Monique Cohen

I have been a child and adolescent psychotherapist for over 30

years. I trained as a clinical psychologist, and began my career as a

manager in a Community Aid Centre in the Western Suburbs of

Sydney, setting up support groups and services for families

struggling financially, and establishing teenage mother's support

groups. That was followed, by my work as an adolescent’s drug and

alcohol educator in the St George area of Sydney.

After this, my work in The Department of Juvenile Justice spanned

20 years. It included a number of roles such as Drug and alcohol

counsellor, Violent offender counsellor and specialist counsellor.

The latter focussed on working with teenagers, who had committed

very serious or bizarre offences. In these roles, I had the privilege of working

with and helping some of the most abused children in the system.

I also trained in working with very young children, and using sand tray

and play therapy. I’ve always connected to psychoanalytic

psychotherapy. This type of therapy focuses on the

meaning behind behaviour and uses play as a means of healing.

Thus, tapping into play to help clients work through difficulties is very natural,

gentle, fun and effective.

When I had my own children, I expanded into private practice as I could work

closer to home and be more available for them. In my private practice based

in the Sutherland Shire, I see children and adolescents and their families.

Planet Parent is my first published book. It came from a mix of my observations of

my clients struggles and also my own experience as a mum of two wonderful daughters.

My hope for Planet Parent is that it helps parents to understand, survive and enjoy their children!

In my spare time, I adore cuddling and playing (of course!) with my two energetic dogs, walking in

nature, reading, watching movies and listening to music (sometimes playing the guitar and keyboard).