolving needs. The approach leads with respect, curiosity, and authenticity, with the aim of helping every child feel empowered in their journey and embrace self-acceptance.

• Working with families

  Communication with families is collaborative and central to the approach. General feedback and themes from sessions are shared with parents to keep them informed and help them understand the therapeutic work and how they can support it at home. For pre-school aged children, a parent or guardian is generally present and involved in sessions, while for older children, time alone with the psychologist is often beneficial—though confidentiality applies and permission is sought to share specific information with parents. The provider encourages parents to request additional time to discuss concerns or seek further feedback, and works closely with parents, educators, and other professionals to develop personalised strategies. Parenting support consultations are also offered to empower parents with skills and strategies for managing behaviour, emotion regulation, and family dynamics.

• Meet the team

  The team comprises Tessa Andrews, an Educational and Developmental Psychologist (BPsych Hons, MPsych Ed&Dev) and Director, who has extensive experience supporting children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning difficulties, and behavioural challenges. Tessa is registered with AHPRA and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Sarah Langmaid is a Provisional Psychologist (GDipPsych(Adv), MPP) currently completing her internship under Tessa's supervision, with particular interests in anxiety, mood disorders, emotional regulation, social challenges, and neurodevelopmental differences. Both psychologists use evidence-based, client-centred, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches, working collaboratively with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic support tailored to each young person's individual needs and strengths.

• Your first visit

  At the first appointment, the psychologist may meet with parents alone for an initial consultation to review consent forms and discuss concerns, asking questions about the child's family, development, schooling, social life, and general health and wellbeing. The first session with the child is typically used for rapport building and developing a relationship prior to commencing intervention. Appointments are 50 minutes long, and the specific structure may vary depending on the child's age and presenting issue. Your psychologist will take time to understand your child's unique situation and create a safe space before beginning any formal therapeutic work.