Emma enjoys providing assessment and intervention for children where the cause of challenging behaviour is unclear and complex, and where differential diagnoses (other explanations for the problem) need clarifying. This is particularly relevant regarding children who have suffered family based trauma or neglect and are experiencing developmental, behavioural or emotional concerns such as anxiety, hyperactivity, oppositional behaviours, or obsessive concerns. Emma welcomes referrals for children in Out of Home Care where it is unclear whether the child may have a developmental/ behavioural disorder, (such as ADHD, ODD, Autism Spectrum) and/or trauma. Emma is accredited to use the Griffiths (developmental assessment), Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule and Autism Diagnostic Interview in her assessments, and uses a wide range of other evidence based assessments in her work.

Emma also has particular expertise and interest in working therapeutically with children who are in Out of Home Care and their carers. Emma works from an attachment model (considering key relationships between children and their carers) and is trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (Family Focused Psychotherapy), having undertaken training with American Psychologist Dan Hughes in his first ever Australian based training in 2014. Emma also utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative and other Family Therapy frameworks in her work. Emma is also accredited in Triple P parenting coaching, Tuning Into Kids parenting, the parent-child Exploring Together program, is a Fun Friends facilitator and is Circle of Security trained.

Emma also provides assessment and consultation regarding problem eaters with limited diets and for children with food aversion utilising the Sequential Oral Sensory model, with limited therapy appointments.

Adding further to Emma’s extensive knowledge base she completed a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma through the Australian Childhood Foundation in 2016.

Emma is a Psychology Board Approved Supervisor of psychologists in training at all levels, including for Clinical endorsement and higher degree students. Emma also does some casual lecturing to Masters and PhD candidates at the University of Newcastle.

Outside of work, Emma spends time with her young family bike riding and exploring the outdoors.

Peta is passionate about building a relaxed, playful supportive environment with focus on creating safe and trusting relationships.

Peta loves the joy, unpredictability and energy that comes from working with children and their families.

Suzanne has expertise and training in evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

Suzanne has as a special interest in applying Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model as an accredited therapist. CPS is an evidence-based, trauma-informed, neurodiversity affirming model of care that helps caregivers focus on identifying the problems that are causing concerning behaviours in children and solving those problems collaboratively and proactively.

Suzanne provides a range of cognitive (IQ), memory, behavioural and personality assessments and is able to provide development assessment for children in early childhood utilising the Griffiths 3 assessment.

Suzanne is dedicated to supporting others on their Psychology career journey and is a Psychology Board Approved Supervisor of psychologists in training at all levels, including for Clinical endorsement and higher degrees.

Jaki aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Jaki says that children and teens surprise and inspire her every day with their extraordinary resilience and endless curiosity. It is rewarding to see the kids grow, heal, learn and become happier versions of themselves by working together with our talented and nurturing psychologists.