Positive Families - Counselling, Psychology and Mediation services

How Can We Help?

We want to help you become all that you can be! Our evidence-based strategies and techniques support a full range of psychological services.  Positive Families is also the home of the Confident Kids ^(R) and Confident Teens ^(R) emotional resiliency programs .

At Positive Families our mission is to equip children and adults with resiliency skills and  practical, effective strategies so they can lead healthier and happier lives.

Our Team

Larne Wellington, Psychologist

B PSYCH (HONS)(QUT) AAPS

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 has a particular interest in family and parenting issues, promoting resilience and emotional well-being in children and adolescents through the use of early intervention initiatives such as mindfulness-based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Larne is also undertaking her Phd in the School of Medicine at the University of Queensland investigating mindfulness in primary schools.

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 

Sharyn Ferris, Psychologist

BA (HONS)(PSYCH)(QLD)AAPS

Sharyn is a professional Psychologist with broad experience in industry, private practice and academia. Sharyn is an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society and is registered as a Psychologist in Queensland. Sharyn practices privately and has worked extensively within multinational organisations in Australia and overseas to provide individual counselling services and advice with respect to human resource development.

Sharyn's focus in supporting individuals is based within the philosophy that defines personal/interpersonal disturbance as being the interaction between thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Sharyn helps clients distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate feelings in their reaction to life and unfortunate sets of events.

In addition to her counselling work with individuals Sharyn brings a psychometrical approach to working with those who seek guidance with respect to their career or academic choices. Sharyn believes that choices need to be based on sound knowledge of the individual, their capacities and available opportunities. 

Appointments for Sharyn can be made by calling 3401 9799 

Peter Marcon, Psychologist

Dip Teach (Primary), B.Ed. Studies, B. Sci (Psych),
Postgraduate Diploma Psychology

Peter brings to his psychology practice over 25 years experience supporting children, adolescents and adults in educational settings. His roles have included Primary teacher, Teaching Principal, Behaviour Support Teacher, Special Education Teacher and Developmental Guidance Officer.

Peter has a Diploma in Teaching (Primary), a Bachelor in Educational Studies, a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology. Peter is an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society and is a fully registered Psychologist in Queensland.

Peter believes people are the specialists in their own lives and that the role of the  Mental Health Professional is to help clients to understand themselves more, without getting in the way.

Peter has had considerable experience in supporting families through separation and divorce, anxiety and stress, bullying, relationship difficulties, grief, anger management, general school issues, developing resilience, coping with life changes and goal setting.