About Us | About Us |
Mission and Aims
As parents and Psychologists, we wanted to create a unique place for adults and families. We believe that in addition to providing excellence in psychological care, it is important to provide a warm, pleasant and comfortable environment. So to make sure children and adults alike feel comfortable, our office is not intimidating. You will feel at home in our attractive, friendly setting. Positive Families brings together the combined experience and expertise of two Psychologists, Larne Wellington and Ross Chapman. Their down to earth and engaging style has made them popular amongst parents, children and young people. As parents themselves, Larne and Ross understand the importance of providing practical common sense strategies and solutions for home and school. Our Team
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Larne Wellington is the Director of Positive Families and the creator of the highly successful Confident Kids and Teens program. Larne is a registered Psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Larne has worked with children, adolescents and adults in various settings. Larne is committed to providing therapy that is evidence-based, effective and supportive.
Larne also specialises in couple therapy, parenting and stepfamily issues. She enjoys helping couples navigate their way through the unique challenges of stepfamily life. Larne has been a guest on 96.5 Family radio discussing stepfamilies and recently featured in a two part documentary series on SBS called Once Bitten: Love the second time around.
In addition to her professional expertise, Larne has first hand experience and a true understanding of the complexity of stepfamily experience. She is part of a blended family and is mum to two daughters and stepmum to one.
Larne offers counselling and psychological therapy in the following areas:
Relationship issues
Marriage difficulties
Family conflicts
Coping with separation and divorce
Step and blended family issues
Pre marriage counselling
Child and adolescent issues
Workplace issues
Individual treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, life changes, grief.
Ross Chapman. B.A., Dip Teach., M.Ed., G. Dip Psych., P.G.
Dip Psych. AMAPS. Psychologist and Educator
Ross Chapman has a unique background in working with young people where his vast experience as an educator, psychologist and coach enables him to support adolescents and their families in understanding and responding to the various situations that are an inevitable aspect of their development.
He has occupied several senior positions at some of Australia's leading educational institutions in which he has designed and managed personal development programs, residential communities, faciltiated groups and counselled indviduals during their journey through adolescence. His familiarity with the systematic processes and culture in which young people reside allows him to offer a highly practical insight into specific issues. The post graduate research that Ross has conducted into the motivational factors which affect senior students forms the basis of the group coaching sessions which he provides.
Ross is a registered psychologist whose experience in private practice includes the provision of a wide range of therapeutic interventions. He conducts individual counselling sessions for both adolescents and adults as well as for partners and families and is available to speak to parent groups on the subject of "supportively parenting your adolescent". Ross also has a substantial background in sport where he has been a professional coach both in Australia and overseas and is the current Australian cricket team psychologist, having worked with the team during all series since 2008.
Ross offers counselling and psychological therapy in the following areas:-
Adolescents/Young Adults
Relationship counselling
Individual counselling for depression, mood/stress management
Addictive behaviour
Educational and career issues
Performance coaching - workplace, study, social settings and sport
Health issues/ Weight Loss
Ross is available for appointments on Monday, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturday mornings.
Day time and evening appointments available.
Bethany Mackay. B. PSYCH (HONS), B.ED (PRIM) &
DPSYCHCLIN (CURRENT) Intern Psychologist
Bethany is a Provisional Psychologist and Associate member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She is currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Queensland University of Technology, which focuses on implementing evidence-based integrative psychotherapy. Bethany is also a qualified teacher with experience in both primary and secondary education.
Bethany has recently completed research exploring adolescent attitudes towards intelligence and how this influences motivation to learn. She is currently working with a number of primary schools to research effective methods for promoting wellbeing and preventing depression in adolescents. Bethany is also interested in coping mechanisms for child and adolescent anxiety and is particularly passionate about supporting young people to live fulfilling lives.
Bethany offers counselling and psychological therapy in the following areas:-
Children/Adolescents
Young Adults
Individual treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, life issues
Educational issues
Relationship issues
Bethany is available for appointments on Tuesdays from 3.00pm at a reduced rate. Please phone us on 3368 1307 for more information.