News & insights
Stay up to date with the latest Positive Behaviour Support and Allied Health insights and news from helpz.
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Discover our new partnership with Trilogy Disability Services to support the 'Youth Back in the Community' program on the Central Coast. This year-long initiative aims to empower vulnerable youth facing homelessness and justice system involvement through mentorship, resilience-building, and essential life skills development.
Is VR the Future of Counselling?
Explore how music therapy enhances behaviour support with sensory and regulation songs. Learn how these specially designed songs help individuals manage emotions, promote positive behaviours, and support communication. Discover the benefits of music therapy as an essential part of allied health at helpz.
Explore how sensory processing plays a crucial role in Behaviour Support, helping individuals manage sensory input and improve self-regulation. At helpz, we use sensory-based approaches, including sensory profiles and tailored sensory diets, to support participants in reducing behaviours of concern and achieving a more balanced, optimal baseline. Learn more about the benefits of this transdisciplinary approach and how it empowers participants to thrive.
As Occupational Therapy Week comes to a close, helpz celebrates 80 years of connection, support, and empowerment through Occupational Therapy. Senior Occupational Therapist and Practice Lead Tran Vu reflects on the importance of building connections and how Occupational Therapy supports individuals at every stage of life. Discover how our OT team uses assistive technology, environmental modifications, and personalised care to help clients live meaningful and independent lives.
Disability Supports for Older Australians (DSOA)
Join us at helpz as we celebrate OT Week 2024 , marking 80 years of incredible connections in occupational therapy. This week shines a light on the invaluable role that occupational therapists play in empowering individuals, enhancing their quality of life, and helping them live more independently. What is OT Week? OT Week is an annual event held by Occupational Therapy Australia to raise awareness of the vital role occupational therapists (OTs) play in supporting people from all walks of life. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 80 Years of Connection,” reflects on the rich history of occupational therapy in Australia and the contributions of OTs to health, well-being, and inclusion. At helpz, we are proud of our occupational therapists who deliver essential services to individuals with diverse needs. Whether it's supporting people with physical challenges, developmental delays, or mental health concerns, OTs are crucial in helping people engage in meaningful activities. Our team of occupational therapists works with individuals across different life stages to improve their ability to perform daily tasks, participate in social activities, and reach their personal goals. From supporting children with developmental disabilities to empowering adults with chronic conditions, our OTs provide a tailored, client-centred approach that meets the unique needs of every participant. Occupational therapists; Assess and support: OTs evaluate each participant's abilities and needs and provide strategies that enhance their independence and well-being. Promote inclusion: Whether at home, in school, or within the community, our OTs ensure participants can engage fully in activities that bring them joy and purpose. Develop personalised programs: Our team creates individualised treatment plans incorporating therapy, adaptive techniques, and tools to help participants achieve their goals. Collaborate with families and carers: We believe in a holistic approach to therapy and work closely with families and carers to ensure the best outcomes for our participants. Meet Tran Vu, our OT Practice Lead Tran is the Practice Lead OT with helpz and is dedicated to supporting clients across all ages and abilities. Tran loves connecting with her clients and is committed to supporting diverse needs, offering individualised supports from a holistic, strengths-based approach. "I love the variety in my work where I can work on cooking skills with one client, prescribe a wheelchair for another and finish the day with some sensory activities."
Discover helpz’s innovative Creative Therapies model, led by senior music therapists Christopher Hills and Tessa McDermott. Our group-based therapeutic approach incorporates activities like yoga, cooking, video games, and singing to enhance mental and emotional well-being. Tailored to participants' interests, this program fosters personal growth and social connection while promoting positive therapeutic outcomes. Explore how Creative Therapies can transform lives at helpz.
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach designed to help children express their emotions and resolve psychological challenges through play. It is a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based method of counselling younger clients. In play therapy, children can play out, literally and/or metaphorically, their inner and real-life experiences in a way that builds insight and capacity. Play therapy can help children develop coping skills, improve communication, build selfesteem, and process difficult experiences. In a play therapy session, a trained therapist creates a safe and supportive environment where children can express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play. Through various toys, games, and activities, children can explore and make sense of their emotions, experiences, and behaviours. At Helpz, play therapists utilise the Child- Centered Play Therapy (CCTP) approach. This method focuses on tapping into each child's innate potential for growth and healing. The therapist enters the child's world, following their lead and building a trusting relationship that fosters safety and openness. The non-directive nature of CCTP allows children to express themselves naturally while receiving guidance tailored to their needs. Did you know? Psychologist Robert Plutchik developed a theory of emotions, suggesting that while humans are capable of experiencing over 34,000 unique emotions, they typically experience eight primary ones. Sessions typically last between 45 to 50 minutes and are conducted in a specially designed playroom filled with a variety of toys and art supplies. The therapist may observe the child’s interactions with the materials and gently guide them through their play to address specific issues. Parents or caregivers are often involved in the process through occasional meetings with the therapist to discuss progress and strategies for supporting the child at home. Overall, play therapy offers a supportive environment for children to work through their challenges, helping them to develop healthier ways of coping and interacting with others.
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helpz recognises the objectives of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We also acknowledge the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders past and present.
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