We work with many parents and they all have one thing in common, at some point throughout their parenting they question themselves. There is no single moment when support becomes necessary, and you do not need to be in crisis to ask for it. It may be worth speaking with a psychologist when a difficulty has lasted several weeks or months, is affecting your child’s daily life, your family’s wellbeing, or when the strategies you have tried are not leading to change.
Some difficulties are common at certain ages and ease with time, consistency and reassurance. Others persist, intensify, or begin to affect learning, friendships, sleep or family relationships. Working out which is which is often the hardest part, and this is where a psychologist can help. Often, parents come to us after they have already tried so much, they feel like they’ve run out of ideas, or that they are somehow getting it wrong. Parent wellbeing is a big part of the work we offer at Sandstone Psychology.
We often hear, “Am I handling this the right way?” “Why does nothing seem to work anymore?” “Is this just a phase, or is something else going on?” “Why can’t I stay calm when I know what I want to do?”. If you’ve found yourself asking questions like these, you’re not alone.
Signs your child may benefit from further support:
Emotional or behavioural difficulties lasting more than a few weeks which seem more intense than the situation would usually explain
Frequent meltdowns, intense anger or distress that is hard to settle
Ongoing worry, avoidance or reluctance to attend school or social activities
Significant changes in sleep, appetite, mood and energy
Withdrawal from friends, family or activities your child previously enjoyed
Differences in social communication and making and/or keeping friendships
Difficulty with attention, impulsivity, organisation or emotional regulation that affects learning and friendship
Signs that you, as a parent, may benefit from support:
Feeling persistently overwhelmed, exhausted or on edge
Responding in ways that don’t feel like you
Ongoing conflict with your child
Feeling isolated, guilty or ashamed about how you are coping
Feeling you have run out of strategies
We talk with parents about these experiences regularly. Feeling overwhelmed does not make you a bad parent; it means you are having a hard time and deserve support, too.
When the strategies you have tried are not working
Many parents have already tried reward charts, consequences, routines and advice from friends, family or books. When an approach does not fit your child’s developmental stage, temperament or underlying needs, it may not lead to change, and this can be discouraging. We can help identify what is maintaining a difficulty and tailor strategies to your child and family, rather than relying on generic advice.
What parent focused psychology can involve
Our work at Sandstone Psychology is collaborative and tailored to the child and family in front of us.
Rather than giving you another generic list of things to try, we work together to understand what is happening and why the current approach may not be helping. Depending on your concerns and goals, parent-focused support may include:
Making sense of the concerns, alongside your child’s developmental and family history, strengths and needs
Understanding what is typical for your child’s age and stage and when a closer look may be useful
Developing practical, evidence-based strategies suited to your family, including behavioural and cognitive behavioural approaches
Building skills to support emotional regulation for both you and your child
Supporting your own wellbeing using approaches that may draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Discussing whether a formal assessment, such as for ADHD or autism, may be appropriate
Liaising with your child’s school or other professionals, with your consent
Just as importantly, sessions can give you space to talk honestly about what has been difficult, without needing to present a polished version of family life. We can identify what you have already tried, what matters most to you, and what you would like to be different. From there, we can agree on a plan together.
What to expect when you reach out
It is very common to feel nervous about contacting a psychologist. Some parents tell us they worry they will be judged or that asking for help means they have not been able to manage on their own. At Sandstone, we see parents seeking support all the time and it is collaborative and respectful.
An initial session is mostly a conversation. We ask about what has been happening and what you are hoping will change, and you do not need to have everything worked out beforehand. Your child does not always need to be in the room for meaningful change to begin.
Frequently asked questions
Does seeking help mean I am doing something wrong?
No. Seeking support reflects a willingness to respond to your child’s needs and your own. Early support is generally associated with better outcomes than waiting for difficulties to escalate.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
You can see a psychologist privately without a referral. A GP referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan may make you eligible for a Medicare rebate; your GP or the practice can explain the current requirements.
Will my child need to attend, or can I go on my own?
This depends on your child’s age and the concern. Many parent focused approaches involve sessions with parents alone, with the child included when appropriate.
Can telehealth work for parenting support?
Sandstone Psychology offers telehealth appointments for parents. Telehealth can be a practical way to access support from home. We can talk with you about whether it suits your needs.
How do I know if my child needs an assessment?
If difficulties persist, occur across settings such as home and school, or are affecting your child’s learning, relationships or wellbeing, an assessment may be worth discussing. We can help you consider whether it is the right next step.
Take the next step
If you would like to talk through your concerns, Sandstone Psychology offers telehealth appointments for parents across Australia. Book now: https://clientportal.zandahealth.com/clientportal/sandstone-psychologybookings
When to seek urgent help
If you are concerned about your child’s or your own immediate safety, contact emergency services on 000. Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) offers support for children and young people, and Lifeline (13 11 14) is available to adults at any time.
Written by Kate Evans, Clinical Psychologist, Sandstone Psychology. AHPRA registration number: PSY0002036528. Last reviewed: October 2026.
