Parent Coaching & Support
Parent & Family Support
Mornings, school transitions or family activities can become demanding when anxiety, sensory needs, attention or overwhelm get in the way.
We work with parents of neurodivergent children, and families experiencing mental health concerns. We consider your child’s strengths, the activities they need or want to do, and the people, places and expectations around them.
Together, we find practical approaches that fit your family.
How We Work
You know your child and your family. We bring an occupational therapy perspective to help you understand what is getting in the way and build on what already works.
Occupational coaching starts with an everyday activity you would like to improve. Together, we explore options, try changes between sessions and review what helps. This can include adjusting demands, supporting skills, changing the environment and finding different ways to respond.
Sessions may involve you, your child or both, depending on the support needed. See Child & Adolescent Mental Health.
What Parent Coaching Might Help You with
- Mornings feel rushed or overwhelming. Break activities into manageable steps and adjust the routine, clothing or surroundings.
- Moving between activities is difficult. Find ways to prepare for change and make transitions more predictable.
- Your child comes home exhausted or distressed. Recognise signs of overload and build in recovery time and emotional regulation strategies.
- Homework, getting organised or starting tasks leads to friction. Develop planning and executive function strategies that match your child’s needs.
- Play, outings or family activities are hard to manage. Adapt the activity or environment so your child can take part in ways that work for them.
Support for You and Your Family
Parenting and caring can also affect your own mental health, relationships and ability to manage everyday responsibilities. We can support you with anxiety, overwhelm, emotional regulation and the balance between caring and your other roles.
Family therapy with Narelle can explore communication, relationships and family patterns, including the effects of illness, disability or loss.
Funding
NDIS: Parent training and coaching may be funded when it supports your child’s disability-related needs, goals and everyday participation, and meets the plan and funding requirements. We work with self-managed and plan-managed participants.
Medicare: Rebates may be available for treatment of your own mental health under a Mental Health Treatment Plan and valid referral. General parent coaching is not automatically covered.
Better Access also allows up to two family or carer sessions each year as part of an eligible child’s mental health treatment, with the child absent and appropriate consent. These count towards the child’s annual session limit.
Private appointments are also available. See Fees for costs and rebates.