Ruth Turnbull Psychology

03/06/2025

😀

17/05/2025

This is a great example of what neuroaffirming approaches are 💙

20/04/2025

I believe neurodivergence is just that. A different way of thinking in a world built for neurotypicals. As a psych who has worked in the field of ND for 25+ years I now think that we need a much more adaptable world rather than more expectations placed on ND people to “fit in”

Your thoughts?

27/03/2025

We are in a stage of flux with the NDIS. I have worked with young people with disabilities and differing abilities for nearly 30 years and this scheme is LIFE CHANGING for participants and their families.

We should all feel passionate about the longevity of the NDIS, after all we are all just one accident away from needing it.

14/03/2025

Some of you may have already seen this. It is very powerful.

As a psychologist who has worked in the field of autism and neurodivergence for nearly 30 years I have seen many shifts in how we think about neurodivergence.

Today the onus is on us, to understand. The onus is not on neurodivergent people to change who they are.

I am often asked by professionals, by organisations, by funding organisations, by support workers, and many others about “strategies” “What are their strategies?” “How do we get them to use their strategies?” “Why aren’t they using their strategies?” “What strategies can you recommend?”

The strategy is to understand, to reduce expectations that neurodivergent people behave like a neurotypical person.

The strategy is to provide neurodivergent friendly education, schools and workplaces.

The strategy is to find a ND person’s skills and allow them to use them.

The strategy is inclusion.

The strategy is to ASK a ND person what they need and not tell a ND person how they are meant to be.

The strategy is not to view distressed behaviour as “bad” behaviour that has to be corrected, rather it has to be understood.

The strategy is to get EDUCATED in neurodivergence by neurodivergent people.

My clients have taught me more about neurodivergence than my 3 university degrees. I will be forever grateful for their insights, their stories and their patience with me.

Ask a ND person what they need. They will tell you. Then be flexible enough, kind enough, adaptable enough and educated enough to action it.

That is the “strategy”

06/02/2025

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/kirstencobabe?igsh=MXJkdXJjY2U4b2dtdA==

17/12/2024

Ruth Turnbull Psychology is officially Out Of Office for the holiday break. I will be on leave from the 17th of December to the 29th of January. My wonderful admin team will be on leave from the 16th of December to the 13th of January.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy and Safe New Year. As 2024 comes to an end I would like to thank all of my clients for another year of amazing work together. I feel very privileged that I can do the work that I love with such wonderful young people and their families.

Should you require any mental health support during this time please contact your GP. If it is an emergency please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital. If you need mental health support and/or advice please ring LRH Mental Health Triage on 1300 363 322.

11/12/2024

Today is ATAR day. It is the day where you are given a number that gives you entry into your first preference course at University. That is all. If you don’t need a number then YAY! If you need a particular number and you get it, YAY! If you need a particular number and you don’t get it, there are 2nd preferences, other round offers or another pathway, YAY!

You are NOT your number. Your ATAR does not tell us anything about your kindness, what sort of friend you are, how creative or talented you are. How much fun you can be or how intelligent you are. Remember education does not equal intelligence, intelligence does not equal education.

You are you, and you are already just fine and amazing the way you are. You will succeed in life even if your number is not exactly what you want or need right now.

To my 2024 Year 12s who worked with me this year…you’ve got this. You did all you could do and you are amazing and already everything you need to be right now 🤩

Now go forth! Relax, have fun! YOU DID IT!

18/11/2024

It is good to know where to go if you need help and support within your local community.

Please find below a list of places to reach out to:

Headspace Sale and Bairnsdale Consortium, Mental Health Services for 12-25 years 03 5184 5000

Latrobe Regional Hospital Mental Health Triage (for concerns regarding mental health of all ages) 1300 363 322

Head to Health, Inglis Medical Centre 1800 595 212

Relationships Victoria Traralgon 03 5175 9500

For online or phone support:

13YARN - mob support line

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

headspace - headspace.org.au/eheadspace/

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au

Lifeline 13 11 14 llg.org.au/

Mensline 1300 78 99 78 www.mensline.org.au

Griefline 1300 845 745 griefline.org.au/

If it is an emergency please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital.

08/11/2024

Yay for school psychs! I worked for several years as a school psych in Melbourne before my tree-change to Gippsland!

11/10/2024

For those who are concerned about the changes to NDIS funding. Psychs are still hearing about people being told by LACs, Support Coordinators and Planners that psychology is not eligible and participants need to get a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. IT IS ELIGIBLE UNDER NDIS. If anyone is told this information from an LAC or other source please let me know as we have a process to report it back to the NDIA via the AAPI.

AAPi recently reached out to the NDIA regarding concerns from members who were told (or their clients were told) by Support Coordinators, LACs, and Planners that “psychology is no longer funded as it is the responsibility of the health system.”

The NDIA has confirmed that psychology services remain eligible for funding under the NDIS, and no official information suggests otherwise. Please read our update which includes direct quotes from written communication with the NDIA: https://ow.ly/LLMF50TJnbM

11/09/2024

Working with little people means tiny gestures that are like rays of sunshine ☀️ in your day 🌻