Ms Yael Clark
Developmental Psychologist, Clinical Supervisor
Caulfield, Melbourne VIC 3162
In Person Consultations
Philosophy & Vision
I specialise in parenting psychology and treating anxiety in parents and children.
Anxiety includes Separation anxiety; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (in new mums too); Physical injury fears; Phobias; Generalised Anxiety; Panic & agoraphobia; and Oppositional behaviour. I am particularly interested in Selective Mutism; Tic Disorders; Tourette Syndrome; Stereotypies; Trichotillomania; & Epilepsy.
My work with perinatal clients is particularly rewarding as parent and infant benefit both in the immediate present and over the years to come as building blocks are laid for wellbeing and resilience.
Background
I am a school teacher and Psychologist with 31years experience working with children, adolescents and parents. I initially trained as an Instructor for Parent Effectiveness Training Inc. and Teacher Effectiveness Training Inc. and went on to obtain a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education and a Masters in Educational and Developmental Psychology. My work has included teaching and counselling in schools, assessing children under five and counselling their parents for DHS, as well as a perinatal counsellor for Mercy Hosptial and Tweddle. I have worked in an Autism assessment clinic and in private practice for 16 years.
Services
Assessment and therapy for Anxiety and OCD with a focus on children and parents who are Autistic and/or have ADHD.
I assess children's psychological, social and educational strengths and needs from a Systems perspective, working with the child's family and school where appropriate.
Therapy usually includes parent sessions.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- BA
- BSc Psychology (Hons)
- Grad Dip Education (Secondary)
- Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental)
Modalities
ACT - CBT - Developmental - Imago Relationship - Narrative Therapy - Play Therapy - Sandplay Therapy - Solution Oriented
Therapy Approach
Assessment uses standardised psychometric tests and diagnostic interviews. Follow-up therapy or intervention draws on a variety of approaches as I choose the modality to fit the unique needs of each client. I draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Expressive Therapies, "Talk Therapy" and Parent Education.
I use sandplay, painting, drawing, role-plays, worksheets, games, stories (fairy tales, movies), and picture books.
Professional Associations
- Australian Psychological Society
A conversation with Yael Clark
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As a teacher I found I was far more interested in my students' wellbeing than the curriculum. I naturally found myself counseling and decided I really should be qualified to do so!
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Anxiety Disorders (esp. OCD) and the neurological pathways that are shared by anxiety, tic disorders, body focused repetitive behaviours, and executive functioning difficulties (e.g., ADHD).
Developmental differences, neurodivergency. -
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy- talk therapy, behavioural interventions, metaphor and mindfulness.
Sandtray therapy- projective methods of processing.
Psychoeducation- particularly about attachment and neuropsychology. -
I hope a client will feel immediately understood and supported and thereby feel calmer and hopeful. If assessment (or engagement for a child) is tricky then it can take a few sessions (3-4) until change starts to happen.
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Immeasurably! Especially as a parent. But that is an ongoing journey.
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Being genuine and connected yet able to offer assistance in a way that close friends simply can't, even if they were skilled counselors!
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Of course. Especially before the summer holidays. I often see an influx of new clients then and it's all a blur! I have to write myself lots of notes to hold it all in. And ask for understanding! As an Autistic ADHDer, I often need some grace :)
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Anxiety. We have too much access to too much information and it is overwhelming. We are constantly switched on and connected. Our children access information that they're simply not ready for. My clients are reacting to a society that is unhealthy and we have to create ways to live well within the pressures and expectations of our culture.
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Currently I am loving, 'I am Me" from the Greatest Showman. Powerful and moving.