Child / Adolescent / Parent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists are committed to working in a child-focused manner that engages parents/carers and recognises the importance of family and community. Central to this approach is an understanding of the unconscious mind and the unique ways in which children communicate their inner experiences. Psychoanalytic processes help us to listen to and interpret these communications.

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Child Psychotherapists have specialist knowledge in understanding child development and assessing childhood disorders based in theories of attachment, systems theory, and neuroscience and how early trauma can affect the developing brain.

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Child Psychotherapists hold an undergraduate degree and a professional qualification

eg: Psychology, Pediatrics, General Medical Practice, Psychiatry, Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology or other qualification deemed appropriate​​

Training in Child Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy comprises these three components undertaken concurrently: Clinical Training + Theoretical Studies + Personal Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

The Clinical Training Programme is a 3.5 year minimum course conducted by the Child Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Association of Australia (CPPAA). Candidates undertake a 12 month Infant Observation 

​ and Clinical Supervision of training cases with a minimum total of 300 hrs supervision