Resources: Adoption and Family Counseling Services

The following is a list of professionals whose services have been utilized by various APA members for counseling and support of adoption issues both for the adoptive parent and child. The list is not exhaustive and the APA does not endorse the services of any professionals on the list.

Gail Johnston Counselling Psychologist, MA, PGDip, BA Psych

Gail Johnston is a psychologist who works with children, families and adults who have experienced trauma. She has worked extensively in the areas of child protection, childhood trauma and attachment issues. Gail provides training and consulting services in these areas for Community Services, Department of Human Services and other non-Government agencies supporting children and families. Gail has a passion for supporting children who can no longer live with their biological families as a result of abuse and neglect and to facilitating their recovery and connection to their foster and adoptive families.

Gail’s professional contact details are:

gailjohnston@optusnet.com.au
Tel: 0400 117 804
PO Box 949, Ashfield NSW 1800

Karitane Toddler Clinic

A service for families of children aged 15 months to 4 years. It uses the parent-child interaction therapy model with the aim of improving the behaviour of children and the quality of parent-child relationships. The therapy is structured around play and is useful for children who are withdrawn or who have low self-esteem and children with behavioural difficulties such as aggression, tantrums and defiance. A free service provided by Karitane at Carramar (near Fairfield). A referral is required from a health professional who needs to contact the service on 02-9794 2300

Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC)

A service of the Benevolent Society, providing information, counselling and support services to anyone affected by adoption.

Scarba House, 24A Ocean St, Bondi, NSW 2026.
Tel: 02 9365 3444
Email: parc@bensoc.org.au
www.bensoc.org.au/postadoption/

Sydney Counselling Centre

Specialist and general Psychological services for adults, adolescents and children.

Located in Chatswood and Parramatta.
Tel: 02 9415 2223
Email: help@sydneycounselling.com.au

Beulah Warren,Psychologist, MA

Beulah has worked with infants, children and their parents for over 30 years, initially in research and then clinically. Her work has included positions working the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the Royal Hospital for Women, and the Benevolent Society.  She founded the Australian Association of Infant Mental Health holding a board position with this association; and coordinated education programs at the NSW institute of Psychiatry. Her special interest is in children 0-5,  families, and family relationships.
Family futures.
Balmain. 02 9810 2986

Belinda Keatinge, Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Adoptive Parent

Belinda has 25 years experience working with children and their families with a special interest in attachment. Specialising in under 3yoa but will also consider older referrals. Also works with adults with concerns including anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties.
Currently on parental leave with a view to recommence work in 2011.
Rozelle 0412 363 126

CatholicCare Family Services - Parent Education and Family Skills training.

Enmore Office 02 9519 6788
Fairfield Office 02 9725 7077

Provides a link to Parent Line NSW, a 24 hour, 7 day a week  service providing free support to parents and carers.

www.catholiccare.org/page.aspx?element=28&category=4

Lyn Worsley, Registered psychologist and nurse.

Lyn has a vast experience in teaching, youth work, early childhood, hospital, and correctional services. Specialises in child, adolescent, and family psychology and relationship issues.
Alpha Counselling. Psychologist, Child Adolescent and Family Counselling, Eastwood
Tel: 02 9874 9711

Josie McSkimming, Clinical Social Worker

Josie is a clinical social worker of nearly 30 years experience who has practised in a wide range of settings, including Community Services and PARC, hospital social work, inter-country adoption, post-adoption services, drug and alcohol treatment and individual and couples therapy.

Currently she is in full-time private practice in Bondi Junction in Sydney, specialising in relationship therapy. She acts as a supervisor and consultant to several counselling teams within the government and non-government sectors. Josie is also a registered Mental Health Practitioner under the Medicare "Access to Better Mental Health" Scheme and an accredited member of the Australian Association of Social Workers ("AASW").
The current waiting time, on average, is 6 weeks.
Bondi Junction
Tel: 02 9665 7255
Email: counselling@people.net.au

Debbie Jeffrey. Counsellor, Trainer, Parent Coach

Debbie Jeffrey is a counsellor who works with the impact of stress, trauma and attachment.

0404 477 244
www.djeffrey.id.au