How People with ADHD Learn Differently
How People with ADHD Learn Differently It has often been said that having a neurodiverse brain (e.g., a brain with ADHD, Autism etc) is NOT a deficit, but rather a simple difference in brain chemistry…and that’s 100% correct. However, while this knowledge has become more widely understood and accepted in...
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Integrating Movement, Rest and Mindfulness for Emotional Balance
Integrating Movement, Rest and Mindfulness for Emotional Balance We live in a fast-paced world, moving from one task to another with a focus on constant productivity. You may find yourself thinking “when things calm down, I’ll take a break” but that time is does not come. Balance isn’t something that...
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A Play Based Approach
A Play Based Approach Play isn’t just fun and games—it’s a powerful therapeutic tool that helps children express themselves, process emotions, practice skills, address challenges and develop essential life skills. As a Capacity Building Clinician, I regularly utilise use toys, games, craft and other activities to create a safe and...
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How to Stay Connected as a Couple Through the Christmas Season
How to Stay Connected as a Couple Through the Christmas Season In many seasons, relationships need work. Active movement towards each other or drifting apart can start to happen. Statistically, the end-of-year period is more challenging for couples than other times in the year, with Christmas expectations, family commitments, and...
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Have You Ever Wondered What the Difference Is Between Counselling and Psychotherapy
Have You Ever Wondered What the Difference Is Between Counselling and Psychotherapy? You’ve probably come across the words counselling and psychotherapy—but what’s the difference? Are they the same thing with different names? And how do you know which one is right for you?These are really common questions, and it makes...
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Learning How To Say “No”- Assertive Micro-skilling
Learning How to Say "No" - Assertive Micro-Skilling Learning how to say "no" can be one of the most empowering skills you can develop, yet it often feels challenging for many people. Whether it’s the fear of disappointing others or the pressure to please, setting boundaries can be difficult, but...
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Meeting Yourself Where You Are – Understanding the Stages of Change
Meeting Yourself Where You Are - Understanding the Stages of Change Change is deeply personal, and everyone moves through it at their own pace. Whether you are thinking about beginning therapy, or are already seeking support, you may be wondering why the process of change rarely follows a straight or...
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The INS & OUTS of Self-Esteem
The INS & OUTS of Self-Esteem WHAT IS SELF-ESTEEM?Self-esteem can best be described as how a person thinks or feels about themselves. It is also often thought as a measure of worth someone puts on themselves as a person. WHY IS SELF ESTEEM IMPORTANT?A healthy level of self-esteem is one of...
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How to use the Zones of Regulation at Home
How to use the Zones of Regulation at Home The Zones of Regulation provides an easy way to think and talk about how we feel on the inside and sorts emotions into four coloured Zones, all of which are expected in life. The Zones of Regulation can be effectively used...
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Supporting Autism with Compassion and Understanding
Supporting Autism with Compassion and Understanding Navigating autism as a family member, caregiver, or educator can be both meaningful and challenging. Here are some thoughtful, practical ways to support autistic children — and yourselves — with kindness, flexibility, and empathy. 💛 For Families: Everyday Considerations When Supporting an Autistic Child💬 Be...
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The Cost of Fitting In: Understanding Neurodivergent Masking in Women
The Cost of Fitting In: Understanding Neurodivergent Masking in Women Many women spend years of their lives feeling misunderstood or just plain exhausted by the effort of keeping up with what everyone else seems to do so easily. These women often come into therapy feeling anxious, depressed, or simply “too...
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What to Expect in Your 1st Session with a Psychologist… by Tom Grainger
What to Expect in Your 1st Session with a Psychologist By Tom Grainger Given the prevalence of mental health issues in the current climate, more people than ever are accessing support from mental health professionals…and it is fantastic to see that people are taking the initiative to access this kind...
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What to Expect During Your WISC-V or WAIS-IV Assessment
What to Expect During Your WISC-V or WAIS-IV Assessment If you or your child are scheduled for a WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition) or WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition) assessment, you might be wondering what to expect. These assessments are commonly used by psychologists to...
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Exploring Mental Wellness with Sam Osmond
Exploring Mental Wellness with Sam Osmond: A Counsellor’s Approach Meet Your New Counsellor: My Approach to Mental WellnessI’m Sam Osmond, a Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist here at CQ Psych Services. My approach to counselling is centred on an empowering idea: shifting our perspective from seeking help only when we're feeling...
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The Power of Deep Breathing: A Simple Tool for Calming the Nervous System
The Power of Deep Breathing: A Simple Tool for Calming the Nervous System One of the most commonly used techniques for managing stress and anxiety is diaphragmatic breathing – often referred to as Belly Breathing. While it sounds simple enough, this breathing technique has a profound impact on the nervous...
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How to Set and Achieve Goals
How to Set and Achieve Goals Whether they’re big or small, short-term or long-term, goals are a hugely important part of the human experience. Without any kind of goal to work towards, people can often find themselves in a rut where they are aimlessly drifting through life with no sense...
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A Day in the Life of a Provisional Psychologist in Private Practice
A Day in the Life of a Provisional Psychologist in Private Practice Working in a private practice, I get to complete a range of interesting, challenging and unique tasks in my role as a provisional psychologist. Some of these include:Administering and scoring psychometric assessmentsResearching and evaluating various diagnosesLiasing with third...
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Back to School
Back to School Whether it is your child’s first time or they are returning for another year, going to school can be an anxious time for both the child and their parents. The first weeks can set the stage for the rest of the child’s academic experience. As a parent...
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Tips from a Psych: Starting the School Year (as a Parent)
Tips from a Psych: Starting the School Year (as a Parent) It’s that time of year again. You remember it from when you were back at school, right? The nerves, the excitement… or perhaps it was dread. The beginning of the school year can be really tough. If you’re a...
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Maintaining Normality for Children During the Holiday Season: A Guide to Supporting Their Mental Health
Maintaining Normality for Children During the Holiday Season: A Guide to Supporting Their Mental Health The holiday season can be a magical time for families, but for many, it can also bring stress, disruption, and overstimulation. While adults are often caught up in holiday preparations, children may struggle with the...
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Self Care and Parenting
We’ve all heard the catch phrase “work, life balance” but we need to think of this with a third prong – SELF. As parents we often must prioritise the multiple commitments and responsibilities that occur in day-to-day life. Unfortunately, many parents place their own needs low in the list or worst still forget to include
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Overcoming Childhood Trauma
This week Suzie has flown down to the week long ‘International Childhood Trauma Conference’ in Melbourne, which focuses on the therapeutic interventions that work in the face of relational and complex trauma. The experience of childhood trauma is likely to follow you into adulthood. Whether you witnessed violence or were the target of violence or
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The Therapeutic Alliance
It is essential to find the right psychologist for you. The best predictor of a good therapy outcome is a strong therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the psychologist and client. It is your psychologists role to create a safe space where therapy can take place – an environment that is
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