FREE LUNCHTIME SEMINARS AT THE ROCKHAMPTON LIBRARY
Think well, be well is the key theme for National Psychology Week, and in recognition the
Australian Psychological Society (APS) is hosting daily seminars for the week Monday 10th
to Saturday 15th November, illuminating how psychology is improving the quality of life
for those who need it the most.
This year denotes the 10th Anniversary of National Psychology Week, a week celebrating the
great diversity of the field and all that the science and discipline of psychology has achieved.
A major part of this celebration is the opportunity to share with the community insights into
the important work psychologists do to enhance the wellbeing and happiness of the
individuals, families and communities.
Week in, week out, psychologists around Australia see the real difference that they make to
the lives of others. Keen to share these contributions with the community we are hosting
Free lunchtime Seminars - Fitzroy Room, Rockhampton Library - between 1-2pm. You can
bring your lunch to eat while you listen.
Our seminars will offer insight into a variety of key areas very relevant to our community,
and local psychologists will be available to discuss their topics and answer any questions. All
presenters are accredited and members of the APS CQ Branch, any queries about the
seminars can be directed to Julie Hill on 0416 155 817.
THE SEMINARS
MONDAY 11th Nov - “Understanding and Managing ADHD” presented by Julie Hill
Between 5-10% of children worldwide reportedly are effected by ADHD, many people may
benefit from understanding not only the characteristics, prevalence and known treatments of
ADHD - but also the role neurofeedback can play in the management of this disorder.
Julie is in private practice and has over 13 years experience assisting children, adolescents
and adults with a range of psychological issues. Since early in 2011 Julie added
Neurofeedback therapist to her skills and has expanded her practice to treat a number of well
known and more complex neurological disorders that include ADHD, Autism and learning
and language disorders.
TUESDAY 12th Nov - “Treating Trauma and Stress in Children” presented by Peter
Jephcott
Children who have experienced Trauma require the sound basis of caregiver affection,
emotional connections and consistent routines, rituals and responses. This basis allows the
child to develop and heal from the negative experiences of their past. Healing can occur and
abilities can grow when the right environment is maintained.
Peter has been a practicing psychologist since 2004 and has experience with forensic clients
and children in the care of the state. Peter has behavioural management experience with
children who have experienced trauma and have a disability, he works from a systemic
behavioural perspective which involves providing psycho-education for all people providing
care to a child, educators, foster carers, youth workers and parents.
WEDNESDAY 13th Nov – “The Use of Apps in Psychology” presented by Mandy Dexter
& Jamie Parnell
With the advent of smart phones, tablets and laptops, technology is now unable to be severed
from the possession of the young and old alike. Although there are some negative aspects
that the use of technology brings, there are also positive aspects to the use of our beloved
technology. Mandy and Jaime will present how technology is assisting in the work they
undertake as local private psychologists demonstrating their recently developed and releasedApp - The Dexter Parnell Kids Checklist. Bring along your most-loved device for a fun and
informative session.
Dexter-Parnell is the collaboration of two local registered private psychologists, who have a
passion for working with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and adults, particularly in
the Child Protection system. Mandy Dexter and Jaime Parnell provide training workshops to
assist parents and professionals in dealing with the scars that trauma and neglect can inflict;
and Dexter-Parnell also provide assessments, and in-home support to stabilise families at
risk. Dexter-Parnell has also developed and released the first in a range of Apps.
THURSDAY 14th Nov – “'Experts on their own lives: Narrative approaches in
psychology” presented by Troy Holland
Troy has an interest in creative ways of helping people who experience difficulties, especially
people who have trouble accessing mainstream services. Troy’s preferred therapeutic
approach is Narrative Practice which recognizes ‘the person is not the problem, the problem
is the problem’ and that ‘people are the experts on their own lives’ Troy is looking forward to
spending some time talking with you about this approach.
Troy practices psychology both in Woorabinda and Rockhampton, Monday to Wednesday he
facilitates the psychology service at Woorabinda for his employer the CQ Rural Division of
General Practice. In Rockhampton, Troy divides his time in a variety of supervisory and
therapeutic roles. He participates in regular training and development in this approach and
co-facilitates a monthly Narrative Practice Collaborative in Rockhampton. Troy’s preferred
therapeutic approach, Narrative Practice is the basis of his presentation to-day.
FRIDAY - 15th Nov - “Becoming a parent: what to expect and what to do if it is hard to
cope” presented by Dr Phillippa Stunzner
This overview will focus on mothers and what to expect with normal adjustment to the huge
change that occurs with having a baby. Phillippa will also discuss how to identify mood and
anxiety disorders during this time with some practical strategies about what to do if this does
happen. She welcomes questions to make the presentation more interactive.
Dr Phillippa Stunzner is a clinical psychologist in private practice. Phillippa worked for
many years in positions at Queensland Health including Mental Health Services and Child
and Family Health before moving into independent practice. She also spent some time at
Autism Queensland and is an Australian Psychological Society Autism and Pervasive
Disorder Identified Practitioner. Phillippa has a broad range of experience in assessment and
therapy of adults, children, and families with mood, anxiety, developmental and behavioural
disorders.