Support for Children with Big Feelings, Meltdowns, and Emotional Overwhelm
Paediatric Occupational Therapy in Ballarat
f everyday moments like getting dressed, leaving the house, or going to school regularly end in tears or meltdowns, you’re not alone - and you’re
not failing your child.
Occupational therapy can help you understand why this is happening and what actually helps - without labels, blame, or pressure to commit long-term.
This first step is about making life calmer, not judging parenting or escalating problems.
Takes just a minute. A team member will confirm your booking and next steps.
Most parents who land here have been coping for a long time.
You might be experiencing:
Daily meltdowns over small things
Emotional explosions around routines or transitions
Walking on eggshells to avoid setting your child off
School drop-off that leaves you anxious all day
A constant feeling that your child is overwhelmed
If this sounds familiar, it doesn’t mean your child is “too sensitive” or that you’ve missed something important. It means their nervous system may be working harder than others.
Why Families Come to Us
Many parents come after being told:
“They’ll grow out of it”
“It’s just behaviour”
“You need to be firmer”
What they find instead is:
A calmer understanding of their child
Less blame and more clarity
Practical changes that make daily life easier
We focus on helping children feel safe, regulated, and capable not controlling behaviour.
How Occupational Therapy Helps with Big Feelings
Children don’t melt down because they want to they melt down because they can’t cope yet.
Occupational therapy helps by:
Identifying emotional and sensory triggers
Supporting regulation and coping skills
Reducing overwhelm during daily routines
Helping children recover faster after emotional overload
Giving parents practical ways to respond without escalating things
Our sessions are play-based, gentle, and tailored to how your child’s nervous system works not generic behaviour strategies.
What Happens in the First Appointment
Parents often tell us the biggest relief is finally understanding why things are hard.
In your child’s first session, we:
Spend time listening to your concerns and what daily life looks like
Complete a play-based assessment with your child
Explain what’s happening in clear, non-judgemental language
You’ll leave knowing:
Why meltdowns are happening
How to reduce their intensity and frequency
What actually helps your child calm and recover
Whether ongoing therapy would be useful - or not
Even if you choose not to continue, the session stands on its own.
Identify emotional regulation and sensory triggers
Give you 2–3 practical strategies you can use immediately at home or school
Important to Know Before You Book
Many parents hesitate because they’re worried about what booking means. So let’s be clear.
You don’t need a diagnosis or referral
We don’t label children
There are no lock-in therapy packages
The goal of the first appointment is to understand, not to commit you to months of therapy.
You’re always in control
of next steps
NDIS, Medicare & Private Appointments
We accept:
NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed)
Medicare EPC referrals (with GP referral)
Private bookings
We keep a limited number of appointments each month for families who want to start sooner rather than sit on a long waitlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Many parents book to gain clarity - not because something is ‘wrong’. Understanding often reduces worry.
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Only if it’s helpful. We review progress regularly and there’s no obligation to continue.
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Many families notice small but meaningful shifts within a few weeks, especially with the right strategies in place.
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You’re welcome to attend together, and we help you explain your child’s needs clearly at home.
Book Your Child’s Occupational Therapy Initial Session
If you’re ready to understand what’s going on - and what would actually help - the next step is simple.
No diagnosis or referral needed.
This is just the first step to understand what might help.
Prefer to Talk First?
If you’d like to ask a quick question before booking, that’s completely fine.
A short call can help you decide whether this is the right fit for your child.