Life Hacks – Consent and Internet Safety

Elaine is a registered psychologist with a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology. Elaine has experience in providing interventions and psychoeducational assessments for children and young people. She works collaboratively with parents and carers, and school staffs to achieve positive outcomes for clients. She has worked extensively in primary and secondary schools, and paediatric multidisciplinary settings.

Elaine has a gentle and encouraging approach in delivering evidence-based strategies to support children, young people and their families on a range of emotional, developmental and behavioural needs. Elaine prioritises recognition of individual differences, and commits to exploring the unique strengths, capabilities and challenges of culturally diverse and neurodiverse individuals. Under a strength-based, and person-centred approach, Elaine employs a range of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness, tailored to best suit client’s needs. When working with children, Elaine draws on creative and playful therapeutic strategies to create a safe space, and to build trust and rapport.

Elaine is native in both English and Cantonese.

Sami is a registered psychologist who completed her Masters of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Monash University. Sami’s special interest in child psychology was first sparked through her role as an Education Support Staff member at a local primary school. Since then, Sami has worked closely with children, families, teachers, and support staff, delivering assessments, outreach services, and programs across Melbourne, often as part of a multidisciplinary team (i.e., speech pathologists and occupational therapists).

Sami enjoys working collaboratively with clients and families using person-centred and strength-based approaches to therapy. This may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play therapy, and group therapy. Sami is also passionate about neurodiversity-affirming practice and is committed to helping clients to achieve authentic progress and to foster self-respect and self-advocacy skills. She has a strong emphasis on rapport building and developing a strong connection with clients by tapping into their interests and tailoring her approach to the individual.

Sami makes sure to stay up to date with progressive and best practice recommendations informed by new and current research from all over the world. She has previously conducted research herself into the use of therapy dogs in educational settings with Monash University, working alongside the Department of Education and Training (DET). Sami is looking forward to the time where she can have and train her own therapy dog in the future!