Growing Gently Psychology

Home
Growing Gently Psychology

Rebecca Cefai | Psychologist

A gentle approach to parenting and development in the early years

�

Please note Rebecca is unable to offer personalised advice or counselling services via Facebook or Instagram.

03/07/2025

I am sharing a new pic of my therapy room which has my new desk in it plus a few things moved around. I’m sharing this because I know that particularly for my autistic clients unexpected changes can be anxiety provoking and tricky.

29/06/2025

When a child resists, we call it avoidance.
But maybe they’ve just run out of capacity. Maybe they’ve just used up all their “yeses” on things that don’t matter.

We’ve built highly demanding lives for children. So many expectations, even in art and play, that don’t always feel meaningful for the kids and sometimes not even for the adults enforcing them.

More kids are considered “demand avoidant,” but maybe the real question is:

💚 Why are there so many demands?

For any child, the demands can be overwhelming. Then mix them with neurodivergence… the stress increases. Mix is with PDA… and boom!

The first step in working through demand avoidance to triple check that the demand is worthy of a yes!!

29/06/2025

I’m so honoured to have some beautiful parents attend yesterday’s PDA & Picasso parent learning event.

Parent learning through:

🌱 Experimental learning.

🌱 Parallel play.

🌱 Shared experiences.

🌱 Connection.

20/06/2025

Oops!! I forgot to put an RSVP out there for this event and I’ve realised I need to know by tomorrow who is planning to come so I can get all the materials and supplies sorted!

So if you’re thinking of coming along, please book your spot now:

https://www.growinggentlypsychology.com.au/event-details-registration/pda-picasso

19/06/2025

Everyone’s talking about the new NDIS Price Guide—and for good reason.

Some therapy fees have gone down, and others haven’t increased in seven years.

While I’m a psychologist in NSW (where the rate has increased slightly), I’m still concerned. This update doesn’t reflect the true cost of providing quality support—especially with rising inflation and business expenses.

It’s becoming harder and harder for providers to offer sustainable services, and that ultimately affects the people NDIS is meant to support.

We need a funding model that values both participants and the professionals who support them.

17/06/2025

I have been sharing a lot of what I’ve been doing professionally lately and wow, I’ve been busy! I have new digital products, my year long neuroaffirming supervision program, my upcoming parent event, my offering autism assessment, submission of multiple conference abstracts, and trainings for health professionals. And that’s on top of all my therapy work.

Whenever I put out information about what I’m currently doing, I always seem to get people asking me how I do it ALL especially being a neurodivergent mum of three young children.

The thing is, I don’t do it all. What you see on here is only half of the story.

So I thought I’d share two images: One is how I present to others, and one is a small list of what’s going on behind the scenes.

I think the two biggest things that help me succeed professionally, is that I actively limit my professional job in order to be able to balance it alongside my family life. I feel privileged that I only have to work part time.

The second thing is, I have a lot of support, including a hard-working and present partner, lots of informal childcare support and some solid friendships that provide more support than the energy they use. I feel very fortunate in that regard too.

I’ve had to learn to reduce my standards ALOT! And I have to say no to things more than I say yes too. I’ve also had to get used to adopting a “seasons” approach to my life where some times I am doing bare minimum and sometimes I can do more.

But yes, behind the scenes is the normal chaos of family life, working mum life, business owner life 💚 Just so you know!

09/06/2025

🎨 PDA Crafternoon for Parents & Carers 🎨
Join us for a relaxed, judgment-free afternoon of painting, connection, and all things PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). This small, creative event is for parents and carers of PDAers—diagnosed or not.

✨ No art skills needed
🗣 Hosted by local psychologist & neurodivergent mum Rebecca
💬 Ask questions, share stories, and meet others who get it
📅 Bookings essential – $150 pp (NDIS claimable: 15_038_0117_1_3)
🧃 All materials + light refreshments provided

Limited spots for an intimate vibe. Come as you are 💛

Book now: https://www.growinggentlypsychology.com.au/event-details-registration/pda-picasso

08/06/2025

Parents: Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just a little lost in the daily grind of parenting? Find Your Spark is a beautifully designed digital activity booklet created to help you gently reconnect with what brings you joy—no pressure, no perfection, just playful exploration.

This printable booklet is full of low-stakes, creative self-care activities including doodling prompts, colouring pages, sorting games, light writing exercises, poetry, and more. Each activity is designed to be accessible, neurodivergent-friendly, and deeply flexible—whether you have 5 minutes or a whole afternoon.

With gentle variations for low-energy days and “down the rabbit hole” options for those who love to hyperfocus, this is self-care that meets you exactly where you are.

Perfect for:
💚Parents craving a moment of calm
💚Neurodivergent minds looking for interest-based self-regulation
💚Anyone who struggles with traditional self-care advice

You’ll receive:
🌱A high-quality PDF booklet (ready to print or use digitally)
🌱A mix of creative activities: doodling, drawing, writing, sorting, colouring, poetry, and more.

No prep, no pressure—just easy, gentle creative play

Rediscover what soothes, excites, and sparks you. Because your joy matters, too.

There are two licences available online: one for personal use and one use as a therapist.

GET YOURS NOW: https://www.growinggentlypsychology.com.au/category/all-products

07/06/2025

Psychologists and health professionals: did you think you missed out on our 2025 program??

Our online peer group supervision program is still open, and welcoming professionals who are eager to support neurodivergent families more effectively.

A combination of on-demand and in person sessions, it is over 15 hours of professional development. Transform your practice by engaging with neuroaffirming insights into the daily experiences of neurodivergent families.

We will cover topics such as how to support families to:

💚 Navigate educational experiences such as after-school constraint release and school can’t.
💚Navigate everyday routines and activities such as mealtimes and shopping trips.
💚 Participate in positive social and cultural experiences such as play dates, birthday celebrations, and end of year celebrations.
💚Nurture the mental health of both children and carers.
💚 Feel empowered by therapy rather than burdened by it.

💸Annual fee: $1250 (excl processing fees) 💵 Payment plans available, email and ask!

Can’t wait? Sign up now and gain immediate access to on-demand content: https://www.growinggentlypsychology.com.au/challenge-page/80c06890-eec7-4c64-b08a-7a5a0d0b37f5?programId=80c06890-eec7-4c64-b08a-7a5a0d0b37f5

05/06/2025

See you tomorrow Western Sydney families!!

20/05/2025

I am so excited to be attending these playgroups in Western Sydney Ropes Crossing. I am looking forward to meeting local families and having some casual chats about all things like supporting child emotions and behaviours, separation anxiety, parental wellbeing, infant and toddler sleep, neurodivergence, child development, play and child and parental anxiety!

I might see you there!!

Address

Telephone

+61450012252

Website

http://www.growinggentlypsychology.com.au/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Growing Gently Psychology posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Growing Gently Psychology:

Shortcuts

Address
Telephone
Alerts
Contact The Practice
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic?

Country:

City: