Articles
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What is ADHD?
ADHD is a pattern of behaviour that reduces a person’s level of performance and functioning in many settings, such as school, home and work. ADHD symptoms occur in most cultures in about 5% of children and 2.5% of adults. General ADHD Symptoms ADHD symptoms generally fall into two categories: Inattention – lack of attention to…
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“Sorry, I was distracted…” – The Impact of Technology on Social Connection
Have you ever been sitting around the dining table at home, completely immersed in Facebook and Instagram, and totally ignoring the world around you? Have you ever walked past a table at a restaurant where every person was looking down at his or her phone? Social disengagement and immersion in technology seems to be a…
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder – Some Thoughts on Tips for Management
Opposition and defiance are behaviours that all young people will engage in. They select the behaviour they feel might be best or quickest to get what they want, to meet their needs. Those who engage in these behaviours more often or longer are designated as having a ‘disorder’. I’ve always been somewhat bemused by such…
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The Psychological Effects of Kindness
Many psychological therapies focus on reducing negative thoughts, and engaging in pleasant and healthy behaviours in order to enhance wellbeing. Modern Western society generally focuses on encouraging people to find answers to the questions ‘what makes you happy?’ and ‘how can you get your needs met?’ A broad survey of the media would indicate that…
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When Does Substance Use Become Substance Abuse?
Substance use can mean using any substance ranging from prescription drugs or painkillers, to illicit or recreational drugs. Substance abuse is when a substance is used in unhealthy amounts on a regular basis. It can lead to a wide variety of problems if it becomes an ongoing behaviour. It can affect a person’s home life,…
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What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Nearly every person will experience some sort of traumatic event, after which it is normal to feel sad, hurt, lost or disconnected. Generally over time people are able to process the events and move on with life after some time, however, for a small percentage of people, they may develop problems with what psychologists call…
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What do child psychologists do?
Strategic Psychology is a private practice in the centre of Canberra. We offer specialised services from trained child psychologists. Contact us today.
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Dealing with Grief and Loss
It is normal for a person to feel a sense of grief after a loved one has passed away, or some other major loss has occurred. Often a significant loss is followed by an influx of different emotions, possibly at a level never previously experienced. People who are grieving may have the thought that the…
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Importance of Trust in a Relationship
It is trust that allows us to navigate the uncertain and complex world we live in today. With the rise of the internet, mobile phones, email, chat and social media, it is so much easier for people to connect or spend more time with co-workers than with family or significant others. Trust is integral to…
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Child and Adolescent Assessments – What to Look For
With experienced child psychologists, Strategic Psychology provides comprehensive IQ and cognitive assessments for both children and adolescents. Our assessments can identify potential learning difficulties, such as reading, language, or attention challenges. Our goal is to provide accurate and insightful assessments to support individuals to understand their cognitive abilities and pave the way for targeted interventions…
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What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, better known as OCD, is an anxiety disorder where sufferers feel compelled to perform certain rituals or habits (compulsions) in order to suppress anxiety caused by recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions). OCD affects approximately 3 in 100 Australians and it can be very debilitating. Although people who suffer OCD use rituals to suppress their…
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The Many Forms of Disordered Eating
There are various types of eating disorders. These are usually characterised by significantly restricted eating or over-eating. One of the most common forms of eating disorders is Anorexia Nervosa, which is a rejection of maintaining a healthy body weight due to a fear of gaining weight or a distorted body image, perceiving one’s own body…
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How Different Parenting Styles Affect Children
The manner in which parents choose to raise their children is often considered a deeply personal and private affair. Nevertheless, dedicated practitioners and professionals are committed to supporting parents in developing a comprehensive framework that effectively guides their parenting approach. The crux lies in enhancing parents’ comprehension of the cause-and-effect dynamics of their chosen parenting…
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What is Involved in Couples Counselling?
Drs John and Julie Gottman, world-renowned couples therapists and researchers, founded the Gottman Institute, which has pioneered a number of highly effective methods for couples to build healthier relationships. At Strategic Psychology in Canberra, our psychologists utilise evidence-based couples counselling strategies, such as those pioneered by the Gottman Institute. The following activities are taken from…
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What Defines a ‘Good’ Psychologist?
If you are seeking assistance from a psychologist, it is important to select someone whom is likely to be effective. The American Psychological Association (APA) has released a document indicating the top characteristics of an effective psychologist. Strategic Psychology in Canberra employs and assists in the development of psychologists who embody these qualities. The following…
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5 Tips to Beat Stress At Exam Time
For many students in secondary school and university, anxiety and stress can become a growing obstacle to their health and happiness. As school sessions come to a close, end of term tests and exams can become a huge source of fear and worry that can have a large impact on a student’s psyche. As a…
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Acceptance and Commitment – A New Approach to Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain can be extremely debilitating. Sadly, one in five Australians experience chronic pain. It is associated with 40% of early retirements in Australia and is the third most costly health burden. Chronic pain is when a person experiences pain that can range from intense, to a milder level that still significantly impedes functioning. The…
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What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder characterised by periods of heightened elation, commonly known as manic episodes, followed by periods of low mood, known as depressive episodes. Manic episodes When experiencing a manic episode, a person often does things that are risky or extreme, which they would not normally do. Such behaviours can include going…
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Managing Stress
Strategic Psychology is a private practice in central Canberra offering services from psychologists for those who believe they may benefit from support with stress management. Stress is a feeling of being overwhelmed, tense or worried. It is usually related to feeling under pressure in some way, whether at work, school, university, socially or domestically. A moderate…
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Common Reasons Couples Seek Relationship Counselling
Many couples commonly face the following problems and, without some shifts in the dynamics, they are likely to have a serious impact on the quality and longevity of a relationship. If you and your partner are experiencing any of these then you may benefit from attending relationship counselling. Neglecting the friendship The quality of the…
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Assertiveness: The Benefits of Being Assertive
Assertiveness is a vital communication skill that empowers individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs confidently and respectfully. In a world where misunderstandings and conflicts are commonplace, being assertive can lead to healthier relationships, improved self-esteem, and enhanced decision-making. Unlike aggression, which can harm interactions, assertiveness fosters open dialogue and mutual respect, allowing individuals…