First Steps Psychology

22/02/2026

We added something new this weekend… a Wishing Post.

For brave wishes, tiny hopes, and “I can do hard things” moments.

Kids (and grown-ups) are welcome to add one.

21/02/2026

Big feelings aren’t “bad behaviour.”
They’re a nervous system response.

When kids are overwhelmed, they need regulation, not punishment.

Before: meet needs & reduce overwhelm.
During: stay calm and validate.
After: repair and reconnect (no shame).

Regulation grows in safe relationships.

Graphic by My Vibe Psychology (shared for educational purposes).

11/02/2026

This is our wonderful crew: Kellie, Kintara, Lauren, Sam and Sarah, a group of warm, skilled humans who care deeply about the kids, teens and adults they work with.

We’re proud of the way this team supports children, families and the wider community every day 💛

Www.firststepspsychology.com.au

09/02/2026

A reminder from Milo to pause, notice, and maybe smell the roses 🌸

02/02/2026

Welcome Sarah 👋

We are excited to welcome Sarah to the First Steps Psychology team.

Sarah brings experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across private and public settings, including forensic disability and psycho-legal services. She takes a warm, non-judgemental and neuro-affirming approach, helping clients feel safe, respected, and supported.

Sarah uses an integrative, strengths-based approach, tailoring therapy to each individual while building a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and a Master of Professional Psychology, with specialist training in Forensic Disability.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys travelling, yoga, and food-related adventures.

We’re delighted to have Sarah as part of our team. Sarah has capacity to see children, adolescents and adults.

www.firststepspsychology.com.au

01/02/2026

🐹 Meet Noughart & Marshmallow! 🐹

We’re excited to welcome our two new guinea pigs to First Steps Psychology. These gentle little friends are already bringing lots of calm and smiles, and will be part of our warm, animal-friendly therapy space.

We can’t wait for our clients to meet them 🧡

25/01/2026

🌸 From tiny fairy gardens to big smiles! In our school holiday program, kids explored creativity, mindfulness, and friendship — making fairy gardens and fidgets, practising relaxation, and even doing goat yoga! 💫

09/11/2025

🐣 Big excitement here today, our baby chicks are hatching! 🌱

Watching them slowly peck their way out of their shells reminds us that growth takes time, patience, and the right environment.

Just like these little chicks, children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and surrounded by warmth 💛

29/09/2025

🐐 We’re excited to share that these cuties will soon be joining us at First Steps Psychology as part of therapy sessions. Animals can bring calm and connection, and we look forward to welcoming them into our space.

02/09/2025

📚Free Autism Webinar: How We Talk About It

Ever feel unsure about the 'right' way to talk about autism?

Join Belongside Families for this free webinar with me. We’ll unpack how language shapes our understanding of autism and why the words we choose matter.

In this 45-minute session, we’ll explore::

🔸 The shift from person-first to identity-first language
🔸What ‘neuro-affirming’ actually means
🔸Why functioning labels don’t tell the whole story
🔸Reframing traditional advice with a fresh, neuro-affirming view

It's a little bit of education, a little bit of community, and a fresh perspective that will help guide parents and caregivers in understanding current Autism narratives with a neuroaffirming lens. It's ideal for those people who are newer to the paradigm and would like to be engaged in these conversations.

Join me!

🗓 Thu, 11 Sep, 8:00pm AEST
📍 Online via Zoom (and yes, recordings will be sent out!)
🔗 Register now via https://events.humanitix.com/auwebinar1109

04/06/2025

🌟 Welcome Lauren to First Steps Psychology! 🌟

We’re excited to introduce Lauren a registered Psychologist who has recently joined our team. Lauren brings experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across school settings, private practice, and public health.

She has a warm, compassionate approach and is passionate about using evidence-based therapies to support her clients in reaching their goals.

Lauren is currently available for:
Autism, ADHD, and Learning Disability Assessments
A limited number of ongoing therapy spots

Lauren holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and a Master of Psychology (Clinical) and is registered with AHPRA.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys travelling and spending time with her loved ones.

📞 Get in touch to secure an appointment with Lauren – spots are filling quickly!

06/05/2025

Let’s Redefine What It Means to Be a “Good Listener”

At First Steps Psychology, we know that listening doesn’t need to look a certain way to be meaningful or respectful. For many neurodivergent children, the expectations of "Whole Body Listening" can be anxiety-inducing, unrealistic, and exclusionary.

This petition is calling for schools to move away from outdated listening models and adopt more inclusive approaches that honour diverse neurotypes and sensory needs. It's a small shift that can make a big difference in helping all children feel safe, respected, and understood in the classroom.

If you believe that children shouldn’t be told they’re “not listening” just because they’re not making eye contact or sitting still, please consider adding your name and sharing this petition.

**Sign here:** [https://www.change.org/p/require-schools-to-replace-whole-body-listening-with-inclusive-listening-methods](https://www.change.org/p/require-schools-to-replace-whole-body-listening-with-inclusive-listening-methods)

Require Schools to Replace Whole Body Listening with Inclusive Listening Methods