Education is a vital, and sometimes difficult experience for young people and parents alike.
Strengthening Minds is a psychological service here to assist young people thrive within the education system. In Croydon, Strengthening Minds works alongside Grow Psychology. Strengthening Minds also works in Mill Park at Melbourne City Missions Norparrin site. Strengthening Minds works to assist young people and their families to achieve their best in education and beyond. We work within a transdiscplinary framework, consulting with other professionals as appropriate.
Our Story
With over a decade of working within schools I have seen the positive aspects of identifying and understanding individual learning styles. We all learn best when happy and comfortable and this is best achieved through understanding individual learning needs. When we understand each others strengths and difficulties we can work positively towards enhanced well-being and learning. Strengthening Minds is here to assist in working out these strengths and how to use them to build skills and ultimately improve well-being and self esteem.
Younger children can often express their difficulties in the classroom or school setting through difficult behaviours. Without help to understand the purpose of the behaviour and the needs of the individual these difficulties can become greater. Strengthening Minds can help these young people by providing understanding and developing strategies designed to assist young people. We work with young people through a range of means. These include assessment, including psycho-educational assessments, with strategies developed reflective of assessed needs. Counselling to assist young people to manage difficulties and build their own internal resources. As well as consultation with people working with young people, whether families or professionals, on topics related to specific individuals or wider systemic topics.
Strengthening Minds exists to help all students to thrive.
Meet the Team
Our psychologists all have over a decade of experience in the education system, are registered with AHPRA and are providers under Medicare and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Strengthening Minds has a wealth of knowledge and experience in assisting young people in educational settings including; Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary education. We have worked with parents, teachers and a range of school welfare staff to assist young people to thrive.
Our staff have worked in Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Maroondah/Whitehorse educational networks and have extensive knowledge of available resources to help support your young people thrive.
We utilise a holistic approach, looking at a persons social context as well as their educational needs, to support young people and their families through the journey of education and beyond. We consult with appropriate professionals to assist to ensure the best outcomes for our clients.
Jen Garth
Psychologist
Jen is a psychologist with over 10 years experience working in a range of settings, including mainstream primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and private practice. She has worked across diverse areas and socio-economic backgrounds. Jen completed her Master of Educational Psychology at The University of Melbourne and is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. She is also a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Jen has training in the assessment and counselling for children and adolescents on issues such as school refusal, learning or academic difficulties, study skills, bullying, stress, anger management, social difficulties, behavioural issues, self-esteem and coping with change. Jen uses a variety of evidence-based techniques in her work including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness and play therapy. Jen has significant experience in psychological and psychoeducational assessments. She works with children and young people experiencing a range of educational and learning difficulties as well as those with neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities.
Jen is a mother to five children ranging from preschool to high school age. She is passionate about helping young people to thrive and assisting them to navigate the difficulties of childhood and adolescence. Jen works closely with parents and schools to assist in the development of a supportive network for the young person. She also provides support for families and parenting-related concerns. Jen has significant experience in running groups, seminars, workshops and professional development for school staff.
Our commitment to the safety of children and young people
Strengthening Minds is committed to ensuring the safety of children and young people. We work to ensure that children and young people are safe, supported, respected and empowered. We do not accept any abuse of children and will treat any abuse, allegations of abuse or concerns regarding safety seriously. As psychologists we have legal and ethical obligations to report any concerns about a child’s safety to the appropriate authorities. Our commitment to ensuring the safety of children includes identifying risks through out work and working to reduce or remove risks where possible. We engage in regular learning around child safety and our psychologists hold valid Working With Children’s Checks. Our commitment to the safety of all children and young people regardless of cultural, socio-economic background, beliefs, gender, sexual orientation or identity forms a core aspect to our values as an organisation.