Warwick Psychological Services

We're hiring a new receptionist for our Warwick office!

If your interested in applying, we are accepting application only via email or via Seek job post.

https://www.seek.com.au/job/78199087

Nate Byrne’s experience is a powerful example of how openness about mental health can shift workplace culture for the better. By sharing his struggle on live TV, he not only showed vulnerability but also helped normalise conversations around mental health, contributing to a reduction in stigma. His colleagues' supportive response underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in the workplace, reinforcing that it's okay to be open about mental health challenges. This kind of support can make a significant difference in how individuals feel about seeking help and sharing their experiences.

In 2022 he shared his story

'He's having a stroke': I've had panic attacks on live TV As I stood there under the studio lights, my heart was racing, I was gasping for breath and sweat was pouring out of every pore as my brain screamed "RUN!", writes Nate Byrne.

We’re here to support you on your mental health journey.

Take the first step today and schedule an appointment.

☎️ Call on 0468 891 100
📩 Email [email protected]
🌐 Further information or to book online www.wps.support

Navigating the path to better mental health can be challenging, but understanding how to access the support you need is a significant first step.

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) can be an invaluable resource for receiving up to 10 subsidised therapy sessions, which is the topic of our first blog post.

Read our latest post by clicking the link below!

https://wps.support/2024/07/31/how-to-get-a-mental-health-care-plan

We utilise Dress for Success Western Australia particularly within our ParentsNext and PLAN programs at Bridging The Gap Inc. ("BTG"), a great service that not only provides great clothing options, but the styling and self care support are powerful tool for building confidence and empowering individuals.

Dress for Success supports cis and trans women, and non-binary people comfortable in women’s spaces. They cater for all shapes, sizes and style preferences.

Next time doing wardrobe clean consider contacting Dress for Success and seeing what's in need.

Wishlist Wednesday!! We are in desperate need of tops and pants, size 16 or above 🙏

Remember, we are now open Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-4pm to accept donations. Find us at 96 Hay Street, Subiaco!

We hope to see you soon 😘

Our approach to practice is person-centred and non-judgemental, where trust and understanding is built by clients feeling safe and respected when sharing their unique experiences, challenges, feelings and beliefs.

Since individuals with ADHD tend to have difficulties with organisation, time management, and focus, it's essential to adapt study strategies that cater to their needs.

ADHD Australia shared some great study tips

Remember, Everyone experiences ADHD differently, so you may find some of these tips more helpful than others, Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you!

Study Tips for ADHD: 11 Learning Strategies and How to Use Them Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face special challenges at school. Luckily there are methods you can use to help you succeed.

Meet Corina
Appointments available Monday & Wednesday

📧 [email protected]
☎️ 0468 891 100
💻 www.wps.support/corina

As you know, Warwick Psychological Services (WPS) is now a part of the Bridging the Gap family. And at BTG, what we want most is a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

In addition to offering therapy based psychology services, Bridging the Gap has been committed to providing community based supports for the last 40 years.

Our innovative and holistic services empower families to overcome obstacles to finding work, support vulnerable and struggling young parents, and help domestic and family violence survivors rebuild their lives.

This means that any profits raised by WPS goes directly to supporting our vital programs to vulnerable people in our local communities.

Programs like our PLAN project. This essential program supports young families who are facing critical issues like homelessness, domestic violence, unemployment, and mental health issues. Our program is special because we give young parents the tools they need to rebuild their lives, not to just survive, but to thrive.

As one of our participants said of PLAN: "It's transformative...the person I was when I came into the project is not the same as who I am now. I feel empowered - there's that inner conviction that I'm willing and determined to win the day."

But right now, we only have enough funding to keep our PLAN project operating for the next 3 months. Which is why we are reaching out to ask if you, or someone you know can help to keep our PLAN project running.

I know we are all feeling the pinch of cost of living right now, but if you can spare any amount to help struggling parents who feel completely overwhelmed and in crisis, please donate today.

You can read read how our PLAN project helped Sam here: https://bridgingthegap.org.au/resources/donate/plan-personal-story/

Your donation today could mean the world of difference to a young struggling parent who is only just holding on. Any amount you can give will make an impact and be so gratefully received.

👉You can donate here: https://shoutforgood.com/charities/bridging-the-gap-inc

🙏If you can also share this information with your family and friends, we’d be so grateful.

Making phone calls can be anxiety-inducing for many people, We offer alternative booking options through Halaxy.

If you're unable to find an appointment time that suits your schedule, please feel free to email our administration team ([email protected]) to check availability or request to be added to our waitlist.

Warwick Psychological Services Our team of specialised psychologists, psychotherapist, social workers, art therapists, counsellors and OT have established a reputation for delivering high quality, recovery focused services. We can support you across a diverse range of areas from mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depr

As you know, Warwick Psychological Services (WPS) is now a part of the Bridging the Gap family. And at BTG, what we want most is a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

In addition to offering therapy based psychology services, Bridging the Gap has been committed to providing community based supports for the last 40 years.

Our innovative and holistic services empower families to overcome obstacles to finding work, support vulnerable and struggling young parents, and help domestic and family violence survivors rebuild their lives.

This means that any profits raised by WPS goes directly to supporting our vital programs to vulnerable people in our local communities.

Programs like our PLAN project. This essential program supports young families who are facing critical issues like homelessness, domestic violence, unemployment, and mental health issues. Our program is special because we give young parents the tools they need to rebuild their lives, not to just survive, but to thrive.

As one of our participants said of PLAN: "It's transformative...the person I was when I came into the project is not the same as who I am now. I feel empowered - there's that inner conviction that I'm willing and determined to win the day."

But right now, we only have enough funding to keep our PLAN project operating for the next 3 months. Which is why we are reaching out to ask if you, or someone you know can help to keep our PLAN project running.

I know we are all feeling the pinch of cost of living right now, but if you can spare any amount to help struggling parents who feel completely overwhelmed and in crisis, please donate today.

You can read read how our PLAN project helped Sam here: https://bridgingthegap.org.au/resources/donate/plan-personal-story/

Your donation today could mean the world of difference to a young struggling parent who is only just holding on. Any amount you can give will make an impact and be so gratefully received.

👉You can donate here: https://shoutforgood.com/charities/bridging-the-gap-inc

🙏If you can also share this information with your family and friends, we’d be so grateful.

Happy NAIDOC week! This year’s theme is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’. ❤️💛🖤

NAIDOC Week is celebrated by local community events taking place across Australia:
https://www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events
Find out more about NAIDOC week: https://www.naidoc.org.au/about/history

Here at Warwick Psychological Services we’ve been supporting the community since 2019.

Recently we’ve joined the Bridging the Gap family, so it’s a great opportunity to let you know what services we offer and our aim for the future.
Our overall vision is for strong, resilient communities where people are empowered to seek out the support they need to live the life they choose. We aim to empower people individualised therapeutic plans that meet each client’s individual life goals.

Our team of highly experienced clinicians currently include:
• Registered Psychologists
• Registered Psychotherapist
• Accredited Mental Health Social Workers
• Art Therapist
• Counsellor
• and Qualified Life and Resilience Coach.
You can read about each clinician and our availability on our website www.wps.support/our-people.



Let's meet Dani

Just a little note to say that while our look online is changing, our physical location is still in Dugdale Street, Warwick.

We will be updating the signage on the front doors in the coming months, but we'll keep you posted so you know when to expect that.

Bridging the Gap has a history of building strong, safe and resilient communities thanks to our experienced staff with lived experience.

We love it when someone shares their story and we watch them grow from strength to strength 🫶.

You may be aware that Warwick Psychological Services (WPS) has joined the Bridging The Gap Inc. ("BTG") community.

As you know, the talented caring staff at WPS offer high quality services tailored to your individual needs in a warm, friendly and safe environment.

Welcoming you into the BTG community will not change that. While you may start seeing the BTG name appear on your letters, and signage on the building, everything else you've come to know and love about your experience with your therapist will remain the same.

To tell you a little about BTG. For 40 years we have been transforming the lives of families in the Perth South and Peel regions through employment, training and career guidance.

We also own and operate a Containers for Change depot in Port Kennedy. We run this as a social enterprise, which means we can provide jobs for local job seekers, and all funds raised go back into providing services for the local community.

BTG are dedicated to empowering individuals and families and we look forward to being a part of the amazing community that WPS has created.

So while the WPS name and look will eventually change, everything else remains the same. Same holistic support, same location, and the same commitment to providing you with the best service possible.

You can check us out on our Bridging The Gap Inc. ("BTG") page to learn more about us.



Everyone

Forgiveness of self is key to a fresh start and new chapter your yet to write.

If you were a ...

Asking for help may have become your own personal nightmare. If you put your hand up in class and admitted you were stuck – you may have had some unwanted reactions from peers or teachers. You may have developed a resolve to be independent and work through your own challenges without seeking support.

If you are a you may find that asking for help feels futile at times. Asking for help with organisation can feel embarrassing. Asking for directions when you know you may not be able to follow the description of where to go - as it may overload your working memory.

Being resilient may have got you everywhere – but there may also be days you find the part of yourself that you once silenced – needs to speak up and talk through the challenges from before and the challenges you face now. A therapist does not need to be viewed as a last resort... asking for help is just one more strategy in the already amazing toolkit you have created for yourself.

📸 💜

*This quote was somewhat controversially changed from: “Every person with ADHD already knows that destination addiction is part of their disorder. However, if it doesn’t have a positive outlet, it can destroy your life. It is not another person that will make your life better; it is the qualities in them that you admire. Incorporate those attributes into your own life and you won’t miss a thing.” to allow us to be more neurodiversity affirming…

Hyperfixation can be a symptom of anxiety and stress. Hyperfocus can be a symptom of neurodivergences such as autism or ADHD — both are actually a great example of how extraordinary our brains are at self-protection.

Hyperfixation and hyperfocus can be seen as a form of escapism, but it is also a form of rest. The brain shuts out all other pressures, stresses and fears and for a time focuses completely on one comparatively pleasurable point — and it just has to have more! It can feel frustratingly like procrastination, but also allows the brain time to heal from the electrochemical maelstrom of distress, anxiety and depression. Pity about the guilt trip thereafter…
So what is the difference between hyperfixation/hyperfocus and addiction?

Well, in simplest terms, addiction is an extreme dependence upon a particular focus, be it chemical, experiential or a person, wherein going without that focus, even for a short time, causes incredible distress, anxiety, aggression and often physical ramifications.

Hyperfixation, by comparison is often characterized by “drop off periods” where the interest is lost entirely, or the desire to have the experience again is lessened, only to be reignited for a few days some time later. Some may even observe that their desire for outside distraction is greatly more noticeable on days where their depression and anxiety are cruelest.
So when do you need to worry?

Certainly if you find yourself fitting the framework of addiction it is worth assessing if you should seek help. For example, if you:

Become angry, distressed or anxious if you cannot continue your chosen distraction

Become utterly listless or tired without access to your activity
Notice a continued, powerful desire for your activity, regardless of how much you have that activity.

Find it impossible to feel positive, energetic or “content” except when participating in your activity.

Find your preferred activity is interfering with family time, relationships and other positive activities.

All of the above are good signs you should consider seeking advice.

However, if, as stated above, you find your activity fulfilling when anxiety is bad, or depression is severe, and when you need rest — but otherwise you sometimes find this need dropping off or lessened, or you are still able to feel well when you don’t have access, and can easily entertain the concept of other activities and companionship; then it is OK to accept that hyperfixation and/or hyperfocus is a part of your brain surviving — and hopefully even thriving — in the face of rough days. Another adaptation against anxiety and emotional fatigue.

So, since in this digital world we have more consuming distractions than ever before, what should be done?

Well, certainly mindfulness techniques can help us to reframe our focus, and allowing ourselves more active and engaged lifestyles have been proven to have benefits. Both are worth looking at.

Certainly if you feel these distraction are causing genuine loss or suffering in your life, definitely seek advice and mentoring.

Adapted from an article by ‘The Mighty’

A study conducted at Northwestern University in 2008 examined two communities in Kenya.

One of the communities was still nomadic, while the other had settled into villages. The researchers were able to identify members of the communities who displayed ADHD traits. Some study results postulate that nomadic individuals with ADHD fared better and remained more nourished compared to nomadic individuals without ADHD, says psychiatrist Leela R. Magavi, MD.

In essence, the traits associated with ADHD likely help more with enhancing hunter-gatherer skills than those of a settler.
by Alex Klein, PsyD — By Laura Goldman and Dana Robinson and Brian Krans —

Learn more about the true meaning of ‘neurodiversity affirming’ … email us at [email protected] or call us on 046 88 911 00 to discuss your circumstances and your needs.

Our clinicians hold a sacred space for any client who walks through our door. We are their confidant, their support in a time of need and uncertainty and guide to help achieve positive change.

We offer the platform for you to speak freely, feel heard and just be present.

It’s easier to heal from trauma or an experience with someone who gets it. Choosing a counsellor that will suit you is crucial for creating real growth and diving deeper into what’s causing the discomfort in your life.

Life throws unexpected curve balls and we have all had a different experiences with this. Our expectations sometimes aren’t met with what we wanted and our life course changes right then and there.

Call us on 0468 891 100 to have a chat about what you're experiencing and find a clinician that is right for you.

Visual Aids

We use visual aids and alternative language displays in sessions such as 'The Incredible 5 point scale’ and ‘boardmaker’ symbols to help clients gauge where they are at emotionally. Often parents take copies of visuals to use at home or school, so the client has a consistent way of communicating and regulating. Sometimes part of our art practice is to create a multimodal visual aid or a social story all of the clients own – so they can carry it with them into other settings.

Visual Timetables for Neurodivergent clients

We use set art activities for some clients and create a visual schedule of what they can expect from the session. Although there are benefits to working emergently and without too much structure – for some people, the structure makes them feel grounded and safe within the session, whereby they are more likely to take risks and explore.

If the client has an NDIS plan or an IEP or other specific goals, we cater to these, yet remain flexible if new issues arise, which they often do.

"ADHD may create difficulties for individuals in many contexts that required focused, sustained attention—such as school, where students are expected to sit still and pay attention. On the other hand, the same distractibility and chaotic mind can give people with ADHD an edge when it comes to creative, original thinking"

-Scientific America ‘The creativity of ADHD’ an article By Holly White

Warwick Psychological Services feel that people with ADHD should be educated of the amazing talents and superpowers they hold with their neurodiversity.

Feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 046 88 911 00 - you can also use the link in our bio to book online

Google ‘dyslexia’, and this may be the definition that appears. However, we cannot and should not reduce a neurotribe to this definition. Dyslexia means so much more than disability.
From the Australian Dyslexia Association:
"What about the Strengths of dyslexia?
The ADA supports the Difference Theory, which is that we need to be careful assuming that challenges in language and literacy equate to inherent challenges in other areas. The Difference Theory is producing more and more research that individuals with dyslexia can and do have remarkable abilities in other areas.
Often individuals with dyslexia are very capable, so whilst the challenges need to be addressed, there is a very high need to identify and cultivate their strengths while minimising their weaknesses. ADA Research has indicated that we should be wary about automatically assuming that language processing difficulties/differences or cognitive difficulties/differences associated with dyslexia are deficits. Some of the cognitive differences that dyslexic individuals display may actually confer advantages for some kinds of thinking or encourage them to find different paths to learning."

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder appears in a wide range of ages, genders, and backgrounds. And while it can be frustrating in our modern world, it does lend itself to greater creativity and problem-solving.
In fact, rather than being out-of-touch, people with ADHD often demonstrate a higher state of attunement with the Universe. Some believe that ADHD confers psychic abilities — the opportunity to see beyond normal perception.

Source Article: The Magickal Link Between ADHD and Psychic Abilities

A ‘Hyper-focus’ article By Royce Flippin explains the extraordinary powers of hyperfocus.

“Hyperfocus refers to an intense fixation on an interest or activity for an extended period of time. People who experience hyperfocus often become so engrossed they block out the world around them. Children and adults with ADHD often exhibit hyperfocus when working intently on things that interest them.

Some people with ADD or ADHD, for example, are able to channel their focus on something productive, such as a school- or work-related activity. Others allow themselves to hyperfocus on something as a reward for completing a dull but important task.
“Many scientists, writers, and artists with ADHD have had very

successful careers, in large part because of their ability to focus on what they’re doing for hours on end,”
says Nadeau creator of ‘Secrets of Your ADHD Brain’

Warwick Psychological Services know the positives to ADHD and can't wait to tell you. Feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 046 88 911 00 to discuss your circumstances and your needs”

Most dyslexics will exhibit about 10 of the following traits and behaviors. These characteristics can vary from day-to-day or minute-to-minute. The most consistent thing about dyslexics is their inconsistency.
General:
Dyslexic children and adults can become avid and enthusiastic readers when given learning tools that fit their creative learning style.
Appears bright, highly intelligent, and articulate but unable to read, write, or spell at grade level.
Labelled lazy, dumb, careless, immature, “not trying hard enough,” or “behavior problem.”
Isn’t “behind enough” or “bad enough” to be helped in the school setting.
High in IQ, yet may not test well academically; tests well orally, but not written.
Feels dumb; has poor self-esteem; hides or covers up weaknesses with ingenious compensatory strategies; easily frustrated and emotional about school reading or testing.
Talented in art, drama, music, sports, mechanics, story-telling, sales, business, designing, building, or engineering.
Seems to “Zone out” or daydream often; gets lost easily or loses track of time.
Difficulty sustaining attention; seems “hyper” or “daydreamer.”
Learns best through hands-on experience, demonstrations, experimentation, observation, and visual aids.

Except from: Dyslexia the Gift -