Sarah Silber Educational Psychologist

13/01/2026

As the school year gets going, I’m thinking of all the children and parents navigating those early mornings again.

For some families, the start feels exciting and hopeful. For others, it’s already feeling tough. Tears at the gate, sore tummies, big emotions, resistance, or complete shutdowns can leave parents feeling worried and unsure of what to do next.

This image is such a helpful reminder that what we see is often only part of the story. When a child is struggling to go to school, it’s rarely about behaviour. More often, it’s a sign that something feels overwhelming, unsafe, or just too much for them right now.
If this is your child, try to hold it gently. Slow things down where you can. Stay curious. Connection matters more than getting it “right”.

Wishing everyone a kind, steady start to the school year!

05/01/2026

Wishing everyone a gentle start to 2026 🤍

The beginning of a new year can feel quiet, hopeful, and sometimes a little tender too. It’s often a time to reflect on what helped last year feel manageable, and what you might want to hold onto (or let go of) as the months unfold.

I’m really looking forward to continuing to support children, teens, and families through the ups and downs of learning, emotions, and everyday life this year, in ways that feel kind, realistic, and supportive.

Here’s to a year with a bit more ease, connection, and breathing space along the way 🌿

Warm wishes for the year ahead.

13/10/2025

Therapy chair taken… by a very good girl. 🐾
Some of my clients bring their pets to our sessions. A soft nose, a steady breath, and suddenly the body settles so the mind can get to work. Time with animals is linked to lower heart rate, reduced cortisol and gentler anxiety, so don’t be surprised if you spot a wagging tail in here now and then. Grateful for you, Poppy!

02/10/2025

I often hear parents, teachers, and even young people themselves say, “I wish I could understand what it actually feels like.”

This resource from Understood — Through My Eyes — offers just that: https://www.understood.org/en/through-my-eyes

It shares real perspectives from children and adults with learning and thinking differences. These lived experiences remind us that behind every diagnosis or label is a person with feelings, strengths, and challenges that can’t always be seen from the outside.

As professionals, caregivers, and educators, the more we listen to these voices, the better we can respond with empathy, patience, and support that truly meets the individual’s needs.

I’d encourage anyone working with or caring for neurodivergent children to take a look.

Step into the world of kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. Gain new perspectives and access free tools to support them.

28/08/2025

21/08/2025

There is Power in Pausing!

When you pause when you are upset, angry, and not grounded, you shift your focus away from your emotions, become centered, and more able to respond to your child instead of overreacting.

There is Power in Pausing which, when practiced reveals to you in a conscious way what you are thinking and what you’re saying. You get to step back and see yourself in a whole new way.

And because pausing is mindfulness in action, you are also modeling for your child the value of pausing.

By taking a step back you’re able to observe yourself which will allow you to “see” your behavior and actions and in doing so, will help you know what you need to change in yourself.

Pausing is an important step in developing your self-awareness and in personal growth.

You become aware of the effects of your actions and words which will help you to be intentional about the words you say to your child as well as your body gestures and facial expressions especially when you are angry, frustrated or disappointed. You’ll be more mindful about your own self. This is a huge part of the work of parenting!

When you do the work, you will build a deeper connection with yourself and a stronger bond with your child.

I’d love to know if you practice pausing and if it is hard or does it come naturally to you? Let’s comment and share!

There’s more about the power of pausing in my new book - The Little Book of Parenting!
To order your copy see link in bio.

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Quote: Toby Mae / adapted

28/07/2025

After three meaningful years at Spira Aurum Psychology Practice, I’ve recently taken a big (and slightly scary!) step into private practice.

It’s the start of a new chapter, one that’s full of possibility, a little uncertainty, and a lot of excitement. I’ll continue doing the work I love most: offering therapy and psychoeducational assessments for children, teens, and young adults, with a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families.

I’m based in Somerset West, and my new website is live if you’d like to learn more: https://sarahsilber.co.za

Thank you to those who’ve walked alongside me so far. I’m really looking forward to this next season. 💛

19/07/2025

When someone in your house is Autistic - I love this beautiful and simple guide by NeuroWild ❤️

02/06/2025

I can’t tell you how often this comes up in my work…
“But isn’t that a bit unfair to the other kids?”

Here’s the thing: accommodations aren’t special treatment. They’re support. Like giving a child with a broken leg crutches so they can still run the race. You wouldn’t say the crutches are an unfair advantage, you’d say they’re necessary.

In the same way, accommodations remove barriers so a child can show what they’re actually capable of. Not less than, not more than, just equal footing.

Extra time, movement breaks, a scribe… these aren’t about lowering the bar. They’re about making sure the bar is reachable!

Every child deserves a fair chance to succeed. Especially the ones whose brains work a little differently. 💛

05/03/2025

I love using this brain model in therapy because it helps kids see what’s happening when they feel anxious. I tell them, “Your brain has two bosses: the wise thinker and the overprotective bodyguard.”

The prefrontal cortex (thinking brain) makes smart choices, but the amygdala (alarm system) is like a bodyguard who sometimes panics over nothing—like mistaking a popped balloon for danger! When that happens, it hijacks the whole brain, making it hard to think clearly.

I teach kids ways to calm their bodyguard down—like breathing exercises or movement—so their thinking brain can take charge again. It’s not about getting rid of anxiety, but learning how to work with their brain, not against it!