Parent and Caregiver coaching & Support in Perth

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Caring for a child with additional support needs can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it can also feel exhausting, overwhelming and, at times, incredibly isolating.

Many parents tell me they spend so much time supporting everyone else that they rarely have the opportunity to pause, reflect and think about what they need.

Whether your child has recently received a diagnosis, you're exploring whether neurodivergence may explain some of your family's experiences, or you're simply looking for practical strategies to navigate everyday life, you don't have to figure it out alone. Seeking support for yourself is just as important as seeking support for your child.

At Whale Shark Therapy Services, I provide a supportive, non-judgemental space where parents and caregivers can ask questions, gain a deeper understanding of neurodivergence, and develop practical strategies that support the whole family.

Clinic appointments in Doubleview | Telehealth Australia-wide | Walk-and-talk appointments available

There is no handbook for raising a neurodivergent child.

Many parents worry that they're doing something wrong, feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or carry the emotional weight of constantly advocating for their child.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

My role isn't to judge your parenting or tell you what you "should" be doing. Instead, I work alongside you to better understand your child, make sense of what's happening, and develop practical strategies that feel realistic for your family.

Sometimes, having someone who listens without judgement can be just as valuable as finding the "right" strategy.

Every family is different, so sessions are tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

Together, we might explore:

• Better understanding your child's neurodivergence. 
• Understanding how executive functioning and sensory processing influence everyday family life. 
• Develop practical strategies that make everyday routines feel more manageable.
• Navigating a new diagnosis or exploring whether a diagnosis may be appropriate. 
• Reflecting on caregiver-child interactions and family dynamics. 
• Feel more confident communicating with schools and advocating for your child.
• Strengthening your advocacy skills. 
• Exploring whether your own experiences may also reflect neurodivergence. 
• Making sense of behaviours through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. 
• Supporting your own wellbeing while caring for others. 

There is no expectation that you have everything figured out before coming to therapy. Sessions are collaborative, flexible and guided by what feels most important to you.

I believe parents know their children better than anyone else.

My role isn't to tell you how to parent. It's to help you better understand what's happening, build on your strengths, and develop strategies that work for your family.

My approach is:

🌊 Neurodiversity-affirming – recognising and respecting each person's unique strengths, needs and way of experiencing the world.

🤝 Relationship-focused – taking the time to build genuine connections and work collaboratively with individuals, families and other members of the support team.

🧠 Evidence-informed – combining current research, clinical experience and your lived experience to guide therapy.

💙 Individualised – tailoring therapy to each person's goals, strengths and everyday life, because no two people are the same.

🏡 Flexible – offering clinic appointments in Doubleview, mobile home and school visits across Perth, and telehealth appointments Australia-wide.

🎯 Meaningful – focusing on practical strategies that support participation, confidence and independence in everyday activities.

I believe the best outcomes happen when families feel understood, empowered and supported, not judged.

No two families are the same, so every session looks a little different.

Depending on your goals, sessions may involve:

• Talking through current challenges. 
• Understanding sensory processing and emotional regulation. 
• Exploring executive functioning and how it impacts family life. 
• Problem-solving everyday situations. 
• Reflecting on your child's strengths and support needs. 
• Developing strategies together. 
• Discussing school concerns and advocacy. 
• Navigating funding, supports and services. 
• Planning next steps following assessments or diagnosis.
• Simply having dedicated time to pause, reflect and process everything that's happening.

Sometimes families leave with practical strategies.

Sometimes they leave with a completely different way of understanding their child.

Often, it's both.

For some parents and caregivers, sitting across from someone in a clinic doesn't feel like the easiest way to talk.

Walk-and-talk therapy combines Occupational Therapy with gentle movement in an outdoor environment.

Many people find that walking side-by-side makes conversations feel more natural and less formal. Gentle movement can also support emotional regulation, problem-solving and clearer thinking.

Walk-and-talk therapy may be particularly helpful if you:

• Find sitting still difficult. 
• Feel calmer when spending time outdoors. 
• Think more clearly while moving. 
• Have a busy schedule and enjoy combining therapy with light physical activity. 
• Prefer walking alongside someone rather than sitting face-to-face. 

Appointments are tailored to your individual goals, comfort and abilities.

Many parents appreciate having dedicated time to focus on themselves, away from the demands of everyday family life.

Children don't exist in isolation.

Parents, caregivers, siblings, teachers and other professionals all play an important role in supporting a child's development.

Whenever appropriate, I work collaboratively with families, schools and other members of your support network to ensure everyone is working towards shared goals.

I believe therapy is most effective when families feel confident, informed and supported, not when they feel like they're carrying everything on their own.

You know your child better than anyone else, and your insights are an important part of every assessment, recommendation and therapy plan.

Seeking support doesn't mean you're failing.

It means you're looking for ways to better understand your child, strengthen your family and make everyday life feel a little easier.

Whether you're looking for practical strategies, someone to help you make sense of a recent diagnosis, or simply a safe space to talk things through, I'd love to support you.

If you're unsure whether parent support is the right fit, please get in touch. I'm always happy to answer your questions.

 Enquire about Parent and Caregiver Support