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Child, youth and family therapy are services that helps individuals and families work through life's challenges, strengthen their relationships and improve wellbeing.

Therapy support provides a safe and structured space for growth with support tailored to each person's unique circumstances, with the aim of creating positive, long-term change for individuals and the families around them.

What is therapeutic support?

Therapy support is a structured approach that works with children, youth and families to improve communication, resolve conflicts and build stronger connections. This means exploring patterns of interaction, understanding the impact of past experiences and identifying practical ways to move forward.

Our therapy services at MacKillop recognises that no two families or individuals are alike. Support is designed to be flexible, respectful and responsive to each person's needs.

When therapeutic support may help 

Therapy can be beneficial in a wide range of situations, including:

Family conflict or communication breakdown

Behavioural or emotional challenges in children or young people

Trauma or significant life changes

Mental health concerns

Relationship difficulties between family members

Therapeutic services available

MacKillop offers a range of therapeutic services that can be accessed as part of family, adult and child therapy. These include the following:

Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare

Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare (FFT-CW) is an evidence-based program that works with families to strengthen relationships, improve communication and reduce behaviours that may place children at risk. The program is home-based and focuses on helping families remain safely together.

Multisystemic Therapy

Multisystemic Therapy (MST), another evidence-based program, is an intensive, home-based approach that supports young people with complex behavioural challenges. The program works across family, school and community settings to address the systems influencing a young person's behaviour and create sustainable change.

Brain Physio Neurofeedback

Brain Physio Neurofeedback is a therapeutic intervention that supports brain function and emotional regulation through guided, non-invasive techniques. Neurofeedback can be particularly beneficial for those managing anxiety, trauma responses or difficulties with attention.

Intensive Therapeutic Care

Intensive Therapeutic Care (ITC) provides structured, high-level support for children and young people with complex emotional or behavioural needs. The program combines therapeutic practice with day-to-day care to promote safety and skill development.

How child, youth and family therapy works

Therapy sessions are guided by trained practitioners who work with individuals or families to explore challenges and develop practical strategies. Depending on what is most helpful, support may involve one-on-one sessions, whole-family sessions or a combination of both.

Practitioners draw on evidence-based approaches to create a space where people feel comfortable to share their experiences. The focus is always on building skills, improving relationships and working towards meaningful goals.

Get support through child, youth and family therapy

Early support can make a significant difference. When challenges are addressed sooner rather than later, families are better placed to strengthen their relationships and prevent further difficulties from developing.

If you or your family are looking for support, MacKillop is here to help.

Contact us to find out more about family therapy services at MacKillop and to discuss the options that are right for you.

Get support through child, youth and family therapy

Common questions about child, youth and family therapy

The length of therapy varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some programs run over a set number of months, while others are more flexible in their structure. A practitioner can provide guidance on what to expect based on your specific circumstances.

Yes. Sessions are confidential, with information shared only where required for safety or where consent has been given. Practitioners will explain any exceptions clearly at the outset.

No. Therapy can involve individuals, specific family members or the whole family, depending on what is most helpful. The structure of sessions is always guided by what will best support positive outcomes.