Areas of Practice
WE SPECIALISE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS
Parenting Support
Children may lack some skills to deal with social and emotional challenges that require effortful regulation of behaviour. A child’s behaviours may not reflect simple developmental immaturity but specific skill delays in regulated behaviour, organised play, emotion control and/or social understanding.
I adopt an individualised approach in support of parenting and understanding of children’s behavioural challenges. This approach is informed by an integration of attachment and social learning theories and is paired with developmental skill building for the child.
Childhood Anxiety
Helping children embrace confidence and a life free from fear is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Over 20 years of dedicated practice, I have helped children learn to manage their anxiety and fears. My work involves teaching children stepwise calming and coping skills with an understanding of the why, how, and when to use skills; and includes highly effective practical strategies for parents and teachers in helping children overcome worry, school refusal, separation anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, obsessions and compulsions.
ADHD – Self-Regulation Challenges
The skills of self-regulation represent a core difficulty for children who have a diagnosis of ADHD or for those who experience a degree of challenge in this area of development. I help children understand their ADHD diagnosis or self-regulation challenges in the context of their strengths. Together, we work on improving functional skills to help reduce the impact of challenges on the child’s daily life. A key part of this work includes positive parenting strategies that consider the impact of challenges on child and family.
Skill Building for School Readiness
If you are a parent of a young child who is quick to anger, constantly ‘on the go’ and easily distracted, you might worry about whether your child is ready for school.
Children are born with an amazing potential to learn. Teaching the skills of self-regulation places an emphasis on proactive management and skill building in preparing children for the demands of formal schooling. Children are introduced to specific skill sets that support the development of learning and prosocial behaviours -
Listening attentively and following instructions
Keeping physical energy in check as appropriate for the situation
Friendship builders and blockers
Managing disappointment and frustration
Parents are guided in their important role of helping their child use these skills meaningfully in everyday contexts.
Intervention Support for Autistic Children in the Primary School Years
I work with children who are supported by the self-managed policy of NDIS funding. Goal-directed therapy that targets specific developmental challenges is provided for a defined number of sessions.
