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PDA Talk
PDA Talk
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PDA Talk
PDA Talk
My family were in crisis. The physical and psychological safety of my children was at risk due to my daughter’s distressed behaviours. She had been described as one of the most complex cases clinicians had seen. Then in 2017, the PDA profile was added to her Autism diagnosis. I was not aware of PDA. Nobody was. There were no specialist supports available.
I was directed to the PDA Society website to find out more and experienced my ‘lightbulb moment’. Shortly afterwards, came the mind-boggling realisation that instead of trying to ‘fix’ my daughter, I could change the way I parented and the environment around her. It turns out, everything I thought I knew about parenting was wrong, at least when it came to PDA.
So, I took my new knowledge and began to apply it. Through trial and error, I radically evolved my parenting practice. The changes I made, positively transformed our lives to an astonishing degree. I was compelled to spread the word about PDA, so that others could experience the same positive changes in their lives.
Looking back, I find it difficult to comprehend the trauma we experienced prior to adopting a PDA informed approach. Much of it, at the hands of services.
When we are no longer able to change a situation we are challenged to change ourselves.
I was drawn to counselling and psychology at a young age. Like many autistic people, I found I could empathise greatly with the pain others felt. I was fascinated to learn why people behaved the way they do. My career path was not linear, however I circled back to counselling qualifying with a Graduate Diploma of Counselling in 2013.
Given the vast difference a PDA approach made in my daughter’s life, the decision to specialise in PDA Support Counselling was an easy one to make. It allowed me to follow my passion, whilst using my skills and experience to help families like my own. At the same time, I could be my own boss and work around family commitments.
Every day I am in awe at the love, dedication and perseverance revealed by parents on this journey. It’s fantastic to witness the lens shifts that take place, an absolute delight to see children moving from distress through to safety and regulation. And an honour to be trusted with so many heart moving stories.
In recent years I have relished the opportunity to rediscover myself and the things I love. I have ventured back out into the world and begun new friendships. I am fortunate to have found a warm and welcoming spiritual community through which I am expanding my horizons.
I am happiest in nature and treasure spending time with my dog and family. My recent podcast addiction nicely complements regular gym visits and stimulates the mind as I safeguard my physical wellbeing.
I know how hard it can be for PDA families to find appropriate supports. Perhaps your child doesn’t tick the right box, or the therapist doesn’t ‘get it’. False assumptions can be made, or you might be pushed to take measures that amplify existing problems. Even when the therapist is a good match, it can be difficult for your child to establish rapport, engage consistently, or identify and talk about their feelings.
As an alternative to direct therapy, working with those around the child can be an effective route to change. At PDA Talk, Support Counselling caters to adults in key supporting roles such as parents or guardians. Whilst those in secondary roles such as teachers or support workers are accommodated through Specialist Consultations.
Adjusting our own expectations is a huge part of the PDA journey. Much of the internal conflict felt by supporting adults, results from the gap between what society tells us ‘ought to be’ and the reality of our child’s capabilities. To accommodate PDA, we first need to accept it as a disability. Support Counselling can help you make the shift to acceptance.
PDA Talk provides space to reflect on and process the day-to-day challenges and impacts of supporting a PDAer, as well as an opportunity to share the positives with someone who appreciates their significance. In working together, clients gain new knowledge and are supported to transform the child’s experience, to one where their needs are understood and accommodated.
I know that you may carry trauma from past dealings with services, because I carry this too. I will treat you, as I wish I had been treated. You are safe here; in the space we create together.
I know that you are the expert in your own child. I do not sit in judgement. I do not take your presence for granted. I value you and your child. I understand that all children are unique. One size does not fit all.
The sessions belong to you. It can be as directive or as non-directive as you wish. There is no expected manner in which to behave or communicate. Stim away or feel free to branch off on a tangent. The session is truly yours.
Graduate Diploma in Counselling,
Bachelor of Education (Primary), and
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Psychology.
PDA Talk is committed to inclusion, embraces diversity and condemns discrimination. I welcome all people irrespective of lifestyle choice, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
PDA Talk acknowledges the Wulgurukaba people of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun as the Traditional Custodians of the lands where this business is based. I pay respect to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. Always Was, Always Will Be.
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