How We Can Help
Some families come to us early in a separation, wanting to help their children through the change. Others come later, when conflict has continued or a court is involved. We start by understanding what is happening for your child.
Therapy for Children and Teenagers
A place apart from adult conflict to talk about changes, make sense of feelings and settle into new routines.
Support for Parents
Guidance on telling children about separation, managing handovers between homes, and responding to how your child is reacting.
Co-Parenting Sessions
Sessions that help parents plan arrangements around their children’s needs and communicate with less conflict.
Family Law Matters
Court-directed therapy, family reports and assessments for families in proceedings.
How Children May Respond to Separation
Children react to separation in different ways, and the same child may react differently over time. Younger children may become clingy, unsettled at bedtime or upset at handovers. Primary school children may worry about fairness, blame themselves, or feel caught between parents. Teenagers may withdraw, push back, or take on adult worries that aren’t theirs to carry.
Many of these reactions settle as routines become predictable. It may be worth talking to a psychologist when distress continues, when a child refuses to spend time with a parent, or when school, sleep or friendships start to suffer.
A Plan Built Around Your Child
After an initial appointment, the psychologist recommends a plan for your family. It might be sessions with your child, guidance for one or both parents, joint sessions, or a mix that changes over time.
Our focus is your child’s wellbeing. We do not take sides between parents, and we will tell you at the start how information from sessions is shared.
Consent and Parenting Orders
Before we see a child whose parents are separated, we ask for the consent of both parents, or a copy of any parenting orders or parenting plan that sets out who can consent. Reception can explain what we need before the first appointment.
Families Involved in Family Law Proceedings
Families with matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia are sometimes directed to see a psychologist, or asked to take part in an assessment. We can explain what each kind of involvement means before you commit.
Court-Directed Therapy
Therapy during proceedings can be confidential, or the court may ask for a reportable process in which the psychologist provides a written report. We agree which applies with you and, where relevant, your lawyers before sessions begin.
Family Reports and Single Expert Assessments
These assessments help the court understand children’s needs and relationships. Depending on what the court or the parties ask for, they may cover parenting capacity, children’s relationships with each parent, children’s views and wellbeing, and concerns about safety. Common names include single expert reports, family reports and child impact reports.
Developmental and Learning Assessments
When decisions about schooling or care depend on a child’s development or learning, an assessment can provide independent information. MCPC offers ADHD, autism and psychometric assessments.
For Lawyers and Independent Children’s Lawyers
Lawyers can make an enquiry through the form below. Include the type of report sought, any court timeframes, and whether the instruction is joint.
What we can take on depends on the matter and on which clinicians are available.
Getting Started
Initial enquiry
Tell us your child’s age, what is happening, and whether there are current court proceedings or parenting orders. Choose our Ivanhoe clinic or Hampton clinic when you enquire.
First appointment
The first appointment is usually with a parent or both parents. The psychologist learns about your family, explains consent and confidentiality, and recommends next steps.
Fees
Reports and court-related work are charged differently from therapy sessions and are generally not covered by Medicare. Reception can give you current fees.
Looking for broader parenting support? Read about Parent & Family Support.
Safety and Urgent Support
MCPC’s website and reception are not crisis services. If anyone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
Safe Steps, Victoria’s family violence response centre, is available 24 hours a day on 1800 015 188. 1800RESPECT offers national support on 1800 737 732.
Lifeline is on 13 11 14, and Kids Helpline supports young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 55 1800.
Make an Enquiry
Tell us a little about your family and what you’re looking for. A short summary is enough. Please don’t include details of allegations or attach court documents here. We’ll talk that through with you.
Prefer to call? Ivanhoe (03) 9497 2006, Hampton (03) 9521 0307.
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