Navigating health challenges together with strength and support.

Support for Parents & Children Facing Illnesses in Melbourne

What Facing Illness in the Family Feels Like

When a family member, especially a child, is dealing with a serious illness, the entire family dynamic can shift. This can bring about feelings of fear, uncertainty, and a pressing need for practical and emotional support. Feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed while navigating the medical system is a very usual response.

When to Seek Help

If your family is struggling to cope with the emotional strain of illness or if you need help managing the care responsibilities and maintaining family well-being, professional support can be crucial.

Our Therapists

Hawksburn Therapy Centre offers specialised support for families dealing with health challenges. Our therapists understand the emotional and psychological impact of illness and provide strategies to support both parents and children through these tough times.

Signs and Symptoms of Strain Due to Illness

The impact of illness on families can manifest in various ways:

  • Emotional: Anxiety, depression, or hopelessness- concerns about negative outcomes , significant emotional loads with attending medical appointments and side effects of undergoing treatments.
  • Physical: Sleep problems, changes in appetite, or consistent  fatigue, feeling unwell and under par.
  • Behavioural: Withdrawal from social activities, decreased performance at school or work, or increased familial conflict, past unresolved conflicts adding to the burden.

You Can Book an Appointment Today

We understand how overwhelming it can be to face illness within the family. Our team is here to offer compassionate support and practical strategies to help you through. Contact our expert therapists today.

The write up for

Parents & Children Facing Illnesses

 is coming soon. See our therapists who specialize in this area below.

Therapists who specialise in

Parents & Children Facing Illnesses

Lynne Datnow

Psychologist

Individual Psychotherapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Clinical Supervision

Lynne brings over 45 years of clinical experience in child, adolescent, individual, couples and family therapy. Specialising in complex relationship issues and systemic family conflicts, Lynne's approach is informed by her extensive practice in both public and private sectors.

Lara Hanson

Psychologist

Individual Psychotherapy
Adolescent Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy

Lara has refined a compassionate and client-centrered approach through nearly 20 years in clinical and hospital settings. She is experienced in helping clients through personal crises from cancer to mental health and family challenges such as chronic conflict, separation and parenting issues.