What to expect from your first session
Your first session, held at The Centre for Perinatal Health & Parenting in Ballarat Victoria is very welcoming and relaxed. Louise allows plenty of time for the initial consultation, knowing that your story can’t be rushed. Careful listening and assessing is required, if effective change is going to be made.
At the first consultation a thorough history is taken, looking at all aspects of your child’s life, including physical and mental health, development, relationships, feeding, diet, play, sleep, behaviours, interaction with environment, family and other people.
Depending on parent’s concerns, your child’s interaction with Louise will be assessed also. For instance, if the concern is toddler behaviour, Louise is likely to spend time playing with your child to assess responses, or if the concern is infant sleep, then Louise is likely to demonstrate effective preparedness and settling strategies for your infant.
Louise will then share her findings and discuss strategies for improvement, to the level that parents are comfortable with. This parenting education portion of the session will provide some framework to further understand why behaviours are occurring and give you practical strategies for change.
You will be provided with written information for you to go over in a quiet moment later, and to allow you to share with family and friends. Recommendations regarding additional resources, such as books or website references may be provided to help you find out even more information.
Finally, referrals will be written to external providers, if deemed appropriate. Any future sessions, or the requirement for a package of care will be discussed and mapped out, if needed.
Louise’s approach to the array of challenges experienced by families at the various life stages is both holistic and non-judgemental. Family life can be tough… but, it can also be incredibly rewarding for everyone, when concerns that arise are addressed with expert guidance and a kind, gentle approach.
