The dowload the Intake Formclick here
The Toddler Clinic has been established for families with children aged 15 months to 4 years who are displaying behaviour problems. This includes:
- Physical and verbal aggression
- Non-compliance
- Over-activity
- Tantrums
- Destructive behaviour
- Hyperactivity
- Sibling rivalry
- Anxiety and withdrawal
The clinic addresses these behaviour issues using a play-therapy model called Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). This program was developed in the United States. It aims to increase positive behaviours and reduce negative behaviours of toddlers by strengthening the relationship with parents and their children. This program gives parents some strategies to better manage their children.
The PCIT program involves attending the Toddler Clinic for an hour a week for a minimum of 6 weeks and up to 15 weeks, depending on the needs of the family. Families work on an individual basis with the Toddler Clinic staff, which includes Registered Nurses, a Clinical Psychologist and a Social Worker.
To attend the clinic, families need to obtain a referral from their local health professional, which may be a General Practitioner, Paediatrician or Child and Family Health Nurse.
Training For Professionals
The Toddler Clinic runs one day interactive workshops for health professionals wanting to learn more about PCIT.
Research At The Toddler Clinic
The Toddler Clinic is actively increasing the amount of high profile research being undertaken by the service and is currently working in partnership with the University of Sydney to examine the role of biological factors in the development of behaviour problems. The Clinic is also currently examining the effectiveness of the PCIT program with children under the age of two years. All research carried out at the Clinic aims to inform and improve clinical practice.
Thoughts From Families
"Thank you for opening my eyes. Karitane has improved my relationship with both my children and I know so much more about being a parent now".
"I feel more connected to my daughter and I enjoy spending time with her. There has been a noticeable change in her behaviour at home and childcare".
"What a fantastic experience! I can be a confident Mum and my son a confident boy thanks to Karitane"!
Downloads
Toddler Clinic Parent Brochure |Click here to download
For information about the Karitane Toddler Clinic watch the video clip or listen to the podcast below.
Toddler Clinic:VideoIAudio
"Pilot evaluation of parent-child interaction therapy delivered in an Australian community early childhood clinic setting" published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry |Click here to download
