WELCOME TO PSYCHOLOGICAL WISDOM
Child and Adolescent Counselling
I offer counseling sessions for children aged 10 years and above, providing a safe space where they can freely express both their positive and challenging qualities without judgment. Younger children often have difficulty engaging in self-reflection due to their developing sense of self. However, with the right mental health support and guidance from a supportive mentor, children can flourish.
In these child psychology sessions, I focus on unconditional positive regard, creating a nurturing environment for our young clients. While parents can also offer support, the child-parent dynamic can sometimes strain this space, making it challenging for parents to provide consistent unconditional support. I tailor my approach to meet the child’s developmental needs, offering parents peace of mind, psychological support, and valuable knowledge to navigate difficult times and behavioural challenges. Through my dedicated and open-hearted support, I have observed that parents and children find stability and resilience, benefiting from the presence of a trusted therapist within the family team.
NDIS - Child Psychology
Is provided to children with an approved “managed” or “self-managed” NDIS package plan.
The child and parent education sessions are based upon the approved NDIS item Improved Daily living.
Learning Disorder & Assessment
Psychological testing and behavioural assessments are offered to both NDIS funded children, and child who require a full psychological assessment for diagnosis of a developmental delay disorder. These may include Autism Spectrum, Aspergers Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Conduct problems and Oppositional Defiance Disorder. Dyslexia, Reading Disorder.
IPTA - Interpersonal Psychodynamic Therapy
Interpersonal Psychodynamic Therapy (IPT-A) has been found helpful in addressing adolescent major depressive disorder. IPT-A Therapy is based upon attachment theories of personality development and involves one session per week, for 12 weeks, with each session lasting about 45–60 minutes. In addition, the young teen and I might also meet with their parents or guardians for 1–3 sessions as needed. Each therapy session has a very specific focus.
How I work with the 3 phases of Therapy
PHASE 1
Initial
I conduct an 'interpersonal inventory,' engaging in discussions to identify the significant relationships in a young person's life.
I then assess both the strengths and challenges in their communication and problem-solving abilities within these relationships.
PHASE 2
Remedial
I delve into the connections between certain events, and the emotional responses they trigger in teenagers.
This process helps to identify triggers enabling a deeper understanding of the underlying factors contributing to emotional challenges.
I aim to empower teenagers to foster emotional resilience and well-being.
PHASE 3
Completion
In conclusion, our discussions include the teenager's understanding of their emotions.
I assess the valuable skills they have acquired, acknowledge the goals they have achieved, and encourage them to implement the coping strategies they have learned for any future challenging situations...
MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN
These are covered by Medicare MHCP from your GP doctor. This service is part client-funded fee, and a refund rebate of $89.65 from medicare.
Involves 6 – 10 sessions of counselling using brief solution-focused therapy or cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). These are brief intervention treatments authorised by Medicare Australia.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS
Medicare-MHCP referrals do not allow for Assessments or Diagnosis reports.
An assessment is client funded, and will be conducted over three interviews, questionnaires, and provide you a diagnosis report. This assessment cost is based upon 10 hours of billing.
FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULT WITH BEN