FREE LUNCHTIME SEMINARS AT THE ROCKHAMPTON LIBRARY

Think well, be well is the key theme for National Psychology Week,and in recognition the Australian Psychological Society (APS) is hosting daily seminars for the week Monday10th to Saturday 15th November,illuminating how psychology is improving the quality of life for those who need it the most.

This year denotes the 10th Anniversary of National Psychology Week, a week celebratingthe great diversity of the field and all that the science and discipline of psychology has achieved.A major part of this celebration is the opportunity to share with the community insights into the important work psychologists do to enhance the wellbeing and happiness of the individuals, families and communities.

Week in, week out, psychologists around Australia see the real difference that they make to the lives of others. Keen toshare these contributions with the community we are hostingFree lunchtime Seminars-Fitzroy Room, Rockhampton Library - between 1-2pm. You can bring your lunch to eat while you listen.

Our seminars will offer insight into a variety of key areas veryrelevant to our community, and local psychologists will be available to discuss their topics and answer any questions. All presenters areaccredited andmembers of the APS CQ Branch, any queries about the seminars can be directed to Julie Hill on 0416 155 817.

THE SEMINARS

MONDAY 11th Nov -“Understanding and Managing ADHD” presented by Julie Hill

Between 5-10% of children worldwide reportedly are effected by ADHD, many people may benefit from understanding not only the characteristics, prevalence and known treatments of ADHD - but alsothe role neurofeedback can play in the management of this disorder.

Julie is in private practice and has over 13 years experience assisting children, adolescents and adults with a range of psychological issues. Since early in 2011 Julie added Neurofeedback therapist to her skills and has expanded her practice to treat a number of well known and more complexneurological disorders that includeADHD, Autism and learning and language disorders.

TUESDAY 12th Nov- “Treating Trauma and Stress in Children” presented by Peter Jephcott

Children who have experienced Trauma require the sound basis of caregiver affection, emotional connections and consistent routines, rituals and responses. This basis allows the child to develop and heal from the negative experiences of their past.Healing can occur and abilities can grow when the right environment is maintained.

Peter has been a practicing psychologist since 2004 and has experience with forensic clients and children in the care of the state. Peter has behavioural management experience with children who have experienced trauma and have a disability, he works from a systemic behavioural perspective which involves providing psycho-education for all people providing care to a child, educators, foster carers, youth workers and parents.

WEDNESDAY 13th Nov –“The Use of Apps in Psychology” presented byMandy Dexter & Jamie Parnell

With the advent of smart phones, tablets and laptops, technology is now unable to be severed from the possession of the young and old alike. Although there are some negative aspects that the use of technology brings, there are also positive aspects to the use of our beloved technology. Mandy and Jaime will present how technology is assisting in the work they undertake as local private psychologists demonstrating their recently developed and released- App - The Dexter Parnell Kids Checklist. Bring along your most-loved device for a fun and informative session.

Dexter-Parnell is the collaboration of two local registered private psychologists, who have a passion for working with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and adults, particularly in the Child Protection system. Mandy Dexter and Jaime Parnell provide training workshops to assist parents and professionals in dealing with the scars that trauma and neglect can inflict; and Dexter-Parnell also provide assessments, and in-home support to stabilise families at risk. Dexter-Parnell has also developed and released the first in a range of Apps.

THURSDAY 14th Nov–“'Experts on their own lives: Narrative approaches in psychology” presented byTroy Holland

Troy has an interest in creative ways of helping people who experience difficulties, especially people who have trouble accessing mainstream services. Troy’s preferred therapeutic approach is Narrative Practice which recognizes ‘the person is not the problem, the problem is the problem’ and that ‘people are the experts on their own lives’Troy is looking forward to spending some time talking with you about this approach.

Troy practices psychology both in Woorabinda and Rockhampton, Monday to Wednesday he facilitates the psychology service at Woorabinda for his employer the CQ Rural Division of General Practice. In Rockhampton,Troy divides his time in a variety of supervisory and therapeutic roles. He participates in regular training and development in this approach and co-facilitates a monthly Narrative Practice Collaborative in Rockhampton. Troy’s preferred therapeutic approach, Narrative Practice is the basis of his presentation to-day.

FRIDAY - 15th Nov - “Becoming a parent: what to expect and what to do if it is hard to cope”presented by Dr Phillippa Stunzner

This overview will focus on mothers and what to expect with normal adjustment to the huge change that occurs with having a baby. Phillippa will also discuss how to identify mood and anxiety disorders during this time with some practical strategies about what to do if this does happen. She welcomes questions to make the presentation more interactive.

Dr Phillippa Stunzner is a clinical psychologist in private practice. Phillippa worked for many years in positions at Queensland Health including Mental Health Services and Child and Family Health before moving into independent practice. She also spent some time at Autism Queensland and is an Australian Psychological Society Autism and Pervasive Disorder Identified Practitioner. Phillippa has a broad range of experience in assessment and therapy of adults, children, and families with mood, anxiety, developmental and behavioural disorders.