One way for professional leaders to foster a greater sense of purpose is to give back to the community via mentoring programmes, which help those younger and less experienced in their chosen field of expertise.
Barbara Kapser, an experienced child psychologist in Darwin, mentors junior allied health staff in a range of topics that are relevant to her own qualifications and training. Barbara provides support, guidance and professional advice across her areas of proficiency.
“I am a firm believer that education and knowledge have no end,” confides Barbara. “While professionals might graduate with a degree or diploma, the field of paediatrics is ever-changing and new research is always coming to light.”
“It is important for clinicians to continue their growth by increasing their knowledge in our chosen industry of child psychology. There is no ‘one model fits all’, and rather as clinicians we should have many tools in our belt so we can help clients as best we can.”
“This is what guided me towards mentorship as a way to help others further their knowledge and best care for the families who turn to them for assistance.”
Barbara’s specialty areas, whereby she can help junior staff further along in their own careers, include:
- Child developmental concerns and anxiety
- Learning difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment
- Childhood trauma
- Attachment disorders and difficulties
- Behaviour management and sensory processing challenges
- Professional parenting advice to help guardians best manage and guide childhood development
What led Barbara to mentoring was similar to the reason she was drawn to child psychology in the first place and this was to “help children achieve their best and grow to their best potential”.
“There is no such thing as perfect parenting nor perfect children yet helping both parents and kids to understand each other and grow with each other is rewarding in itself.”
“Watching kids grow and learn and gain confidence as they form their own identify is what drives me. For a successful outcome, it is extremely important to earn a child’s trust to help them feel safe and happy.”
Are you considering seeing a psychologist for your child?
The field of child psychology holds many ideologies, therefore finding the right fit in a practitioner is paramount for parents looking to help guide their children towards a healthier, happier future.
In today’s busy world, many children are under more pressure than their parents were likely to face during their own childhoods. This can lead to developmental issues throughout their school years, which can see their behaviour change as they struggle to manage their feelings and emotions.
Growing up can seem like one of the toughest things in the world to go through. Kids often experience a heightened sense of urgency relating to issues that, once people have reached adulthood and parenthood, are easily slotted into perspective.
There are many growth and emotional stages that children go through that, while perfectly normal, may influence behavioural changes whereby parents are at a loss to understand.
As a leading Darwin child psychologist, Barbara certainly understands the many phases of maturing that may bring anxiety and stress for children. An expert with extra training in specialist areas, Barbara is experienced to tackle any problem your child is presenting with.
“I believe that most of us could use someone to talk to about our problems at some point in life,” says Barbara. “Even if a problem is just a phase, therapy can help turn a really difficult time in life into something far less painful to deal with—for both kids and their parents.”
While very young children liken their parents to ‘god-like’ creatures who can do no wrong, the teenage years can create particular issues due to the fact this age group tends to withdraw from “deep and meaningful” conversations with their parents.
Therefore, the lack of personal and ultra-revealing discussion means it can create confusion for parents looking for answers to their teen’s potentially unusual or anti-social behaviour. Teens, in particular, may often not understand their own feelings and their emotions can be so intense they themselves may wonder if what they’re experiencing is normal.
Whatever the age, if as a parent, you believe your child could benefit from some extra help for their development, a Darwin child psychologist is the best solution to help alleviate your concerns and give your child the tools they need to navigate life on their own.
- Contact Darwin child psychologist Barbara Kapser, Stepping Stones in Life Therapy Service on (08) 8985 6067 to help reassure you regarding the best mental care of your children.
