Inspired Psychology

24/02/2026

As we finish a week of having our new clinic dog-in-training at home (and at the clinic in short bursts), I’ve been reflecting on regulation, hers and ours.

This week we’ve watched her learn to settle after excitement. To move from zoomies to rest. To find her calm with support (sometimes LOTS of support). Some days she’s bold and curious; other days she’s easily overstimulated and needs help regulating her little nervous system in a big world.

It’s such a reminder of what we see in therapy every day.

Regulation isn’t about “being good.” It’s about capacity, and capacity grows in the context of safe, attuned relationships. Through consistency, patience and connection.

As humans, we’re no different. We each have our own temperament and thresholds. We don’t need to change our wiring, but we do need environments that help us regulate within them, support from others, and skills to do it.

Week one has reminded me that growth isn’t linear, regulation is relational, and connection changes everything.

13/02/2026

We have some very special (and very cute!) news to share… 🐾

Violet our newest little team member will occasionally be visiting the O'Halloran Hill clinic with her mum Tracey Jane while she grows and learns.

She’s still very much a puppy, so there may be moments of excitement and wiggly enthusiasm but plenty of warmth and affection too.

Of course client comfort always comes first. If you’d prefer not to have a puppy around during your visit, just let our lovely admin team know and we’ll happily make arrangements.

05/02/2026

Thinking about an assessment? We’re here to help.

At Inspired Psychology, our assessments support a deeper understanding of strengths, support needs, wellbeing, and neurodivergent identity, helping people move forward with clarity and confidence.

We offer comprehensive assessments including:
✔️ Autism & ADHD (child, teen & adult)
✔️ Cognitive & educational assessments
✔️ Functional, vocational & diagnostic assessments

Available in-clinic (Malvern & O’Halloran Hill) or via Telehealth where appropriate.

No referral is needed, just reach out to our friendly admin team if you’d like to explore whether an assessment could help.

30/01/2026

Happy Friday and Welcome Henry!

We are absolutely delighted to have Henry join our Inspired team. Henry is a registered psychologist with an integrative, individually tailored, and flexible approach to therapy.

Henry provides a warm and supportive space for his clients and is currently accepting new referrals for children, adolescents and adults across both Malvern and O'Halloran clinics.

Contact our team on 8272 6998 or admin@inspiredpsychology.com.au for more information or to book with Henry.

29/01/2026

Back-to-school week… almost done!

If this week is feeling smooth, fantastic!
If it is feeling chaotic, emotional, loud, rushed or exhausting, you’re definitely not alone.

The return to (or start of, for some of our littlies) school routine can bring big feelings for kids and parents. New classrooms, early morning, new teachers, social worries, separation anxiety, tired bodies and busy brains… it’s a lot.

As we head towards the weekend, a gentle reminder:
💛 Slow the pace where you can
💛 Keep things simple
💛 Prioritise rest and connection
💛 Celebrate the small wins

And if this transition has highlighted that your child, teen or family might need a little extra support, we’re here when you’re ready.

24/01/2026

Today I met “Smellamie”, the co**se flower, at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

We queued in the heat before the gates opened, waited patiently, and eventually caught a glimpse of a huge and remarkable bloom… along with a strong whiff of something truly vile 😅

I left feeling unexpectedly uplifted. Calm. Connected. Happy.

It was a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in small, out-of-the-ordinary moments. The kinds of experiences that invite us to pause, be present, and share something novel with others. Even when the moment is fleeting (and not particularly fragrant!).

From a psychological perspective, experiences like this tap into several protective wellbeing factors:

✨ Collective joy and social connection: sharing experiences with others strengthens our sense of belonging
✨ Mindful attention: stepping out of autopilot and noticing the unusual helps regulate stress
✨ Positive novelty : new and unexpected experiences boost mood and engagement
✨ Meaning-making : creating stories and shared memories supports emotional wellbeing.

Sometimes self-care isn’t a bubble bath or a quiet moment alone. Sometimes it’s lining up in the sun with strangers, laughing together, and stopping, quite literally, to smell the ‘not’ roses.

What small, unexpected moment have you invested in lately?

18/01/2026

Congratulations Tara for completing her masters of clinical psychology and becoming a registered psychologist! Tara is not only now fully qualified but a warm, empathic and skilled clinician. Tara is currently taking new client referrals at our Malvern site. Contact our team on 8272 6998 or admin@inspiredpsychology.com.au to make an appt with Tara.

I believe that every person has their own story, strengths, and challenges, and it is a privilege to be part of that journey. As a…

24/11/2025

This time of year can be challenging.

Between changing routines, extra commitments, tricky relationship challenges and emotional pressure, it’s common to feel stretched, stressed, worn down or more. It's a not so jolly time for many.

If you’ve been thinking about reaching out for support, we still have some limited appointments available throughout the end of 2025 and more into 2026 at our Malvern and O’Halloran Hill clinics, as well as via Telehealth.

Our team offers:
• Support for children, teens, adults & families
• Strategies for stress, overwhelm and burnout
• Therapy for anxiety, low mood and emotional regulation
• Relationship counselling and communication support
• Parenting and family guidance

🔗 https://inspiredpsychology.com.au/

05/08/2025

We all think, feel, and experience the world in our own unique way, and that is our strength. Let’s celebrate every kind of mind.

31/07/2025

26/07/2025

Exploring separation anxiety

It’s normal for children, especially younger ones, to feel worried or upset when separating from their parent or caregiver. But when this distress is intense, persistent, or begins to affect their everyday life (like school drop-offs, sleepovers, or attending activities), it may be separation anxiety.

Some common signs:
• Tearfulness or tantrums at drop-off
• Clinging, refusing to let go
• Complaints of stomach aches or headaches
• Excessive worry about something bad happening to a parent
• Difficulty sleeping alone

How to Support a Child with Separation Anxiety:

• Stay calm and confident during goodbyes (children pick up on your energy)
• Create predictable routines and short, consistent farewells
• Develop a ‘handover’ plan with a teacher, educator, co-parent etc. For example, ask them to actively greet the child and lead them into an activity on arrival.
• Don’t sneak away, this can break trust
• Use a transitional object (like a small photo or token)
• Gently encourage independence in small, manageable steps
• Validate their feelings, “I know this is hard, and I believe you can do it”
• Have a plan for when you see them again, ‘tonight after school we will..’ to help them with their belief that you will return.

Separation anxiety is about safety and trust. With gentle support and consistency, most children build confidence over time.