Spotlight On: Gold Coast Psychologist Emily Rutherford
- Sarah W
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Getting to Know Emily Rutherford: Supporting Parents and Young Neurodiverse Children
What are some of the areas you're most passionate about supporting?
One of the biggest areas I'm passionate about is supporting parents. Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming.
There is so much advice available, so many different parenting approaches, and often a lot of judgement. It can be hard to know what feels right for your family.
I enjoy working alongside parents to help them feel more confident in themselves and their parenting.
Rather than focusing on being the "perfect" parent, I like helping families identify their own strengths and build an approach that feels authentic, practical, and sustainable.
I'm also passionate about working with young children.
The early years are such an important time for development. As children begin exploring the world around them, they're learning about themselves, their emotions, relationships, and how they respond to new experiences. Supporting children during these years can help lay strong foundations for emotional wellbeing, confidence, and resilience as they grow.
Another area that's particularly important to me is supporting autistic and ADHD children and their families. I love working within the neurodiverse community and value a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach.
Every child experiences the world in their own unique way, and I enjoy helping families better understand their child's individual strengths, differences, and support needs.
What drew you to becoming a Gold Coast Psychologist, working with children and families?
I've always enjoyed working with children because they see the world with such curiosity and honesty. I find it incredibly rewarding to support them as they develop confidence, emotional awareness, and the skills they'll continue to build on throughout life.
Working with parents is equally meaningful to me because children don't exist in isolation. When parents feel supported and understood, it often has a positive flow-on effect for the whole family.
As a parent yourself, does that influence your work?
Absolutely.
I'm the mum of two young children, so I understand firsthand that parenting can be joyful, exhausting, messy, and filled with moments of self-doubt.
While every family's experience is unique, being a parent has given me a deeper appreciation for the day-to-day realities that families navigate.
It reminds me how important it is that parents have a space where they feel heard, supported, and never judged.
What is your approach when working with families?
I believe parents know their children better than anyone else.
My role isn't to tell families how they should parent, but to work collaboratively with them.
Together we explore what's working well, identify challenges, and develop practical strategies that fit their child's needs and their family's values.
I aim to create a supportive environment where parents feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and celebrating progress—however big or small.
What would you like parents to know before they reach out?
You don't need to have everything figured out before seeking support.
Whether you're noticing differences in your child's development, navigating big emotions or challenging behaviours, exploring Autism or ADHD, or simply feeling overwhelmed by parenting, it's okay to ask for support.
Parenting isn't about having all the answers. Sometimes having someone alongside you to explore the journey can make all the difference.
Emily Rutherford is a Gold Coast Psychologist with a special interest in parenting support, early childhood development, and working with autistic and ADHD children.
She understands how overwhelming parenting can feel — particularly with the constant advice, expectations, and judgement that many parents face.
Emily's areas of Interest
Gold Coast Autism, ADHD & cognitive assessments for:
Children (aged 6+)
Adolescents
Adults
Supporting individuals, parents and families to understand and embrace their neurodivergent selves while:
Navigating anxiety, depression, stress & burnout
Building confidence & self-worth from their strengths
Developing emotional regulation tools
Thriving through life transitions & relationships
Strengthen family & parenting connections
Exploring demand-avoidant profiles (including PDA)-clinic appointment as well as supporting our Bridge To Home Program, in-home parenting support for families.
To book an appointment with Emily, contact the clinic here.
Telehealth available.
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