Support for children, teens and cycle-breaking parents — working with the whole child, whole family and the systems around you.
Welcome to Attuned Therapy & Education
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This work goes beyond the individual. We support children, parents, caregivers and the systems around them — because that’s where real, lasting change happens.
Attuned exists to support connection, re-connection and repair across individuals, families and across generations.
Especially for parents who are trying to do things differently.
You don’t have to hold all of that on your own.
At Attuned,
we offer support that extends beyond the therapy room.
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Play-based Child Therapy, working alongside Parents, Teachers and other important Grown ups in their world.
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Individual Therapy for Teens and Young Adults. In person, or online.
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Individual Therapy or Parenting support for one or both parents, blended families and Grandparents.
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Pre-diagnostic exploration and Post-diagnostic support. ADHD coaching and neuro-affirming therapy.
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For Early Childhood Educators & School Teachers. Available via School-readiness Funding (SRF) & School Mental Health Fund menu.
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NDIS services, Outreach visits to School or Kinder, meetings and collaboration with school, parents and other allied health supports.
Hi, I'm Maddie
Hi, I'm Maddie
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I don’t believe in distant or purely clinical therapy.
I believe in being authentic, present and emotionally responsive. Being truly with you — not just sitting across from you.
This isn’t about fixing who you are.
It’s about understanding yourself, your child, or your family more fully — and learning to respond from a steadier, more compassionate place.
My approach is grounded in attachment-based and neuro-affirming practice, including Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and the principles of PACE — playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy.
Rather than focusing on behaviour alone, we explore what’s happening underneath — including the nervous system, relationships, environment, and past experiences.
At the heart of my work is relationship.
Creating a space where you feel safe enough to show up as you are — even in the messy, unfiltered, or overwhelming moments — without needing to put on a brave face or hold it all together.
A space where you can be truly seen, heard, and supported, and where things can be held with you for a while — without judgement, pressure, or expectation.
Here, there is room for everything — from the depths of despair and grief, to playfulness, humour and celebration.
Without needing to minimise, mask, or make it easier for someone else to hold.
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I’m a Registered Counsellor with a background in early childhood education and teaching, and have spent over 15 years supporting children, teens, families and adults across both therapeutic and educational settings.
I’m also a mum and a late-diagnosed AuDHDer — which means I understand, in a real way, how neurodivergence, healing from trauma and parenting can be beautiful, messy and, at times, a lot.
My work is grounded in both clinical training and lived experience — which means I don’t approach therapy as a blank slate. I show up as a real person, alongside you.
At the heart of my work is supporting cycle-breaking parents — those who are trying to show up differently for their children, often without having had that modelled for them.
I understand how heavy that can feel.
Holding your child’s needs while also making sense of your own experiences is not simple — and you don’t have to do it alone.
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Sessions are flexible and shaped by what feels safest and most supportive in the moment.
You don’t need to come in with the right words or a clear plan — we make sense of things together.
Some sessions feel quiet and reflective.
Others involve laughter, relief, or the sense that something has finally been named in a way that fits.There’s space for both seriousness and lightness — without either being rushed or forced.
You’re not expected to perform, explain everything perfectly, or have it all figured out.
This is a space where you can show up as you are — and be met there.
You don’t need to hold it together here.
Therapeutic Services
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A space for adults to slow down, reflect and make sense of what’s been carried for a long time.
This may include:
Re-parenting and inner child work
Understanding relationship and attachment patterns
Parenting
Processing trauma
Late-diagnosed ADHD, Autism & AuDHD
Grief & loss
Complexity of caring for someone who struggles with substances and addiction
Navigating life transitions
Or simply having someone sit with you and hold what feels heavy.
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For the parents doing things differently — even when it’s hard.
Parenting can feel overwhelming, confusing and at times isolating — especially when navigating neurodivergence, big emotions or challenges within school or family life.
Many of the parents we work with are trying to do things differently to how they were raised — while still carrying their own experiences.
This work is about more than strategies.
It’s about understanding your child — while also understanding yourself. And learning to respond in ways that build connection, safety and trust over time.
At Attuned, we work alongside carers to better understand what’s happening beneath the surface — building confidence, clarity and connection in a way that feels realistic and sustainable.
Support may include:
Understanding your child’s nervous system
Responding to big emotions and behaviours
Navigating ADHD, Autism or AuDHD
Supporting anxiety and school-related challenges
Strengthening connection and repair
Making sense of patterns within the family
Getting on the same page with parenting partner
Grandparent sessions
Sessions may involve one or both carers, and frequency can shift over time depending on what feels most supportive.
This is a flexible, responsive approach — shaped around your family, not the other way around.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
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Children make sense in context.
We begin by connecting with their grown ups first — understanding your child’s world, their nervous system, and the patterns around them.
Regular check-ins with Parents/Carers are woven into the process.
Sessions are play-based, relational and developmentally attuned. We use visual tools and resources created in session to help children understand their emotions, brains and bodies in ways that feel clear and manageable.
Where helpful, children may take home simple visual supports or tools created during sessions to continue building understanding between appointments.
Support may include:
Emotional regulation
Anxiety
Family dynamics
Neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD)
Big feelings or behaviours
Trauma
Social understanding
Identity and self-worth
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A relaxed, conversational space.
Sometimes that looks like:
“Yes, you can show me the texts.”
“Okay, give me the tea.”
“Let’s unpack why that hit so hard.”Sessions are collaborative and grounded, while still offering a consistent, regulated space to talk things through with someone outside of the situation.
Where helpful, we create visual takeaways that can be saved to a phone — something to come back to between sessions when things feel overwhelming.
This space can support:
Identity exploration
Neurodivergence
School overwhelm
Relationships and friendships
Risk-taking behaviours
Family dynamics
Past experiences that feel heavy
Parent / Carer involvement can be included where helpful, while still protecting the young person’s sense of safety and autonomy.
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Bridging home, therapy and school.
Support may include:
Observation visits at School or Kinder
Accommodation and IEP recommendations
Written advocacy letters
Attendance at PSG / SSG meetings
Collaborative communication
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🌈 Exploring Neurodiversity
For individuals and families seeking clarity and understanding — with or without pursuing a formal diagnosis.
These sessions can be helpful if you are:
On a waitlist and wanting support in the meantime
Exploring early intervention options and needing guidance
Not ready to pursue a formal diagnosis
Preparing for an upcoming assessment
Wanting to better understand yourself or your child
At Attuned, we offer holistic, non-diagnostic assessments and explorations that look beyond checklists and labels.
We consider the whole person — your story, environment, relationships and the ways things show up day-to-day. Rather than focusing only on behaviours or “symptoms”, we get curious about what may be sitting underneath, including contributing factors, unmet needs, and patterns within the broader system.
This may include exploration of:
Autism / ADHD / AuDHD
Emotional regulation and nervous system patterns
Developmental differences
Behavioural and relational dynamics
School readiness and transition
You will receive clear feedback and practical recommendations to guide next steps, including support with early intervention pathways where appropriate.
We may not have all the answers straight away — but we will always work alongside you to make sense of what’s going on.
Where helpful, we collaborate with other practitioners and approaches to ensure support is holistic, integrated and aligned.
If you’re feeling unsure, stuck on a waitlist, or just wanting to better understand what’s going on — you don’t have to figure it out alone.You’re welcome to reach out to discuss whether this feels like the right fit for you or your child.
booking, billing & locations
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📍 Sunbury, VIC
In-person sessions are based out of Integrate Therapy Clinic on 24 O’Shanassy St, Sunbury.
In person appointments are preferred for children & young people where possible.
💻 Online, AUS
Telehealth appointments via Zoom link or Phone call (Australia wide)
🚗 Outreach support
Home, Kinder, Daycare or School Observation Visits
Locally in Sunbury, Gisborne & Macedon Ranges. We also travel to Northern and Western suburbs of Melbourne. -
You can book online using the link below — just follow the steps to find a time that works for you.
Choose online or in-person
Select new or existing client
Choose your service (it’s okay if you’re unsure — we can adjust later)
Pick a date and time
Secure your booking
If you are unsure where to start, can’t find a suitable time or have any questions please email us and follow us on social media for updates and last-minute availabilities. -
Sessions at Attuned are flexible and tailored to what feels most supportive — because therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all.
New Client: Initial sessions (75–80 minutes)
A more spacious session to understand your story, what’s been going on, and where to begin
$220Existing Client: Standard sessions (50–60 minutes)
Ongoing therapeutic support
$175Existing Client: Short sessions (30 minutes)
Available for parent or carer check-ins, younger children, or additional support between sessions
$95New or Existing NDIS Client: Sessions are charged in line with the current NDIS price guide.
If you’re unsure which option to choose, that’s completely okay — we can work it out together.
FAQs
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Attuned is not a crisis service. For immediate support, please contact:
• Lifeline — 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800
• Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
• Parentline (Victoria) — 13 22 89
• 000 in an emergencyIf you are an existing client, you’re welcome to reach out — however, I may not always be able to respond immediately.
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It’s completely okay to feel unsure — that’s really common.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. We can start where you are and make sense of things together.
Therapy is a relational process, and feeling safe and understood matters. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, I’m always happy to support you in finding someone who is.
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You can book online using the link provided.
Simply choose the option that feels closest to what you’re looking for — it doesn’t have to be perfect, we can always adjust things together.
If you can’t find a suitable time or aren’t sure where to start, feel free to reach out.
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Yes — I offer telehealth sessions Australia-wide, as well as in-person sessions in Sunbury, Victoria.
You can choose what works best for you when booking. Online sessions can be a flexible and supportive option, especially for busy families or those who prefer to access support from home.
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I work with children (aged 3+), adolescents, and adults.
Support may look different depending on age and needs — including individual therapy, parent or carer support, or a combination of both.
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Sessions are flexible and tailored to what feels most supportive.
Initial sessions are 75–80 minutes
Standard sessions are 50–60 minutes
Short sessions (30 minutes) are available for parent check-ins, younger children, or additional support between sessions
If you’re unsure which option is right, we can work it out together.
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Session fees vary depending on length:
Standard sessions (50–60 minutes): $175
Longer initial sessions (75–80 minutes): $220
Short sessions (30 minutes): $95
NDIS sessions are charged in line with the current NDIS price guide.
If you’re unsure what’s right for you, we can figure that out together.
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Yes — I support both self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.
Sessions are charged in line with the current NDIS price guide.
If you’re unsure whether your plan can be used, feel free to reach out and we can talk it through.
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Unfortunately, counsellors in Australia are not currently eligible for Medicare rebates including, utilising Mental Health Care Plans.
Sessions may be funded privately or through NDIS (if eligible). Some private health insurers offer a rebate depending on your provider and policy coverage.If cost feels like a barrier, I offer a reduced, accessible rate for existing clients to make ongoing therapy more manageable.
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A limited number of reduced-fee sessions are available to support accessibility.
If cost feels like a barrier, please reach out — this can be discussed in a respectful and confidential way.
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The first session is about getting to know you.
We go at your pace — there’s no pressure to share everything straight away or have the “right” words.
For children, this may involve play, connection-building, and helping them feel safe in the space.
For adults or parents, it may involve talking through what’s been going on and what support might look like. -
This is something we can work with.
I take a flexible, relationship-first approach and will meet your child where they’re at — whether that’s building trust slowly, adjusting how sessions look, or working alongside parents or carers first.
There’s no pressure for them to engage in a particular way.
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Parent or carer involvement is an important part of the work — especially with children and adolescents.
This might include parent sessions, check-ins, or ongoing collaboration to support what’s happening outside of therapy.
The aim is to support not just the child, but the wider system around them.
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Yes.
Grandparents and extended family often play an important role in a child’s life — and it can be helpful to feel on the same page when it comes to understanding and supporting them.
These sessions can offer space to:
better understand neurodivergence, behaviour, and emotional needs
explore different approaches to supporting children
strengthen connection and consistency across the family
Sessions can be one-off or ongoing, depending on what feels helpful.
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Yes — this is a common and important part of the work.
When parenting styles, understanding, or approaches differ, it can create stress for both adults and children.
These sessions focus on:
building shared understanding
reducing conflict or confusion
finding ways to move forward together that feel realistic and supportive
This isn’t about blame — it’s about making things feel more manageable and connected.
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Attuned aims to be a safe, inclusive and affirming space for all individuals and families.
This includes neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
We don’t view neurodivergence as something to “fix,” but as something to understand, support, and work with.
We focus on reducing distress, building capacity, and creating environments that better support each person.
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No — a diagnosis is not required.
Many people come to therapy while exploring their experiences or waiting for assessment.
Support can begin wherever you’re at.
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I do not provide formal diagnoses.
However, I can support you in exploring your experiences, provide therapeutic support, and collaborate with paediatricians, psychologists, or other professionals as part of the assessment process or in providing post-diagnostic support.
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Yes — I can attend meetings or provide support to help advocate for your child.
This may include collaboration with educators, wellbeing teams, or contributing to support plans.
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Yes.
I offer observation visits and collaborative support within education settings.
This may include:
observing a child within their learning environment
providing practical recommendations and strategies
supporting educators to better understand the child’s needs
contributing to support plans or meetings
The goal is to create more consistency between home, therapy, and school.
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Yes.
I offer professional learning, consultation, and support for early childhood settings and schools.
This may include:
educator workshops and training
support around neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, PDA profiles)
emotional regulation and behaviour as communication
classroom and environment strategies
supporting individual children within education settings
Support can be tailored to your setting, team, and needs.
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Yes.
This may include support letters, school recommendations, or reports to assist with understanding and advocacy.
We can discuss what’s needed and ensure it aligns with your goals.
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Please reach out.
I may have additional availability, a waitlist option, or be able to suggest alternative times.
