Parenting often requires wearing many different hats all at the same time – from chauffeur to cook, sports coach to counsellor, nurse to Santa Claus. Yet,when it comes to your child’s mental health, letting the professionals step in might be for the best.
Asking for help is a big step (and often, the most difficult), but there is no shame in wanting your children to learn how to cope better, communicate better, and do better.
We sat down with leading Educational and Developmental Psychologist Clare Rowe to tell us a bit more about her child psychology practice; Rowe & Associates, who service the needs of children and their families across the St George and Sutherland Shire.
MOTS: Welcome Clare! Tell us a bit about yourself.
CR: Hi Mums of the Shire! I’m an Educational and Developmental Psychologist, and a local Shire girl who has lived in this area my whole life.
I am a separated mum of two young children that gets frustrated when I see so-called experts on social media dish out advice that is unrealistic and impractical.
I got a reputation very quickly for being different to others in my field when I started practising. I am real, I am relatable, and I offer parents solutions that they can actually implement in their day-to-day lives.
I now appear on TV and radio weekly, and am about to launch a podcast this year called “On the Couch with Clare!”
MOTS: Tell us about Rowe & Associates.
CR: Rowe & Associates is a leading child psychology clinic that has been servicing the St George and Sutherland Shire for 15 years.
We empower adults to be confident parents who are able to support their children build resilience as well as help strengthen family relationships. After all, we believe that the best therapists for children are their parents!
I head up the practice and am joined by an experienced team of experts in paediatric psychology.
We routinely make the finals each year as the best local health service and have built a trusted reputation in the community with family GPs and paediatricians.
MOTS: Why did you start Rowe & Associates?
CR: We know that there is far too much information out there when it comes to parenting and kids’ mental health – books, podcasts, Facebook groups, blogs, the media, e-books….. and it can be overwhelming for parents.
We see a generation of anxious parents who want the best for their children but are confused about what to do. Rowe & Associates aims to bridge that gap for parents by providing them with practical support and evidence-based expertise.
MOTS: What makes Rowe & Associates different from other providers?
CR: We pride ourselves on providing common sense and practical solutions to strengthen family relationships, restore calm and order to a chaotic home, as well as help build resilience in children.
We don’t employ junior psychologists, counsellors or interns. All of our psychologists have expert training in child mental health and have years of experience behind them.
MOTS: What services does Rowe & Associates offer?
CR: Rowe & Associates supports families in a variety of ways – individual appointments, assessments, school interventions, online webinars and podcasts.
Our clinicians are all highly trained and experienced in paediatric psychology and family relationships. All of our appointments are based on evidence and highly tailored to each family’s unique circumstances.
MOTS: What is the ambition of Rowe & Associates?
CR: We want to cut through the noise in the industry which most of the time can just make parents second guess themselves and often increases anxiety. We want to provide realistic, practical strategies that actually fit with everyday life – not every parent has time to dedicate one on one time with their child, or practise gentle parenting!
The business strives to provide a premium service. In March 2021, we opened a custom built state-of-the-art clinic that offers families a modern and beautiful space to be in whilst they work on their relationships and emotions.
MOTS: What advice do you have for any parents unsure of their next step?
CR: You don’t need to have a mental health problem in order to seek help, even if it’s just to empower your confidence as a parent and reassure you that you are on the right track. With so much information around, it is important to work with a reliable source. Rowe & Associates is the longstanding expert service that has stood the test of time.
Parents can see a child psychologist for just one or two sessions of practical help. Sometimes we don’t even need to meet the child!
Rowe & Associates currently has availability with their experienced clinicians with little to no wait time. Should any MOTS parents want to enquire further or make a booking, visit the website here, email [email protected] or call (02) 8580 9322.
