Support for children, teens and cycle-breaking parents — working with the whole child, whole family and the systems around you.
Because things feel less overwhelming when no you longer have to hold them alone.
Seen. Heard. Held.
Seen. Heard. Held.
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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.
Welcome to Attuned Therapy
Different pathways,
One shared intention:
To help you feel more understood, supported and less alone.
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Play-based, relational support to help children understand their emotions, behaviour and world — in ways that feel practical and carry over into everyday life.
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A safe, conversational space to unpack what’s going on — building insight, understanding patterns and creating tools that actually translate into real life.
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Support to reflect, process and make sense of patterns or current challenges — with space to be seen, understood and supported.
Hi, I’m Maddie
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I don’t believe in distant or purely clinical therapy.
I believe in being present, responsive and an emotional presence in the room with you — not just sitting across from you.
How I work has been shaped by years of supporting children, their families, and by my own lived experience of how complex and overwhelming life and parenting can be.
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.
At the heart of my work is relationship.
Creating a space where you feel safe enough to be heard, understood and accepted — just as you are.
Here, there is room for everything — from the depths of despair and grief, to playfulness, insight and humour.
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I’m a counsellor, family therapist and the person behind Attuned.
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.
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.
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.
I look beyond behaviours and “symptoms” and get curious about what’s underneath — including nervous system patterns, past experiences and the environments around 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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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
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 still feel present
Parent / Carer involvement can be included where helpful, while still protecting the young person’s sense of safety and autonomy.
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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 work
Understanding relational patterns
Processing trauma
Navigating life transitions
Exploring identity and self-worth
Or simply having someone sit with you and hold what feels heavy.
You don’t need to be in crisis to begin.
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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
Flexible Support Options
Support does not have to look one way.
Some carers find it helpful to meet regularly — weekly, fortnightly or monthly — especially during more intense seasons or when working towards change at home.
Others prefer to check in more periodically, such as once a term, to reflect on what’s working, what feels stuck, and what support might be needed next.
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.
Structured Support Options
For families wanting more guided support, structured options are available — including:
Parenting on the same page
Post-diagnostic support
School can’t support
Grandparent sessions
Beyond the Session
Where helpful, this work can extend beyond sessions.
This may include:
Supporting communication with schools
Providing written recommendations or reports
Collaborating with other professionals involved in your child’s care
We hold both — supporting your child, while also supporting you.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
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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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🌈 Assessments & Explorations
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. -
Whether you are a new, existing or previous client you can book using the link below to our online booking system.
1. Select your preferred location online or in-person
2. Select whether you are a new or existing client
3. Select from Private-paying, NDIS or Accessible rate service options
3. Select the therapy service option that is closest to what you’re looking for (it’s okay if you are unsure which to pick we can always change if needed)
4. Select the date and time
5. Pay now, pay some or pay later options to 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. -
Standard 50 min (Child, Teen, Adult or Parenting Sessions) $180
Standard 50 min (NDIS Participant Session) (priced per NDIS pricing schedule)
Existing clients can access our Attuned Accessible Rate for any standard 50 min session when needed - this is offered as a reduced rate of $125 to support you through times of financial stress
Outreach & Observation visit cost & timing varies based on needs, location, travel or reports that are needed - we will discuss together
📍In-person, Online & Outreach
📍In-person, Online & Outreach
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 emergencyYou’re welcome to reach out afterwards for ongoing therapeutic support.
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I hold a Diploma of Counselling (with a focus on child development, family therapy and parenting), a Diploma of Early Childhood Education, and specialist training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Level 1.
I am a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).I bring over 15 years’ experience working across early childhood education, child development and behaviour, trauma-informed practice, child protection, family support, and complex mental health. My work has included collaboration with multidisciplinary teams supporting ADHD, ASD, and neurodevelopmental pathways.
Alongside professional training, my work is deeply informed by lived experience as a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult, trauma survivor, and parent of neurodivergent children. This allows me to bridge therapy, home life, parenting, neurodiversity, and education systems with empathy, realism, and practical understanding.
I work alongside people — offering support that is grounded, relational, and informed by both professional expertise and lived insight.
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I support adults, teens, and children (generally 3+), as well as parents and families. For younger children, I often work with parents first using relational and DDP-informed approaches.
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Yes — I offer telehealth sessions Australia-wide, as well as in-person and outreach sessions in Sunbury, the Macedon Ranges, and surrounding areas.
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Yes, I work with Self-Managed and Plan-Managed NDIS participants. NDIS funding can be used for therapy sessions, parent sessions, school/kinder observations, care team meetings, reports, goal translation, and advocacy support.
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Unfortunately, counsellors in Australia are not currently eligible for Medicare rebates including, utilising Mental Health Care Plans. To support accessibility, I offer a reduced, accessible rate for anyone who needs it — no questions asked, no eligibility criteria.
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It’s a reduced fee available to any client who needs more affordable support. You can request it at any time — privately and without explanation.
Everyone deserves access to care. Simply select ‘Accessible’ rate when booking online. -
It’s a warm, conversational space focused on understanding you, your story, and what you’re hoping for. There’s no pressure to share anything before you feel ready. We start at your pace.
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Most therapy sessions run for 50–60 minutes, with longer sessions available for NDIS reviews, school meetings, or report-based work.
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All are welcome at Attuned. It is important to us to create an inclusive, non-judgemental space. Where you feel safe to be your full, authentic self.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work in Sunbury.While my work is grounded in lived experience of trauma, neurodivergence, and parenting, I recognise that every person’s story is unique. I will never assume to have walked in your shoes — only to meet you with respect, curiosity, and genuine care.
This is a space where your whole self is welcome.
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No. Most people come to Attuned before they have clarity. You’re welcome whether you’re exploring neurodivergence as a possibility, looking for post-diagnostic support, navigating emotional or behavioural concerns, healing trauma, or simply wanting a compassionate space to talk.
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I do not provide formal diagnostic assessments.
However, I have extensive experience working alongside psychologists, paediatricians, OTs, and speech pathologists in ADHD and ASD assessment pathways.I can support you or your child to:
• gently explore neurodiversity
• understand traits, patterns, and strengths
• decide whether an assessment may help & with the referral process
• prepare for assessments
• interpret results afterward
• access early intervention
• understand what the diagnosis actually means in real life
• feel seen and supported throughout the processDiagnosis or not, your experience matters — and we work with the whole picture.
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Yes — this is a core part of my service.
I can attend:
• school/kinder meetings
• SSGs & IEPs
• care team meetings
• transition planning
• educator coaching sessionsI also provide written recommendations, reports, and advocacy to help ensure your child is understood and supported.
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Yes — I provide therapy summaries, NDIS review letters, school recommendations, behavioural insights, and accommodation suggestions where appropriate.