Pathological Demand Avoidance: PDA is a profile where children or teens resist ordinary demands and expectations, usually due to high anxiety rather than deliberate defiance.
Some children and teenagers display behaviours that are oppositional, avoidant, or challenging. These behaviours can create tension at home, at school, or in social settings, and can be stressful for both the child and the family.
I work with children and teens who struggle with these patterns, supporting them and their families to understand underlying causes, improve coping, and reduce conflict.
What “behaviours of concern” can look like
Behaviours of concern may include:
- Frequent refusal to follow requests or rules
- Intense avoidance of tasks, schoolwork, or responsibilities
- Argumentative, defiant, or challenging interactions
- Emotional outbursts or mood swings
- Avoidance of situations that feel overwhelming or stressful
These behaviours are often a response to stress, anxiety, or feeling out of control, not intentional misbehaviour
How therapy can help with behaviours of concern
-Identify triggers and patterns maintaining behaviours
-Build coping strategies for anxiety, frustration, and stress
-Improve communication, social skills, and self-regulation
-Reduce conflict and support positive relationships
-Develop manageable routines and approaches to demands
Therapy is not about “fixing” the child, but helping them learn skills to manage emotions and behaviours more effectively.
My Approach
Collaborative: Working with the child and family together
Practical and Grounded: Skills & strategies that can be used in daily life
Collaborative: You are not pushed faster than you are ready to go
Evi: Usdence-Basedes Functional Behaviour Analytic techniques and clinical experience
Non-Judgemental: Behaviours are explored, not criticised
Is therapy right for you?
Consider therapy if:
- Defiance, avoidance, or oppositional behaviours are causing conflict
- Your child struggles to follow everyday routines or rules
- Behaviour is affecting school, friendships, or family life
- You want strategies that reduce stress for both your child and family
No formal diagnosis is needed to start therapy.
Therapy details
- Therapy is available for children, teens & parents
- Sessions are offered in person and via telehealth
- Appointments are confidential and paced to your needs
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is normal or cause for concern, we can explore that together.
Taking the next step
If behaviours of concern are affecting your life or someone you care about and you’d like support, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss whether therapy might be a good fit.
- Contact us to make a confidential enquiry
Frequently asked questions
A psychologist provides a structured space to talk through thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be contributing to stress or difficulty. Sessions focus on understanding what's going on, identifying unhelpful patterns, and developing practical strategies to manage challenges more effectively
In Australia, psychologists (and other health professionals) are not allowed to use client testimonials. This rule is to protect clients' privacy and to avoid creating unrealistic expectations about outcomes.
Instead of reviews, it can be more useful to focus on the connection with your therapist. The first session is an opportunity to get a sense of how we work together and whether the approach feels right to you.
No. Many people start therapy without a clear explanation of what's wrong. Part of the process of therapy is working together to clarify concerns and priorities over the first few sessions.
The first session usually focuses on understanding your background, current concerns, and goals. You can ask questions about the process and discuss what you would like to get out of therapy. There is no expectation to share everything all at once.
Therapy is a confidential, structured conversation guided by professional training. The focus is on patterns, strategies, and practical change rather than informal advice or reassurance.
Sessions focus on current challenges, relevant past experiences, and patterns that affect how you think, feel and respond. The content is guided by your priorities and what feels most useful to address
Therapy is collaborative. Rather than giving instructions, the aim is to help you understand your options, learn about your experience of symptoms, develop skills and strategies to try, and make informed decisions about your situation.
Sessions are purposeful and guided by agreed goals. Some people prefer a more structured approach with specific strategies, while others benefit from open exploration. The approach can be adjusted over time.
No. Some people attend for a small number of focused sessions, while others choose to work together for longer. This can be reviewed regularly.
That's common. Your psychologist helps guide the conversation. You don't need to prepare or organise your thoughts beforehand.
No. Many people attend therapy to navigate stress, changes in life, or improve coping skills. Seeking support is a practical step rather than a sign of failure.
Talking about difficult topics can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Sessions are paced carefully to keep the process manageable and focused on constructive change.
Fit is important. If something is not helpful, it's discussed openly and the approach can be adjusted. You are not obligated to continue if it doesn't feel useful.
This varies depending on your goals and the issues involved. Some people notice useful shifts within a few sessions while more complex concerns can take longer. Progress is reviewed regularly.
Therapy aims to increase understanding, reduce distress and build practical coping strategies. Outcomes differ between people and depend partly on engagement with the process.
Some approaches include practising strategies between sessions. Consistent attendance and active participation tend to support better outcomes.
Many people start with weekly or fortnightly sessions and adjust frequency over time depending on their needs and availability
50 minutes (plus 10 minutes for your therapist to write notes and complete any administrative tasks).