Kirstin Brink Educational Psychologist

14/10/2025

🧩 When words fail, play speaks.

In my latest blog post, I dive into how play therapy offers children a powerful, nonverbal way to express their inner world, process emotions, and grow emotionally and psychologically.

✨ You’ll discover:
• Why play is a language for children
• Some key techniques used by therapists
• Some of the real benefits of play therapy: emotional expression, self-esteem, problem solving and being able to express themselves in a safe space that offers unconditional positive regard.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or mental health professional, this post offers insights into how play can become a transformative tool for healing and learning.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.kirstinbrinkedpsych.com/post/harnessing-the-transformative-power-of-play-for-growth-and-learning (link in bio)

13/10/2025

Ready to discover the transformative power of play? 🌟 My latest blog post explores how play therapy aids children in expressing themselves, processing trauma, and learning coping skills. Read more: https://wix.to/hgEWb53

Play therapy is a powerful method that helps children express their feelings and thoughts through play. Many children find it hard to talk about their emotions, making this therapy particularly effective. By playing, children can explore their inner world, process trauma, and learn coping skills in....

10/10/2025

Today, on World Mental Health Day, let’s pause and remember that taking care of your mental health doesn’t always mean doing something big- sometimes, it’s about the small steps that build resilience over time.

💚 Take a moment to breathe deeply.
💚 Reach out to a friend.
💚 Rest when your body asks you to.
💚 Speak kindly to yourself.

As an Educational Psychologist, I see every day how small, consistent acts of self-care and compassion can transform well-being, in children, teens, and adults alike.

Let’s keep breaking the stigma, starting with ourselves.
💚

25/09/2025

📣 Calling all high school learners 📣

Join me for an online study skills workshop on 1 & 8 November to help you to prepare for the upcoming end of year exams!

This will be run via Zoom (so you don’t even need to get out of your pjs 😉).

We will go through a variety of topics such as:
✨ Smart Study Strategies- proven techniques to make studying more effective (and less stressful).
✨ Time Management Hacks- learn how to plan, prioritise, and avoid last-minute cramming.
✨ Memory Boosters- simple tools to help you remember what you study.
✨ Active Learning Techniques - ways to actually understand and apply what you read.
✨ Exam Confidence- tips to reduce anxiety and perform at your best under pressure.
✨ Focus & Concentration Skills- beat distractions and stay on track.
✨ Creating Study Notes that Work!
✨ Balancing Study & Life- how to stay motivated, energised, and avoid burnout.

Scan the QR code to complete the Google form, or drop me an email at kirstinedpsych@gmail.com to register your interest!

Spaces are limited to keep group size small.

16/09/2025

Credit to


Anxiety in children can show up in the behaviour described here. The child is showing through this behaviour, that they do not cope well at the moment and need your help as co-regulator. If the behaviour continues, take your child to a therapsi who can assist with determining the underlying reasons for the behaviour.

16/09/2025

Being a parent can feel like giving all of yourself, all the time. 💭 But here’s the truth: your mental health is just as important as your child’s. As a new mom myself, this season has been an incredible teacher about the importance of self-care, and not trying to pour from an empty cup.

It’s important to remember that self-care is not selfish! When parents take care of their own wellbeing, children benefit in powerful ways:
🌱 They feel safer and more secure.
🧠 Their brains develop stronger pathways for learning and resilience.
💬 They learn healthy ways to manage big emotions.

You don’t need to be perfect - in fact, there is no such thing. You just need to be present. 💚 Small steps like resting when you can, reaching out for help, practicing calming strategies, or simply naming how you feel and talking to a friend or professional, make a big difference.

Remember: Caring for yourself is caring for your child. 💛

10/09/2025

💛10 September: World Su***de Prevention Day 💛

Today we remember that every life matters and every story is still unfolding. The semicolon (;) is more than punctuation- it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and choosing to continue. 💛🖤
If you are struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.

08/09/2025

Quick fixes can stop behaviour temporarily.
But it’s connection that truly transforms how children respond, learn, and grow.

When a child feels safe, seen, and understood, they’re more likely to regulate themselves, take guidance, and build trust that lasts.

Correction may quiet the behaviour.
Connection reshapes the relationship. 💕

✨ More tools in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent:
www.thetherapistparent.com | Amazon

07/09/2025

✨ Sunday’s Food for Thought ✨
Sometimes the struggles we face leave behind wounds that feel heavy. Healing can transform these very wounds into places of growth, strength, and beauty. 🌿💫

Take a moment today to reflect on how your challenges have shaped you- and remember, there is power in your story. 💛

#ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴇʏ

03/09/2025

🌱 What is a psycho-educational assessment? 🌱

As every child learns, thinks, and feels in their own unique way, a Psycho-Educational Assessment is a powerful tool that helps us understand a learner’s strengths and areas for development- academically, emotionally, and cognitively.

✨ Through this process, parents, teachers, and learners gain valuable insight into:
• Learning preferences and potential barriers to learning
• Exam concessions, accommodations and school placement needs
• Emotional and social wellbeing
• Referrals for additional support (e.g., OT, psychotherapy, speech therapy etc.)

💡 The goal? To create a tailored plan that empowers learners to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

👩‍🏫 If you feel your child may benefit from a Psycho-Educational Assessment, reach out to an Educational Psychologist for guidance.

30/08/2025

Your kids don’t need a flawless routine, homemade meals everyday, or a perfectly managed calendar.

What they do need is you. Your attention. Your hugs. Your presence — even when you’re tired or distracted or figuring it out as you go.

✨ Perfection isn’t the goal. Being present there is.

30/08/2025

💛 The Power of Empathy 💛

Boundaries, rules, and routines matter- but what really transforms parenting and caregiving is how we respond when feelings get big.

Empathy is not about fixing or giving in. It’s about making your child feel:
✨ I’m seen.
✨ My feelings make sense.
✨ I’m not alone in this.

As Dr. Becky reminds us, empathy soothes a child’s nervous system and builds trust. When children feel safe in their emotions, they learn to regulate them better over time.

🌱 Next time your child is melting down, try pausing before correcting and start with connection.
You’ll be amazed at how empathy can shift the whole moment.