A safe space for your child to explore their inner world.
Child Psychologist with a holistic, play based approach in Fremantle, Perth.
Behind every behaviour is a reason. As a parent or carer you may feel like you have tried everything to help your child.
When your child’s emotional world feels complex or hard to reach, sometimes they don’t need another approach that asks them to explain it, but one that helps you both make sense of it together.
Who we work with
Children navigating developmental or complex trauma
When trauma has been part of a child’s early life, it can show up in ways that are hard to name, as big reactions, difficulty feeling safe, or a nervous system that’s always a little on edge. We work to understand what’s underneath these responses, helping your child feel safe enough to be themselves again.
Children affected by attachment trauma or relationship ruptures
Sometimes a child’s earliest relationships have been disrupted, through separation, loss, or instability, and this can shape how safe they feel connecting with others. Our relational approach helps children rebuild a felt sense of trust, both with her and with the people who care for them
Children with big feelings and behaviours that feel hard to understand
When your child’s emotions or behaviour feel bigger or harder to manage than you expected, they may benefit from a safe space that’s just theirs, to process and express what’s going on for them in ways that are developmentally appropriate and unique to who they are. We work alongside your child to help make sense of what’s going on beneath the surface
Neurodivergent children
Our neuroaffirming approach supports your child to build a strong, confident sense of who they are. Sessions can help grow self-understanding, widen your child’s capacity to handle big feelings and sensations, build resilience, and develop the tools to speak up for what they need, now and as they grow. We simultaneously support parents and carers to more deeply understand your child and attune to their needs, feelings and preferred communication.
Children experiencing grief and loss
Grief looks different in children than it does in adults, and it can be confusing to know how to support a child through loss. We create a space where children can process grief in a way that feels natural to them, at their own pace.
Holistic, play-based psychology for children that is neuroaffirming, trauma-informed, and built on relationship; with parents as true collaborators for lasting change
Meet Olivia – Registered Psychologist
Olivia is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
She brings three years’ experience working in state government across the Kimberley and Perth Metro regions, alongside earlier experience as a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and Team Leader supporting a diverse NDIS caseload.
Olivia works alongside children and young people who have experienced complex developmental trauma. She applies holistic and integrative therapeutic approaches, tailored to the needs of the young person and their family system.
Olivia believes that healing happens in relationships and she is committed to holding a safe space for children to be their true and authentic selves.
Our Approach
Olivia brings a play-based approach into her psychology sessions. Rather than sitting a child down for a clinical conversation, she meets them where they are, often through play, story and creative expression, so they can process and express things in ways that feel natural rather than forced.
Relational and Child-Led
Rather than following a set agenda, she follows the threads a child brings into the room, holistically, at their own pace, and lets that guide the direction of the work.
Attachment focused
Understand a child’s wider world and relationships and collaborative narrative work with both children and the parents or carers around them.
Play based
Sessions don’t rely on a child being able to explain what’s going on for them in words. She meets them in a way that feels natural, and keeps you in the loop as a parent along the way.
Culturally grounded, strengths-based practice
We see children and families as bringing their own strengths and resilience into the room, and she works alongside them (not just on them) to build understanding and support meaningful, lasting change.
Ready to get started?
Complete our contact form
Schedule an Initial Parent/Carer Intake session
Your child starts individual therapy sessions
contact us.
FAQ
Can I attend sessions with my child?
Psychology sessions are a safe, confidential space for your child to share their experiences and feelings, and it’s intended that your child attends alone. That said, making sure you and your child both feel safe is always the first priority. If your child is nervous about attending alone, Olivia can plan a slow, gentle separation, where you attend sessions together initially until your child feels safe in the relationship and confident to attend on their own.
Do both parents need to consent?
Yes, our preference is that both parents sign consent for sessions to occur. In instances where there is a court order, sessions cannot happen without the signed consent of both legal guardians. We can offer separate initial parent consultations, initial consultations via Zoom, and e-signing to help obtain the legal consent needed in the safest way possible.
Will you tell me what happens in sessions with my child?
Sessions are confidential, so we don’t share the specifics of your child’s play or conversations unless there’s a safety concern. We do share milestones and progress towards goals with you, including insights into themes presenting for your child.
How many sessions will my child need?
Every child, family and background is different, so we don’t prescribe a set number of sessions upfront. Some children benefit from shorter-term, focused work, others need a longer-term approach, particularly where trauma is involved. This will be discussed with you as part of the initial session.
How much does it cost?
Please email us at hello@childhoodrising.com.au for a copy of our latest fee schedule.
Are there Medicare or Private Health Insurance rebates?
As a registered psychologist, Olivia’s sessions are eligible for Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. A referral from your GP is required before your session to be eligible for a rebate, and we require a copy of the referral documentation on file.
Private health rebates vary depending on your fund and level of cover, so it’s worth checking directly with your provider.
We accept NDIS funding for self and plan-managed participants.
What if sessions happen during school hours?
We understand the importance of school for your child, and we equally value their mental health needs. With your signed consent, we can provide a letter to your child’s school advising of their sessions, and/or work with their teacher to find a time that least interferes with learning.
Do you offer Telehealth?
Yes, Olivia offers telehealth for select session types, alongside face-to-face sessions here in Fremantle/Perth. What’s most suitable will depend on your child and what you’re hoping to work on, and can be discussed together.
My child tried therapy before and refused to go back, will this be different?
Play-based approaches work differently to talk-based counselling. Your child doesn’t need to be ready to open up, sit still, or find the right words. Olivia meets children where they are, which can make sessions feel more accessible for kids who’ve found other approaches difficult.