Ability Psychology Services

16/02/2026

Let’s talk about self-love and compassion for Valentines Day!

Research in psychology shows that self-compassion is linked to lower stress, greater emotional resilience, and improved overall wellbeing. But what does it actually look like in everyday life?

Here are some gentle, evidence-informed ways to build more self-compassion:

✨ 1. Notice your self-talk:
Would you speak to a friend the way you speak to yourself? We want to soften harsh or critical thoughts - the aim is to reduce the harm and punitiveness to something more helpful.

✨ 2. Normalise being human:
Everyone struggles at times. Reminding yourself that imperfection is part of being human can reduce shame and isolation. Affirmations such as “I’m doing the best I can right now” can help to relieve some of the burden of unrelenting expectations we may have on ourselves.

✨ 3. Practise self-kindness in small ways:
Take a proper break. Eat regularly. Move your body. Rest when needed. Small acts of care matter and they definitely add up. As they say - you can’t pour from an empty cup.

✨ 4. Pause before reacting:
When emotions run high, take a slow breath and name what you’re feeling. Creating space can support regulation and help us to respond to our needs, rather than our initial reaction. Emotions can be very helpful messengers about what we may need in a given moment.

✨ 5. Set healthy boundaries:
Saying “no” when needed is not unkind - it can be an act of self-respect. Self-compassion isn’t about ignoring responsibility or avoiding growth. It’s about responding to yourself with understanding rather than criticism and setting a healthy boundary when it is necessary (and feeling okay in doing so!). Remember - another person’s reaction to our boundary doesn’t mean it wasn’t well placed (often, it is QUITE the opposite).

If you or someone you care about experiences difficulties with self-criticism or self-worth (and may find this difficult to shift), working with a psychologist can help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

13/02/2026

🌿 Available Appointments Next Week (16th - 20th of Feb) 🌿

To book in, give our admin team a call on 1300 229 906. 😊

Alternatively, visit https://clientportal.zandahealth.com/clientportal/abilitypsych to book an appointment using our Client Portal.

Please note that while most appointments appear online, some options (including certain telehealth sessions) may not be visible due to system limitations.

If you’d like to hear about all available times, our admin team will be happy to assist over the phone.

Availability may change as appointments are booked.

10/02/2026

Caring for a child, partner, parent or family member with additional needs can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding.

From a psychological perspective, self-care is not an ‘extra’, it is a foundational protective factor for long term mental health and caregiving capacity.

Burnout occurs when ongoing stress, emotional load, and limited recovery time gradually deplete a person's emotional and physical resources.

Psychologist Geoffrey Marks explores more about self-care and burnout prevention in our recent blog article - now available on our website. 😄

By Geoffrey Marks

05/02/2026

You care deeply about the people you support - but who’s supporting you?

If you work in the NDIS space and often find yourself wanting more:
✔ Confidence responding to self-harm and su***de risk
✔ Skills to enhance client capacity without creating dependence
✔ Clear strategies for boundaries and effective communication
✔ Practical tools to help clients navigate distress
✔ A personalised plan to support your own resilience and self-care

Our Supporting Others Without Burning Out workshop is for you.

Led by experienced psychologists Dr Rachel Callaghan and Georgie Dalton, this practical, in-person training gives you real-world tools to support participants safely and sustainably - without sacrificing your own wellbeing.

✨ Expect practical skills, honest conversations, and tools you can use straight away - plus a clear plan for protecting your own wellbeing and fostering resilience.

📍 North Lakes | 2 x half-days
📅 Thursday 19 & 26 March (9am - 12pm)
👥 Designed for NDIS Providers such as Support Coordinators, Support Workers & Psychosocial Recovery Coaches
👯‍♀️ Bring a colleague and both receive a discount.
📞 1300 229 906 or
📧 admin@abilitypsychologyservices.com

02/02/2026

🌿 Feeling overwhelmed or mentally “full”?

When life feels busy, our minds often race ahead — and it’s easy to feel overloaded or stuck in stress mode.

Mindfulness is a gentle, evidence-based way to help bring your attention back to the present moment and support emotional regulation.

✨ You might try:

🪨 Grounding:�Notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear…

🌬️ Diaphragmatic Breathing:�Slow, deep breaths can help calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

🧘 Mindful Awareness:�Simply observing your thoughts without judgement can create space and clarity.

Even a few minutes can help you feel more steady and connected.

If overwhelm is becoming frequent or hard to manage, support is available 💛

therapy

19/01/2026

In the busyness of everyday life, we can move on autopilot.

Pausing, even briefly, to notice where you’re at can make a difference.

From there, gently ask: "What do I need right now to feel more at ease?"

Self-compassionate awareness and small, intentional actions are well-supported in psychological research for supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing.

Often, meeting your own needs starts with simply noticing them. 🤍

05/01/2026

We’re still welcoming registrations for our one-day resilience workshop on Thursday the 15th of Jan - designed for young people, strengths-based & neuroaffirming (of course!).

The Resilience Lab is a skills-based workshop for young people aged 10-17 years, facilitated by two experienced psychologists, Geoff & Dr Rach!

This program is designed to build confidence, emotional strength, and practical coping skills in young people. Through evidence-based strategies drawn from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and resilience training, participants learn how to manage stress, navigate challenges, and understand their emotions more effectively. This engaging holiday program blends learning with interactive activities to help young people recognise their strengths, build problem-solving skills, and develop healthy thinking patterns they can use at school, home, and in friendships.

When: Thursday 15th Jan 2026, 9am-3pm
Where: Ability Psychology Services (North Lakes)
Cost: $200 pp (& NDIS eligible if applicable)

To Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAghUjuAIhvqEuqvihg0wckdSpxKub-QtYP6-KJqQIEK382w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=110935414577238847511

Any Questions?: Give us a call on 1300 229 906 or email admin@abilitypsychologyservices.com

The Resilience Lab is a one-day psychology-led program designed to build confidence, emotional strength, and practical coping skills in young people aged 10–17. Through evidence-based strategies drawn from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and resilience training, participa...

05/01/2026

As we return from our Christmas break, we want to gently welcome you into 2026. 🌿

A new year can bring reflection, hope, pressure, or uncertainty — sometimes all at once.

If you’re setting intentions, working toward meaningful goals, or simply needing support to navigate what’s ahead, psychological care may be well placed for you.

💬 We currently have immediate availability for new client bookings.

Whether you’re seeking support for your mental health, relationships, stress, or personal growth, our team is here to help.

Reach out to book an appointment or to learn more. We’d love to support you this year.

Also a shout out to the workshops also coming up this month --- in the next couple of weeks we are hosting our Resilience Lab (for pre-teens & teens aged approximately 10 to 17 years) & our Lego Club (for preschool & primary-school aged children). We’re still accepting final registrations for these workshops. For more information or to register, visit our website: https://abilitypsychologyservices.com/ 😁

20/11/2025

✨ LEGO CLUB IS BACK! ✨

A 3-Day Social Confidence & Skills Building Program for Ages 5–10

Sign your child up for a fun, structured program using LEGO and evidence-based teamwork roles to build social, emotional, and communication skills.

📅 Monday to Wednesday - 19th, 20th & 21st Jan 2026
⏰ 10am–2pm daily
💲 $500 per child
👥 Facilitated by senior psychologist Bhargav at our North Lakes Clinic.

For More Information or to Register: https://forms.gle/SvJgERxUCbFSZ9Vo9
(Funding options available (Private, NDIS & Medicare))

20/11/2025

✨ INTRODUCING THE RESILIENCE LAB! ✨
A 1 Day Psychology Program for Young People Age 10–17 yrs

Join us for a youth-focused and engaging resilience and emotional skills workshop using CBT, positive psychology, and practical coping strategies. A great program for teens & pre-teens who might benefit from building their confidence, emotional regulation skills, and support navigating challenges.

📅 Choose from two dates:
• Thu 18 Dec 2025
• Thu 15 Jan 2026
⏰ 9am–3pm
💲 $200 per participant
👥 Facilitated by senior psychologists Geoff & Dr Rachel at our North Lakes Clinic.

For More Information or to Register: https://forms.gle/SvJgERxUCbFSZ9Vo9

(Funding options available (Private, NDIS & Medicare))

20/11/2025

✨ STARTING THE SCHOOL YEAR STRONG! ✨

A 1.5hr webinar designed for parents and educators on supporting year level transitions at school & preparing for Prep!

Learn to strengthen readiness skills, create child-centred support plans, manage anxiety, and build confidence for a smooth start to school.

📅 Wed 10 Dec 2025
⏰ 7pm - 8:30pm (1.5 hrs)
💲 $50 per participant
👥 Facilitated by psychologist & director Jessie

For More Information or to Register: https://forms.gle/SvJgERxUCbFSZ9Vo9

(Funding options available (Private & NDIS))

20/11/2025

IT'S TIME!! SCHOOL HOLIDAY GROUP PROGRAMS – NOW OPEN!

These school holidays, Ability is offering three psychology-based programs to support and upskill young people of all ages!

✨ THE RESILIENCE LAB (Ages 10–17 yrs - Build Resilience & Coping Skills)✨
A full-day resilience and emotional skills workshop using CBT, positive psychology, and practical coping strategies. Perfect for teens who need confidence, emotional regulation skills, and support navigating challenges.

📅 Choose your date:
• Thu 18 Dec 2025
• Thu 15 Jan 2026
�⏰ 9am–3pm
💲 $200 per participant
👥 Facilitated by senior psychologists Geoff & Dr Rachel at our North Lakes Clinic.

✨ LEGO CLUB (Ages 5–10 yrs - For Social Confidence & Skill Building)✨
A fun, structured program using LEGO and evidence-based teamwork roles to build social, emotional, and communication skills.

📅 Monday to Wednesday the 19th, 20th & 21st Jan 2026
⏰ 10am–2pm daily
💲 $500 per child
👥 Facilitated by senior psychologist Bhargav at our North Lakes Clinic.

✨ STARTING STRONG WEBINAR (Parents & Educators - Supporting Year Level Transitions & Preparing for Prep) ✨
A parent and educator webinar on supporting Transitions to Prep or to Year 1. Learn to strengthen readiness skills, create child-centred support plans, manage anxiety, and build confidence for a smooth start to school.

📅 Wed 10 Dec 2025
⏰ 7pm (1.5 hrs)
💲 $50 per participant
👥 Facilitated by psychologist & director Jessie - online.

For More Information or to Register: https://forms.gle/SvJgERxUCbFSZ9Vo9
Please Note: Funding options available (Private, Medicare & NDIS (self- and plan-managed participants)).