Creating Change Psychology & Counselling 20 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista, New South Wales 2153

"Sadly, we had a terrible experience with Creating Change. Despite clearly telling the receptionist that we were seeking academic testing, we were booked a 2 hour appointment with a provisional psychologist, Camilla Phil for a 'parent session'. We understood that this was required prior to academic testing for our child. Apparently, it's not part of the process, and we really have no idea why were ushered into this appointment. During the session with Camilla, where I clearly specified I was not seeking diagnostic testing for developmental issues, and I was seeking academic testing, I was told to test for ASD because 'those people are smart too'. I was pretty appalled at the comment, and really pushed back that we do not need this. I specified I wanted testing in order to obtain a report to take to my child's prep school for extension purposes. At the end of the 2 hour session, we were taken to reception and the receptionist was asked to provide us with the information on developmental assessments. Unbeknownst to us at the time, this was not the same as academic testing, and was actually specifically to test for global delays, ASD etc. Following an email from the receptionist with further information, I looked into the testing, and realised what I had been quoted for, and this is not at all what I had been seeking from day one. At this time I was also told the 2 hour appointment with Camilla was not part of the testing. I raised the issue with the director/owner Rebecca Deane. When I told Rebecca what exactly I was seeking for my child and how I had said this from day one, I was told that there is no such test. This is wrong as I have made other enquiries and have found three separate clinicians at three separate centres who can do exactly what I was seeking. I told Rebecca this, and I was told in reply that their clinicians at Creating Change make their own assessments for what is best for the child. I couldn't believe what I was hearing! It was so rude and elitist. They may be experts on psychology, but my husband and I are the experts on our child. As the parent, it's actually my decision as to what my child needs, so it absolutely was not the place of Camilla to go against our wishes, and pretty sad that Rebecca seemed to defend that position. It is not the place of anyone else to pressure us into anything that we haven't asked for. They may be clinicians but when dealing with parents, the approach should be collaborative, not superior and undermining the parents wishes. If the team were not able to do what we were seeking in terms of academic testing, they simply could have told us from the get go. Instead, the team wasted our time, money and effort, and if I didn't have the presence of mind to double check what was being suggested, I would have spent $3600 on testing we didn't need. I will note that Rebecca did mention that they offer alternative testing options but these are not on the website. When I asked why I wasn't given options and just pushed to pick this costly one that was testing for things I didn't ask for, I was told that I wasn't 'pushed' because it was my choice and no testing was done. I absolutely would not recommend. Regarding the response from the owner below, you've said a lot of nice things, but sadly, what you say and what your team does are two different things. You have acknowledged that I was after specific information and if you could not have supplied this, it is not an opportunity for you to circumvent the parent's wishes and do whatever testing you want. Children are complex, and no one but the involved parents know just how complex their own child is. Taking a wholistic approach means in many ways, you should not fixate on one aspect of the child's behavior. 20 minutes into a 2 hour session where your team has not even met my child does not give me any comfort that you are really taking a wholistic approach. Discounting my feelings on my child is not part of the wholistic approach. So thank you for your many words, none of which you actually stand by."

"Sometimes life just happens. Reaching out can be hard to do, especially with the stigma around mental health. But am I glad that I did to assist me through some challenges with coping after my divorce. The psychologists at Creating Change were extremely helpful with teaching me more positive thought patterns and techniques to stop negative thinking such as ACT theory. I am very grateful that I reached out to them."

"My experience with Creating Change Psychology has always been a very caring, helpful and positive experience. Everyone I have had dealings with have been extremely experienced and polite and I would have no hesitation in recommending this practice."

"Highly recommend therapist Rickii. Wonderfully professional and insightful. She helped my teenager navigate through a very difficult time. Always friendly and efficient service from Creating Change."

"We have been part of the creating change family for over 8 years. Rebecca and the entire team have been amazing to support us through all aspects of our family life and have certainly been the glue that has held us in testing times especially covid! We can’t recommend this great clinic enough and highly recommend you also give it a go for families of all ages."