I have been working with parents, teachers and children since 2012. My training is in Educational Psychology at a Master’s level with advanced training in behavioural and psychological assessment and intervention skills. 

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My Approach

I take an environmental approach to supporting children. This means understanding the behaviour where it occurs. I work with parents and teachers as a team in the family home and/or school with the goal of creating a supportive environment for the child to succeed academically, behaviourally, emotionally, and socially.

 

Sending a child to a clinic might be warranted for mental health, social, and emotional issues. However, research supports taking an environmental approach for unwanted behaviour, whether attached to a diagnosis or not, will provide parents and educators with invaluable insight as to why a child behaves the way he/she does within the child's natural environment. 

 

What Does the Research Say? 

When compared with one-on-one counseling alone, school-wide or classroom-wide modifications often resulted in broader and more sustainable improvements in student behavior - CLICK HERE to access the research article.​

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Parents and teachers were found to prefer environment-based solutions because they feel more involved and see more practical changes, compared to strictly child-centered therapy that occurs away from natural settings - CLICK HERE to access the research article.

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Function-based family support plans helped families maintain behaviour improvements over extended periods. in some cases more effectively than isolated clinical sessions. Environmental strategies better ensure the child’s new skills generalise across settings (home, community, school) - CLICK HERE to access the research article. 

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​How Does it Work?

• A face-to-face initial consultation with the parent(s)/legal guardian. 

• Review all previous assessments and documentation from previous clinicians and stakeholders. 

• Gather insights via email from other people involved with the child, e.g. teacher aides. 

• One or more behavioural observations will be undertaken in the child's natural environment.

• If necessary, a discussion will be had with the child if suitable. This is usually after the observation. 

• Compile a behavioural report explaining the factors contributing to the unwanted behaviours and proposing positive behaviour strategies.

• A feedback session with everyone involved to discuss the report’s findings.

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​Cost

In today's climate, I am very mindful of the cost associated with this service. The steps outlined will happen in stages and at your pace. The cost is in line with the above bullet points:

• $165.00 for the initial face-to-face meeting.

• $165.00 to review assessments and have discussions with other people involved. 

• $250.00 to travel to and undertake the behavioural observation. 

• $330.00 to complete the behavioural report.

• $165.00 or $250.00 (includes travel time) for the feedback session depending on the location.

• $165.00 or $250.00 (includes travel time) for follow-up and monitoring sessions if required depending on the location.    

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Medicare Rebates and Insurance

As I am primarily working with parents and teachers, not directly with the child, if the child has a Mental Health Care Plan from his/her GP, only two Medicare rebates of $96.65 per one hour session can be claimed when working with parents. Please check with your insurer if your private health covers psychology. 

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Terms of Engagement

I am outcome focused and experience tells me that the best outcomes are achieved under the following conditions:

• Both parents consent.

• Parents are not going through a separation or involved in a child custody dispute. 

• There is no Child Safety involvement or other intensive services. 

• School staff and other stakeholders are 100% supportive.

• My service is not for the purpose of diagnosis. However, if diagnostic features do exist, the appropriate referral pathway will be recommended. 

• My service is not for the purpose of assessment for NDIS funding. 

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Behaviour Workshops

​I hold behaviour workshops for parents, early learning educators and teacher aides. These workshops are a very affordable option and will help you to understand everything about common behaviours displayed by children. You will learn strategies that will help you to prevent the behaviour from occurring, how to decrease/end unwanted behaviour and learn effective evidence based strategies if/when challenging behaviour  occurs - CLICK HERE for more information.
 

Next Steps

​Please phone 07 5471 2179 or email support@appliedpsychology.com.au to arrange an initial behaviour consultation or book online.