Parenting a child who has a neurodivergent profile, such as ADHD or autism, is an experience that brings both challenges and rewards. While there are moments of joy and fulfilment, parents often carry a hidden burden. The fatigue, sense of isolation, and emotional labour associated with supporting their child’s unique needs are frequently overlooked, as these parents feel compelled to maintain an appearance of strength for the sake of their family.

Turning to ChatGPT or another AI companion when you’re feeling stressed has become surprisingly common, and the appeal is easy to understand – it’s available around the clock, non-judgmental, and never tires of listening. But as a psychologist with over two decades of experience, I think it’s worth pausing to consider what AI can and can’t offer when it comes to mental health support. So much of meaningful therapeutic work happens in the space between words, and that’s something a chatbot simply can’t replicate.

From 10 December 2024, Australia is rolling out new legislation restricting social media access for children under 16, covering platforms like Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. While the change aims to protect young people’s wellbeing, many families are understandably wondering how to navigate what feels like a pretty significant shift. This guide offers practical, compassionate strategies for parents and young people – from validating tricky feelings to discovering new ways to connect, especially here in Melbourne over the summer months.

At Newport Counselling & Psychology Service, we believe that accurate psychological assessment is the foundation of effective treatment and meaningful support. Our comprehensive assessments span autism, ADHD, cognitive functioning and learning disorders, drawing on gold-standard tools such as the ADOS-2, WISC-V, WAIS-IV and Conners 4. Each assessment is conducted with precision and care, offering not just a diagnosis but practical, actionable insights that make a real difference for our clients and their families.

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Trauma Counsellor, Salva is dedicated to walking alongside individuals on their journey through trauma and emotional healing. Her practice focuses on supporting those affected by relational trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, and the lasting impacts of sexual abuse and assault. Drawing on EMDR, Schema Therapy and Polyvagal Theory – and offering counselling in both English and Italian – Salva creates a secure, judgement-free space for clients to heal at their own pace.

The transition to parenthood is one of life’s most profound experiences, bringing both joy and challenge along the way. As a specialist in perinatal mental health and trauma, Anthea supports individuals through every step of their unique journey – from fertility concerns and pregnancy loss to birth trauma, postnatal adjustment and beyond. Drawing on EMDR, CBT, ACT and Circle of Security Parenting, her warm, strengths-based approach helps parents build resilience and secure attachment with their little ones.

In the complex landscape of substance use treatment, having an experienced and compassionate professional alongside you can make a real difference to the recovery journey. Susan draws on evidence-based approaches including Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT and trauma-informed care, alongside specialist forensic support for clients navigating the justice system. Her personalised strategies – covering relapse prevention, harm minimisation, psychoeducation and family support – empower individuals to reclaim control and build a foundation for lasting recovery.

Feelings of abandonment and suicidal thoughts can be some of the most painful experiences a person ever sits with, often surfacing when we feel disconnected, unseen, or as though we no longer matter to those around us. Understanding what sits underneath these feelings – and learning to reach for support rather than retreat into isolation – is such an important part of finding our way back. In this piece, Kristen offers compassionate insight and practical strategies for navigating these difficult moments.

In a world of curated parenting moments on Instagram and Pinterest-perfect birthday parties, the idea of being a “good enough” parent can feel almost rebellious. Coined by paediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, the concept reminds us that children don’t need perfect parents – they need real, responsive, present ones who show up consistently, even on the messy days. This piece is a gentle invitation to put down the pressure of perfection and embrace the loving reality of being good enough.

Meeting your baby for the first time is the start of an extraordinary relationship, but really getting to know them is something that unfolds gradually over the weeks and months that follow. Each baby arrives with their own temperament, rhythms and ways of communicating – and tuning in to those cues takes time, curiosity and a fair bit of trial and error. This piece offers gentle, practical guidance to help new parents build that early connection with confidence.

Few experiences shift your world quite like becoming a new parent – somewhere between the magic and the exhaustion lies a reality that’s rarely captured in the parenting books or social media reels. Sleep deprivation, changing identities, relationship adjustments and big emotions can all sit alongside the love and wonder, and that’s completely normal. This piece offers a refreshingly honest look at early parenthood, along with practical ways to look after yourself while caring for your little one.

Parental separation is one of the most significant transitions a family can navigate, and while it’s often a necessary step, it can be deeply unsettling for children of any age. Keeping their emotional needs front and centre – through clear communication, consistent routines, and protecting them from adult conflict – helps them feel safe and supported through the changes. This piece offers practical, compassionate guidance for parents wanting to put their children’s wellbeing first during separation.