At Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing, our child psychologists in Hobart help families understand what is driving the behaviour and build practical skills that lead to calmer, more connected days. Our psychologists also offer telehealth support across Australia. Please contact us for more information.
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The morning routine takes an hour longer than it should. Your child refuses to get dressed, screams when asked to brush their teeth, and melts down when you say it is time to leave.
At school, the teacher calls again. More disruption. More refusal. More incidents with other children. You feel embarrassed, frustrated, and exhausted. You have tried everything you can think of, and nothing seems to work.
Here is something important: behaviour is communication. When a child or young person is struggling with their behaviour, they are telling you something they do not yet have the words, skills, or emotional capacity to express directly.
The Raising Children Network, supported by the Australian Government, emphasises that challenging behaviour in children is often a signal of unmet needs, skill gaps, or emotional overwhelm [1].
Behavioural difficulties can look different for each child and may vary across settings. They often occur when a child does not yet have the skills needed to manage emotions, sensory input, transitions, or expectations.
Behavioural difficulties may include:
These behaviours are not intentional or manipulative. They reflect unmet needs, skill gaps, or overwhelm. Understanding the function behind the behaviour is the first step toward meaningful change.
Young children are still developing the brain systems responsible for emotional regulation, impulse control, and flexible thinking. When demands exceed their capacity, behaviour is often the result.
Families may notice:
Adolescents may show behavioural difficulties differently as they navigate identity, independence, and increased social and academic pressures.
This may include:
Our approach is supportive, practical, and evidence-informed.
We explore what the behaviour communicates and what need it is trying to meet.
We teach children and young people how to manage feelings, impulses, and stress.
We provide guidance, strategies, and confidence to support behaviour at home. Research consistently shows that parent-focused interventions are among the most effective approaches for behavioural difficulties in children [2].
Our team offer recommendations and strategies to support positive behaviour in educational settings.
Your first session is about understanding. We listen to what is happening for you and for your child, how things show up in your day, and what you hope to change. Together we create a plan that feels clear, supportive, and manageable.
Therapy at Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing moves at a pace that feels safe while still supporting steady progress. You remain in control of the process.
Sessions with our psychologists are available face-to-face at our Battery Point rooms in Hobart, Tasmania, and via telehealth for clients anywhere in Australia. Our psychologists are experienced in working with Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plans, DVA, Open Arms, NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed), WorkCover, National Redress Scheme, and private health insurance.
[1] Raising Children Network (2024). https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/behaviour
[2] Australian Psychological Society (2018). Evidence-based Psychological Interventions. https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/evidence-based-psychological-interventions
[3] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024). Australia’s children: Mental health of children. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children/contents/health/children-mental-illness
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