My Values
Values can be incredibly powerful tools for behaviour change and are a key component of an approach aligned with Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT). Below are my values as a clinician and individual. I aim to uphold these perspectives within everything I do.
My goal is never to change who someone is, but rather give them tools that will help them be successful and have choices in whatever they would like to do in life. I celebrate differences and always aim to use a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
This value of acceptance also applies to our internal thoughts and feelings. Tricky feelings often signal that something is important to us. Rather than running away from uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, we can learn to accept them so we can focus on what really matters.
Connection
This is what I love the most about my job. Meeting people, getting to know their stories, and helping them gain more from their own relationships and connections with others.
Collaboration
Parents, teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, nannies, support workers, grandparents... the list goes on and on. Several people are usually invested in helping an individual succeed. I'm passionate about working with the entire team and helping to facilitate a cohesive approach to aid with skill development and reduce organisational demands for caregivers.
Success
Success is individually defined. I hope to help learners access their own version of success. I start by building foundations for independence, confidence, and happiness. Within therapy, we celebrate all successes - the small wins and the big ones!
Self-Advocacy
It's important to stand up for yourself. We want learners to understand their communication is powerful. I take an assent-based approach to therapy. If a learner says no or otherwise communicates they do not assent, I will respect that choice wherever possible. We can teach learners to appropriately self-advocate for their needs and desires across environments and situations. I address self-advocacy for all learners, even those without language delays. Saying no to a bully, asking for the birthday present they really want, or negotiating play with a friend are all forms of self-advocacy.
Joy
Happiness is a universal human value. I aim to help clients and families experience joy - in therapy sessions, in their relationships with each other, and even within their day-to-day routines. This is essential for quality of life and well-being. As a bonus, effective learning is most likely to happen when learners are happy, relaxed, and engaged!
