Parenting a child who’s struggling is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. You lie awake running through it all again. Was it something you said? Something you missed? You’ve tried talking, and tried giving them space. You’ve been patient, and some days you haven’t, and then you’ve felt guilty about it.
You might be worried sick. You might be frustrated, or exhausted, or quietly heartbroken. Some days you feel all of it before breakfast. And underneath is the question that won’t go away: is this just a phase, or is something really wrong?
Every one of those feelings is normal. It’s hard watching your child struggle, especially when you can’t fix it for them.
Trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone. If something has felt off for a few weeks, or it’s getting in the way of school, friendships or family life, it’s worth talking to someone. Asking for help isn’t a sign you’ve failed as a parent. It’s a sign you’re paying attention, and getting support early makes a real difference.
What we often help with
constant worry, clinginess, stomach aches or headaches before school, avoiding school or social events, panic attacks, or perfectionism that never lets them rest.
in young people this often looks more like irritability than sadness. Withdrawing from friends and family, losing interest in things they used to love, changes in sleep or appetite, or saying things like "what's the point?"
after an accident, a loss, bullying, family breakdown or another frightening experience. Nightmares, big reactions to reminders, being constantly on edge, going backwards (such as bedwetting or new clinginess), or playing out what happened over and over.
skipping meals, rigid rules about food, excessive exercise, sudden changes in weight, or real distress about how they look. Eating disorders are serious and respond best to early help. We work closely with your GP, and our focus is on what's underlying and driving the eating concerns, whether that's low self-worth, trauma, anxiety or something else.
meltdowns, anger or defiance. Behaviour is often the visible tip of something going on underneath.
feeling left out, being targeted online or at school, or the pressure of always being "on".
separation, moving house or school, a new sibling, or losing someone they love.
always worth taking seriously. We can help, and you don't have to handle it alone.
if you're wondering about ADHD, autism or a learning disorder, see our ADHD and Assessments page.
If you're a teenager reading this
Maybe someone sent you this link. Maybe you're not convinced you need it. That's fair.
Seeing a psychologist at Unburden isn't lying on a couch being analysed, and nobody is going to lecture you. Our psychologists who work with young people are not some old professor-know-it-all type. Ours come with creativity, with a sense of humour, with a willingness to understand what’s happening for you. Your first session might mostly be getting to know each other, and you don't have to talk about anything you're not ready to.
You get a say. If you don't click with your first psychologist, you can switch, no hard feelings.
What you talk about stays private between you and your psychologist. The only time we'd have to talk to someone else about what’s been discussed, is if we were worried about your safety or someone else's, and wherever we can, we'd talk to you about it first.
Lots of people your age come here. It doesn't mean something's wrong with you. It means you've got someone who wants to see from your side, and help make things better.
Psychology & more
How Unburden can help
Children and teenagers aren't small adults, and their therapy shouldn't look like adult therapy. Our psychologists who work with young people love what they do, and they know the relationship comes first. When a young person feels safe and connected with their therapist, they get far more out of therapy.
Individual therapy
For younger children, that often means play. Play therapy, drawing, games and stories let children show us what they can't yet put into words. With teens, it's more likely to be a sense of humour, a relaxed chat and meeting them where they're at. Behind the scenes, our psychologists are highly qualified and draw on a range of therapies to find what works best for your child. Every psychologist at Unburden is trained to understand and treat trauma, and our whole team is trauma-informed.
Working with parents and schools
You're a big part of your child's progress. Depending on their age, we'll involve you in sessions, give you practical strategies to use at home, and keep you in the loop while respecting your teenager's privacy. With your permission, we can also work with your child's school, GP and other professionals so everyone is pulling in the same direction.
Groups and more
Some young people find it easier to open up alongside others their age. Others really need help with learning to better connect with their peers. Our groups, such as Inner Compass, our small group for girls aged 12 to 15, builds confidence and emotional skills in a supportive setting. For parents, we also offer Circle of Security Parenting, an eight-week program that helps you understand what's behind your child's behaviour and strengthen your relationship with them. Let us know if you're interested and we'll be in touch when a group is forming. For teenagers, if physical health is part of the picture, such as gut issues, sleep, hormones or nutrition, our dietitian and naturopath can also work alongside their psychologist.
Finding the right mix for you
Not sure what your child needs? Speak to our Client Experience Officers or your child's therapist about what might work best for your family.
Sometimes parents could use some help, too. Consider a nervous system reset with the acupuncturist, or your own therapist for the opportunity to have confidential conversations and learn from a psychologist. We will give you someone different to your child’s therapist.
Call us: (07) 3137 1553
Email us: Hello@UnburdenPsych.au
Note, our reception can be busy and at times unable to answer the call. If this happens, please complete the form above or send us an email.
Read at your own pace
Interesting information on children and teenagers from our library
Books we recommend
Explains how a young child's brain develops, with simple, practical strategies for meltdowns and big feelings. Great for parents of children under 12.
The Whole-Brain Child by Dr Daniel J. Siegel and Dr Tina Payne Bryson
1
A calm, reassuring guide to what's normal in the teenage years, what isn't, and how to stay connected when they'd rather you went away.
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Dr Lisa Damour
2
Written by an Australian psychologist, these are warm, practical and easy to dip in and out of.
Raising Girls and Raising Boys in the 21st Century by Steve Biddulph
3
One for teenagers themselves. Written by Australian authors, it uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help teens deal with tough thoughts and feelings, without feeling like homework.
Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens by Joseph V. Ciarrochi, Louise Hayes and Ann Bailey
4
Ready when you are
You don't have to work this out on your own. Request an appointment for your child at our Graceville or Rocklea clinics. If you're not sure where to start, give us a call. Our Client Experience Officers are more than simply receptionists, they are specially trained to help work out the best starting point for your child, whether that's choosing a therapist, or considering a few of our services. If your teenager would like to be part of that conversation, they're very welcome.
We'd love to help your family unburden.
Contact
Find us in Graceville: Level 1, 296 Oxley Road, Graceville, QLD 4075
Find us in Rocklea: Level 1, Building G, 385 Sherwood Road, Rocklea, QLD 4106
(07) 3137 1553
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