For Parents

Parents often carry the emotional load when their child or teenager is struggling. At iflow Psychology in Gladesville, our registered psychologists provide confidential, evidence-based support to help families navigate emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges.

We work collaboratively with parents, caregivers, and young people to strengthen communication, build coping skills, and support healthier family relationships. Sessions are available in-person or via secure telehealth across NSW.

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What We Cover

This page provides practical guidance to help parents understand:

How therapy works for children and teenagers
What psychologists can (and cannot) share with parents
How to support your child before, during, and after therapy
When parents are invited to be involved
When a child’s privacy takes priority
What early signs suggest a young person may need psychological support
The role of family dynamics, school pressures, stress, or developmental factors
How to access support, Medicare rebates, and referral options

When Should Parents Seek Support?

It’s not always easy to know when to reach out. Seek support if you notice any of the following:

Persistent sadness, withdrawal, or irritability
Major changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
School refusal or academic decline
Anxiety, panic, excessive worry, or avoidance
Anger, risk-taking, or shutdown behaviours
Bullying—either as a target or a participant
Social isolation or difficulty keeping friendships
Distress related to separation, illness, grief, or major life transitions

Early intervention helps prevent issues from becoming more entrenched and supports healthy emotional development.

Therapy is a structured, supportive, confidential process. Your psychologist will:

Listen to your concerns and understand the family context
Clarify goals collaboratively with you and your child
Deliver evidence-based strategies suitable for age and development
Involve you when your support will strengthen progress
Help you understand your child’s emotional needs
Maintain a balance between child confidentiality and parental involvement

Our aim is to create a safe therapeutic environment where young people feel heard—without fear of judgment or pressure.

How Confidentiality Works With Children and Teens

Confidentiality encourages trust, honesty, and meaningful therapeutic work.

Psychologists generally cannot share everything your child or teen says. However, we will keep parents informed about:

Safety concerns
Significant behavioural or emotional issues impacting daily life
Recommendations for further assessment or services
How you can support progress at home

We always balance the young person’s privacy with your role as a caregiver.

How to Support a Teen Through Therapy

Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping teenagers feel safe and supported while they engage in therapy. You don’t need to have all the answers — small, thoughtful actions often make the biggest difference. You can support the process by:

Checking in gently
Ask how they’re going without pushing for details. A simple “How are you feeling after your session?” invites conversation without pressure.
Respecting their privacy
Teenagers are more likely to open up in therapy if they know they won’t be interrogated afterwards. Trusting their process helps build confidence.
Validating their feelings
Let them know it’s okay to feel stressed, sad, overwhelmed, confused, or unsure. Emotional experiences during adolescence are real and significant.
Creating predictable routines
Sleep, nutrition, school structure, and downtime all influence emotional wellbeing. Small changes can improve stability and coping.
Modelling healthy coping skills
Calm communication, problem-solving, and self-care routines show teenagers that coping is a lifelong skill — not something they have to figure out alone.
Avoiding judgment or criticism
Therapy is most effective when teens feel understood and supported rather than “corrected.” Encourage effort rather than perfection.
Collaborating with the psychologist when appropriate
With your teen’s consent, parent consultations help align home and therapy strategies, strengthen communication, and build consistency.

Supporting your teenager through therapy is about being present, patient, and open. Small, consistent gestures of care help create the conditions for emotional growth.

What Happens in Parent Only Consultations

Parent consultations allow space to:

understand your child’s behaviour
learn strategies to support emotional regulation
receive guidance about boundaries and communication
discuss family dynamics and stressors
plan next steps without your child feeling responsible

These sessions are confidential and tailored to your role and concerns.

Telehealth for Parents

Telehealth is an excellent option for busy families, rural clients, or young people who feel more comfortable at home.

Benefits include:

reduced travel time
increased comfort for anxious teens
easier scheduling for parents
continuity during illness or school commitments

Our telehealth appointments follow the same evidence-based standards as in-clinic sessions.

Understanding Developmental and Environmental Factors

Children and teenagers are influenced by biological, emotional, social, and developmental factors. Stress at school, changes at home, friendship difficulties, learning issues, or emotional vulnerability can all contribute to behaviour or mood changes.

A psychologist can help identify underlying contributors and provide strategies that strengthen resilience, confidence, and communication.

How can I support my child between sessions?

Small, consistent actions make a meaningful difference. Support may include encouraging open communication, maintaining routines, modelling coping skills, reducing pressure at home, and practising strategies recommended by your psychologist.

What qualifications do your psychologists have?

All psychologists at iflow Psychology are registered with AHPRA and trained in evidence-based approaches for children, adolescents, and families. They participate in ongoing professional development to ensure safe, ethical, and effective care.

Is telehealth suitable for children and teenagers?

Many young people engage well through telehealth, especially older children and adolescents. Telehealth can reduce anxiety, minimise travel, and increase accessibility. Your psychologist will help determine whether it is appropriate for your child’s needs.

What if my child refuses to come to therapy?

Reluctance is common, especially with adolescents. Your psychologist can guide you on how to introduce therapy in a supportive way and may recommend starting with a parent-only session to understand the situation and plan next steps.

What happens during the first appointment?

The first session typically involves gathering information about your concerns, understanding your child’s history, clarifying goals, and building rapport. Depending on age, the psychologist may meet with the parent(s), the young person, or a combination of both.

How long will therapy take?

Therapy duration varies depending on your child’s needs, goals, and circumstances. Some difficulties improve with short-term support, while others require longer-term intervention. Your psychologist will discuss recommendations and review progress regularly.

Do I need a GP referral for my child to see a psychologist?

A referral is not required, but many families visit their GP to discuss whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is appropriate. An MHTP provides Medicare rebates for eligible services. You are also welcome to book privately without a referral.

Will I be told what my child talks about in therapy?

Psychologists balance confidentiality with parental involvement. While we cannot share everything a young person says, we provide general themes, progress updates, and guidance on how you can support them at home. We will always inform you if there are concerns about safety or wellbeing.

Can I attend the therapy sessions with my child?

This depends on your child’s age, developmental needs, and the goals of therapy. Some sessions involve parents directly, especially early on, while others are focused on the child or teenager. Your psychologist will discuss the best approach for your family.

How do I know if my child or teenager needs to see a psychologist?

Many young people experience emotional ups and downs, but you may consider seeking support if you notice ongoing anxiety, sadness, withdrawal, conflict, sleep changes, difficulties at school, behavioural concerns, or significant stress at home. Early support can help your child develop healthy coping strategies and improve daily functioning.

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