PAWS - Frequently Asked Questions

Psychologists have specialist training in human behaviour and expertise in dealing with a wide range of personal issues.

Unlike some related professions without national registration requirements, all psychologists are required to be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia which works in partnership with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Psychologists complete a minimum of six years' training in order to receive full registration, and complete ongoing professional development as a condition of registration.  Many other therapists or clinicians may have completed a degree that did not necessarily cover a specific field of directly related study and may therefore only have completed a 1 or 2 year course, or possibly less.  It is very important to understand the qualifications of the person you select.  You should always ask questions about their specialist areas of practice and what training they have completed given the very wide areas of diagnoses and the required knowledge needed to deliver best practice for these.

PAWS Psychology And Wellbeing Services are set in a uniquely private and resort-like landscaped setting where outdoor facilities and a range of nature-based settings can be used as an added option to clinic rooms if desired.  

In addition, an outdoors area that can be heated and shielded from wind can also be accessed in colder months if wanted for those wishing to feel connected to the outdoors. This is especially useful for children and teens who do not wish to have sessions indoors and feel more relaxed in open settings that are outdoors.  

Therapy dogs are included as part of the service model, but can be removed if this is requested for any reason.  Groodles have been selected for their gentle and affectionate nature which people are drawn towards.  

A nature trail can be accessed by parents wishing to have their own break whilst waiting for their child or they may select to use the waiting room.  

Coffee and Tea making facilities are available.  

The service setting is relaxed and comfortable so parents can also unwind whilst waiting.

Yes.  I can offer educational assessments as well as cognitive assessments.  I also provide assessments for ADHD and Autism.  Please refer to the assessment document provided.

No.  I am, however, supportive of medication where this is indicated and recommended by a paediatrician/psychiatrist or GP.  Medication for many conditions and presentations can be very helpful.  I always recommend that clients also access psychological support in conjunction with any medication to optimise their treatment of any challenges and to discuss their individual situation.  Psychological support is beneficial to access supports that many be wanted to further develop knowledge, skills, strategies and support to live their best life.

ADHD and anxiety as just two examples of common presentations that are often due to neurochemical imbalances and both are known to have a high genetic and inheritability occurrence.  Some medications can be truly life changing for individuals, just as epileptic medication enhances people with epilepsy and reduces other known risks.  I would also recommend discussing the known incidence of risk with not taking medication with your medical specialist.  This includes risk statistics around areas concerning lower levels of academic and workplace success, co-occurring mental health issues arising from poor self-esteem, social relationships negatively impacted by poor emotional regulation, dangers arising from impulsiveness, potential addictions or unhelpful self-medicating. These important aspects also need to be considered for individual presentations when discussing medication options with a medical specialist.

Yes.  I see parents to provide feedback on their children’s sessions, as well as to provide parenting tips and support if requested.  I also see adults via Telehealth for any support wanted with ADHD related concerns.

Sessions are usually 50 minutes in duration.

Please see our information about rebates under the Fee’s section

The number of sessions that will benefit your child is dependent on the nature and extent of the issues for which you are seeking assistance.

This can be discussed further at your first session, where we can make plans to review progress after a set number of sessions.

Goals are discussed with you and your child/young person.  

Progress measures, as well as outcome ratings are also completed and feedback is provided regularly.

Regular attendance at sessions is important in order to work towards goals and make progress.

While sessions usually occur on a weekly basis at first, they may move to fortnightly or less often during the course of therapy.

Please feel free to speak to your psychologist about this.

Yes.  This is an area where I work with parents and students to look at the best options and outcomes for their individual situation and needs.  Various options are possible and I can also liaise with schools where this might be helpful.

Yes.  My work preference is to consult and collaborate with other care providers you have working with your child, such as peadiatricians, GP’s, Allied Health specialists such as Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists and educational staff.  These can also be rebated if provided under the Better Access scheme that enables Medicare rebates.

Yes I have professional liability and public indemnity insurance as well as insurance to cover my therapy dogs.

Yes.  I can do this for clients, but I generally do not recommend this for children on a regular basis where they do not possess the verbal skills or focus to fully participate and are usually better seen in clinic where possible.  I do offer Telehealth to parents for feedback and information gathering sessions as well as to adults accessing support around ADHD.

No.  As my dogs are trained and other clients may have dog phobia’s, unfortunately  I cannot allow other pet dogs to be brought to the clinic, no matter how well behaved they may be.

In order to provide a convenient service for those living in the eastern and north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, we are located at

82 Kalbar Road in Eltham.  

The website video shows you the onsite parking and path to follow to access the clinic area.