The Candid Psychologist

03/01/2024

Here goes…!

12/07/2022

I’m starting my third baby break!

Today is my last working day until September 2023. I will be doing ad-hoc indirect work but no direct sessions or practice until then.

My learning as a psychologist, person and parent continues to grow exponentially as I travel on my parenting journey.

This next chapter will bring growth I didn’t even know was waiting for me. When I return to direct practice I will bring this with me to support whatever situation you are in.

Until then…

18/01/2022

Taking things literally as a child is not an automatic 'sign' of a neurodevelopmental difference.

The developmental trajectory of understanding the hidden meanings in communication is long and complex.

And if they get there and sarcasm is present...it 'might' ease your communication with your teen to remember that is has taken their brain a lot of work to master the skill!

This article explores the work of Ruth Filik, a psychologist at the University of Nottingham, and Penny Pexman, a psycholinguist at the University of Calgary.

Young children don't get sarcasm – but by the time they're teens, it can be their default mode. Here's what science tells us about the mental acrobatics behind that wry one-liner.

16/11/2021

It takes courage to change.
It takes energy to think about it.
It takes support to make it happen.

Change is possible, perhaps even within reach...

10/11/2021

This reasearch published just this month concludes that for children with multiple possible reasons for thier poor reading ability (phonological, language, and broader cognitive difficulties), sleep problems may be another avenue for intervention.

Practically this means sleep should be something to enquire about, be curious about, be open to considering when reading difficulties are evident. 💡

This research suggests that children with sleep problems should also be screened for literacy difficulties, and children with literacy difficulties be screened for sleep problems.

Practically this 'screening' might mean you keeping a sleep diary for your child - taking 5 mins a day to note down how they went over to sleep, how long they slept for, how many night-wakings and if there is day-time sleepiness. ✏

Sleep impacts attention, working memory (holding things in your mind long enough to work with them), and executive functions like planning, self-control, flexible thinking and time management.

As William Dement (famous sleep reasearcher) once said, "Sleep is an essential part of life, but more importantly sleep is a gift". 😴

Background Sleep problems are common in children and are known to detrimentally affect language and cognitive abilities, as well as academic achievement. Aims We aimed to investigate effects of sl...

06/10/2021

'Small' things unsupported can unravel into bigger issues and often that is when Educational Psychologists are asked to get involved. And we do, we roll up our sleeves and use all of our resources and training in sometimes very challenging situations for everyone. We are also highly trained to support at early intervention, when things are less strained and where hearts and minds are open. This early intervention is where children often experience 'the best' of what an Educational Psychologist can do in their lives - keeping them included, well regarded, and valued in their school community.

Never think that a problem is 'too small' or 'not serious enough just yet' to ask for support from me - a Private/Independent Educational and Child Psychologist. My time is often not as stretched so I can dedicate my resources more fully to you, and importantly I do not have 'critera' for involvement - I can get involved when the problem is 'small' and take my seat at the table to work to ensure the best for your child or adolescent.

Get in touch - info@ladakpsychologypractice.co.uk - if your child needs support.

Parents and teachers call for action as figures show more young children in England being permanently excluded

28/09/2021

I often get contacted by individuals who are beginning to explore a career in psychology and want more information about what it is all about and what the various pathways are. This information is harder to come-by that it seems and so I am highlighting this FREE webnair by the BPS on 20th October 2021 from 1pm to 3.15pm.

We need more psychologists!

Over the next few months I will also be posting on my Instagram account (The Candid Psychologist) a few examples of a day-in-the-life of an Educational and Child Psychologist and of some of the typical referrals that come my way. You are welcome to follow my instagram account if you are interested.

Sign in We have now launched our new CRM system. If you are a BPS Member or have a BPS website account, we will send you your unique log-in link via email by 10 November 2021. For non members registering for the first time, use the create an account link below. If you have any problems with the link...

28/09/2021

Play Play Play!

When children truely play in free flow they are developing their intelligence and their understandings of the world and themselves.

Getting behind this BPS campaign which is urging the government to put back 10 minutes each day onto school playtime 🍂

I often complete assessments which involve play as the basis for connection, exploration and demonstration of skills. Play is the language we can all speak.

School play offers benefits to children's wellbeing and is essential for their social development. But time assigned for play in the school day has been eroded. That's why the BPS has launched the Time to Play Campaign, which is calling for an additional 10 minutes of play at school every day.

10/09/2021

Starting in October I have space for one more client. If you would like to see if my services can support your needs, or someone that you know, just email me at info@ladakpsychologypractice.co.uk and we can explore this.

I offer reduced costs for families who are on low incomes and for families who are refugees or who are seeking asylum. I offer reduced rates for schools in areas of high deprivation.

Have a resful weekend 🌳

07/09/2021

Our children are back to their school with the sound of summer following behind. If you have concerns about their well being, their social development or their progress academically speak with the school SENCo. As an Educational and Child Psychologist I offer support in Leeds and the surrounding areas - please see the 'services' tab on this page for more information - email me at info@ladakpsychologypractice.co.uk or call me on 07545 486 050.

I am a Chartered Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychologist. I work within the school, the home, at community settings, and at my office. I offer consultations, assessments and direct therapeutic work. I believe in growth and possibilities for all.