First Steps Psychology

Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychologist on the Mornington Peninsula

First Steps Psychology is a private psychology clinic in Bittern, Mornington Peninsula, offering neurodiversity-affirming therapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. We provide child and adult psychology services, including autism therapy, ADHD support, anxiety therapy, trauma-informed care, and depression support in a unique farm and nature-based environment.

 

Our peaceful rural setting, with animals, open space, and connection with nature, supports emotional regulation, reduces anxiety, and helps clients of all ages engage more fully in therapy.

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Why Choose First Steps Psychology?

 

Our psychology practice on the Mornington Peninsula offers a nature-based, farm environment where clients can interact with animals and spend time outdoors. This approach is particularly helpful for children and adults who find indoor clinics overwhelming, as well as for those seeking neuroaffirming, trauma-informed therapy.

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Our therapy environment helps:

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Support emotional regulation

• Encourage engagement and safety​​

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Our Philosophy

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At First Steps Psychology, we believe:

“People do well if they can.”

We do not see behaviour as "lazy"  “naughty” or “defiant.” Instead, we focus on understanding the underlying needs, stressors, and sensory experiences of each person.

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Our approach is:

• Neurodiversity-affirming (supporting autism, ADHD, and neurodivergent individuals)

• Trauma-informed

• Strengths-based and person-centered

• Integrated with outdoor and animal-assisted therapy

 

Who We Support

We provide psychology services for children, adolescents, adults, and families in the Mornington Peninsula region, including support for:

• Autism and ADHD (child and adult assessments and therapy)

• Anxiety and stress

• Trauma and emotional overwhelm

• Depression and low mood

• Behavioural and relational challenges

• Self-esteem, identity, and confidence

• Parenting and family support

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Whether you’re seeking support for your child, yourself, or your family, we tailor therapy to meet your individual needs.

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Child & Adolescent Psychology

Support for anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioural challenges, trauma, social development, and neurodivergence.

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Adult Psychology

Therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, Autism, ADHD, and life stress.

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Family & Parent Support

Collaborative approaches to understand behaviour, strengthen family relationships, and support children’s emotional development.

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Assessments

Neuroaffirming assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. We offer different assessment options for Autism, ADHD, Specific Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia) and Intellectual Disability. We have a range of assessment options to cater for all budgets. 

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Nature & Animal-Assisted Therapy

Sessions that incorporate outdoor spaces and interaction with animals to enhance emotional regulation and engagement.

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What to Expect

At First Steps Psychology, your therapy journey may include:

1. Initial consultation to discuss your goals and concerns

2. Collaborative goal setting for therapy

3. Ongoing therapy sessions in our farm-based, nature-rich environment

 

Our sessions may be indoor, outdoor, or animal-assisted, depending on what is best for each client.

 

Our Location

We are located in Bittern on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, on small hobby farm with animals and natural outdoor spaces. Clients from across the Mornington Peninsula come to our nature-based psychology practice for therapy that supports emotional wellbeing, neurodivergence, and mental health.

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Get in Touch

Ready to start your journey with First Steps Psychology? Contact us today to book a consultation or discuss the best therapy approach for you or your child.