Education and Learning Disabilities Counselling in Ballarat Central, VIC

I am a psychologist with 14 years experience, and I am interested in working therapeutically with adolescents from the age of 12 years up to adults. I have extensive experience in working with clients from all walks of life and presenting with a wide range of challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, fears and phobias, school refusal and autism/ADHD. In addition to providing therapy, I can assess for ADHD, intellectual disability, specific learning disorders (dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia) using the the WPPSI, WISC, WIAT for diagnostic purposes to provide learning interventions and school based support.

Maria has special interests in working with trauma, neurodivergence, personality disorders, rapid mood changes and anxiety. She is also particularly interested in conducting assessments, including assessing for ADHD, autism, specific learning disorders (colloquially known as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia), and conducting cognitive, educational and vocational assessments. Maria has completed a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, therefore providing further competencies in multiple areas of psychological treatment and assessments across the lifespan.

Linda have particular expertise in identifying, assessing and supporting neurodivergence, such as Autism, ADHD and Specific Learning Disorders, across the lifespan. Linda are using evidence based tools and a warm and individualised approach.

Eliza is a child and adolescent counsellor with additional qualifications in Art Therapy and Play Therapy. She is also a qualified and registered teacher. Eliza utilises different creative modalities to assist children and their families experiencing anxiety, school refusal, trauma, grief, depression, behavioural challenges etc. Eliza has experience working with clients with ASD, ADHD, PDA, learning delays/disabilities, OCD and sensory issues. Also available for adult Art Therapy.

As a psychologist, I feel privileged, to observe & work with the difficult life experiences, which lead individuals to engage in therapy. I believe that therapy is a form of self-exploration & learning. In sessions, I use safe, containing ways to help clients process their thoughts and feelings, gaining insight and understanding, so that they can navigate the world around them, with a sense of confidence, purpose and hope. I help clients develop skills to manage their discomfort, pain, uncertainty and fear, to facilitate change in their lives and improve their overall sense of well-being.

I create a safe and open space for my clients to therapeutically explore their issues, challenges and concerns. My ideal client is someone who is open to exploring the connections between their trauma and life experiences and how this has impacted their lives in positive and negative ways. I like to work with clients that are action and goal oriented, as I like to set homework tasks and brain training exercises to re-wire their thinking in a healthier and more functional way. I am very conversational and my clients like this approach to discussing areas of concern to them.

My gift and desire to help others use creative expression is what has me leaping out of bed each day. I want to help others use creative expression to explore what's going on for them, helping them delve into their inner worlds. I grew up in an intensely creative and neurodiverse family, highly attuned to the beauty of nature, music, art and words. I've always loved the opportunities these forms of expression provide to express myself, and to feel deeply—beyond words.

Heart Expression was founded in 2009 by Heidi Gaspar, an experienced Psychologist providing an eclectic mix of clinical counselling and Psychological therapeutic services, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focussed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Therapies such as Art Therapy, Sandplay, Music Therapy, and Mindfulness based stress reduction strategies for children, teenagers, adults, parents, couples and families. Experienced school Psychologist with many years in Private Practice.

I can support adults with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, adjustment, sleep, grief/loss, anger and frustration management issues. I can help you identify your needs and wants and establish achievable goals to improve the quality of your life. In addition I can provide support to adults whom experience high functioning autism spectrum disorder, or adults with intellectual disability or ADHD or a combination.

Are you worried about your memory, concentration or other thinking skills? As a clinical neuropsychologist, I help people with such problems, whether these are longstanding or new. I am passionate about optimising brain health, and understand the impact of mental health, lifestyle and other factors on brain function. My primary expertise is in assessment of dementias and other causes of thinking difficulties in older adults. I am experienced in managing cognitive difficulties associated with brain injury, stroke, neurological conditions, learning differences, neurodivergences (e.g. ADHD), and psychiatric disorders.

Growing up in Ballarat instilled in me strong values of respect, openness, empathy, and curiosity, which have guided me throughout my personal and professional life, including in my work as a therapist. My style of therapy honours these values, which helps my clients feel comfortable in their unique therapeutic journeys. I achieve this through my warm and friendly demeanour that makes my clients feel safe, heard, welcomed and respected. I prioritise building a strong rapport with my clients and strive to establish a trusting relationship that fosters open communication and vulnerability.

As a clinical neuropsychologist, clinical forensic psychology registrar and board-approved supervisor, On is enthusiastic and compassionate, he emphasises values in creating a collaborative and safe therapeutic relationship to address each clients concerns. On’s approach involves integrating his knowledge in psychology, neurology and psychiatry. He utilises a comprehensive assessment process to make a sound diagnosis and adopts an individualised, strength-based treatment plan for his clients. On is also an LGBTQI-friendly practitioner. Back On Track Psychology also offers Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy services.

I am a Psychologist who loves to bring positive change in people's lives. My approach is caring, non judgemental and compassionate based. I have experience in working with adults, teens and children and treatment of various mental health difficulties including, anxiety, depression, BPD, PTSD, Complex PTSD, and grief. I do neurodevelopmental assessments and treatment including ASD, ADHD, Learning Difficulties, Intellectual and behavioural difficulties.

I’m a Counselling Psychologist with 25 years experience holding Masters Degrees in Counselling Psych and Special Ed. Imagining my ideal client I see individuals/families seeking support for diverse challenges which may be manifesting as anxiety, depression, communication, eating disorders, low self-esteem or stress. Their needs are complex, reflecting their unique situations. Goals vary widely from anxiety management to enhancing parenting skills, however the underlying desire is to lead a more fulfilling life. Clients seek understanding and support as they navigate life's challenges, looking for tools and strategies to move forward

Accepting new Clients - Hello, I'm Stavroula, but you can call me 'Stav' to spare us both the tongue-twisting adventures! I'm an accredited social worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, I provide a safe space for you to explore and overcome your concerns.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of your disability or new medical diagnosis? ​Disability and medical diagnosis can cause deep levels of distress, uncertainty, fear and overwhelm. It is a time when lots of new medical information is being presented bringing up both familiar and unfamiliar feelings. This makes it difficult to absorb and unpack information, manage daily tasks, get quality sleep and mobilise. If you have have lived with a disability for some time you might be struggling with a new challenging life moment that is impacting on your happiness and quality of life.