 Oracle Psychology will be opening clinician schedules for 2021 on the below dates. We invite clients to call at their convenience to arrange bookings for next year. Unfortunately, we cannot accept bulk bookings via email or prior to business hours on the days stated below. This is to offer an equal opportunity to all clients based on availability at the time of calling.
We encourage booking ahead for at least 6 months to ensure continuity of service. It is generally easier to book ahead and if your circumstances change we can remove appointments without any cancellation fee, as long as 24 hours notice is provided. Please remember that once appointments have been booked in with one of our Psychologists or Clinical Psychologists, it may be difficult to reschedule as the appointment time approaches. However, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. It is always helpful to discuss yours and your family's needs with the treating clinician and to seek feedback from the Consulting Psychologist assisting you to gain insight into how often it will be helpful for you to attend. The clinician providing treatment is the best person to provide this advice and to explain their treatment plan in more detail. This can be discussed during your appointments with the clinician however, all appointments need to be scheduled via reception. Please note that the Principal Clinical Psychologist, Mr Daniel Wendt, will not be seeing treatment clients in 2021. This is due to his increased professional commitments, both internally and external to the practice. For instance, he provides regular supervision to all of the Child and Adolescent Psychologists at Oracle Psychology. Further, Daniel is an Authorised Clinician with the NSW Children's Court and an Expert Witness in Court proceedings. Due to these commitments he is not able to provide the continuity required for treatment clients. We apologise for any inconvenience and encourage all of his current clients to discuss with Daniel so he can recommend alternate clinicians to meet client needs. We can arrange for another Psychologist at Oracle Psychology to take over treatment to meet your needs. We work very collaboratively as a team and Daniel actively consults on cases. Daniel Wendt - Principal Clinical Psychologist As above No longer seeing treatment clients Claire Mortimer - Clinical Psychologist Schedule opens 6 October 2020 Seeing clients Mon-Fri Dan McAlpine - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 8 October 2020 Seeing clients Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri Kathryn Russell - Clinical Psychologist Schedule opens 13 October 2020 Seeing clients Mon & Thurs Kerri Corkill - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 15 October 2020 Seeing clients Mon-Thurs Merel Van Emmerik - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 20 October 2020 Seeing clients Tues-Fri Monica Hattendorff - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 22 October 2020 Seeing clients Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri Mhairi Gray - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 27 October 2020 Seeing clients Tues-Fri Madeline Cordingley- Provisional Psychologist Schedule opens 27 October 2020 Seeing clients Mon-Wed Terra Harrison - Provisional Psychologist Schedule opens 29 October 2020 Seeing clients Tues & Wed Tanya Hopwood - Provisional Psychologist Schedule opens 29 October 2020 Seeing clients Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri Please call our office on 02 4929 2223 to make arrangements for 2021 at your convenience starting during business hours on the dates above. For more information regarding our full range of services please click here. Also free to read some of our informative articles while you are visiting our webpage.  A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST: I wanted to take some time to reach out to all of our clients and the community in general. It is a difficult time for everyone at the moment and there have been many changes in Australia, as well as across the world, in a short period. The arrival of COVID-19 on our shores has presented many challenges for individuals and businesses alike. I wanted to assure everyone of the measures we, at Oracle Psychology, are taking to ensure the upmost safety of our clients and staff. Due to the current confusion and anxiety in the community at large, I am also hoping to provide some education and resources to people in order to provide some additional support. In this announcement I will discuss health and mental health resources, hygiene and safety, social distancing policy, the importance of our clinicians providing ongoing support to clients as well as families, and child psychology telehealth options at Oracle Psychology. HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: There have been instances of misinformation online and in social media regarding the current pandemic which have caused people undue distress. As such, I would like to encourage everyone to choose their sources of information carefully when informing themselves, their friends and their family. Even some of the mainstream media outlets are adding to community anxiety, so I would like recommend that people gain their information directly from Government websites and announcements. This will ensure you are provided with the most reliable and evidence based information, which can help to reduce anxiety and panic. The Australian Government Department of Health website has the most up to date information regarding symptoms, recommendations and the current status of the pandemic. The Australian Government Head to Health website also has a wealth of useful information and resources. This includes specific mental health information to assist individuals with maintaining good mental health during the pandemic. The below links provide additional information which can help with reducing anxiety, avoiding panic, minimising excessive worrying and maintaining a balanced outlook:
HYGIENE & SAFETY Oracle Psychology has utilised the latest advice from the Australian Government Department of Health in order to develop a COVID-19 Management Plan. This is aimed at maximising safety and hygiene for clients as well as staff. Current expert advice is to actively maintain good hygiene to protect against the spread of infection in day to day life. Good hygiene is a requirement for all of our staff and includes:
We have multiple hand sanitisers available in every consulting room and waiting room, for the convenience of clients and staff. We also clean and disinfect surfaces every day. We have weekly staff meetings where COVID-19 updates are provided, in line with best evidence and expert advice. Email advice is also provided to staff as the situation develops, in order to ensure we are practicing the recommended health and safety measures. All staff members are required to notify me immediately if they or one of their family members are unwell. No staff member will be at our clinic if they are unwell and they will be required to obtain clearance from a medical practitioner before returning to work. Any staff member returning from overseas will also be complying with all Government requirements in relation to self-isolation. SOCIAL DISTANCING We are complying with all of the Government's social distancing requirements, including no hand shaking. We are also looking into further safeguards and we appreciate our clients' understanding and cooperation. As an added protection we are asking clients, wherever possible, to only attend the clinic with one support person or caregiver. We are making this request in an attempt to minimise the number of people attending the clinic at one time. Of course, we understand that in some instances this may not be possible, as other family members may be required to attend also. We also ask that you do not attend the clinic if you are unwell. We hope to keep everyone as safe as possible and to reduce the risk of infection. Please advise us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend due to illness. Our company policy on cancellations of less than 24 hours still remains, even throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic. The reason for this is that we are still required to cover our business overheads in order to maintain continuity of service for our clients. The Government is hoping to minimize the social and economic impact on individuals and businesses by offering telehealth as an alternative. CONTINUING TREATMENT & CHILD PSYCHOLOGY TELEHEALTH In these uncertain times it is important for Oracle Psychology to continue to provide supports to our clients. There will be added pressure on all families in the coming weeks as we adapt to the changing world. We have a treatment continuity plan to ensure that we are able to continue to assist children, teenagers, young adults and families in these times of additional need. I would like to encourage all clients to continue treatment with their clinicians in order to promote their overall well-being and functioning. The current challenges facing our communities will mean that it will be essential to maintain good mental health and connection with important support networks. We aim to continue to be available for face to face consultation unless directed otherwise. This is in line with current expert advice and the aims of the Government. However, we are offering all clients the option to access their ongoing treatment via telehealth services. Our Child and Adolescent Psychologists are experienced in the provisions of our professional consultations via digital modalities. Utilising telehealth means using phone calls as well as audio and video conferencing options. These technologies offer significant opportunities for families, in these times of social distancing. We have many strategies and tools at our finger tips to help children and adolescents engage in accessing professional support from the comfort of their homes. Our telehealth consultations are informative, creative, interactive and helpful. Many young people are already very comfortable with social interactions via the Internet and this can build on their previous experiences. Using telehealth is a simple process that we would be happy to help you understand and set up. Please call 02 4929 2223 if you would like reception to help and explain these options. Unfortunately, due to the nature of assessments, we cannot offer telehealth for these services at this time. Only treatment sessions can be accessed via telehealth. The Australian Government understands the need for individuals to continue their treatment with Psychologists and other health practitioners. They have already announced changes in support of telehealth options given the current pandemic. In the event that the Government no longer allows clinic visits, I can assure all of our clients that we are well placed to continue to provide supports via telehealth.   Please note that Oracle Psychology will be opening clinician schedules for 2020 on the below dates. We invite clients to call at their convenience to arrange bookings for next year. Unfortunately, we cannot accept bulk bookings via email or prior to business hours on the days stated below. This is to offer an equal opportunity to all clients based on availability at the time of calling.
We encourage booking ahead for at least 6 months to ensure continuity of service. It is generally easier to book ahead and if your circumstances change we can remove appointments without any cancellation fee, as long as 24 hours notice is provided. Please remember that once appointments have been booked in with one of our Child and Adolescent Psychologists, it may be difficult to reschedule as the appointment time approaches. However, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. It is always helpful to discuss yours and your family's needs with the treating clinician and to seek feedback from the Consulting Psychologist assisting you to gain insight into how often it will be helpful for you to attend. The clinician providing treatment is the best person to provide this advice and to explain their treatment plan in more detail. This can be discussed during your appointments with the Psychologist however, all appointments need to be scheduled via reception. Please note that the Principal Psychologist, Daniel Wendt, will only be able to offer appointments to his existing clients. He will not be taking on any new treatment clients in 2020, in order to maintain continuity of service provision. Daniel will also be reducing his face to face clinic days in 2020 to accommodate his other professional commitments. This will mean he will only be seeing clients on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We apologise for any inconvenience. Should you require additional sessions or different days, we can arrange for another Psychologist at Oracle Psychology to take over treatment to meet your needs. We work very collaboratively as a team and Daniel actively consults on cases. Daniel Wendt - Principal Clinical Psychologist Schedule opens 1 October 2019 Seeing clients Wednesday & Thursdays Dan McAlpine - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 8 October 2019 Seeing clients Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays Kathryn Russell - Clinical Psychologist Schedule opens 8 October 2019 Seeing clients Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays Kerri Corkill - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 22 October 2019 Seeing clients Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays Merel Van Emmerik - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 22 October 2019 Seeing clients Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays Mhairi Gray - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 29 October 2019 Seeing clients Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays Terra Harrison - Provisional Psychologist Schedule opens 29 October 2019 Seeing clients on a variable schedule Please call our office on 02 4929 2223 to make arrangements for 2020 at your convenience starting during business hours on the dates above. For more information regarding our full range of services please click here. Also free to read some of our informative articles while you are visiting our webpage.  It is important to recognize that anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychological problems found in children and adolescents. Approximately one in ten children meet the criteria for what is technically called an anxiety disorder.
Even though anxiety disorders are so common, children are usually referred initially for other reasons. They tend to access treatment when they are displaying aggressive behaviours, attention difficulties, eating disorders or suicidal tendencies. Sometimes the anxiety can go unnoticed due to these other difficulties. It can also be difficult for parents to recognise anxiety as a disorder, due to associating anxiety as part of a child’s personality. Children who experience anxiety can be affected in three different ways:
The amount of anxiety a child experiences will vary from a single fear, such as being scared of going to sleep with the light out, to extremes where a child worries about many aspects of their life. Whether your child is experiencing anxiety relating to a single fear or to an extreme, early intervention is the key through seeking professional help with a Psychologist. Written by: Ms Kerri Corkill, MAPS BSci (Psych), BPsych (Hons) Consulting Psychologist PSY0001722310  Having a child can be the most positive experience in an individual's life. The moment you first see your newborn's face cannot possibly be put into words. The birth of your child is marked by euphoria, mindfulness and an immense sense of responsibility.
As the days and months pass by parents quickly realise that unfortunately children and teenagers do not come with a manual. Parenting is not always straight forward or clear and sometimes the rules change. This can make parenting for the first time a daunting and scary experience. There are so many unknowns and questions when raising children: "When should we start toilet training?" "How can I promote my child's self-esteem?" "Should my children sleep in their own bed?" "What are the best ways to handle misbehaviour?" "How much iPad time it too much?" "Why does my teenage child want to spend less time with us now? Are we doing something wrong?" "My child doesn't look me in the eyes, should I be worried?" This is just a brief example of some of the questions racing though most parent's minds. There is an infinite amount of other concerns which parents are faced with day to day. Many parents have the same concerns about their children and it can be difficult to know what a regular part of a child's development is, as opposed to something you should be concerned about. For instance, many children can go through periods of being scared to sleep at night or separating from their parents. To some extent this can be an expected part of child development. However, in other instances where a child is excessively anxious or afraid for extended periods, or following trauma, it can be essential that families seek professional help. True also is the complexity of understanding the teenage years. Parents can be overwhelmed with the dramatic physical and emotional changes in their adolescent child over a relatively short amount of time. Teenagers can become moody, withdrawn and they can isolate themselves from family. In some circumstances this can be an expected part of development. It may be the natural path your child is taking as they transition from a a dependent child to an independent young adult. However, such social and emotional changes in extremes can also be a hallmark feature of mental health decline, such as depression and anxiety. Since there is no parenting manual to assist in raising your child, professional help and guidance can be beneficial to some families. Child and Adolescent Psychologists can provide an objective perspective and professional advice. While Psychologists often work with individuals, in the paediatric and adolescent arena it can be important to involve other family members such as parents and even siblings. Of course, this would depend on the individual circumstances of the client and it would need to be clinically appropriate as well as with consent. For instance, children with emotional regulation difficulties and anger outburst can benefit greatly from individual psychological support from qualified clinicians. However, the younger the child the more likely that a parent will be involved more actively in the sessions with a Psychologist. This allows parents to learn the strategies taught to the child also and assist their children to implement them day to day. Parent involvement also allows for Mum and Dad to draw on the extensive knowledge of Child Psychologists to broaden their own knowledge. Parent involvement in adolescent sessions would depend on the teenager providing consent. In many instances clinicians can encourage teenage clients to involve their parents or consent to Psychologists providing feedback to Mum and Dad. In several ways this can promote positive outcomes for the individual, as it allows parents to gain a greater understanding of their child's needs and perspective. It can also further develop communication skills and independence. It is also important to note that, while children do not come with a manual, parents can use Child and Adolescent Psychologists as an interactive manual for childhood development. They can request individual sessions with clinicians for psychological consultation and advice about parenting even if their child is not seeing a professional. This can be helpful for mothers and fathers as it can guide them in best practice with parenting or how to respond to emotional and social changes. It can also be helpful for parents to seek advice with assisting their children during life changes such as how to best parent after separation. There are many ways Child Psychologists can help families. Clinicians can work with individuals or groups. The can assist one family member or many. They can give parenting and developmental advice to put things in perspective. While there is no parenting manual we can guide you on your parenting journey. Contact us today on 02 4929 2223 or email us for further information.  Please note that Oracle Psychology will be opening clinician schedules for 2019 on the below dates. We invite clients to call at their convenience to arrange bookings for next year.
We encourage booking ahead for at least 6 months to ensure continuity of service. It is generally easier to book ahead and if your circumstances change we can remove appointments without any cancellation fee, as long as 24 hours notice is provided. Please remember that once appointments have been booked in with one of our Child and Adolescent Psychologists, it may be difficult to reschedule as the appointment time approaches. However, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. It is always helpful to discuss yours and your family's needs with the clinician and to seek feedback from the Consulting Psychologist assisting you to gain insight into how often it will be helpful for you to attend. The clinician providing treatment is the best person to provide this advice and to explain their treatment plan in more detail. This can be discussed during your appointments with the Psychologist however, all appointments need to be scheduled via reception. Daniel Wendt - Principal Psychologist Schedule opens 2 October 2018 Dan McAlpine - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 8 October 2018 Kathryn Russell - Clinical Psychologist Schedule opens 15 October 2018 Marissa Black - Consulting Psychologist Schedule opens 22 October 2018 Please call our office on 02 4929 2223 to make arrangements for 2019 at you convenience. For more information regarding our full range of services please click here. Also free to read some of our informative articles while you are visiting our webpage.  For your child, the benefits of having a pet cat are far-reaching. It’s a big responsibility though, so teaching children safe techniques for bonding with their pets is paramount. In an article by Advantage Petcare on ‘Introducing Cats To Children', our experts at Oracle Psychology contributed practical advice for parents to encourage and enhance successful bonds. As director of Oracle Psychology, Mr Daniel Wendt offers a unique combination of qualifications in both education and psychology, to assist children and young people. Perhaps one of the greatest positives that pet ownership can have for children in terms of wellbeing, is to teach children valuable lessons in empathy, compassion, friendship, and maturity. We advise that one of the best ways to create a strong bond between your child and their cat is to have them take part in the care of their pet. Allowing children to look after the cat by feeding it, grooming it and showing it love, gives them a sense of ownership and encourages them to make strong connections. Talk to your child about the cat’s feelings along the way, so they understand the impact they have on their pet’s life. In doing so, having a pet cat benefits the mental health and development of your child. Another important lesson is letting your child be involved in looking after their pets. This can help promote self-esteem, increase play skills and grow social connections. In some instances, pets have been shown to assist children with developmental conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, to become more interactive within the family. It’s important to consider your family’s individual circumstances before committing your time, love and attention to caring for a cat. However, if you do, there are huge benefits that can result from the special bonds formed between children and their pets. AuthorMr Daniel Wendt, specialises in the psychology of children, teenagers and young adults in the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast regions of NSW. The team at Oracle Psychology are expert Child and Adolescent Psychologists who are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia.  The most important thing parents can teach teens when learning how to drive is how they can stay safe on the road. As featured in an article ‘Driving Lessons and Road Safety Tips for Teen Driving’ for NSW Compensation Lawyers on driving safety tips for teens, our expert psychologists at Oracle Psychology know how to work with teens, to help ensure safe practices develop.
As Principal Psychologist and Director of Oracle Psychology, Mr Daniel Wendt, along with our team of qualified child and adolescent psychologists, offers expertise to assist with children and young people. We work closely with families in the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast regions of New South Wales to ensure wellbeing and successful outcomes. Mr Wendt advises that teaching teens how to drive can be a daunting experience, not just for teens but for parents as well. However, this step towards independence marks a rite of passage, whereby parents should encourage and share in their child’s excitement while promoting road safety. Leading by example is at the top of these safety tips, as education by experience is a strong method for learning new skills and responsibilities. When you demonstrate road safety every day, you show your child the importance of being calm, in control and alert while driving. It’s suggested that you take the time to praise successes throughout the learning process, with emphasis on your teen's ability to accept responsibility. You can enhance this by pointing out things that you look for when driving and encouraging discussions around this. Young drivers should imagine they’re in someone else’s shoes when driving and picture everyone on the road as a loved one. No one wants their mother, father, brother or sister to be in danger on the roads, therefore driving in this way increases an overall sense of responsibility and alertness. Finally, one of the most important tips is to always plan ahead, especially as teens generally reach drinking age at the same time as receiving a license. Though it’s perfectly normal to have fun with friends, it’s vital to ensure teens are prepared to leave the car at home, if the activity involves drinking. When you lead by example and offer positive encouragement, your teen will start their driving career fully equipped with the knowledge necessary to stay safe on the roads.  PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME READERS MAY FIND THIS CONTENT UPSETTING AND CONFRONTING
Self-harm Self-harm is a behaviour that can cause a lot of stress and worry, both for the person exhibiting the self-harm, as well as the people who care about them. It can be confronting and upsetting for a parent to see cuts or scratches that their child has inflicted on themselves. Psychologists can often see individuals with self-harm behaviour. This may range from superficial scratches on an arm or leg, to more serious cutting, burning or self-poisoning. What is Self-harm? Self-harm is a phrase used by clinicians who work with adolescents and others. The phrase deliberate self-harm has been used to describe self-injury which may or may not include a suicidal intent. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (2013) defines self-harm as “nonsuicidal self-injury”. Although this definition is based on the idea of no suicidal intent, this does not exclude the fact that at times the individual can have suicidal thoughts, or even attempt suicide. Anecdotal reports suggest that self-harm has increased significantly over the past few years, and the number of hospitalisations for self-harm has notably risen in Australia during the past decade. However, some self-harm behaviour does not require medical intervention, and not everyone who self-harms will go to hospital for treatment. One study found that only around 10% of self-harming adolescents they surveyed had attended hospital for treatment. Who self-harms? One Australian study found that nearly three times more females than males aged 15-24 years were hospitalised due to self-harm. Although rates of self-harm tend to be higher in adolescents in comparison to adults, both males and females, and people of all ages, can self-harm. What does it look like? The main form of self-harm appears to be cutting of the skin, with reports that 70% of individuals use this technique, with others citing self-poisoning (such as overdosing on medication). Self-harm can also be scratching the skin, hitting a part of the body on a hard surface or punching themselves. Females tend to use cutting and scratching as their main form of self-harm, with males more liable to hit or punch something. Why do people self-harm? Self-harm has been called “attention seeking” behaviour, however this is rarely the case. Individuals who self-harm cite various reasons as to why they do it, including escaping a negative mood, managing stress or self-punishment. For adolescents, it is thought that the main function of self-harm is to help them to manage their emotions. Unfortunately, some individuals choose to self-harm as a coping strategy, however any self-harm constitutes a safety risk to an adolescent’s physical and mental health and so needs to be taken seriously. What can I do?
We are more than happy to be contacted for further information or to schedule appointments on 02 4929 2223. Written by: Ms Kathryn Russell, MAPS MClinPsych, BSocSc (Hon) Clinical Psychologist PSY0001373480  Unfortunately parenting does not come with a manual and your child's development can be a confusing journey. This is where guidance from an experienced professional can help. Child Psychologists play an important role in helping children, parents and families as a whole to understand each other better. As well as identifying and treating a wide range of childhood conditions, Child Psychologists can explain behaviours and emotions to parents so they know how to best help their child achieve their potential.
Child Psychologists are qualified professionals with postgraduate qualifications in human behaviour. They use their highly developed skills, knowledge and expertise to develop a deep understanding of a child's needs, feelings and motivations. These professionals can help children develop social skills, teach them to regulate their emotions, encourage healthy self-esteem and increase their insight. Parents can also benefit by learning skills to respond appropriately to a child's behaviours and feelings with the aim to promote development and reduce unnecessary stress. Children are often referred from a variety of sources and for a diversity of reasons. For instance, a child's teacher may suggest to a parent that contacting a Child Psychologist may be a good idea if they believe a child is struggling to reach their potential. Many parents also self-refer to gain insight into their child's needs and to seek guidance about their child's development. Some concerns may be age appropriate and could respond quite quickly to treatment. However in some instances children may benefit from more comprehensive assessment and diagnosis to better clarify and communicate their needs. This can help address any developmental delays or mental health conditions, as well as facilitating access to appropriate supports. Overall, it's important to remember that Child Psychologists are there to help and ultimately want to assist children to reach their potential. Their goal is for families to interact and communicate better, while helping children to lead happy and successful lives. Our Child Psychologists in Newcastle help many children and families on a daily basis. Contact us now for more details on how we can help you and your family. |
AuthorChild Psychologist Daniel Wendt is the Principal Psychologist of Oracle Psychology in Newcastle, NSW. Archives
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Oracle Psychology Pty Ltd
19 Bolton Street, Suite 6, Level 1, Newcastle, NSW, 2300 P: 02 4929 2223 F: 02 4929 3637 E: admin@oraclepsych.com.au ABN: 4716 427 5709 ACN: 164 275 709 |
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