Ability Psychology Services

25/04/2026

Today, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all who have served and continue to serve.

At its heart, ANZAC Day is also a reminder of resilience, community, and the lasting impact of both visible and invisible experiences of war.

We remember them. Lest we forget. For anyone needing support, Open Arms offers free and confidential phone counselling support for current & former serving members and their families on 1800 011 046.

26/03/2026

We are so excited to introduce and warmly welcome Shiva to the Ability team!

Shiva is a warm, approachable clinician who brings a collaborative and client-centred approach to her work. She is passionate about creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to work towards their goals and wellbeing.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, Shiva has experience supporting individuals with complex mental health needs across both private and public settings. She has worked within neurodivergent-affirming practices, inpatient mental health services, within the NDIS space, and has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals.

Shiva also brings a rich and diverse background, having completed postgraduate studies in neuroscience and linguistics in Europe. She speaks multiple languages and has extensive experience working with refugee and asylum-seeker communities, which informs her culturally responsive and inclusive approach to care.

Shiva works with clients across the lifespan, including children, families, and adults. Having completed her Master of Professional Psychology in 2025, she is now currently completing her Master of Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Dr Rachel Callaghan.

We are thrilled to have Shiva join our growing team and look forward to the positive impact she will have within our community 💫

Please join us in giving Shiva a warm welcome! 👋

23/03/2026

Thinking about an Autism assessment?

💡 We offer a two-step, neuroaffirming and client-focused assessment process designed to be clear, supportive, and cost-effective. Our approach helps avoid unnecessary testing and keeps you involved every step of the way.

✔ Step 1: Initial interview + screening tools
We explore whether further assessment is needed and provide early feedback.

✔ Step 2 (if recommended): Comprehensive diagnostic assessment. Includes detailed evaluation and a report tailored to your needs.

You choose the type of report:
- A brief summary (e.g., for understanding yourself), or
- A comprehensive report (e.g., for NDIS, school supports, etc.)

Assessment costs from $1800 (excl. GST) depending on the nature of the assessment battery and report required. Payment via instalment is available.

Assessments are available for all ages in clinic (North Lakes), via outreach (e.g., home or community-based) or via telehealth (*please note some limits apply to telehealth assessments).

📩 Get in touch to learn more or to book an intake call on 1300 229 906, or by emailing our assessment team at assessment@abilitypsychologyservices.com.

06/03/2026

📣 Expanded Outreach Availability for NDIS Participants from April 2026 📣

For over 7 years, we have supported local communities across the Brisbane region, aligned with our core values to provide quality and accessible psychological care to our community.

It is because of this that we’re so very pleased to share that from April 2026, we once again have availability for outreach psychology services across Inner City Brisbane suburbs and North Brisbane.

For those who aren't already familiar with Ability Psychology - our team provides evidence-based psychological support both in clinic (in North Lakes) as well as in community settings (incl. home visits) to help make services more accessible for those who may find it difficult to attend clinic appointments.

Please note that we continue to have capacity for other outreach services in:
• Far North Brisbane
• Bribie Island & surrounding areas
• Redcliffe Peninsula
• and online appointments via telehealth.

Appointment availability is limited in some areas, however we welcome you to reach out should you wish to enquire further.

📩 Referrals and enquiries are welcome.
Please call or email our team to discuss availability or submit a referral.

☎️ Phone: 1300 229 906
📧 Email: admin@abilitypsychologyservices.com

🌐 Website: www.abilitypsychologyservices.com

We welcome referrals from support coordinators, allied health professionals, community organisations, and of course, direct enquiries from individuals and families seeking support.

04/03/2026

🌿 Circle of Security - A 2 Day Parenting Program 🌿

- Do you sometimes wonder what’s really behind your child’s behaviour?
- Would you like practical tools to respond to big feelings with confidence and calm?

Ability Psychology is proud to offer the Circle of Security parenting program in May 2026 - focused on building stronger relationships & raising secure, confident kids.

The Circle of Security Parenting Program is an evidence-based, attachment-focused course designed to help you better understand your child’s emotional world and strengthen your connection.

When children feel secure, they are more resilient, manage emotions more effectively, develop healthy self-esteem, and navigate challenges with greater confidence. This course helps you create that secure foundation.

In this 2-day course, you will learn how to:
✔ Understand your child’s emotional needs and cues
✔ Support your child to manage and express feelings
✔ Respond more effectively to behavioural challenges
✔ Understand and respond to your own triggers
✔ Strengthen your child’s self-esteem and sense of security
✔ Trust and build on your natural parenting instincts

While developed for parents of children aged 0–12 years, many parents of teens also find the program highly relevant and valuable.

This program will be delivered by an experienced psychologist, Gaye Foster. Gaye has over 15 years’ experience teaching Circle of Security Parenting. She brings deep knowledge, warmth, and an engaging style to create a supportive, non-judgmental space for reflection and growth.

🌿COURSE DETAILS🌿
WHEN: Saturday the 9th & 16th of May, 2026 (9:30am to 4:30pm)
WHERE: At our comfortable clinic in North Lakes, QLD.
COST: $540 per
PARTNER DISCOUNT: We encourage parenting partners to attend together - being on the same page makes a powerful difference. Add your partner for $120 (i.e., $660 per couple)).

Depending on your plan, this program is eligible for NDIS funding. Alternatively, Medicare rebates may be available with a GP referral.

🌿TO REGISTER:
- Register online via our Client Portal at: https://clientportal.zandahealth.com/clientportal/abilitypsych/class-booking
- Alternatively, give us a call on 1300 229 906.

Please note that due to the nature of this group, places will be limited.

24/02/2026

🌿 Masking and Identifying Autism in Females: Why It Can Be Missed 🌿

In our latest blog article, we explore:

• Why autism in females is often overlooked
• What masking is (and what it isn’t)
• Common signs that may prompt further exploration
• The importance of neuroaffirming assessment

If you'd like to read more, head over to our blog post. Of course, if you have any further questions or assessment needs, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team on 1300 229 906 or by visiting our website.

By Jessie Baker

24/02/2026

🌿 At Ability, we’re pleased to offer a range of free resources and information in our blog posts - shared regularly on our website. These resources are designed to provide helpful resources, practical strategies, and general information about mental health and wellbeing.

Our articles are written by psychologists and cover topics such as emotional wellbeing, relationships, wellbeing, grief, parenting and more!

Please note that our blog content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised psychological advice or therapy.

You’re warmly invited to explore our free resources here:
🔗 https://abilitypsychologyservices.com/blog-%26-resources

Of course, if you would like individual support, our team is available to discuss appointment options. Located in North Lakes with no waitlists. 😊

Psychological care & assessment services for all ages. No wait list. Located in North Lakes QLD & Online Australia-wide.

21/02/2026

✨ We’re delighted to share that Ability Psychology Services has been nominated for the Allied Health Paediatric Team Excellence category in the 2026 Allied Health Awards.

This nomination is a meaningful reflection of the work we do within our local North Brisbane community and beyond - supporting adults as well as children, young people, families, schools and partner organisations through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Each day, our team is committed to meeting families where they are, collaborating across sectors, and creating safe, supportive environments where young people can thrive. From in-clinic services to outreach partnerships and regional support, we are proud to contribute to stronger, healthier communities.

Thank you to our clients, families, schools, and professional partners who trust us to walk alongside them. We are truly grateful. 😊

20/02/2026

🌿 Available Appointments Next Week (23rd - 27th 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.

19/02/2026

Can you believe it - Ability Psychology just turned 7 (I sure can't)! 🎈🤯

In early 2019, this practice began at my dining room table. Building a website, mapping out ideas, and holding dreams and vision for what it could become.

I could never have imagined that over the next seven years we would grow into a beautiful team of health professionals - each one deeply committed to supporting our community with care, integrity and evidence-based practice.

Since then, we’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families across Australia, both in person and online. Today, we find ourselves in our boutique space in North Lakes - energised, motivated, and more passionate than ever about walking alongside people as they work toward their goals.

Seven years in, I feel incredibly grateful - to do this work within our community, and within a team that shares strong values and genuine care for the community.

When you build something grounded in your values, beautiful things can happen.

So as we turn 7, a wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to our team, to our community and to our referrers for being part of the journey. Here’s to the years ahead. 🎈

- Jessie (Founder & Managing Director)

19/02/2026

Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding, and most challenging, journeys. Every parent wants their child to feel loved, confident and capable, yet moments of frustration, misunderstanding, and stress are almost inevitable. If you’ve ever wondered how to respond to your child’s emotional needs with more confidence and connection, the Circle of Security Parenting™ (COSP) approach may offer exactly what you've been searching for.

At its heart, the Circle of Security is not a quick fix or a strict rulebook. Instead, it’s a research-based framework rooted in attachment theory that helps caregivers understand their child’s emotional world and build secure, trusting relationships.

Better yet - the Circle of Security Parenting Program is coming to Ability in May 2026! 😃 More details still to come.. but in lieu of these - please enjoy Dr Rachel's recent blog post on the Circle of Security parenting approach and how it can help you to unlock connection with your young person. 🙂

https://abilitypsychologyservices.com/blog-%26-resources/f/unlocking-connection-the-circle-of-security-parenting-approach

If you or someone you know is interested in attending our upcoming Circle of Security Program and would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us on our website or by emailing admin@abilitypsychologyservices.com. Places will be limited!

By Dr Rachel Callaghan

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.