TAASC

07/11/2025

This week, we held a parental introductory meeting for our upcoming 6-week Alert Programme at Verdala International School. It was a wonderful opportunity to share insights into how we can support children in recognising and managing their levels of alertness throughout the day.

The Alert Program®, created by occupational therapists, helps students become more aware of their sensory needs and teaches practical strategies to help them stay focused, calm, and ready to learn.

Over the next six weeks, our sessions will guide students through exploring their five senses and understanding how these influence their energy and emotions. Using fun, interactive activities, they’ll learn to identify when their “engine” is running too high, too low, or just right, and discover tools to help self-regulate effectively.

A big thank you to all the parents who joined the session and showed such enthusiasm for supporting their children’s self-regulation journey!

30/10/2025

Yesterday, we hosted our October CPD Café, featuring an engaging session led by Martina Aquilina on “Symbolic Play and the Inner World of the Child: Understanding through Play Therapy.”
Martina delivered an excellent presentation—clear, insightful, and packed with practical strategies for professionals working with children.

A heartfelt thank you to Martina for sharing her expertise and equipping us with valuable new knowledge. We also extend our gratitude to all participants, whose thoughtful questions and contributions brought the discussion to life and enriched the learning experience.

As a Play Therapist at TAASC, Martina supports children through therapeutic play, helping them explore and process their emotions in a safe and nurturing environment. She uses a variety of techniques—including role-playing, storytelling, and sand play—tailored to each child’s individual needs. Her sessions encourage self-expression, develop coping strategies, and address challenging behaviors and internalized conflicts.

Stay tuned for our next CPD Café in November!

27/10/2025

🌟 Happy Occupational Therapy Day! 🌟

Today we celebrate the incredible field of Occupational Therapy — a profession dedicated to helping people of all ages live life to the fullest 💙
OTs empower individuals to develop everyday skills, build confidence, and achieve greater independence through creativity, care, and compassion. Their work truly changes lives!
Here at TAASC, we’re especially grateful for our amazing OTs — Ms. Sarah Bianco and Ms. Martina Cassar — for the passion and dedication they bring to supporting our clients every single day.
Thank you for all that you do and for inspiring us with your commitment to helping others thrive!

25/10/2025

“Emotional distress among adolescents cannot be seen in isolation; it is shaped by family dynamics, cultural expectations and wider systemic pressures such as school demands and social media influence,” said Professor Nigel Camilleri, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Clinical Lead at TAASC. .

In a recent article, published by the Times of Malta, Professor Camilleri emphasised the importance of distinguishing between normal stress, which can foster resilience, and toxic stress, which manifests as trauma and requires therapeutic intervention.

He also highlighted that professionals should receive high-quality training to recognise and accurately assess mental health disorders during this critical stage of development.

“By involving families in the therapeutic process, support can move beyond symptom management towards meaningful change and growth for the family as a whole.”

TAASC continues to promote a systemic and preventative approach to mental health, ensuring that young people and their families receive comprehensive, evidence-based care.



Times of Malta Nigel Camilleri

More than one in seven report prescribed use, in 'very worrying' trend

23/10/2025

The Parenting Toolbox Programme kicked off this week!

In our first session, we explored Positive Parenting through Play, Praise, and Rewards, a foundation for building connection and confidence in children.

We reflected on questions such as:
✨ How often do you spend one-on-one playtime with your child each day?
✨ When do you notice your child feels most connected to you?

These simple but powerful moments often shape the heart of positive parenting.

We’re looking forward to the weeks ahead and to continuing this journey of learning, reflection, and growth together!

22/10/2025

Our next CPD Café at TAASC Wednesday 29th October is now FULLY BOOKED!

Play Therapist Martina Aquilina will hold a talk on "Symbolic Play and the Inner World of the Child: Understanding through Play Therapy": let's explore how children use play to express their inner world, and better understand how to interpret symbolic play and respond in ways that truly support a child’s growth!

In her role as Play Therapist at TAASC, Martina guides children through therapeutic play, enabling them to explore and process their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. She employs a variety of techniques such as role-playing, storytelling, and sand play, tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. Her sessions are designed to encourage self-expression, develop coping strategies, and address problematic behaviors and internalized conflicts.

Read more about Martina here --> https://www.taascmalta.com/meet-the-team/martinaaquilina-mflda

🗓 Wednesday 29th October| 🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Remedies Clinic, Birkirkara – 3rd Floor

Follow us on our social media platforms for our next CPD Cafe'!

Questions? Reach us at info@taascmalta.com

21/10/2025

Today we wrapped up our DBT training with the dedicated team of social workers at MCH.
During the session, we explored a range of DBT concepts, from understanding the dialectical worldview and the biosocial model, to working with judgment, validation, behavioural analysis, and mindfulness.

The training focused not only on learning core DBT concepts, but on how they can be applied meaningfully in everyday practice, supporting both clients and practitioners in navigating complex emotional experiences with greater awareness, compassion, and clarity.

It’s been a rewarding experience to engage with such thoughtful and committed professionals. A huge thank you to all participants and organisers for your openness, curiosity, and collaboration throughout the process.

We look forward to continuing the conversation and growing together through future learning opportunities.

20/10/2025

It was a pleasure to deliver DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) training to a dedicated group of social workers at MCH today.

Together, we worked on core DBT concepts such as mindfulness, wise mind, and interpersonal effectiveness, all tools that can make a real difference in improving outcomes for young people navigating complex mental health challenges across diverse settings.
These essential skills enhance care and outcomes for young people, not only through direct support but also by strengthening communication and collaboration between colleagues.

A huge well done to all the organisers and participants for their engagement, openness, and commitment to learning.

Looking forward to continuing this important work in tomorrow’s session!

19/10/2025

Some of our team members at TAASC had the opportunity to attend the MAP Conference 2025 – “Embracing Neurodiversity” held in Valletta this week. The event brought together professionals, advocates, and neurodivergent voices to celebrate diversity and promote neurodiversity-affirming practices in mental health, education, and beyond. We’re inspired by the discussions on creating more inclusive systems and look forward to applying these insights in our work supporting neurodivergent children and families 💙

17/10/2025

Professor Nigel Camilleri reminds us that mental health is not something we can tackle in isolation. We must break the stigma, work together as a team, and build resilience — not only in ourselves but also in our children. Every childhood experience shapes the adults they become, and by supporting young people early, we can foster understanding, compassion, and stronger connections.