Social Work
What is Social Work?
- A profession offering support, counselling, advocacy, and liaison services to individuals, families and communities.
- Focuses on emotional, behavioural, social, and systemic needs and strengths.
- Uses therapeutic approaches (e.g. child-centred, play-based therapy) to support wellbeing, resilience, and functioning.
- Works across settings — private practice, education, therapeutic, family support settings.
Why Choose a Social Worker?
- Skilled in addressing emotional regulation, behavioural challenges, trauma, anxiety, grief, family transitions.
- Child-centred, strengths-based and holistic approach.
- Ability to liaise with systems (e.g. NDIS, schools, community services) to coordinate supports.
- Provides both individual, family, and caregiver support, promoting a safe environment for all.
Benefits of Working with a Social Worker
- Improved emotional regulation, self-control, coping strategies
Focuses on emotional, behavioural, social, and systemic needs and strengths
Enhanced social skills, relationships, and resilience
- Support navigating complex systems (NDIS, schools, community)
- Trauma-informed care and healing for children and families
- Counselling for mental health challenges (anxiety, depression, stress)
- Advocacy and guidance for parents / caregivers in supporting their children
- Tailored, evidence-based interventions based on individual needs
Program Structure
1
Initial Assessment / Intake
- Gather background, concerns, goals, history (emotional, behavioural, social)
- Identify areas needing support (e.g. emotional regulation, behaviour, trauma)
- Determine therapy direction (child-centred, play therapy, family work)
- 1:1 phone call or face-to-face session
2
Customised Therapy Sessions
- Sessions tailored to the child’s needs (e.g. play-based, therapeutic techniques)
- Focused interventions (emotional regulation, behaviour management, social skill building)
- Support also for parents/caregivers in skills, coping, understanding
3
Family Involvement & Progress Reviews
- Engage caregivers/parents in therapy, provide guidance and training
- Regular reviews of progress and adjustment of plans as needed
- Communication across all parties (therapist, family, external supports)
Who We Support
Children & young people (0–18 years) and families, particularly facing emotional, behavioural or developmental challenges.
Those dealing with:
- Emotional dysregulation, frustration, behavioural concerns
- Anxiety, depression, grief, trauma
- Low self-esteem, confidence issues
- Family changes (divorce, separation, bereavement)
- Sleep, eating, developmental regression or delays
- Parents and caregivers who need support, coping strategies, and guidance.
Meet Our Social Worker
Vanessa
Social Worker
FAQs
What does a social worker do in a paediatric service?
A social worker supports the wellbeing of the child within the context of their family, relationships, school, and community. This may include counselling, emotional support, advocacy, care coordination, family support, parent coaching, and helping families navigate challenges that affect day-to-day life.
How is social work different from psychology?
Both professions support emotional wellbeing, but they can have different roles. Psychology often focuses on assessment and therapeutic intervention for mental health, behaviour, and emotional concerns. Social work may also provide counselling, but often includes practical family support, advocacy, systems navigation, and collaboration across home, school, community, and support services.
What kinds of concerns can social work help with?
Families may seek social work support for school refusal, family stress, emotional regulation, adjustment to diagnosis, social difficulties, behaviour concerns, parenting challenges, grief and loss, community access, or help coordinating supports around the child.
Can social work support parents as well as children?
Yes. Parent and caregiver support is often a central part of social work. Sessions may help you understand your child’s needs, strengthen routines, reduce family stress, and build practical strategies that support the whole family.
Does my child need to attend every social work session?
Not always. Depending on your goals, some sessions may involve the child directly, while others may be parent-only sessions focused on planning, support, advocacy, or strategy. We work with you to decide what format is most helpful.
Can a social worker help with school, NDIS, or other services?
Social workers can often assist families to better understand support pathways, communicate with schools or other services, and advocate for the child’s needs. If there are practical barriers affecting your child’s wellbeing or participation, social work can be a valuable part of the support team.
What happens in a first social work appointment?
The first session usually focuses on understanding your concerns, what is happening at home or school, what strengths already exist, and what support would feel most useful. Together, we identify priorities and discuss a plan that is realistic and family-centred.
Is social work only for families in crisis?
No. Social work can support families across a wide range of situations, including early support before problems become more overwhelming. Many families seek help simply because they want practical guidance, emotional support, or someone to help connect the dots.
Ready to Get Started?
Book an assessment or enquiry call today.
Together, we help children and young people thrive, one step at a time.