Psychological support for children, young people
and families
Supporting children, young people and their families through emotional challenges, life changes and more complex experiences.
Nicole Dorrington
Registered Psychologist
AHPRA Board-Approved Supervisor
Hi, I'm Nicole
I'm a registered psychologist with over 18 years of experience supporting children, young people and families.
I've worked across child and youth mental health, disability services, trauma-informed settings and private practice. This experience allows me to provide both early intervention and more intensive support when challenges are complex or longstanding.
My approach is warm, collaborative and tailored to the individual child, young person or family.
How I can help
I support children, young people (aged 0-35) and families experiencing:
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Anxiety, worry and fears
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Emotional regulation and mood difficulties
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Perfectionism and obsessive patterns
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Stress and adjustment to change
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Family changes and relationship difficulties
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Trauma, grief and loss
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Neurodiversity and self-understanding
How I work
I look beyond the individual to understand the relationships, environments and experiences that may be influencing what is happening.
Depending on your family's needs, support may involve individual sessions, parent work, family sessions or collaboration with schools and other professionals.
My aim is to help create meaningful change that extends beyond the therapy room.
[Learn more about my services]
Areas of particular interest
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Childhood anxiety and depression
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Trauma and attachment
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Emotional regulation
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Adjustment to life and family transitions
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Parent and family support
Supervision
I provide AHPRA Board-approved supervision for psychologists, with a particular interest in supporting clinicians working with children, young people, families and complex presentations.
[Learn more about supervision]
Training & Workshops
I provide training and workshops for professionals working with children, young people and families, with a focus on practical strategies and reflective learning.
Areas of Interest
Childhood Anxiety and Depression
Childhood Trauma and Attachment
Emotional Regulation
Adjustment to Life/Family Transitions
Parent and Family Support
Qualifications & Training
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Bachelor Behavioural Science QUT
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Bachelor of Behavioural Science Psychology Honours, QUT. Graduating the Psychology Honours program with First Class Honours.
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Australian Psychology Board Approved Supervisor
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Member of Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi)
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Circle of Security Facilitator
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Level 2 Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
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Level 1 Theraplay
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Certified Institute of Applied Behavioural Analysis
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Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Children and Adolescents
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Certificate in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Children and Adolescents
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Certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Children and Adolescents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘systemic intervention’ mean?
This approach recognises that a child’s wellbeing is influenced by their relationships and environments — at home, school, and in the community. Systemic intervention means I work not just with the child, but also with the family and other key supports to create alignment and consistency. This helps changes made in therapy take root and last over time.
Do you work only with children?
No. I work with children, adolescents, and young adults (0-35) and parents. Many of my clients are families where a child is struggling with anxiety, emotion regulation, trauma, or relational stress. Parent and family sessions are often part of the process to strengthen communication and connection.
What happens in the first session?
The first session focuses on understanding you, or your child and family — what’s been happening, what’s been tried, and what’s most important to you. Together, we’ll develop a plan that fits your family’s needs and level of support.
How long does therapy take?
This varies depending on the nature of the difficulties and the level of support needed. Some families see progress within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term or more intensive systemic work. We’ll review progress regularly to ensure the approach continues to meet your goals.
Do you collaborate with schools and other professionals?
Yes. I often work closely with schools, paediatricians, and other allied health professionals to ensure that everyone supporting your child is on the same page. Collaboration helps create stability and momentum for change.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes and no. I offer telehealth for parent sessions, but I prefer to see children and teens in person. This helps create a safe, trusting space where they can engage fully and feel supported
Who is in the room?
Who is in the room is decided based on each child’s needs. Sessions are led by the child, and I carefully assess what arrangement will best support their engagement and progress. Sometimes this is one-on-one with me, sometimes a parent may join, or occasionally siblings or other family members are included, whatever will best support the therapy goals.