Discovering Strength

Get to know Discovering Strength

From Discovering Strength's website.

• Our approach

  Discovering Strength takes a holistic approach to therapy, drawing on a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to each child's needs. Sessions commonly use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Reality Therapy and Emotion Coaching, with Mindfulness techniques, Play Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy also employed depending on what works best for the individual. Support is provided to families, schools and the community, and can take place in the office, home, school, or at kindergarten and childcare settings. Parents are encouraged to be involved in sessions, though there are circumstances where the child or adolescent is seen without parents present. The team is passionate about helping children reach their full potential and experience happy, fulfilling lives despite the challenges they may face.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are integral to the therapy process at Discovering Strength and are encouraged to be involved in sessions whenever possible, as research shows parental involvement in therapy almost doubles the outcomes. The team values working collaboratively with families, schools and allied health professionals to ensure holistic and meaningful support tailored to each child's strengths and needs. Communication is warm and non-judgmental, with therapists working in a client-centred way and ensuring families feel heard, understood and safe. Discovering Strength also offers a parent and carer support group where parents and carers experiencing similar issues can come together, learn new approaches from each other and develop friendships, led by a Psychologist with topics of discussion guided by participants themselves.

• Meet the team

  The team at Discovering Strength is led by Denise Cran, a Registered Psychologist since 2000 with extensive experience in disabilities and learning difficulties, plus 10 years helping people with disabilities in employment and time as a Senior Psychologist with the Department of Education. She is supported by Senior Psychologist Mandy Robinson and Psychologists Rabia Tanveer and Sarah Lawson, all trained in evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT and Mindfulness, with expertise in autism, ADHD, trauma and educational assessments. The team also includes Rachel Oliver, an experienced Occupational Therapist trained in sensory intervention and cognitive rehabilitation with a focus on neurodiversity-affirming practice; Adrian Porter, a Counsellor with a Bachelor's degree in Counselling and experience supporting people impacted by autism and trauma; and Provisional Psychologist Tamanna Rahman, with postgraduate studies in Psychological Science and experience in psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions. All practitioners are supervised by Denise, and the team also works with qualified instructors to run group programs.

• Your first visit

  At a first appointment or initial assessment, the team will conduct a thorough evaluation to understand your child's strengths, needs and goals. Discovering Strength offers a range of assessments including cognitive assessments, learning difficulty assessments, autism assessments and behavioural assessments. The process is designed to provide valuable insight into your child's unique profile and guide effective supports moving forward. Your child's case will be overseen by experienced psychologists who will develop a tailored treatment plan based on the assessment findings. Once services commence, families initiate contact by contacting the office directly rather than through referrals, as the team believes it is important for families to take this first step in seeking support.