As a clinical psychologist, I have spent countless hours working with individuals and couples striving to cultivate healthy and fulfilling relationships. Healthy relationships serve as the cornerstone of our emotional well-being, providing support, connection, and a sense of belonging. The following are valuable insights and strategies drawn from psychological principles to help you foster and maintain healthy relationships in your life. 1. Communication is Key: Effective com

Parenting is never a one-size-fits-all journey. Every child brings their own strengths, challenges, and personality into the family. For parents raising both neurotypical and neurodivergent children (e.g., autism, ADHD, or learning differences), the experience can feel like trying to follow two different instruction manuals at once. Each child needs something unique, and parents are often left wondering how to balance fairness, attention, and care between them. Common challen

One of the most common questions from older adults and their families is: “Is this normal ageing, or could it be dementia”? It is an important question, and one that is often (understandably) accompanied with a lot of worry. Understanding the differences between the two can provide reassurance, and it also ensures that the right support is accessed at the right time. What Happens during Normal Cognitive Ageing? Growing older naturally brings changes to how our brains function

We have all experienced those days when even the simplest of tasks feel overwhelming. Whether it is getting out of bed in the first place, going to work, or participating in social activities, motivation can sometimes feel like a distant friend. The good news is that being motivated is not something we are or are not, it is something we can build, step by step. Start Small - Really Small When energy is low, even big goals can feel impossible. The trick is to start with the sm

When a child struggles to go to school, it can be stressful for the whole family. Mornings may turn into battles filled with tears, stomach aches, or outright refusals to get out the door. Parents are often left asking themselves:  Are they just refusing, or is something deeper going on? This is where it helps to think about the difference between  school refusal  and  school ‘can’t.’ School Refusal This usually means a child is  unwilling  to attend, often due to anxiety, wo

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide, and for many younger survivors, the question of “ when  and how  can I return to work?” becomes central to their recovery journey. Returning to employment is often seen as a marker of regained independence and identity. Yet, the transition is rarely simple. Neuropsychologists are often part of the team that aid in supporting individuals through this challenging but rewarding process. Physical vs Cogni

How Pets Can Nurture Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing For so many people, the connection with an animal companion runs deeper than simple affection: it is a meaningful relationship that offers comfort, stability, and emotional growth. Whether it’s a dog greeting you at the door, a cat curled up beside you, or even the quiet rhythm of an aquarium, research consistently highlights that spending time with animals can have significant psychological benefits. 1. Reduces Stres

Grief in young children can be hard to recognise. While adults might cry, talk, or withdraw, children often show grief in more indirect ways, becoming clingy, acting out, regressing in behaviour (like bedwetting or separation anxiety), or asking the same questions again and again. They may dip in and out of sadness quickly, playing one moment and crying the next. This does not mean the loss has not touched them deeply, it simply reflects how children process emotions in short

A mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a disruption of normal brain function resulting from an external force or impact to the head. They can produce a range of cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms, including headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory disturbance. Neuropsychologists often meet individuals who have experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The word “mild” can be misleading as people often take it to imply that recovery will be swift and comple

At Cognitive Assessments Australia, we often encounter individuals who are grappling with questions about their cognitive and behavioural...

Psychological treatment for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can present with unique challenges, but evidence-based...

Parenting a child who struggles with big emotions can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself walking on eggshells, unsure of what will...

Neuropsychologists are often involved in the process of clarifying dementia diagnoses. While "dementia" is often used as though it refers...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals in various ways, influencing how they...

In recent years, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare has rapidly transformed. Among the most notable changes has been...

The wonders of the internet—catching up with long lost friends on Facebook, attending your third cousin’s wedding during COVID-19 from a...

In today's rapidly evolving world, our cognitive abilities play a crucial role in how we navigate through life's challenges, make...

Understanding Burnout In today's fast-paced world, demands seem to endlessly pile up and burnout has become an increasingly prevalent...

When most people think about autism, they often picture a socially withdrawn male, deeply immersed in specific, niche interests. This...