Our Programs
The Westmead Feelings Program
The Westmead Feelings Program is a psychological intervention program designed to help children and adolescents develop emotional literacy and regulation skills. It was developed by Dr Toni Noble and Dr Helen McGrath, two Australian psychologists.
The program focuses on teaching young people how to identify, understand, and manage their emotions effectively. It includes a variety of activities and resources aimed at promoting emotional intelligence and resilience. Some components of the program may include:
1. Emotion identification: Teaching children to recognize and label their own emotions as well as the emotions of others.
2. Emotion regulation strategies: Providing techniques and tools for managing difficult emotions such as anger, anxiety, and sadness.
3. Problem-solving skills: Teaching children how to effectively problem-solve in emotionally charged situations.
4. Social skills training: Helping children develop interpersonal skills such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.
5. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Introducing practices that promote relaxation and emotional well-being, such as deep breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation.
6. Parent and teacher involvement: Involving parents and teachers in the program to support the development of emotional intelligence both at home and in the classroom.
Overall, the Westmead Feelings Program aims to equip children and adolescents with the skills they need to navigate the complex world of emotions and relationships more effectively.
Secret Agent Society
The Secret Agent Society (SAS) is a social skills program developed by Australian clinical psychologist Dr Renae Beaumont. It is designed specifically for children aged 8 to 12 years old who experience social and emotional challenges, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disorders.
The program takes an innovative approach by framing social skills development as a mission for children to become “secret agents” and learn the skills necessary to navigate social situations successfully. Here’s what the program typically includes:
1. Group-based sessions: Children participate in small group sessions led by trained facilitators where they engage in interactive activities and games designed to teach specific social skills.
2. Parent involvement: Parents are actively involved in the program, attending sessions alongside their children and learning strategies to support their child’s social development at home.
3. Secret Agent Manual: Children receive a workbook or manual that serves as a guide throughout the program. It contains activities, worksheets, and information related to social skills training.
4. Online components: Some versions of the program may include online resources such as videos, games, and additional activities to reinforce learning outside of the group sessions.
5. Role-playing and practice: Children have opportunities to practice newly acquired social skills through role-playing scenarios and real-life situations. This hands-on approach helps them generalize skills learned in the program to everyday life.
6. Positive reinforcement: Throughout the program, children receive positive reinforcement and rewards for demonstrating progress and using their new social skills effectively.
The Secret Agent Society program aims to improve children’s social communication, emotional understanding, and friendship skills in a fun and engaging way. It provides a structured framework for teaching and practising social skills, empowering children to become more confident and successful in social interactions.
Peer Suppot
Our peer support services are a system where individuals with disabilities connect to share experiences and advice. It includes peer-led groups and mentoring programs that aim to empower individuals by fostering community, providing guidance, and promoting self-advocacy in navigating the NDIS.
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a comprehensive program tailored for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It integrates applied behaviour analysis (ABA) principles with developmental and relationship-based approaches to provide effective early intervention.
At its core, the ESDM features a developmental curriculum designed to address various aspects of a child’s development, including social communication, play, cognitive skills, and adaptive behaviour. What distinguishes the ESDM is its personalized approach, which tailors goals and interventions to suit each child’s unique strengths, challenges, and developmental trajectory, fostering maximum progress and skill acquisition.
The ESDM prioritises naturalistic teaching strategies, leveraging everyday routines and activities as opportunities for learning within the child’s natural environment. Additionally, parent involvement is pivotal, with families receiving training and support to implement ESDM techniques at home, ensuring consistent and meaningful learning beyond therapy sessions.
Structured teaching sessions, collaborative team efforts, and data-driven decision-making further characterize the ESDM. By combining individualisation, naturalistic teaching, parent involvement, collaboration, and data-driven practice, the ESDM aims to optimise developmental outcomes for children with autism, promising a brighter future for them and their families.
Zones of Regulation
The Zones of Regulation is a program developed by Leah Kuypers to help individuals, especially children, develop emotional regulation skills. It categorises emotions and states of alertness into four colour-coded zones: Blue (low alertness), Green (regulated alertness), Yellow (heightened alertness), and Red (extremely heightened alertness). The program includes visual supports, emotional vocabulary development, self-regulation strategies tailored to each zone, problem-solving skills, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and social skills training. Through visual cues, individuals learn to identify and understand their emotions, build emotional literacy, and develop coping mechanisms appropriate for each zone. By teaching self-awareness and regulation skills, the Zones of Regulation empower individuals to manage their emotions effectively in various situations, promoting emotional well-being and social competence.
The Big Life Journal
The Big Life Journal is a guided journal designed to help children develop a growth mindset, resilience, and social-emotional skills. It includes a series of activities, prompts, and exercises aimed at promoting self-reflection, goal setting, gratitude, and positive thinking. The journal is divided into sections covering topics such as understanding emotions, overcoming challenges, setting goals, and building confidence. Each section contains engaging illustrations, inspirational quotes, and thought-provoking prompts to encourage children to explore their thoughts and feelings, identify their strengths, and develop a positive outlook on life. The Big Life Journal provides a structured and interactive format for children to cultivate important life skills and foster personal growth in a fun and meaningful way.
