Behavioural Difficulties Support at Lakeside Rooms

Supporting Well-being and Stronger Everyday Functioning

Everyone reacts to stress or big emotions differently. Behaviour is often a person’s way of showing how they feel - especially when finding the right words is hard. When behaviour becomes persistent, intense, or begins to affect school, work, home life or relationships, support from a psychologist or psychiatrist can make a meaningful difference.

Behavioural difficulties can appear in many ways.

Children may show big emotions, defiance, aggression, or difficulty following routines. Teenagers may withdraw socially, take more risks, or experience greater conflict with family and peers. Adults might struggle with emotional regulation, anger, or frustration in everyday situations.

These patterns are not a sign of failure - they are signals that someone is doing their best with the coping skills they currently have.

Behavioural challenges are very common. Research shows around 1 in 7 Australian children aged 4–11 experience significant emotional or behavioural difficulties (AIHW, 2023). In school settings, around 16% of young Australians report difficulties focusing or managing behaviour (Mission Australia Youth Survey, 2022). These numbers highlight that many people face similar challenges - and that support is both helpful and normal.

How Lakeside Rooms Can Help

At Lakeside Rooms, practitioners will explore what is driving behaviour beneath the surface - whether it relates to anxiety, attention challenges, learning differences, trauma history or major life stress. Together with you, your therapist will guide work toward healthier communication, emotional resilience, and stronger relationships.

Evidence-based therapeutic approaches may include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – building coping and self-regulation skills
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed strategies – managing impulses and big feelings
Parent Management Training (PMT) – supporting effective and positive behaviour at home
Collaborative Problem Solving – encouraging cooperation and practical skills
Parent and Child Therapy / Family-focused support – strengthening the parent–child relationship
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – handling difficult thoughts while staying aligned with values
Play-based or expressive therapies – engaging younger clients in a developmentally appropriate way

Support may also focus on building confidence at school or work, strengthening peer connections, and developing routines that support wellbeing. Psychiatric support is another aspect of treatment that can provide a medical perspective, which may help clarify diagnosis or guide treatment.

Lakeside Rooms practitioners are experienced in working with children, adolescents, and adults. They approach treatment with curiosity and compassion, and are committed to help support individuals and families to create lasting, positive change.