Get to Know Me
I am a psychologist with 30 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and their families. Employing play therapy, which is effective at treating a range of emotional and behavioral problems, I am passionate about sharing strategies with parents so that they may respond therapeutically to their own children’s needs. This unique approach empowers parents to become the agent of change in their children’s lives.
I am a presenter on child mental health, write for the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and am the Principal Consultant Psychologist for Bestchance Child Family Care.
Education
1997 - 1998
Graduate Diploma Applied Science
Swinburne University
A Graduate Diploma of Applied Science (GDipAppSc) is a postgraduate qualification that is designed to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a variety of applied science fields.
1992 - 1995
B.A. Psych, Psychology
Swindburne University
Specialised study in developmental psychology, cognition, social psychology, personality, psychological measurement and abnormal psychology, while developling skills in project management, research design and report writing.
2009 - 2001
Advanced Clinical Certificate in Play Therapy
Play Therapy Australia
Advanced training including complex themes in children's play therapy, the skill of making meaning of children's play therapy, writing and reporting skill development, and skill practice.
Experience
Guided by evidence-based psychology and play therapy research, I write and present on a range of topics to professionals working with children as well as parents and carers. Connecting with humour, compassion, and a knowledgeable voice, I get people excited about the agents of change they can be for children.
Knowing how to navigate the needs of the children in our lives - whether those children are clients, students, or our own children - helps us feel empowered and inspired. Mindfulness-based approaches in particular are an effective, contemporary approach for growing and healing, based on old, time-tested wisdom.
Principal Consultant Psychologist
bestchance Child Family Care
Oct 2021 - present
bestchance Child Family Care is an independent not-for-profit organisation which has been providing support to children and families since 1895. Today, bestchance is a large organisation delivering a suite of programs including Early Years Management, Long Day Care, Early Childhood Intervention, The Cheshire School, Family Support Services and Volunteer Programs. bestcare also offer nationally recognised Accredited Training through our Registered Training Organisation, bestchance Training
Psychologist and content writer
Australian Psychological Society
August 2019 - present
I write for the Australian Psychological Society (APS), forming ‘think tanks’ with leading Australian experts to create a broad range of evidence-based, professional development modules for psychologists. I have written on topics such as child mental health, autism, ADHD, culturally sensitive practice, LGBTQI concerns, pain psychology, eating disorders and psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Public speaker and supervisor
Angela North Psychology
Jan 2011 - present
Professional Development Seminars, conference speaker, webinar presenter, and supervisor of mental health professionals who have training in play-based modalities. Presenting to educators, parents and carers, psychologists, play therapists, social workers, paediatric occupational therapists, speech therapists, anyone with an interest in, or who cares for children.
School Psychologist
Cheshire School, bestcare Child Family Care
Jan 2012 - Oct 2021
The Cheshire School is a specialised setting for children experiencing significant social, emotional and behavioural problems. Positive psychology principles are embedded throughout this trauma-informed program, in a small setting that supports children to remain engaged in their education while gaining emotional regulation skills. The role of psychologist includes developing individualised behaviour support plans, support staff, students and parents, and provide 1:1 play therapy for students. In addition, I provide professional development Seminars for The Cheshire School's overseeing organisation, bestchance. The focus of these seminars are on sharing play therapy principles and skills with Educators who work with young children, enhancing the therapuetic nature of their work.
Psychologist
Angela North Psychology
Jan 2011 - Aug 2017
Play therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for primary and pre-primary aged children suffering emotional and behavioural problems. Parenting support and enhancement via Filial Therapy. Interpersonal therapy for adults experiencing emotional problems, adjustment difficulties, grief and trauma. Supervision of psychologists for general registration. Supervision of play therapists.
School Psychologist
OnPsych Australia
Jan 2008 - Jan 2009
Providing counselling to children and adolescents at a Prep-Year 12 school in Melbourne's south-east.