Therapy that considers the whole child
Children ↔ Parents & Family ↔ Schools ↔ Professionals
Children don't exist in isolation.
How a child feels and behaves is shaped by their development, experiences, relationships and the world around them.
When I work with a child, I'm interested in understanding what's happening underneath the behaviour - what they may be communicating, what they need, and what might be making things feel difficult for them.
Sometimes therapy means working directly with your child through play therapy or counselling, giving them a safe space to express feelings and worries, explore what's happening in their world, and make sense of their experiences.
At other times, the most helpful place to begin may be with the adults around the child.
As parents, we all bring our own experiences into our relationships with our children. The way we were parented, the relationships we've experienced, and the ways we've learned to manage emotions can influence how we understand and respond to our children when they're struggling.
Sometimes supporting a child means looking at what we can change around them, rather than asking the child to do all of the changing.
This might include understanding and responding differently to behaviour, finding practical ways to support regulation at home, becoming curious about our own parenting responses and patterns, strengthening the parent-child relationship, or considering changes to a child's environment that better support their needs.
It may also mean advocating for your child. Where helpful, and with your consent, I can collaborate with schools and other professionals involved in your child's care to build a shared understanding of their needs and advocate for appropriate adjustments and supports.
By bringing these different parts of your child's world together, we can create a more connected circle of support around them - one that helps your child feel understood, supported and better able to thrive.
Not sure what kind of support is right?
You don't need to know whether the best place to begin.
We can start by talking about what's happening within your family, what you've noticed and what you're hoping might change, and consider an appropriate starting point together.
How I can help
Children & Adolescents
For children and young people experiencing anxiety, big feelings, trauma, grief, behavioural challenges, or the effects of family change - including children with diagnoses such as ADHD and Autism.
Using play therapy and counselling, I create a safe, developmentally responsive space where children and young people can express what they may not yet have words for - and begin to feel understood, settled and more themselves.
→ Explore Child & Adolescent Therapy
Parent Support
For parents who want to understand what's really going on for their child - and feel more confident and connected in how they respond.
We'll explore what your child's behaviour may be communicating, how their development, temperament and experiences are shaping the way they're showing up, and practical ways to support them at home. As understanding deepens, parents often notice shifts in both their relationship with their child and the way they respond to challenging moments.
→ Explore Support for Parents
→ Explore Child Parent Relationship Therapy
Adult Counselling
For adults exploring how their own early experiences and attachment history may be shaping their relationships, parenting responses or emotional world today.
We work at a pace that feels right for you - through talking and narrative, or for those drawn to it, through creative and expressive approaches including sand tray and art-based work.
About Shivonne
I'm an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor with over 15 years of experience working with children, families, and adults across complex settings - including foster care, child protection, trauma and sexual abuse counselling services, and family support services.
At the heart of my work is a genuine belief that our thoughts, feelings and behaviour always makes sense in context - and that when we are supported to understand that context, we can then start to move forward.
I work from a warm, curious, and relational place. I take the time to understand each person and their unique story, and to work alongside you at a pace that feels right.
From the Blog
Ready to take the next step?
Reaching out can feel like a big step. You're welcome to get in touch for a no-pressure conversation about whether my approach might be the right fit for you and your family.
I offer sessions in person in Wheelers Hill, VIC, and online across Victoria.
📞 0481 307 380 ✉️ info@shivonnecammell.com
Suite 41B/190 Jells Road, Wheelers Hill, Victoria 3150