Abby and her dad, Lachlan, joined MacKillop’s Multisystemic Therapy – Psychiatric program, working together to create a safer home. With tailored support, Abby built healthier routines and confidence, leading to remarkable change.
Lachlan turned to MacKillop Family Services for support, and enrolled in the Multisystemic Therapy – Psychiatric (MST) program, a six-month evidence based intervention designed to help families build safer, more stable environments.
After a period living with her grandparents due to challenges at home, Abby moved back in with her father, Lachlan. Abby was struggling - frequently leaving home and spending time with friends her dad didn’t know, and he was concerned she could be exposed to risky behaviour.
From the outset, Lachlan and Abby showed exceptional commitment to the program. Lachlan’s proactive approach stood out - he arrived at sessions with ideas already mapped out.
When the therapist suggested a reward system to help Abby reduce her absences from the home, Lachlan quickly developed a plan and rallied the family around it.
Abby, too, was eager to change. She sought advice from her sister and began adopting healthier routines, such as earlier bedtimes and more time at home, which helped her resist negative influences.
The program provided tailored, practical and therapeutic support. Lachlan received guidance on setting clear expectations around technology use, a key trigger for Abby. With a structured plan in place, Abby’s behavioural issues improved rapidly.
The program didn’t just offer solutions; it empowered Lachlan to lead them. Abby worked on managing her emotions and impulsivity. She learned to pause, reflect, and make thoughtful decisions - skills she applied at home and school. Her growth was evident: she made new friends, embraced creative outlets like art, and became a role model among her peers.
By the end of the program, Abby had transformed. She was thriving socially and emotionally, while Lachlan felt confident and supported in his parenting journey.
“The team at MacKillop have been absolutely wonderful. They helped navigate and pull together all the different services to support myself and my family, and I am so thankful,” said Lachlan.
*Stock imagery used to maintain privacy