Psychological Support

Practical, Neuroaffirming Psychological Support for Children, Adolescents and Adults

You may be looking for therapy, counselling, or psychological support because something isn’t quite working in everyday life. Psychological intervention can provide practical support to help people better understand their experiences, develop strategies, build skills and work towards meaningful change.

Puggle Psychology provides psychological support in Werribee for children, adolescents and adults across Wyndham and Melbourne’s western suburbs, with telehealth available where appropriate. Support may be helpful for difficulties affecting emotional wellbeing, behaviour, relationships, learning, attention or everyday functioning, as well as periods of change or adjustment.

Some people benefit from a small number of targeted sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing support, such as less frequent or monthly appointments, to check in, problem-solve and adjust strategies over time.

 

Enquire about psychological support

Areas of Support

Every individual is unique. Psychological support is tailored to the person’s strengths, goals, and support needs and may focus on one or more of the following areas.

Understanding Neurodiversity, Learning and Development
Jessica supports children, adolescents and adults experiencing concerns relating to neurodiversity, learning, attention, development and everyday functioning, including autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, giftedness, and learning difficulties. A formal diagnosis is not required.
Psychoeducation and Understanding
Psychoeducation can help individuals and their families better understand themselves, their strengths, differences, and support needs. This may include understanding neurodivergence, learning, development, executive functioning, emotional regulation, assessment results, and neurodivergent identity, as well as building self-understanding and self-advocacy.
Supporting Executive Functioning
Support can focus on the everyday skills involved in organisation, planning, starting tasks, managing time, remembering information, managing belongings, and supporting independence. Strategies are adapted to the person's age and everyday life, from packing a school bag to managing responsibilities at work or home.
Supporting Emotional Regulation
Intervention can help individuals better understand their emotions, recognise what influences regulation, and develop practical strategies for managing strong emotions, stress, and overwhelm. Support also focuses on developing flexible ways to approach challenges and solve problems.
Supporting Behaviour and Everyday Functioning
Rather than focusing simply on stopping behaviour, intervention explores what may be contributing to it and works collaboratively to find practical ways forward. This may involve routines, transitions, independence, problem-solving, and environmental supports across home, school, work, and community settings.

Please note: Puggle Psychology does not provide NDIS-funded Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) or NDIS behaviour support plans.
Supporting School Participation
Jessica can work collaboratively with families, schools, teachers, and other professionals to support participation and learning. This may include practical classroom strategies, understanding School Can't, supporting communication between home and school, and implementing recommendations following assessment.
Supporting Communication and Relationships
Support can help individuals better understand their own communication style, navigate relationships and social situations, and build confidence in communicating and advocating for their needs. The focus is on authentic connection and meaningful goals rather than changing who someone is or encouraging masking.
Parent and Caregiver Coaching
For children, particularly younger children, intervention may involve working with the parent or caregiver rather than directly with the child. Parent and caregiver coaching supports families to better understand their child's needs and develop practical strategies for everyday routines, emotional regulation, behaviour, problem-solving, and participation at home and school.

My Approach

My work is grounded in a neuroaffirming, strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to psychological intervention, with Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) informing much of my work.

I also draw on ideas from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) where they are helpful and appropriate.

Rather than following a single therapeutic model, intervention is tailored to the individual, their goals, strengths and circumstances. Support is also adapted to the individual’s age, development, life stage and support needs.

Where helpful, Jessica may also work with parents, caregivers, schools, workplaces, medical professionals and other members of an individual’s support team.

What to Expect

Getting Started

The first sessions focus on understanding what brings you to Puggle Psychology, what you would like support with, and what is most important to you. Together, you’ll identify some practical goals and decide what support may be helpful.

Ongoing Intervention

Sessions are practical and collaborative, with a focus on understanding, problem-solving, developing strategies, and working towards your goals. The number and frequency of sessions will depend on your needs — some people may benefit from a small number of focused sessions, while others may prefer ongoing or less frequent support, such as monthly appointments.

Working Together

Where appropriate, support may involve parents, caregivers, schools, workplaces, or other professionals. This can help everyone understand what is needed and support consistency across the environments that matter to you.

Is Puggle Psychology the Right Fit?

Finding the right psychologist is important.

If you’re unsure whether psychological support is the right service for you or your family, you’re welcome to book a complimentary 15-minute phone or telehealth consultation. This is an opportunity to discuss your needs, ask questions, and determine whether Puggle Psychology is the right fit.

If another service or clinician is likely to better meet your needs, Jessica will let you know and, where possible, help guide you towards an appropriate service.

Enquire about psychological support

NDIS, Medicare and Private Payment

For eligible NDIS participants who are self-managed or plan-managed, intervention is typically delivered as Capacity Building supports, with a focus on building skills, increasing independence, supporting meaningful participation in everyday life, and working towards goals identified in your NDIS plan.

Puggle Psychology does not accept NDIS agency-managed participants.

Medicare rebates may also be available for eligible clients and depending on the referral pathway and Medicare requirements.

Private payment is also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a diagnosis to access psychological support?

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access psychological support. Support can be tailored to your experiences, goals, strengths and individual support needs.

How often would I need to see a psychologist?

Appointment frequency depends on your goals, needs and the type of support being provided. Some people benefit from a small number of focused sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing or less frequent appointments. This can be discussed together based on what is most appropriate for you.

Can parents or caregivers be involved in psychological support?

Yes. Where appropriate, psychological support may involve parents, caregivers, schools or other members of an individual’s support team. The level of involvement will depend on the person’s age, needs, goals and preferences.

Can psychological support be provided via telehealth?

Telehealth may be available where appropriate, depending on the type of support, individual circumstances and whether telehealth is suitable for the person’s needs. Puggle Psychology can provide telehealth services across Australia where appropriate.