2023
Charting the Course to Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Psychologist's Roadmap
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23/11/2023 10:21 AM Introduction Embarking on the journey toward an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis can be likened to navigating a labyrinthine path, loaded with intricate twists and nuances. For us psychologists, wielding a deep-seated grasp of the diagnostic trail becomes our paramount tool to ensure preciseness in our conclusions and aptitude in therapeutic measures. In this exploration, we dissect the integral slices of ASD assessment, spotlighting exemplary protocols and reflective thoughts key to...
Journeying Towards Better Mental Health: The Guiding Hand of a Psychologist
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21/11/2023 14:05 PM Introduction: A Personal Reflection on Mental Health As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of mental health, I understand its complexities. It's not just a medical term; it's about how we cope with life's challenges. In this article, I want to share insights into how a psychologist can be a beacon of hope in this journey. Mental Health: More Than Just a Diagnosis Mental health is a deeply personal aspect of our lives. It's about how we feel, think, and interact with...
The Mind is the Body
Posted By Shayne Pattie,
15/11/2023 11:00 AM Part 1. Body Systems I have a want, almost a need to understand the human body. As a psychologist in Townsville, I regularly share my professional experiences and knowledge to help other people improve the understanding of their own mind and body. This blog series will be where I discuss sections from my book ‘My Eclectic Human Body’ to demonstrate how mental health is more than just the mind. There are approximately 11 different body systems that all interact with each other. This...
DO YOU WANT TO STOP THE MONKEY CHATTER?
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17/10/2023 17:00 PM Too Much Monkey Chatter Business You may have heard our internal monologue described as the “monkey chatter” in your mind, that endless loop of negative judgement we place on every thought, actions and perceived wrong turn we make. In psychological terms we refer to this internal monologue as the “inner critic”. Being able to recognise your inner critic is the first step in stopping the monkey chatter. Getting curious about which of these critics directs your life is key. Do...
It’s OK to take time for you!
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08/09/2023 12:00 PM We can’t take care of others if we can’t take care of ourselves. This sounds simple and straight forward, but it is often something many people overlook. It is important to understand that this concept applies not only to people in the health care sector providing frontline support, but to everyone! The need exists across all industries including families. If you are in connection with people and there is an opportunity to provide support to others, then this applies to you. Self-care...
Neurodivergence Blog
Posted By Shayne Pattie,
12/07/2023 08:20 AM I have been working in psychology in Townsville since 2016 and feel that I have a unique approach to mental health. This can be partially explained by sharing that I have been diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) known as (neurodivergence). This brain difference allows me to approach the many ideas and presentations in psychology from a different perspective. Language around Autism and ADHD has changed in recent years, with...
Helping Kids with Emotional Regulation
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25/05/2023 10:00 AM If you’re a parent, chances are that you have experienced a tantrum or several in your day. Most of us expect it in two- and three-year-olds, however if a child that has reached school age continues to have frequent meltdowns and emotional outbursts, they may have difficulty with emotional regulation. The ability to manage our own emotions when presented with the demands of a situation that are unpleasant or highly upsetting stimuli can be referred to as self-regulation. Being able to...
Physical and Mental Health and Their Relationship
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14/05/2023 11:00 AM The connection between Physical Health and Mental Health The relationship between physical and mental health is influenced by a complicated web of interconnected factors. Mental health is the term used to describe an individual's emotional and psychological well-being, as opposed to physical health, which refers to the overall well-being of the body. As a result of their close connection, one's condition can have an impact on the other. It has been discovered through research that those...
Gosh, my memory is terrible as of late!
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06/04/2023 16:00 PM Do you ever find yourself thinking “gosh, my memory is terrible as of late”, “I seem to be struggling more than ever to focus”, “my head is so foggy” or “why can’t I think clearly?” These thoughts can often lead us to think the worst about our cognitive functioning, or even attribute our difficulties to something more medical. What if I told you that a common contributing factor to our cognitive functioning, specifically our executive functioning, is our mood. When I say executive functioning, I...
Positive Parenting
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07/02/2023 13:28 PM Is there a difference between punishment and discipline? It’s an age-old question and for generations parents and caregivers will argue what the most effective parenting strategies are, and it would appear that the division lines are still strong. Is spanking necessary? Do time outs work? Is yelling harmful? Does counting to 3 work? Should we provide kids with rewards? The questions can go on. Therefore, we need to ask ourselves what is the purpose of discipline and what does that look like....