Child Psychologist for Emotion Regulation & Behaviour on the Central Coast | Kincumber, Gosford, Erina, Terrigal & Nearby
Every child has big feelings sometimes. But when those feelings seem to take over, when meltdowns are frequent, intense, or lasting well beyond what you'd expect, it can leave the whole family feeling exhausted, confused, and unsure where to turn.
At My Kincumber practice, I specialise in supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, serving families across the Central Coast including Gosford, Terrigal, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, Erina, Green Point and surrounding suburbs.
Understanding big emotions in children
Emotional dysregulation — difficulty managing and recovering from intense emotions — is one of the most common reasons families seek psychological support. It can show up as:
Frequent, intense meltdowns that seem disproportionate to the trigger
Difficulty calming down once upset
Seemingly aggressive or destructive behaviour during emotional peaks
Demand avoidance or refusal
Emotional shutdown, withdrawal, or dissociation
Rapid mood shifts that are hard to predict
It's important to understand that these behaviours are almost always communication. A child who is dysregulated is a child whose nervous system is overwhelmed, not a child who is choosing to be difficult.
What drives emotional dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation in children is rarely a standalone issue. It is frequently connected to one or more of the following:
ADHD or autism, where emotional regulation is a core feature
Anxiety or depression showing up through behaviour rather than words
Trauma or adverse childhood experiences
Sensory processing differences
Unmet needs in the home, school, or social environment
Simply labelling something as a “behavioural problem” does nothing to help us understanding the underlying emotions or unmet needs. Understanding the why behind the behaviour is always our starting point.
How I help
My approach to emotion regulation and behaviour support is warm, evidence-based, and firmly grounded in a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming framework. I never treat behaviour in isolation from the child's whole experience.
Support may include:
Individual therapy to build emotional literacy and regulation skills
Nervous system-based approaches that work with the body, not just the mind
Parent and caregiver coaching — because regulation is co-regulation
School consultation and collaboration
Assessment to identify any underlying neurodevelopmental factors
I work closely with parents because research is clear: when caregivers understand and respond to a child's nervous system needs, outcomes improve significantly.
Serving families across the Central Coast
My Kincumber practice is conveniently located for families from across the region, including:
Gosford · Terrigal · Avoca Beach · Copacabana · Erina · Wamberal · Green Point · Narara · Wyoming · Point Clare · Saratoga · Davistown · Empire Bay · Bensville · Killcare · Umina Beach · Woy Woy · Ettalong Beach
You don't have to navigate this alone
If your child's emotions or behaviour are affecting your family's daily life, support is available close to home. Reach out to me at my Kincumber practice today — I'd love to help your child (and your whole family) find more peace.
