Is Discovering Strength a registered NDIS provider?

Discovering Strength is not currently listed as a registered NDIS provider on the NDIS Commission register. They may still support plan-managed or self-managed NDIS participants — contact them to confirm.

What services does Discovering Strength provide?

Discovering Strength provides Psychology, Behavioural Support, Autism Assessment and ADHD Assessment.

Which areas does Discovering Strength cover?

Discovering Strength is based in Melton, VIC.

How do I connect with Discovering Strength?

You can call +61 408 181 986 and visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.

What ages does Discovering Strength work with?

Discovering Strength provides support to infants, children, adolescents and young adults, with the Occupational Therapist working with children from age 2 upwards.

How do Medicare rebates for psychology work?

Your GP can prepare a Mental Health Care Plan and referral, which lets you claim a Medicare rebate for a set number of sessions per calendar year. The exact number and rebate are set by Medicare.

Do we need a referral?

Not to see a psychologist privately. A GP Mental Health Care Plan and referral are needed to claim Medicare rebates.

When should I consider a psychologist for my child?

If worries, mood, or behaviour are affecting your child's daily life, friendships, or learning, an assessment can help clarify what support would suit.

Is psychology covered by the NDIS?

It can be, where psychological support relates to a participant's disability and plan goals.

Discovering Strength · Psychology · Melton, VIC

What Discovering helps with

Cognitive Assessments

A standardised assessment of thinking, learning and memory abilities administered by a psychologist. Results identify a person's cognitive profile, highlight strengths and areas of difficulty, and inform recommendations for school support, therapy and NDIS access.

Learning Difficulties Assessments

Assessment service for identifying learning difficulties.

Autism Assessments

A multi-disciplinary evaluation that determines whether a child or adult meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It usually involves observation, standardised assessments and parent or teacher interviews, resulting in a diagnostic report that opens access to therapy and NDIS supports.

Behavioural Assessments

A thorough evaluation by a psychologist using standardised tests, interviews and observation to understand a person's cognitive, emotional and behavioural functioning. Results inform diagnosis and guide recommendations for therapy, school adjustments and support services.

Psychological Support & Therapy

Holistic therapy support for infants, children, adolescents and adults using evidence-based interventions including CBT, Narrative Therapy, Reality Therapy, Emotion Coaching, Mindfulness, Play Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Available in office, home, school or kindergarten/childcare settings.

Karate for Children with Additional Needs

Specialised group program combining karate instruction with social skills development, with transition support to regular classes.

Basketball and Cricket Groups

Sports-based group programs teaching teamwork, communication and social skills with support from psychologists.

STEM Club: Technology Group

Social skills group focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics with hands-on activities including robots, drones and 3D pens.

Social Skills Groups

Therapy and group programs that teach children and young people the skills needed to interact effectively with others — such as turn-taking, reading social cues, making conversation and managing conflict. Often delivered in small groups to allow real-life practice with peers.

Science Group

Group program exploring scientific questions through fun experiments and hands-on activities.

Art Group

Group program for teens to express creativity and experiment with different artistic mediums in a supportive environment.

Parent/Carer Support Group

Support group for parents and carers to share experiences, learn new approaches and connect with others on similar journeys.

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.

Discovering Strength

What families say

About Discovering Strength