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Karen Young

About Karen Young

BSc (Psych) (Hons), Masters in Gestalt Therapy, speaker, leader in child and adolescent anxiety, and best selling author | heysigmund.com

Karen Young is a leading authority on child and adolescent anxiety, with a background in psychology and extensive experience working with children, teens, families, schools, and organisations.

She is the founder of Hey Sigmund, a globally recognised resource that translates the latest psychological research into practical, accessible strategies for everyday life.

Authoring six books, including the bestselling Hey Warrior, Karen is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and media commentator. Her work is driven by a passion for making psychology understandable, empowering parents, educators, and young people with the knowledge and confidence to thrive.

But credentials only tell part of the story.

Karen believes that with the right information, people can do extraordinary things. Through her writing, speaking, and advocacy, she is committed to helping children and families build resilience, strengthen wellbeing, and navigate the challenges of being human with courage and connection.

Featured In

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  • Anxiety and School Avoidance
    Anxiety and School Avoidance
    Mental Health & Anxiety

    Anxiety and School Avoidance

    Understanding the challenges your child or teen might experience and strategies for supporting their mental health.

  • Big Feelings and Behaviour
    Big Feelings and Behaviour
    Big Feelings and Behaviour

    Big Feelings and Behaviour

    Strong emotions are a natural part of growing up, for children and for teens. When big feelings lead to challenging behaviour, it can feel confusing and exhausting for families. Children and adolescents are still developing the skills to recognise, manage and express emotions, and behaviour is often a sign of stress, overwhelm or unmet needs.

Guidance for Users

The advice provided on this site and contained within the resources relates to general wellbeing information only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or professional advice. It doesn’t take into account your family’s individual circumstances.

Furthermore, links to external websites are provided for your convenience and to access credible, evidence-based information. Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle does not control, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of information on these external sites.

For personalised support, please consult a qualified health professional.
If you or your child are in immediate danger, call 000.
For 24/7 support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.