Time to Shine Therapy

Get to know Time to Shine Therapy

From Time to Shine Therapy's website.

• Our approach

  Time to Shine Therapy uses evidence-based psychological approaches tailored to each child's needs. Sessions are typically held in a private office setting and focus on building rapport, assessing specific areas of need, and implementing strategies for positive change. The practice values working collaboratively with families and other professionals to understand each child's strengths, goals and challenges. Depending on the child's presentation, the psychologist may recommend regular therapy visits, referral to other specialists, or consultation with a psychiatrist for medication assessment. The team draws on various therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and strengths-based approaches, all tailored to what works best for the individual child.

• Working with families

  The practice believes that supporting a child's immediate family—parents and siblings—is essential to achieving positive outcomes. Psychologists work collaboratively with families as partners in the therapeutic journey, valuing strong communication and shared understanding of the child's strengths, needs and goals. The team also engages with schools and other professionals involved in the child's care to build a comprehensive support network. Parents are involved in assessment discussions, treatment planning and receiving strategies they can implement at home to support their child's progress.

• Meet the team

  Time to Shine Therapy is led by Chris McFarlane, an endorsed Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist with a Master's degree from the University of Melbourne, who founded the practice in 2015. The team includes six additional registered psychologists with diverse qualifications and experience: Demi Heffer (General Registration, Master's in Educational and Developmental Psychology), Kathleen Koh (Educational and Developmental Psychologist with 10 years' experience), Sarah Malseed (General Registration, Bachelor of Psychology Honours), Natasha Stoikos (Educational and Developmental Psychologist/Clinical Psychologist, Master's in Educational Psychology), Joanna Justus (Clinical Psychologist, Master's in Psychology), and Melodi Durukan (General Registration, Master's in Clinical Psychology). All psychologists are registered with AHPRA and bring specialist experience in assessing and treating neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health conditions, learning difficulties and behavioural challenges in children and adolescents.