Meet The Team
Belinda
My name is Belinda and I am the Founder and Director of Badger’s Place.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Psychology, specialising in Educational & Developmental psychology.
Prior to Badger’s Place, I worked at Left Of Centre Therapies which was also a neurodiverse-affirming practice.
Matt
My name is Matt and I work with Belinda to assist with clinic management.
I am responsible for all office administration activities including appointment scheduling, invoicing and the website.
Teddy
Teddy is our clinic’s Cavoodle. He has just turned 1 year old. He can join in with sessions, and sometimes he even joins in when not invited!
Teddy will be trained to be a certified Therapy Dog.
Meet Belinda
My previous career in early childhood education and and post-graduate studies in psychology provided opportunities for me to advocate for developmentally-appropriate and inclusive educational practices.
I am passionate about drawing on my knowledge and personal experience to support others in their journey towards better understanding of themselves and their loved ones. I welcome young families requiring support navigating life with neurodivergent children as well as adults seeking to understand their unique challenges and differences. Currently, I am available for individual counselling, parenting support, and adult assessment questioning neurodivergence (Autism / ADHD). Depending on needs and interests I aim to develop a social space for individuals seeking to connect with others.
My approach to support is always client-centred and strength based. I understand the importance of collaboration, autonomy, and independence when supporting clients of all ages. I am aligned with the social model of disability where emphasis is placed on accommodating, modifying and/or adapting the environment or task to remove barriers to achievement and growth.
My therapeutic approach is trauma informed, developmentally appropriate, attachment based, socially and culturally aware, and holistic. This means I reject any therapies that focus on changing behaviours or that dismiss the authentic internal life of my client. I draw inspiration from creative therapies such as narrative therapy, journaling, drawing, art and music therapy, movement therapy, and play therapy. I have developed a wide array of resources compatible with a Telehealth platform to share with my clients in session. My younger clients are invited into a virtual playroom that I have developed especially for them to explore, engage, and develop through playful experiences.
I have contributed to peer reviewed research in understanding the current state of play in an Australian school setting. I have presented at the 2021 Early Childhood Teachers’ Association (ECTA) conference on the same topic.
You can read more about my Educational & Developmental registration in my blog post.
Educational & Developmental Psychologist MAAPi, MPsych (Ed/Dev), GradDipBSci (Psych), GradDipPsych, BEd (EC), DipTeach (EC)
