Supporting Teens with Anxiety: How Therapy Can Make a Difference

Supporting Teens with Anxiety | How Therapy Can Make a Difference | Spencer Health

Maxine Rickman, Provisional Psychologist Anxiety is a common experience for teenagers, perhaps more common than many parents realise. It can often stem from the pressures of school, social pressures and physical and emotional changes. For some teens, anxiety can become overwhelming, affecting their sleep, appetite, motivation, and relationships. The good news? With the right support, … Read more

Managing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Breaking the Cycle

Managing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Breaking the Cycle | Spencer Health

Mara Barber, Registered Psychologist Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves experiencing unwanted, recurrent thoughts and behaviours. Obsessions and compulsions can be a normal part of development, however when they start getting in the way of everyday life or are distressing, it is a good idea to seek some assistance in breaking the cycle. OCD is estimated … Read more

Overcoming Fears:  How to Treat and Manage Phobias

Overcoming Fears: How to Treat and Manage Phobias | Spencer Health

By Yiing Tan – Registered Psychologist Fear is a natural human emotion, however when it becomes irrational or exaggerated, it transforms into phobia, an intense fear that can negatively impact a person’s life. From the common fear of heights to more peculiar aversions like butterflies or seashells, this blog offers some general insights into phobias … Read more

Understanding Autism Assessments – What to expect and how they help

Understanding Autism Assessments – What to expect and how they help | Spencer Health

By Claire Mitchelmore – Provisional Psychologist You, or your child or loved one, are displaying symptoms consistent with an Autistic brain style and have been referred to a psychologist for an assessment.  Receiving the news that you or a loved one may be autistic can bring up mixed emotions – relief and comfort that you … Read more

Setting Boundaries for Life

Spencer Health

Any parent knows that children can test us, and when we say test us – we mean push you to your absolute limits! If only life provided you with a user manual when a child comes along into your life! Unfortunately, we aren’t blessed with that option, so most of us will muddle our way … Read more

Supporting Kids in Developing Emotion Stories

emotions

One of the most common areas of skill development that Child Psychologists work in is supporting children and young people in developing emotion regulation skills.  Emotion regulation skills are those skills that we use to manage our feelings and ensure that we make helpful action choices in times of emotional distress.   Research has, time and again, … Read more

Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Kids

Australian statistics show that Tourette Syndrome (TS) can affect 1 in 100 kids, so we’re taking the time to go through the condition, it’s effects and how you can manage this as a family. What is Tourette Syndrome (TS)? Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological condition which results in uncontrollable repetitive movements or unwanted sounds – we … Read more

Gaming and the Impact on Our Kids

gaming and kids

In this blog I want to focus on a personal and professional concern that has been with me for a few weeks now, the effects of gaming on our children and their emotional development. I work with clients throughout the day who are noticing the same effects that even I am finding in my son, … Read more

COVID Tests and Kids: Managing the anxiety

COVID

Recently, my household hasn’t been very well. It’s been tissues, coughs and all the fun stuff in between. Some of you may not know but if your kid is sick at school, it’s mandatory for them to be COVID tested before they can return to school. As we all know, kids and the general sniffles … Read more