Jessica Cleary

Biography

I support parents through the struggles to the triumphs as they journey to raise resilient and emotionally healthy children in a way that brings joy to parents and connects families. I do this as a Psychologist and Director of Hopscotch & Harmony - Child, Teen and Adult Psychology. After becoming a mother in 2008, my fascination with child development and my own experience of motherhood led me to my true calling. I was never comfortable with the mainstream advice of 'time outs', 'naughty corners' and other punitive discipline in attempt to change a child's behaviour. As a parent and professional I was dismayed to experience a lack of support and endorsement of emotion-focused, developmentally appropriate guidance for parents to help raise emotionally intelligent, resilient and connected children. And so, the idea of Hopscotch & Harmony was born. My vision never wavered as I pursued further study in Educational and Developmental Psychology, had my second child and took a side step from Organisational Psychology and working as a Psychologist in schools. It was time to go all in. In 2013, I took a deep breath and created Hopscotch & Harmony - Child, Teen and Adult Psychology. Fast-forward four years and Hopscotch & Harmony has developed to become a team of ten Psychologists, one Paediatric Dietitian and three Client Relationship Team Members. Together, we work towards the common goal of helping as many families as possible in Melbourne's outer western suburbs achieve harmony at home. I see a shift in parenting practices as more and more researchers, practitioners and educators come together to shine a light on positive parenting practices that come from a place of curiosity, respect and understanding of the child's experience. I am proud to be a part of this movement. More: www.hopscotchandharmony.com.au/jessica I can be contacted on Jessica@hopscotchandharmony.com.au

Research Interest

Psychology,Psychotherapy,Counseling Psychology,mindfulness,Mental Health,Mental Health Counseling,Stress Management