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Understanding Stress Responses in Children
Child Trauma & Stress Responses Support
Assessment Information Sheet – HarbourLight Psychology Melbourne
Understanding Stress Responses in Children
Children can experience strong reactions after scary, upsetting, or overwhelming events. This might include accidents, medical procedures, witnessing conflict, natural disasters, sudden changes, or exposure to frightening situations or media.
Some distress after these experiences is normal. For some children, however, reactions can linger and start to interfere with daily life, sleep, school, or relationships.
These responses are not a sign of weakness or poor coping. They reflect how a child’s nervous system is trying to keep them safe after something that felt threatening or overwhelming.
At HarbourLight Psychology, we provide gentle, developmentally informed support for children who are experiencing ongoing stress reactions. Our focus is on supporting children to feel safer and calmer, and to build confidence in everyday life over time.
Every child responds differently. Common experiences may include:
Common Stress Reactions in Children
Worries & Fears
- • Ongoing fear about the event happening again
• Increased worry about safety
• Asking repeated questions for reassurance
• Avoiding reminders of what happened
Emotional & Physical Signs
- • Clinginess or withdrawal
• Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
• Tearfulness or irritability
• Nightmares or difficulty sleeping
• Stomach aches or headaches linked to stress
Impact on Daily Life
- • Avoiding places, people, or activities
• Difficulty concentrating at school
• Reduced interest in play
• Increased family stress
These reactions can overlap with anxiety, low mood, or sleep difficulties.
Why Seek Support?
When stress reactions persist, children may begin to feel:
• unsafe
• overwhelmed
• misunderstood
• reluctant to engage in everyday activities
Support may assist children to:
• feel safer in their bodies
• express feelings
• develop coping strategies
• build confidence
• re-engage with play and learning
Therapy is not about “forgetting” what happened; it focuses on helping children feel more able to manage their reactions.
Therapy Process
Support is child-centred, collaborative, and play-based.
What to expect:
Initial Sessions:
Understanding what your child experienced, how it is affecting them now, and what feels most challenging.
Check-ins & Tools:
Age-appropriate activities and gentle questionnaires to understand patterns and track progress.
Ongoing Sessions:
Play-based work to practise:
• calming strategies
• emotional expression
• feeling safe
• coping with reminders
• building confidence
Review & Planning:
Regular reviews to adjust strategies.
Duration: Varies depending on individual needs
Cost: Medicare rebates may be available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan. Private health insurance or NDIS support may be available depending on your circumstances. Please confirm with your provider or case manager.
Wait time: Current wait times are typically around 1–2 weeks
Parent involvement is discussed collaboratively.
How Therapy May Support Your Child
Support may help children to:
• Develop a greater sense of safety
• Explore ways to reduce fear and avoidance
• Support improvements in sleep
• Express emotions in safe and appropriate ways
• Develop coping tools
• Support the development of confidence
• Re-engage with school and play over time
Approaches Commonly Used
We draw on evidence-based child psychology approaches, including:
• Psychoeducation – understanding stress responses
• Play-based therapy
• CBT-informed strategies – understanding thoughts and behaviours
• Grounding & relaxation skills
• Strengths-based work
We do not push children to talk about experiences before they feel ready.
Where appropriate, collaboration with schools or GPs may form part of the support process. We work alongside families and other professionals to support your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my child needs support?
If fear, avoidance, or distress continues for several weeks and affects daily life, support may help.
Is this PTSD?
We focus on understanding your child’s experiences and supporting coping. Formal diagnosis is not required to begin therapy.
What happens in sessions?
Play, stories, drawing, and gentle activities to help children feel safe and learn coping skills.
Will parents be involved?
Yes, involvement is discussed collaboratively and tailored to your child’s needs.
Can medication help?
For most young children, psychological therapy is the first-line approach. In some cases, medication may be considered and is always prescribed and monitored by a GP or paediatrician.
When to Seek Urgent Support
If your child expresses thoughts about harming themselves or others, or you have immediate safety concerns, urgent support is important:
• Contact your GP
• Attend your nearest emergency department
• Call Lifeline 13 11 14
Why Choose HarbourLight Psychology?
- • Registered psychologists experienced in supporting children with trauma and stress responses
• Developmentally informed care
• Warm, child-friendly approach
• Medicare and Private options
• After-school appointments
• Location: Melbourne / East Melbourne
Get Started
If stress reactions are affecting your child’s wellbeing, support is available.
HarbourLight Psychology – helping children feel safe and supported again.
Feel understood. Find your way forward.
Get in touch for any questions so we can start working together. Call 03 8594 0423 or message below
