Palm Psychology

02/04/2026

We will be closed over the long weekend for the Easter break reopening Tuesday 7 April. We wish you & your family a safe & happy Easter 🌴☀️

23/01/2026

Complex trauma affects nervous system functioning, particularly when trauma occurs in relational and developmental contexts.​

Evidence from neurobiology, attachment theory, and trauma research consistently shows that physiological responses to threat precede conscious thought. This is why effective support for complex trauma must include body-based strategies that restore regulation and safety at a nervous system level.​

Working with the body is not an adjunct to recovery - it is central to it.​

Learn more with our practical three-part Youtube series – Building a Resilient Nervous System​​:
https://bit.ly/4t07sx0

23/01/2026

23/01/2026

This week Fortem engaged Sydney’s first responders through simple acts of appreciation, with team members, including CEO Michael Willing APM, out sharing our gratitude for all they do.

The approach was intentional: show up, say thank you, and connect. The impact was clear. First responders were receptive, curious about Fortem’s wellbeing services, and grateful for the acknowledgement.

As CEO Michael Willing noted, 'simple human connection is often the most effective starting point for conversations about wellbeing.'

Across the week we saw this firsthand – informal engagement sparked meaningful conversations about mental health, workplace culture, and support services. Many first responders were learning about Fortem for the first time, highlighting the importance of visibility and connection.

These visits reinforced a core truth: connection doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.

Our purpose remains the same – to ensure first responders feel seen, valued, and supported every day.

23/01/2026

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 𝗮 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸: 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲!
Thanks to The OT Toolbox for another excellent post!

Breaking down a task means looking at the underlying areas. The process of thinking through a multi-step task (like a bigger homework assignment) and mentally ordering the steps to completion can be the breakdown area for some kids.

(Get out the backpack. Find the right folder. Gather the papers, books, pencil. Find the page number. Organize thoughts. Filter out distractions. Create mental responses. Organize and problem solve. Recall what was mentioned in class. Put answers to paper.)

That ability to identify high priority tasks and rate them compared to low priority tasks can be quite difficult.

Prioritization is the process of figuring out what parts of a task or activity are the most important and what is the first thing that needs to be done and what is the most important part of the project that needs to be completed. Prioritization is the ability to identify tasks in an order that makes sense!

Prioritization is an executive functioning skill that requires several other executive functions.

🧠Initiation
🧠Planning
🧠Sustained Attention
🧠Working Memory
🧠Task Completion

Read more & find tips to support this area of EF:
https://www.theottoolbox.com/tips-to-improve-prioritization/

30/12/2025

Wishing you & your families a safe & happy new year 🌴

20/12/2025

We are taking a short break over the holiday period & will be back from 8 January 2026.
If you would like to make an appointment for 2026, please send an email or leave a message on 0432088860.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful, safe & Merry Christmas 🎄
We look forward to seeing you in the New Year 🌟
Best Wishes
Palm Psychology

15/12/2025

We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the horrific tragedy in Bondi last night, and our hearts go out to Jewish communities around the country. We strongly condemn this display of hatred, violence and anti-Semitism and we stand in solidarity with this community, who are once again carrying the weight of grief, fear and intergenerational trauma in the aftermath of this violence.

Our thoughts are with all those directly impacted, and we wish a full recovery to those injured. We also express our sincere gratitude to the first responders and community members who bravely attended the incident.

We recognise that the mental health impacts of this tragedy will be far-reaching, affecting not only those directly involved but also children, families, practitioners, first responders and the broader community. At a time of heightened collective unease and distress, connecting with loved ones and supporting one another is more important than ever.

For anyone struggling in the wake of this event, support is available. We encourage people to reach out for help, prioritise care for one another, and consider limiting exposure to distressing media coverage. A list of national crisis support services is available on the AAPi website, as well as advice for supporting children: https://ow.ly/75Ib50XJmxP

20/11/2025

Celebrating by saying it loud and clear - Be kind to your yourself, your mental health and wellbeing matters! 🧡

Wellbeing helps us stay resilient, build social support and self-efficacy, and cope with adversity.

Never forget that self-care isn't selfish, it's essential👇 More support on here 👉 https://bit.ly/3ZTiAfZ

11/09/2025

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

It’s a day to honour the memories of those we’ve lost to su***de and to offer support to those facing difficult times and those living with the grief of losing someone.

The message of ‘Changing the Narrative on Su***de’ encourages us to change how we talk about su***de. To replace silence and stigma for empathy, compassion and action.

We all have a role to play in staying connected, showing up for those we care about and helping those struggling access the support they need.

Show the people around you that you’re there for them by asking 'are you OK?'. Because a conversation could change a life.

***dePreventionDay

11/09/2025

R U OK?Day is a reminder to start a conversation ANY day of the year.

But what if someone tells you they're not OK?

Find tips on what you can say and do to support those you care about at ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

07/09/2025