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Common presentations among children and adolescents include
Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties, social skills difficulties, defiance and oppositional behaviours, anger and aggression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
Defiance and oppositional behaviours can include breaking rules, being argumentative with authority figures, and engaging in behaviours that challenge authority.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterised by difficulties with communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive and restrictive behaviours.
Anger and aggression can be exhibited through physical or verbal outbursts, and may be related to difficulties with impulse control.
ADHD involves symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty with attention and focus.
Anxiety can manifest as excessive worry, nervousness, and fear, and may interfere with daily activities and relationships.
Emotional regulation difficulties refer to difficulties managing and expressing emotions appropriately.
Low self-esteem can involve negative beliefs and feelings about oneself, and may impact self-worth and confidence.
Social skills difficulties can manifest as difficulty with making and maintaining friendships, reading social cues, and understanding social norms.
Depression can involve persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and other physical symptoms.
Presentation of adults seeking psychology services commonly include the following
Anxiety Disorders
Characterised by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or avoidance behaviours.
Obsessive-Compulsive disorder
A type of anxiety disorder involving intrusive and
repetitive thoughts or actions.
Depression
A mood disorder characterised by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
Stress
Which may manifest in physical symptoms such as tension, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
Relationship issues
Including difficulties with communication, trust, intimacy, or conflict management.
Grief and Loss
Such as bereavement or major life transitions that impact emotional well-being.
Parenting concerns
Such as managing behaviour problems, developmental issues, or family conflict.
Trauma-related issues
Including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other acute stress reactions.
Work-related issues
Such as occupational stress, burnout, or performance-related challenges.
daar Areas of Specialisation
At daar, we understand the importance of holistic care that addresses not just specific symptoms but also underlying causes. Our psychologists work with you to identify and address the root causes of
Outlined below are the daar areas of specialisation in psychology
Paediatric Psychology
daar specialises in providing psychological services for children, focusing on understanding and addressing developmental, emotional, and behavioural challenges. This includes working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Global Developmental Delay (GDD), and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The approach is tailored to meet each child's unique needs, helping them develop coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and enhance their social skills.
Behavioural Interventions
daar is dedicated to implementing evidence-based behavioural interventions, particularly within the framework of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). The psychology team works closely with behaviour therapists to design and monitor behaviour support plans that address behaviours of concern, such as aggression, self-injury, and non-compliance. These interventions aim to reduce challenging behaviours and promote positive, adaptive behaviours in various settings, including home, school, and community environments.
Parent and Family Support
daar recognises the importance of involving families in the therapeutic process. The psychology team provides parent training and family counselling to support families in managing their child's behaviours and emotional challenges. This includes equipping parents with effective strategies to reinforce positive behaviours, improve communication, and reduce stress within the family unit.
Trauma-Informed Care
daar offers trauma-informed psychological services, understanding the profound impact that trauma can have on a child's development and behaviour. The team is trained to work with children who have experienced various forms of trauma, providing therapeutic interventions that focus on safety, trust-building, and emotional healing. This approach ensures that all services are delivered in a way that minimises re-traumatisation and supports the child's recovery.
Group Therapy
daar provides group therapy sessions that allow children and adolescents to interact with peers facing similar challenges. These sessions are designed to improve social skills, foster a sense of community, and provide a supportive environment where participants can share experiences and learn from one another. Group therapy is particularly beneficial for children who might feel isolated due to their conditions, offering them a chance to build connections and develop new coping strategies.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
daar utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help children and adolescents identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional and behavioural difficulties. CBT is an evidence-based approach that is effective in treating a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems. Through CBT, children learn practical skills to manage their emotions, reduce negative thinking, and improve their overall mental health.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
daar offers Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a specialised form of therapy that combines CBT with mindfulness practices. DBT is particularly effective for children and adolescents who struggle with intense emotions, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. The therapy focuses on building skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT helps children gain better control over their emotions and develop healthier relationships.
The Assessments we can do
The Assessments we can do
In psychology, daar utilises a variety of assessments to evaluate an individual’s adaptive behaviour, cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and mental health. These assessments are used to identify strengths and weaknesses, determine appropriate interventions, and assess treatment outcomes. The following is an outline of the assessments used in daar, along with a brief explanation of each:
Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3)
This assessment evaluates an individual’s adaptive behaviour in day-to-day activities, such as communication, daily living skills, and socialisation. It provides a comprehensive measure of an individual’s independent functioning and can be used to develop individualised treatment plans.
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Fourth Edition
Australian and New Zealand Language Adapted Edition (WAIS-IV A&NZ): This assessment measures an individual’s cognitive abilities, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. It provides a measure of an individual’s intellectual functioning and can be used to identify learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and other cognitive impairments.
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Third Edition:
Australian and New Zealand Standardised (WIAT-III A&NZ): This assessment evaluates an individual’s academic achievement in reading, writing, and math. It can be used to identify learning disabilities, assess academic strengths and weaknesses, and develop individualised education plans.
Conners 4th Edition:
This assessment is used to evaluate an individual’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and related behavioural issues. It provides a measure of an individual’s impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention and can be used to develop individualised treatment plans.
Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS):
This assessment evaluates an individual's autism
spectrum symptoms, including social interaction, communication, and repetitive
behaviours. It can be used to diagnose autism spectrum disorders and develop
individualised treatment plans.
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