Blog
Psychological Assessments on a Budget: What Townsville Parents Need to Know
Posted By Elizabeth Pincott,
09/10/2026 11:00 AM One of the most common conversations we have with parents at Breakfree Psychology Services starts like this: "I think my child might need an assessment — but I just don't know if we can afford it right now." It's a completely understandable concern. The increased cost of living is real, family budgets are stretched, and psychological assessments are not a small expense. But here's what we want every parent in Townsville to know: cost does not have to be a barrier to getting your child the...
Understanding Child Psychological Assessments: A Guide for Parents
Posted By Elizabeth Pincott,
05/10/2026 12:00 PM What Is a Child Psychological Assessment, Really? If you're reading this, you probably already have a niggling feeling about your child, something that doesn't quite fit the usual story. Maybe they're struggling at school, or home has become harder than it should be. Maybe you're watching them navigate friendships and friendships aren't going so well. Whatever brought you here, welcome. A child psychological assessment isn't a single test with a pass or fail at the end. It's more like getting...
What to Do If Weapons Licensing Requests a Fit and Proper Person Assessment
Posted By Elizabeth Pincott,
09/08/2026 09:00 AM A guide for firearm licence applicants and holders in Queensland Receiving a letter from Queensland Police Service (QPS) Weapons Licensing asking you to undergo a "fit and proper person" assessment can feel unexpected and unsettling. You may not be sure what it means, why it has happened, or what happens next. This post explains the process clearly so you know what to expect and how to approach it constructively. What Does "Fit and Proper Person" Mean? In Queensland, firearm...
Responding to your child’s negative self-talk
Posted By Katelyn Gilchrist,
05/08/2026 10:00 AM It’s tough being a parent, navigating the varied aspects of raising a little human and all the other things life throws at you. Hearing negative self-talk from your child can be upsetting and often confronting. You may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to respond and best support your child. It’s important to know that you’re not alone and many parents experience their child talking in these ways at some point. We are here to help you navigate these challenges; here are some tips on how to get...
How schema therapy is helping individuals live better
Posted By Elizabeth Pincott,
21/07/2026 09:00 AM We all carry stories about ourselves. "I'm not good enough." "If I show my true self, people will leave." "I have to be perfect or I'll fail." These aren't just passing thoughts — for many people, they're deeply held convictions that quietly shape every decision, relationship, and opportunity they pursue. In the language of psychology, these are called **early maladaptive schemas**, and they sit at the very heart of schema therapy.What Is a Limiting Belief, Really?The term "limiting belief"...
Challenges commonly seen in an ASD diagnosis
Posted By Katelyn Gilchrist,
28/05/2026 12:00 PM How to identify and support sensory processing challenges Firstly, what are sensory processing challenges? Sensory processing challenges arise when the way we receive, process, and respond to external and internal stimuli differs in some way from otherwise ‘typical’ processing. External (or environmental) stimuli refer to the 5 senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. While internal (or bodily) stimuli refer to vestibular (bodily movements), proprioceptive (bodily awareness), and...
Autism Assessments: What to Expect
Posted By Brittney Bogotto,
06/05/2026 06:00 AM Seeking an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment can feel like a big step. For many families, it comes after a long period of wondering, observing, researching, or receiving feedback from teachers, childcare educators, doctors, or other professionals. For adults, it may follow years of feeling “different” or noticing patterns in social communication, sensory needs, routines, or relationships. At Breakfree Psychology, Autism assessments are designed to provide clarity, understanding, and...
Comprehensive Psychological Assessments — All in one place
Posted By Elizabeth Pincott,
30/04/2026 10:00 AM Finding Answers Starts With the Right Assessment Sometimes life feels overwhelming, confusing, or like something just isn't quite clicking. Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's development, an adult seeking clarity about your own mental health, or someone navigating a legal requirement — a psychological assessment can be the most powerful first step toward understanding, support, and change. At Breakfree Psychology Services, we offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based...
Similarities with Trauma informed care and parenting.
Posted By Christina Rains,
28/04/2026 11:00 AM There’s actually a strong overlap between how we understand trauma and how we raise children well. Both areas draw heavily from fields like Developmental Psychology and Trauma-Informed Care, and they converge on a few core ideas: 1. Safety comes firstFor someone who’s experienced trauma—and for a child growing up—feeling safe (physically and emotionally) is foundational. Without that, the brain stays in a state of threat detection rather than learning or connection. 2. Relationships shape...
Why does my psychologist want me to do “homework”?
Posted By Katelyn Gilchrist,
27/04/2026 13:00 PM It is an all-too-common experience that we attend our first therapy session, and due to media representation and our own preconceived notions, we expect the session to just be a chance to talk and nothing else. Which can make receiving homework tasks to complete between sessions confusing. So why do we use them? Firstly, what is homework in the therapy context? Homework refers to the activities completed between sessions. There are many different types of homework that your psychologist...