Tips to help your child transition from primary to high school

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Tips to help your child transition from primary school to high school

An Interview with Psychologist Naomi Terpsis

All teachers, parents and caregivers want children to thrive academically, socially and emotionally however; when a child is 'transitioning’ from one year to another all these various aspects of a child’s life can be affected.

Any transition experienced at school may increase the anxiety of both children and parents however, the transition from primary to high school can definitely be perceived as the most daunting and significant. Moving from primary to high school life involves needing to adapt from being the eldest child in a school to now being the youngest, managing timetables and numerous subject teachers versus a year teacher as well as, the need to establish new social groups.

Studies have shown, “poor adjustment to secondary school has been associated with disengagement and non-completion, which leads to a raft of other poor outcomes, such as limited employment opportunities” (Hanewald, 2013).

So how can we make the change from primary to high school to be less stressful and worrying for both parents and children?

In a recent interview with Naomi Terpsis a Psychologist at Clear Health Psychology, who has spent many years working as a School Psychologist shares some great practical tips on how best to handle the transition from primary to high school.

Naomi explains throughout the interview that it is important for parents and carers to be mindful not to draw upon their own experience of high school which may not have been positive as, a parent’s own fears and concerns from those years has the potential to be a negative influence and being aware when this may be occurring can be helpful. Naomi also expressed how important it is for kids to know that their parent or carer is on the ‘same team’ as the school. Also, it is vital for parents and carers to be a positive role model for change and demonstrate a sense of calm and help their kids be organised for school as, having a calm disposition and being organised are great life skills to assist in managing and adapting to change throughout one’s life.

In addition, parents can find out from the school what support & resources may be available to help their child transition from primary to high school & ensure they stay up to date with what is happening in the school community can all result in a smoother school transition.

Throughout the interview Naomi provides some great online references worth noting and to find out more about Naomi visit: https://clearhealthpsychology.com.au/practice-team/naomi-terpsis

Naomi Terpsis consults from Clear Health Psychology in Victoria Park.

The full interview can be listened to below or by searching MeditalkPodcast on your favourite podcast app.

References:

Hanewald, R. (2013). Transition between primary and secondary school: Why it is important and how it can be supported. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 38(1), 62-74.

https://growingupinaustralia.gov.au/publications/transition-secondary-school

Movember & Men’s Mental Health

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Movember & Men’s Mental Health

An Interview with Clinical Psychology Registrar Dylan Kirkpatrick discuss Men’s Mental Health

There are some very upsetting men’s mental health statistics that should encourage us all to advocate for much needed change & much greater dialogue to improve men's mental health.

Globally, on average 1 man is dying, every minute, of every day from suicide (movember.com).

What we need to remember when we often read or hear a health statistic - is that every number is representative of someone’s dad, son, grandson, uncle, best mate, husband, soul mate, brother that has lost their life to suicide.

It is time we all take more time in our life to listen & seek help from people we trust & when needed seek support from highly experienced & registered psychologists to help us all take better care & prioritise our mental health!

Today on MediTalk we are speaking with Dylan Kirkpatrick a Clinical Psychology Registrar at Clear Health Psychology to help us shine light on & talk about Men’s Mental Health in support of the wonderful health initiative - MOVEMBER.

If this interview has brought up feelings for you – please reach out for support from:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
Or speak with your GP

To learn more about Dylan visit: clearhealthpsychology.com.au/ Movember Cause - movember.com
Lifeline - lifeline.org.au
Beyondblue.org.au
mensline.org.au
ruok.org.au

Let's all make our mental health a priority and reach out to support one another & start checking in with each other more & asking; 'are you okay?'

COVID-19 Mental Health Care Package

Inside This Blog

Telehealth Services

Mental Health Tips

Talking to Children about COVID-19

Sleep and Worry: When should I see a Psychologist?

Resources for Self-Isolation


COVID-19 and Anxiety

If you are feeling nervous and worried in this current time I want to let you know - It is normal to feel worry and anxiety: The lack of predictability and lack of control are two key factors associated with stress and anxiety. Therefore, it is understandable that most people are feeling this way currently.

There is much that we do not know about the COVID-19 virus, so it is an understandable and normal response to feel concern, anxiety, and worry about its impacts and spread. I suggest that you accept and validate these reactions in yourselves and others, even as you take positive steps to respond to these reactions.

It is important to note if you are feeling distressed and want a check in with a Psychologist, even as a one off that you access the support. We know that early intervention is always favourable, and during this time of unpredictability I urge you to take care of yourself and your mental health.


Physical Distancing

The change to “physical distance” promotes that people still remain connected

According to Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove of the World Health Organization, speaking at a virtual press conference on Friday, the move to use “physical distancing" comes from a desire to highlight “keeping the physical distance from people so that we can prevent the virus from transferring to one another.”

The change to say physical distance promotes people to still remain connected. This can include regular calls to family, video calls with friends, and even participating in organised online events. There are links to lots of online events and supports included in this newsletter.


Telehealth Services

I tried my first telehealth service today, I thought it would feel awkward but after about 5 minutes I realised it just felt the same. I was thankful I tried it

What is Telehealth?
Telehealth refers to a videoconference consultation involving communication between you and your clinician using both a video and audio connection. This is similar to connecting with family, friends or business contacts using programs such as FaceTime or Zoom. Some providers will require you to download special software.

Why is Telehealth helpful?
Video-conferencing is one of the main ways in which Telehealth is improving access to healthcare services for patients. This is incredibly vital during the period of uncertainty to give people the access to mental health services. It means that people can access support during quarantine or isolation.

How do I use it?
Many Psychologists are using a platform called Zoom. This means that a meeting number or link is sent to you and you either enter the number or click on the link and you are connected with your Psychologist. It is as easy as that. You will need a phone, laptop or tablet to access the service. However, services can also be provided over the telephone.

Why should I try it?
It means that you can access psychological treatment from the comfort of your own home. Research shows that it is just as effective as psychological intervention face-to-face. It is vital to prioritise your mental health currently and Telehealth services allow this.

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Telehealth Services are now available at Clear Health Psychology. MBS item rebates make telemedicine affordable like never before.

There is no need now to ever neglect your mental health, ring our admin team on (08) 6424 8177 or email office@clearhealthpsychology.com to discuss further. 

For those that are under financial duress we are here to support our community. Please speak to our admin team.


Mental Health Tips for Quarantine

1.  Stick to a routine. Go to sleep wake up same time, write a time that includes activities work and self-care. This might include a project or a long term project, lots of online courses are offering discounts at the moment.

2.  Dress for the social life you want, not the one you have. Get showered and dressed in comfortable clothes, brush your teeth get ready as if you are going out – it will increase your mood. Set time aside for a facial or bath, try putting on bright colours. It is amazing how our clothes can impact our mood and outlook.

3. Get out once a day for at least 30 minutes. If you are concerned around contact, try first thing in the morning or later in the evening. If you are high risk, open the windows, or blast the fan to feel a breeze. Fresh air can do wonders for us.

4.. Find some time to exercise, stretch or move each day. Again, try for 30 minutes. If you don’t feel comfortable going outside, there are many fitness videos, youtube exercise classes and yoga movement classes online. If all else fails turn on some old school music, or your favourite music and have a dance.

5. Reach out to others, socialise and try to maintain social contact for 30 minutes. This can be via Skype, FaceTime, phone calls, texting or an array of social media apps. Don’t forget to try to do this for your children too – setting up virtual playdates can be a way of social connection for both parents and children.

6. Stay well hydrated and eat well. It is well known that stress and eating often don’t mix well together. Drink plenty of water, cook healthy meals. You could even try to cook your favourite meal, a meal that you have not tried before or bake.

7. Set time aside for self-care. You guessed it, I am going to say for 30 minutes a day. This will look different for each person but some ideas are: a soft blanket, hot chocolate, music, movies, book, lavender oil and for kids, bubbles, a colourful book, activities, anything for comfort when we feel we need it. This might include having a personal space area you can go to when you feel overwhelmed.

8. Find something to control. When we feel overwhelmed and uncertain we need areas to control. It helps ground us and feel things are a little less chaotic.

9. Limit social media around COVID-19. This information is often negatively skewed and alarmist. Find a few trusted sources that you can check in with and set yourself a limit each day maybe 2-3 times for ten minutes or whatever works for you.

10. Show self-kindness and kindness to others. Everyone will have their moments in which they will not be their best. Being quarantined can have this effect on people. Everyone is doing the best they can to get through this, including you.


Talking to Children and Teenagers on Coping with COVID-19 and Anxiety:

This is a period in which many adults are stressed and anxious, it is also a period in which children also need to be cared for, particularly surrounding their anxiety regarding information about COVID-19.

It is important to be mindful about your child’s level of development, as you choose what to tell them about the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage all to limit exposure to media about the pandemic, especially without some discussion about what they understand about these media encounters.

It is important to remember that children may not understand things the way and adult may. The following sources of information provide advice about how to talk to children about COVID-19:


Sleep Hygiene

We know that routine and structure is really important during self isolation. It is also a period of time in which we have the opportunity to spend longer in bed. This can be problematic and cause sleep difficulties, low mood and make our brain associate our bed with entertainment. Here are some tips to help manage this:

  • Establish a routine – go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time every morning, even if you feel tired or sleepy

  • Avoid sleeping during the day

  • Exercise during the day – preferably outdoors

  • Avoid exercise late at night, as it stimulates endorphins that may keep you awake

  • Limit use of stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine before bed – caffeine can take up to 6 hours to leave your system

  • Ensure the bedroom is quiet, cool, dark and comfortable

  • Avoid using your bed for other activities other than sleep e.g. reading, smoking, listening to the radio, watching TV

  • Avoid going to bed too hungry or too full

  • Relax before going to bed. This could mean having a hot bath, listening to relaxing music, having a hot milky drink (caffeine-free) or doing a relaxation exercise

  • Try to avoid worrying about not getting enough sleep – trying to make yourself to go to sleep just keeps you awake!

  • If you have not managed to sleep after half an hour, get up and go to a different room and do something quiet and un-stimulating until you feel sleepy

  • Avoid doing stimulating things before bed such as watching TV.

  • Avoid looking at the clock while trying to sleep – this will only make you worry!


What is Worry?

Everyone experiences worry from time to time, especially when faced with difficult or uncertain situations. However, some people worry a lot, to the point that it begins to affect their wellbeing and causes chronic feelings of nervousness, stress and anxiety.

Worry can be defined as a type of self-talk in which we predict that negative events will happen in the future and over-estimate the possibility of disaster. Worrying thoughts tend to be characterised by ‘what if?’ statements, for example:

What if my plane is delayed?
What if I’m caught in traffic and am late for work?
What if something awful happens to my children?
What if I get ill?
What if I lose my job?

Strategies for Worry

Worry Time
As we discovered in the unhelpful behaviours section, trying suppressing worries or pushing them out of your mind isn’t particularly effective. A helpful alternative is to postpone worry. Agree with yourself a time of day when you have permission to worry, for example at 6pm each evening. Allow yourself 15-20 minutes. If you find yourself wanting to worry about things at any other time of day or night, make the decision to worry about it later, during your pre-arranged ‘Worry Time’.

Mindfulness
Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism and is about taking a non-judgemental approach to your thoughts and worries. The idea of mindfulness is to let go of your worries without making any attempts to push them away or get involved with them. Try to become a casual observer of your worries – notice that they are there, observe them and then watch them drift away in their own time, just like you would passing clouds in the sky.

A Psychologist can help if:

  • You often feel sad, struggle to find pleasure in life and find it hard to get motivated.

  • You are constantly worried, anxious and stressed and this interferes with your enjoyment of life.

  • You’re in a relationship that is suffering from a loss of trust, feelings of resentment, repeated arguments or a lack of intimacy.

  • You lack self confidence and/or self esteem and this stops you from doing the things you want.

  • Your life is ‘out-of-balance’.

  • You’re struggling being a parent and find it hard to deal with your child or teenager’s behaviour.

  • You feel stuck – have tried to make changes but can’t make any real or lasting progress.


Please contact us if you feel you need psychological support during this time, and please feel free to share this resource with whomever you feel may benefit from it.


Resources for Activities During Self-Isolation

The San Diego Zoo Enjoy the tour! https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/

Yellowstone National Park! https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/hotosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm

Explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/

Travel to Paris, The Louvre with this virtual field trip. https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne

Great Wall of China https://www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-ofchina

The British Museum https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/

Smithsonian’s zoos or museumshttps://www.si.edu/kids

NASA https://climatekids.nasa.gov/

Alaskan Wildlife cams http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewing.webcams

Broadways for Free https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/movies/a31785304/broadway-online-how-to-watch-stream/

National Geographic https://ngexplorer.cengage.com/ngyoungexplorer/index.html

Movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. https://www.gonoodle.com/

Free at-home kids yoga lesson plans https://littletwistersyoga.com/online-store/

Kid-friendly workoutshttps://app.sworkit.com/collections/kids-workouts

300,000+ FREE printable worksheets from toddlers to teens https://www.123homeschool4me.com/home-school-free-printables/

Printable board games, activities and more https://dogonalogbooks.com/printables/

Online digital coloring pages https://www.thecolor.com/

Guide to gardening for kids https://web.extension.illinois.edu/firstgarden/

Interactive games based on the book series https://www.magictreehouse.com/

Indoor Activities for busy toddlers https://busytoddler.com/2020/03/indooractivities/fbclid=IwAR3tYXAqw7tJRAzLExpPcJo4rApLsKtgL0AwghzxgnhwOajc4auX6o12_xw

Play games and learn all about animals https://switchzoo.com/

Crafts, activities, mazes, dot to dot, etc, https://www.allkidsnetwork.com/

Fun games, recipes, crafts, activities https://www.highlightskids.com/

Fave kids books read by famous people https://www.storylineonline.net/

Novel Effect makes story time https://noveleffect.com/

Education Links and Supports

Math and Reading games https://www.funbrain.com/

Math practice from counting to algebra and geometry http://www.mathscore.com/

Math and reading games https://www.abcya.com/

Math and language games https://www.arcademics.com/

Elem Math through 6th grade https://boddlelearning.com/

Free printable K-8 Reading and Math activity packs (available in English and Spanish) https://www.curriculumassociates.com/supporting-students-awayfrom-school

A wide range of math content from middle school through AP Calculus. https://deltamath.com/overview

Enter your math problem or search term, press the button, and they show you the step-by-step work and answer instantly. 2nd grade through college. https://www.mathcelebrity.com/online-math-tutor.php

Grammar practice for middle grades https://www.classroomcereal.com/

Spelling 1-4 grade https://www.spellingtraining.com/

Phonics skills https://www.starfall.com/h/

Read, play games, and hang out with Dr. Seuss https://www.seussville.com/

Spellingcity is free right now with code VSCFree90 https://www.spellingcity.com/

Sight reading and sight singing practice exercises. https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/

Reading passages for grades 3-12, with reading comprehension and discussion questions. https://www.commonlit.org/

Online history classes for all ages preteen through adults https://school.bighistoryproject.com/bhplive

Digital archive of history https://www.bunkhistory.org/

An online physics problem and video bank designed for conceptual, standard, honors or AP1 physics. https://www.positivephysics.org/home

High school chemistry topics https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articles-bytopic.html

Biology https://www.biologysimulations.com/

Science, Math, Social Studies https://www.ck12.org/student/

Learn all about earthquakes https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/

Learn all about the periodic table https://www.chemicool.com/

Space science for kiddos https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html

Science experiments at home https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/

Learn all about cells https://www.cellsalive.com/

Science and math labs and simulations https://phet.colorado.edu/

Chemistry https://www.playmadagames.com/

80+ do at home science activities https://elementalscience.com/blogs/news/80-free-science-activities

Music is for everyone https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/

Experiments Poetry and music https://www.thewell.world/mindful-music/mindful-poetry-moments

Music practice transformed https://www.smartmusic.com/

Lets kids play instruments online. Instruments include the guitar, piano, pan flute, drums, and bongos. https://www.virtualmusicalinstruments.com/

Introductory and intermediate music theory lessons, exercises, ear trainers, and calculators. https://www.musictheory.net/

Resources for Spanish practice https://www.difusion.com/campus/

Chinese learning activities https://chalkacademy.com/

Vocabulary, grammar, listening activities and games in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Korean, and Latin. https://conjuguemos.com/

35,000 pages of online content on the cultures and countries of the world. https://www.countryreports.org/

22 languages to learn https://www.memrise.com/

NGAkids interactives offer an entertaining and informative introduction to art and art history. https://www.nga.gov/education/kids.html

A wonderful, endlessly detailed way to get kids engaged in the world of art. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/online-features/metkids/

Crafts, activities, bulletin board designs, and finger plays for early education teachers and parents to use with kids. http://www.preschoolexpress.com/

Illustrated recipes designed to help kids age 2-12 cook with their grown-ups. Recipes encourage culinary skills, literacy, math, and science. https://www.nomsterchef.com/nomster-recipelibrary

Business As Usual: COVID-19 Update

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To our valued clients, GPs, EAPs and friends,

During these challenging and uncertain times, we at Clear Health Psychology would like to reach out and communicate the ways in which we are continuing to care for you and our broader community. 

We are open and taking appointments for all current and new clients with all of our Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists. All six sites are functioning as usual (Mt Lawley, Hillarys, Currambine, Subiaco, Floreat and Fremantle). It is a joy to see people continuing to prioritise their mental health.

As an allied healthcare service, we have been encouraged by the Federal Government to continue to operate and provide services for our clients. 

 

While many clinicians are continuing to offer face-to-face appointments (whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines), all of our clinicians are offering both phone and video consults. This means you may continue to receive care from home even during self isolation or quarantine.

Phone and Video consults are available with all of our Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists

Phone and Video consults are available with all of our Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists

Research shows that psychotherapy provided by phone or video means is effective in the reduction of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Our aim is to provide continued care for all of our clients throughout the current health emergency. 

 

You may find that social distancing and self isolation, as well as community response to the current climate and widespread anxiety, will bring up some challenging emotions. During this time we encourage you to stay connected, stay focussed, and stay productive. For a number of ways to support your mental health during self isolation, resources are available through the Australian Psychological Society (Maintaining your Mental Health during Social Isolation). In addition to this, we strongly recommend staying connected to your usual professional support system. 

"Stay connected, stay focussed, and stay productive"

Please be assured all clinicians and administration staff are continuing to implement strict hygiene measures, including:

  • screening of all clients for illness and travel

  • screening of all staff for illness

  • maintaining physical distance at all times, including spaced chairs in waiting areas to allow for physical distancing. We are also happy for clients to wait outside, and will text or call at your request when your clinician is ready to see you. 

  • continual hand-washing throughout the day

  • disinfectant wipes used regularly on all administration equipment, door handles etc.

We are implementing social distancing and strict hygiene measures across all sites at Clear Health Psychology

We are implementing social distancing and strict hygiene measures across all sites at Clear Health Psychology

Please be assured that Clear Health Psychology is adapting to the situation as it changes daily, and will continue to be here for you to provide support and care, as we navigate these challenging times together. 

 

If you have any queries or would like to book an appointment, please reach out to our admin team on 6424 8177 or email office@clearhealthpsychology.com.

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Parental Mental Health: Autism Parental Support Groups

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Parental strain isn’t something to feel bad about.

Parents of children with a disability are subjected to added pressures, anxiety and stress.

Being a parent is an amazing life changing experience.  Many people have expectations of how they will parent their child and what they would like their child to achieve before they are even born. However, the reality of parenting can be very different.  Some may experience post-natal depression, and others may put pressure on themselves to be the perfect parent and struggle as they face daily challenges with their children.  The added pressure of going back to work to maintain a healthy work/life balance also means that parents are expected to juggle more today than previous generations.

So, what happens when a parent has the added responsibility of looking after a child with additional needs? 

For many parents, juggling therapy, school, work and family life can all become too much.  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), for example, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulty in social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive patterns of thought and behaviour (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013):

Parenting a son or daughter with ASD poses several unique challenges (e.g., Seltzer, Krauss, Orsmond, & Vestal, 2001), which may take a toll on marriages. The extent of this toll in terms of divorce has been the topic of wide speculation in the media, with divorce rates of 80% and higher mentioned (Doherty, 2008Solomon & Thierry, 2006).” (1)

As well as marital strain, having a child with autism can affect the psychological wellbeing of parents. This extract was written by Connie Anderson, Ph.D, Kennedy Krieger Institute 2007 (2):

“There are several reasons why the stress of those parenting children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is so high. All parents of children with disabilities must cope with grief, worries about the future, and the struggle to find and obtain appropriate services. Parents of children with ASD face some additional stressors.  First, they often live with uncertainty about what caused their child’s autism, as well as possible guilt (no matter how undeserved) over whether they did or failed to do something that led to their child's ASD.

Second, the core disability associated with ASD is a social one.  Most parents hope for a warm and loving relationship with their child.  It is bewildering to find you have a baby who does not like to be held, or a child who will not look into your eyes.  Parents adapt, learning to love the way their child loves, but usually not without having passed through some confusion and pain.

Third, no matter what their specific ASD diagnosis or IQ, children on the autism spectrum often have problem behaviours, from refusal to sleep to intense and frequent tantrums to extreme rigidity.  These behaviours can make living with them day-to-day very trying and lead to another variety of guilt: the kind you experience when you are not feeling loving toward a difficult child.  In addition, such behaviours strain the entire family, impacting sibling relationships and marriages.

A number of studies have linked troublesome behaviours of children on the Autism Spectrum to high levels of parental stress.  Such stress has been linked to higher rates of depression (3,4,5,6).

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Autism Parental Support Groups at Clear Health Psychology

Clear Health Psychology is designing a program specifically tailored to parents of children on the spectrum.  Initially, the scheme will be aimed at mothers and will later roll out separate support groups for fathers.  There have been numerous studies that suggest genders may react differently to the diagnosis of their child having autism.  We want to ensure each gender has their specific needs met by giving them the opportunity to discuss their experiences in a well-supported environment.

Clear Health Psychology intends to help parents manage their mental health by guiding them through their own day to day emotions, allowing parents the space to address their emotional needs before they help their children.  We want to provide parents with tools and support networks to help them continue their parenting journey with the support they need.

Additionally, the government are rolling out more help for carers and are beginning to understand that supporting parents and educating them goes a long way in helping them care for their children.

It is Autism Awareness month in April.  Western Australia is becoming more aware of the challenges individuals face on the spectrum, thus relieving some of this parental stress when parents find themselves in difficult scenarios with their children.   However, some judgement still remains amongst the minority.  Clear Health’s “Autism Parental Support Groups” will help individuals find ways to communicate their child’s needs effectively with others; target some of their anger and frustrations, help relieve their parental guilt and share ways to create a clearer mind.  Clear Health Psychology group counselling will also offer strategies that can alleviate stress and anxiety and help parents form friendships and a wider support network to avoid feelings of social isolation.

 

If you are interested in attending one of the “Autism Parental Support Groups” please contact the Hillarys Team at hillarysoffice@clearhealthpsychology.com for more information or call (08) 6424 8177.  Fees are $45 per session, and under a Mental Health Care Plan you are eligible for a rebate of $32.15. Each group will run for 10 weeks, commencing 28th April 2020.

Please note that under current guidelines due to COVID-19, these groups will be run via Telehealth (video call via Zoom). The new Medicare Benefit Scheme Temporary Telehealth items allow people to access essential health services in their home while they undergo self-isolation or quarantine, and reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for vulnerable people in the community.

If you think your child may have ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) please contact the Autism Association of Western Australia.  Clear Health Psychology also has Clinical Psychologists who are able to assess children and help form part of a clinical diagnosis for your child.

References:

1. J Fam Psychol. 2010 Aug; 24(4): 449–457.

2. Connie Anderson, Ph.D.IAN Online Community Facilitator.  Kennedy Krieger Institute, December 14, 2007.

3. Herring, S., Gray, K., Taffe, J., Tonge, B., Sweeney, D., & Einfeld, S. (2006). Behaviour and emotional problems in toddlers with pervasive developmental disorders and developmental delay: Associations with parental mental health and family functioning. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research,50(12), 874-882. 

4. Lecavalier, L., Leone, S., & Wiltz, J. (2006). The impact of behaviour problems on caregiver stress in young people with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 50(3), 172-183. 

5. Blacher, J., & McIntyre, L.L. (2006). Syndrome specificity and behavioural disorders in young adults with intellectual disability: Cultural differences in family impact. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 50(3), 184-198. 

6. Hammen, C. (2005). Stress and depression. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, 293-319.  

After a bushfire: Community Trauma and Mental Health Recovery

After a bushfire: Community Trauma and Mental Health Recovery

Remember to look after yourself

Disaster-related trauma is when the effect of a bushfire disaster (or any natural disaster) is felt in the days, months and years following. This experience can be distressing and emotionally challenging. Everyone’s experience and the timeline of the trauma varies for each individual.

Psychology in Residential Aged Care Facilities

Psychology in Residential Aged Care Facilities

Do you know the benefits of psychological services for individuals in residential aged care facilities?

People in residential aged care facilities are a population who are deemed that may benefit from psychological services. Psychology services for aged care residents can provide practical, effective and confidential support to deal with various behavioural or emotional issues and can help aged care residents with the emotional transition into the facilities. 

Addiction

Addiction

How would I know if I am addicted to something?

My family think I have a problem, how would I know?

Seeking help is not easy and may require multiple attempts, however I believe it is a sign of inner strength and can be liberating and effective for clients in their pursuit to happiness and resilience.

Sexuality

Sexuality

What is sexual health and why is positive sexual health important?

Do you feel confused or unsupported when it comes to your sexual identity?

Are you having difficulty talking to your loved ones about your sexuality?

Sexual health is important for everyone’s physical and psychological well-being. Having positive sexual health involves not only looking after your physical well-being, but also includes the right to healthy and respectful relationships, access to health services that are safe and inclusive, and living your life free from discrimination, stigma, coercion and violence. Sometimes the negative events we experience can create barriers to positive sexual health, impact our self-esteem, and prompt internal conflict, having a detrimental effect on our psychological well-being.