Family Minded

12/01/2026

We are very excited to share we have a new psychologist starting with us in early Feb. Megan (who is currently working locally as a family support practitioner) will be working in Sunbury on Monday & Saturday and Sydenham on Friday. Welcome Megan!!!
We are taking referrals for Megan who sees kiddos and parents.

Sunbury and Sydenham Psychologists. Please call to discuss your needs, or send a private message on our website.

08/01/2026

As your child is heading into a new school year, you might be wondering whether they have the right supports in place — or whether it’s worth getting a clearer picture before things get busy again.

We currently have some new assessment appointments available for children, teens, and adults (from age 4+), including:
• Learning and cognitive assessments
• Psycho-educational assessments
• Autism and ADHD assessments

Many families find it helpful to complete assessments before the school year starts, so recommendations and school supports can be put in place early and the transition feels a little easier for everyone.

We also offer payment plan options for assessments, and our team is happy to talk this through with you when you enquire.

If you’d like to chat about whether an assessment might be helpful for your child or yourself, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

Enquire via the link https://www.familyminded.au/contactus.html

18/09/2025

Please consider sharing your thoughts the NDIS changes and Thriving Kids Initiative via this survey from ACD

ACD has heard questions from families across Victoria about the Thriving Kids announcement made by the Federal Minister for Health and Disability Mark Butler.

Here’s an update on what we’ve been doing and more information from the Australian Government.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have:

🔸Met with the Victorian Minister for Disability, Lizzie Blandthorn, and the Victorian Government to share the questions families have raised
🔸Written to Minister Butler, urging family engagement as critical in developing future supports
🔸Met with family-led organisation across Australia to amplify family voices
🔸Spoken up for all future supports to reflect best practice in early childhood intervention

Information from the Australian Government:

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a fact sheet about Thriving Kids, which contains a brief outline. https://ow.ly/G97y50WSTax

The Australian Parliament has announced an Inquiry into Thriving Kids. Families are being invited to complete a brief survey to inform the inquiry. The survey closes Friday, 10th October. We encourage everyone to have your say https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Health_Aged_Care_and_Disability/ThrivingKidsinitiative

14/08/2025

Overwhelmed at times while parenting your neurodivergent or anxious child?

Some days, it feels like you’re holding it all together with sticky tape.
You’re trying to be calm, set boundaries, and meet your child’s needs… but it’s hard to know what will actually help.

You’re not alone in this — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

CALM GUIDES is an 8-week online parenting group where:

The group is small enough (max 10 families) that you’ll actually know each other’s names

You’ll swap ideas, problem-solve together, and hear “me too” more than you thought possible

It’s led by a neurodivergent Clinical Psychologist who’s also a parent — so there’s no judgement, just understanding

We work with evidence-based strategies, but adapt them so they fit your household, your child, and your energy levels

Two options coming up:
🕒 Daytime group
🌙 Evening group

Join from anywhere in Australia via a secure online platform.

This isn’t about being a perfect parent.
It’s about feeling steadier, clearer, and more confident — one week at a time.

Spots will be limited. Register your interest here ⬇️

CALM GUIDES: Navigating the Storm Together

13/08/2025

Hello we have NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES (e.g., admin@familyminded.au) mostly the same except ending .au not .com.au WEBSITE is working. Apologies for the short notice and hassels, we have had an unexpected issue with our domain provider. Emails sent late yesterday and today will not have been received.

23/06/2025

Only a few places left at our special introductory price for Term 3 CALM GUIDES group. If you’ve been thinking about joining, this is a great opportunity to jump in.

Feeling stuck in the storm of big behaviours?
Your child’s meltdowns, refusal, or anxiety aren’t the problem—they’re signals. And with the right tools, you can learn to decode them and lead with calm.

CALM GUIDES is an 8-week in-person course for parents of neurodivergent and anxious kids who are navigating tricky behaviours, sensory overload, school refusal, or just the daily rollercoaster of parenting a child who has unique differences.

You'll learn practical, neuroaffirming strategies to:
✔ Understand the difference between stress and misbehaviour
✔ Co-regulate through tough moments
✔ Set boundaries without battles
✔ Build emotional safety—without burning out

Wednesdays 6.30–8.00pm, starting 6 August (Term 3)
At Family Minded, 1 Barkly Street, SUNBURY
Run by an experienced Clinical Psychologist with lived ND experience.
A small and supporrtive group setting.
Free workbook included. Light refreshments provided.
It’s warm, real-world parenting support—with zero judgment and lots of “oh wow, me too” moments.

If that time doesn’t work, no problem—register your interest for upcoming weekend or online options.

Ready to parent with more clarity, calm, and connection?
Learn more and book your spot here -

CALM GUIDES: Navigating the Storm Together

09/05/2025

Needing an assessment for autism, ADHD, or learning differences?

Family Minded has been a trusted part of the Sunbury community for over 10 years, supporting thousands of families with thoughtful, neurodiversity-affirming care.

We provide specialist assessments for children, teens, and adults — helping you understand what’s going on, and what to do next.

What makes us different?

• We take a neurodiversity-affirming approach — respectful, strengths-based, and inclusive
• Our clinicians have extensive experience supporting and assessing children & young people
• We assess adults, too — because insight and clarity are valuable at any age
• You’ll receive clear, practical recommendations that actually help
• Payment plans available, including PayPal Pay-in-4 — to make things easier when it matters most

If you’re not sure where to start, reach out — we’re here to guide you with care, expertise, and respect.

We also offer single session case consultations with our principal clinical psychologist to offer families guidance and clinical recommendations for their next steps.

Sunbury and Sydenham based psychological assessments. Cognitive, educational and neurodevelopmental (autism & ADHD) assessment

07/05/2025

Meet Maddy – Our New Friendly Face at the Front Desk!
We’re excited to introduce Maddy, who has recently joined us as our new Office Admin and Client Liaison. Maddy brings a wealth of experience in allied health admin and holds a degree in Psychology, making her a perfect fit for our clinic and community. Be sure to say hello next time you’re in! She’s stepping into the role David held at reception — but don’t worry, David is still very much part of the team! (😅) He is focusing more on his Practice Manager role, helping us grow and fine-tune the systems and structures that keep our clinic running smoothly. Welcome, Maddy!

09/04/2025

Please liaise with your prescriber if you/your child are using these medications to discuss options.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19FMeHNCgW/

⚠️Medicine shortage update – Further shortage of methylphenidate hydrochloride products⚠️

In addition to the shortage of Concerta and Methylphenidate-Teva XR products, Ritalin and Artige immediate-release tablets are now also in shortage.

A shortage of Ritalin LA capsules is anticipated, starting from 21 April 2025 for the 30 mg strength, and from May, June and July 2025 for the other strengths.

These medicines are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

We acknowledge the concerns and difficulties caused by such shortages, especially due to the specific requirements for prescribing and dispensing methylphenidate hydrochloride. We hope this notification will give patients and prescribers the opportunity to plan ahead.

We urge patients who are affected by these shortages to speak with their pharmacist about their supply of medicine. We also suggest patients consult with their prescribers early about their treatment plan, as they may need a new prescription.

Read more: https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/medicine-shortage-alerts/further-shortage-methylphenidate-hydrochloride-products

28/01/2025

Exciting New Play Therapy Program BOOKINGS Open!
Does your child find it hard to express their feelings through words? Our Play Therapy Program offers a unique, child-focused approach that uses the power of play to help children overcome challenges, build confidence, and thrive.

Run by an experienced child and family psychologist who is also a qualified play therapist, this program is perfect for children who don’t benefit from traditional talk-based therapy.

What We Offer:

Learn to Play: Helping kids develop pretend play skills to boost imagination, social connections, and emotional growth.
Humanistic Play Therapy: A gentle, non-directive approach to build resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of empowerment.
Filial Play Therapy: Strengthening family bonds by teaching parents how to connect with their child through meaningful play.
Play therapy is a fun, supportive, and effective way for children to express themselves and develop new skills in a safe, nurturing environment.

Contact Us Today to find out more or book your child’s first session. Don’t miss this opportunity to support your child in a way that truly works for them!

When growing up, most children experience some difficulties adjusting to new things or situations. Developmentally, children can find it difficult sitting in a big chair and talking about what may be...

17/12/2024

We are hiring for our 2025 Sunbury & Sydenham psychologist intake! Join a supportive and connected team with a strong learning culture.

New Grad Psychs, MH social worker, senior clinicians

07/11/2024

Looking for a timely assessment for ADHD, Autism, or learning difficulties for adults or children? Our Sunbury and Sydenham clinics offer efficient, high-quality assessments with clear, upfront pricing. Flexible payment options are available, including PayPal pay in 4, and tailored payment plans.

We will be offering intensive assessments in January, and spots are available for December. Get in touch to see how we can support your family!

Sunbury & Sydenham based child and family psych services, therapy and assessments.