Welcome, and thank you for being here. My name is Lisa Butcher, I’m a clinical psychologist, mother, singer/songwriter, scuba diver, and crocheter. I struggled through the HSC and wanted to create a program that would help teens and their parents through one of the most challenging years (that doesn’t have to be!). Though I didn’t get great marks in the HSC, I still went on to successfully complete both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in psychology and I now run my own private practice. I have received further training including a CERT-IV in Training and Assessment.

Before you begin, it’s important to say this clearly: you are the expert on your teen. You know their personality, their strengths, and the context of their life far better than any program ever could. This course is designed to support that knowledge — not replace it.

Support Your Teen Through the HSC is a psychologist-led, self-guided program created to help parents understand the emotional and psychological pressures that often arise during Year 12. It focuses on stress, motivation, burnout, study balance, and what genuinely helps during high-pressure periods.

This course is not about pushing harder, micromanaging, or turning parents into teachers. It’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface for teenagers, responding with steadiness rather than urgency, and reducing stress at home where possible.

You can work through the modules in order, or dip into the sections that feel most relevant right now. Each module includes a video and a downloadable PDF handout that you can return to at any time. There’s no expectation to complete everything at once.

During high stress periods like the HSC, music can help regulate emotions in ways that don't require talking or problem solving. The playlist link below is designed to be listened to by your teen (with you as well, if they like!) and blends emotional ballads and high-energy tracks to support both slowing down and releasing stress. It's completely optional, not homework!

Take what’s useful, leave what’s not, and trust yourself. When you’re ready, you can begin with the first module below.

Copyright: All course materials, including videos, handouts, and other content, are the intellectual property of Lisa Butcher and Patronus Psychology. These materials are for personal use only and cannot be shared or redistributed without explicit permission.