Affective Care | Registered NDIS Provider

Get to know Affective Care | Registered NDIS Provider

From Affective Care | Registered NDIS Provider's website.

• Our approach

  Affective Care uses a person-centred, emotionally-centred approach grounded in compassion and empathy. Sessions are tailored to each individual's unique needs, strengths and goals, whether delivered face-to-face at home, in-clinic, or via secure telehealth across Australia. The team focuses on understanding the whole person—their communication style, sensory preferences, emotional needs and what helps them feel calm and safe—rather than just the presenting concern. Services combine clinical expertise with practical, evidence-based strategies designed to support emotional wellbeing, independence and dignity. The approach emphasises collaboration with families, carers and support teams to create consistent, wraparound care that truly supports each person's journey.

• Working with families

  The provider emphasises partnership with families, carers and support coordinators throughout the care journey. The team communicates clearly about the process and works hand-in-hand with family members and support networks to create wraparound care. When behaviour support is involved, practitioners take time to understand the family's concerns and involve carers and support workers in developing consistent approaches. The provider also offers training for carers and provides guidance to families navigating the NDIS. Feedback from families is welcomed and the team aims to review concerns fairly and provide written responses within 10 business days, with management review available if needed.

• Meet the team

  The team includes registered psychologists, behaviour support practitioners, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, registered counsellors and a registered nurse. Practitioners such as Jessica Boumelhemm (Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner and PBS Manager), Chady Aoun (Senior Psychologist and Behaviour Support Practitioner), Anabell Beattie-Bowers (Registered Psychologist) and others bring clinical expertise and lived experience supporting participants with diverse needs including autism, psychosocial disability, intellectual disability and complex trauma. The organisation was founded by a psychologist and an accountant, and is led by Rita Dagher (CEO and Psychologist). Support coordinators including Helen Short, Therese Safi, Jodie Harmer and others work alongside clinical practitioners to coordinate care and support planning.

• Your first visit

  At the initial assessment or first appointment, the team takes time to listen deeply and understand the participant's life, goals, preferences and support needs. They gather information about daily routines, communication style, sensory preferences, emotional wellbeing and what helps the person feel supported and safe. The assessment process is respectful and person-centred, focusing on the whole person rather than just the presenting concern. Following the assessment, a tailored plan is developed that meets the participant's needs, respects their dignity and supports a better quality of life. The team communicates clearly throughout the process to help families and support networks understand the approach and what to expect.