Creating Change Psychology & Counselling

09/10/2025

Is your young adult feeling lost after school?
Uni, TAFE, work... or something else?
They're not alone! Our 6-week Launchpad Program helps 17-21 year olds build confidence & direction. Led by psychologist Paris Gibson.
Learn how to turn "I don't know" into "I've got this!"

👉 Learn more or book here: creatingchange.net.au/launchpad_program

08/10/2025

03/10/2025

Not Just ADHD Help. Strengths-Based, Science-Backed Support That Works

If you or someone you love is living with ADHD, you’ve likely heard a lot about what’s “wrong.” But what if the real breakthrough comes from discovering what’s strong?
At our practice, we do things differently. Dr Debbie Collaros, senior psychologist, ADHD high performance coach, and creator of The Collaros ADHD Strengths Screener (CASS™), the world’s first ADHD Strengths Screener takes a strengths-led, brain-based approach to helping clients thrive. That means:

No more generic advice or cookie-cutter treatment plans.

No deficit-labelling or shame-based narratives.

Just real, practical strategies tailored to your unique brain.

Whether you’re navigating overwhelm, burnout, executive function challenges or relationship patterns, we’ll help you reframe ADHD from a limitation into a launchpad for success.

If you are ready to find your strengths Debbie is ready to support you. Sessions include access to the CASS™ ADHD Strengths Screener to identify your neurodivergent superpowers.

Book now or share this with someone who needs support that sees their potential, not just their struggles.

02/10/2025

Is your team really ok?

As employers in NSW, we often juggle so much clients, budgets, deadlines, that it’s easy to let something fundamental slip: the mental wellbeing of your people. Disengaged staff, rising stress levels, missed deadlines, and a sense of disconnect aren’t just “part of business” they’re signals that something needs your attention.

In our latest blog, we dive into what every employer in NSW should know about supporting team mental health beyond just offering perks or programs. We talk about how you can foster open conversations, spot signs of dysregulation, create flexibility, manage workload pressures, and build real connection in your workplace.

If you care about your team (and I know you do), I invite you to read it and let’s start making mental wellbeing a priority in your workplace.

👉 https://creatingchange.net.au/managing-mental-health-at-work-dont-ignore-it/

Let me know: what’s one small change you could make this week to help your staff feel more supported?

29/09/2025

Big congratulations to Debbie Collaros our wonderful Christian-oriented Psychologist on her nomination for the Australian Christian Business Awards!

Debbie’s faith-led, compassionate care shines through in every session. She meets people with grace, wisdom, and practical strategies that align with their values, helping clients grow in hope, purpose, and resilience. We’re so proud of the way she serves our community and honours her calling every day.

Join us in cheering Debbie on!

19/09/2025

Big shout-out to our Director, Rebecca Deane, for continually building awareness and practical knowledge in our community, turning insight into real-world impact. Her evidence-based, down-to-earth approach helps people feel seen, supported, and equipped to create lasting change.

Rebecca shared a morning with the Westpac team on RUOK? Day hosting a mindfulness session. When workplaces make time for mental health, people don’t just cope they connect better, think clearer, and perform sustainably.

3 quick takeaways she explored:
• Micro-practices work, 60–120 seconds of breath, grounding or noticing can reset stress in real time.
• Culture beats policy, leaders who model boundaries, awareness and making space create psychological safety.
• Consistency over intensity, tiny, repeatable habits > once-a-year wellness moments.
Huge thanks to BT and Westpac Group for investing in their people. If your organisation wants practical, evidence-based tools your team can use the same day, she is always happy to share what works.

31/07/2025

Respect. Connection. Growth. Always learning, always listening.

27/06/2025

Let’s Talk About Mental Health and Why 10 Sessions Just Don’t Cut It!!
This is something close to our heart.
Under Australia’s current Medicare system, people can access just 10 subsidised psychology sessions per year. That might sound like a lot but if you or someone you love has ever needed support for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or burnout, you’ll know, 10 sessions barely scratch the surface.
Mental health recovery isn’t linear. It’s not a quick fix. It takes time to build trust with a psychologist, to unpack years of pain, and to develop the tools to cope and heal. For many, especially those with complex or long-term conditions, 10 sessions might only get you through the initial crisis not the deeper work that leads to lasting sustainable change.
After that, people are left with a tough choice, pay out of pocket (which many can’t afford), or stop therapy altogether.
That’s why I’m supporting this petition to increase the Medicare cap on psychology sessions. Because mental health care should be accessible, ongoing, and treated with the same urgency and respect as physical health.
🖊️ Please take a moment to sign and share: https://lnkd.in/geE54Pvh
Let’s push for a system that supports people through the whole journey not just the beginning. Read more about our sustainable change approach here https://lnkd.in/g8hjBPY6
hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

25/06/2025

Spotlight on Our Psychologist: Darby Fochesato

We’re proud to share the incredible work of our psychologist, Darby Fochesato, who has been conducting vital research into cyberbullying victimisation, a growing issue affecting young people across Australia and the world.

Her research explores two key questions:
What can victims do to reduce the impact of cyberbullying?
What factors contribute to repeat cyberbullying behaviour?

The findings are powerful:
- Moral disengagement by both perpetrators and peer bystanders plays a major role in allowing cyberbullying to continue.
- Victims often respond with aggression rather than assertiveness, which can escalate the cycle.
- Building self-efficacy, a person’s belief in their ability to cope and respond is crucial in helping victims protect their mental health and break the cycle.

Darby’s work is now being extended into school-based research, with the goal of developing practical strategies that can be implemented in classrooms to support students and reduce cyberbullying recidivism.

Beyond her research, Darby is passionate about developing psychological assessment tools and is also Cool Kids trained, helping children and teens manage anxiety through evidence-based programs.

👏 We’re so lucky to have Darby on our team combining research, clinical insight, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

24/06/2025

What if your child labelled as "defiant" is actually overwhelmed, misunderstood, and doing their best to cope with an internal storm? Lets step into the world of a child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) exploring what’s really happening beneath the surface and how adults can respond with compassion and clarity to support lasting change.

23/06/2025

When parenting feels more like survival than connection, it can leave you emotionally drained, isolated, and questioning everything. If you’re feeling like the joy has slipped away, you’re not alone. We explore why those feelings happen, especially for parents raising children with challenging behaviours like ODD, and offers four grounded, compassionate strategies to help you reconnect with yourself, your child, and the hope that things can change.

https://creatingchange.net.au/when-parenting-feels-too-hard-finding-hope-and-connection/

22/06/2025

So beautifully said 💬
At the end of the day, peace of mind and peace in your heart is everything.
It’s more valuable than anything money can buy and worth protecting. 💛