Calder Psychology

24/10/2026

This week in our Thriving With ADHD program, we discussed making room for difficult feelings. In particular, we explored how common it is to use avoidance strategies to cope with uncomfortable emotions, and how those strategies can provide short-term relief while sometimes making things harder over time.

The session focused on practising the ACT skills of acceptance and willingness: noticing difficult feelings, allowing them to be present without immediately trying to fight, suppress or escape them, and creating space to choose what to do next.

This is not an easy skill for any of us, and we are very appreciative of our group members’ willingness to engage in the exercises and practise responding to difficult emotions in a different way.

Our bookings for this program are currently full, but we are accepting bookings for next year. If you're interested in the program, or in other group programs we organise you can find more information on our website: https://www.calderpsychology.com/thriving-with-adhd

An evidence-based, eight-session group program for adults seeking practical skills to address everyday challenges and strong emotions - whether you have an ADHD diagnosis or are still wondering if ADHD might be part of your story. Learn how to thrive with adult ADHD by building practical skills that...

24/10/2026

Last week in our Thriving with ADHD program, we explored the theme of ‘Untangling from the ADHD Mind’.

During the session, we explored cognitive fusion: what happens when we become so caught up in our thoughts that we begin treating them as facts about ourselves.

We all experience self-critical thoughts, but for people with ADHD, repeated experiences of criticism, misunderstanding or setbacks can sometimes shape the stories they tell themselves.

Our participants bravely shared some of their own familiar thought patterns and reflected on how these connected to their experiences of ADHD.
Together, we practised cognitive defusion – learning to take a step back, notice these thoughts without automatically believing them, and consider how we might respond differently.

Negative thoughts are a natural part of being human, and sometimes they can influence how we view ourselves and our experiences. The aim isn't necessarily to change these thoughts, but to change how we relate to them and the influence they have on us. By practising this, we can develop greater psychological flexibility and self-compassion.

A key takeaway from the session: We don't always have to change our thoughts. Sometimes, we can change how we relate to them.

We are currently accepting bookings for next year's Thriving with ADHD program. For more information, feel free to visit our website: https://www.calderpsychology.com/group-programs

Calder Psychology offers group therapy Perth programs for ADHD, trauma, relationships, and social skills in a safe and supportive setting.

24/10/2026

This week marked the halfway point in our Thriving with ADHD Group Program!

During this session, we explored mindfulness and the importance of being present in the moment. Amid the busyness of everyday life, it can be easy to get caught up in our thoughts, responsibilities and distractions, sometimes overlooking opportunities to pause and appreciate the present.

We explored how ADHD can affect attention regulation, including our ability to start focusing, maintain attention and shift between tasks. Through mindfulness exercises, participants practised noticing when their minds wandered and gently bringing their attention back to the present moment.

We also introduced the Seven Rs, a practical framework for managing ADHD in everyday life. These strategies focus on finding ways to support attention, organisation and executive functioning, rather than relying on willpower alone.

A key takeaway from the session was that mindfulness isn't about maintaining perfect concentration or stopping our minds from wandering. It's about noticing when our attention shifts and learning to gently bring it back.

Our current Thriving with ADHD group is fully booked, but we are accepting bookings for next year's program!

To learn more about Thriving with ADHD and our other group programs, visit our website: https://www.calderpsychology.com/group-programs

Calder Psychology offers group therapy Perth programs for ADHD, trauma, relationships, and social skills in a safe and supportive setting.

24/10/2026

What Can Parents Do When Their Child's Behaviour Is Becoming Difficult to Manage?

Dealing with difficult child behaviour can be challenging, especially when you're trying your best to support your child but nothing seems to work.

However, challenging behaviour doesn't automatically mean your child is being deliberately difficult or that you're doing something wrong as a parent. Understanding what's behind their behaviour can help you respond with greater confidence and compassion.

https://www.calderpsychology.com/post/dealing-with-difficult-child-behaviour

Dealing with difficult child behaviour can be challenging, especially when you're trying your best to support your child but nothing seems to work. However, challenging behaviour doesn't automatically mean your child is being deliberately difficult or that you're doing something wrong as a parent. U...

09/09/2026

06/09/2026

💜 What an incredible day at Beyond the Mask: Neurodivergent Women Seminar! We were proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of this meaningful event, bringing together neurodivergent women, families, professionals, advocates and organisations for a day of learning, connection and genuine conversation.

Throughout the day, we heard powerful perspectives and explored important topics affecting neurodivergent women, and saw so many positive conversations taking place around understanding, inclusion and support.

One of the highlights for our team was having the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people at our booth. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, ask questions, share their experiences and learn more about what we do. 💜

Events like Beyond the Mask show just how valuable it is to create spaces where neurodivergent women can connect, be heard and celebrate their strengths while also having open conversations about the challenges they may experience.

We’re grateful to have supported this meaningful event as a Platinum Sponsor. A huge congratulations and thank you to the organisers, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers and everyone who attended and contributed to such a positive day. A special thank you to Cool Events for the support in bringing our booth setup together.

Here are a few photos from our booth and the day 📸✨

30/08/2026

Calder Psychology is pleased to offer "Thriving with ADHD", an 8-week, in-person group program designed to help adults with ADHD develop a deeper understanding of their experiences and practical strategies for everyday life.

Rather than focusing only on managing difficulties, the program supports participants to develop psychological flexibility, self-compassion, present-moment awareness and sustainable ADHD-friendly habits.

Across eight 90-minute sessions, participants will explore common experiences such as overwhelm, difficult emotions, unhelpful thinking and self-criticism, while also identifying personal values and developing practical approaches to attention, committed action and daily routines.

📅 Tuesdays | 29 September – 17 November
👥 4–8 participants
💳 $1,040 ($130 per session)
🩺 Medicare rebates available to eligible participants

The small-group format provides an opportunity to learn practical skills while connecting with others who may share similar experiences.

Places are limited. For further information or registration, visit calderpsychology.com, call 0401 797 097, or email [email protected].

https://www.calderpsychology.com/thriving-with-adhd

We offer psychological services, cognitive assessments, diagnosis, and counselling. We provide fresh approaches to mental health care in a warm, open and non-judgemental environment to help reduce your emotional suffering, and manage behavioural concerns.

22/08/2026

Supporting autistic adults starts with understanding the individual — their experiences, strengths, needs and what matters to them. In our latest video, Melanie Calder shares more about Autism Therapy for Adults at Calder Psychology and what a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based and practical approach to therapy can look like.

We’re currently welcoming new clients and have early appointment availability for those looking to get started.

Watch the video to learn more about our approach and how we can support you.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/08/2026

One of the things we hear most often in our practice from adults who have recently been diagnosed with ADHD is, "I wish I'd understood this about myself sooner." An ADHD diagnosis can bring relief, but it also raises questions about how to navigate daily life in a way that works with your brain.

That's why we are excited to be launching this group program, "Thriving with ADHD". This is an 8-week group program designed to help adults better understand their ADHD, develop practical skills, and build a kinder, more compassionate relationship with themselves.

The program begins the week commencing 27 September and takes a neurodiversity-affirming, ACT-based approach, equipping participants with practical, evidence-based strategies to build a life that works with their ADHD.

If you know someone who may benefit, or if you're curious yourself, we'd love to hear from you.

Also, if you'd like to learn more before deciding, our Principal Psychologist, Melanie Calder, will be hosting a free information session on Monday, 14 September at 5 pm, where you can hear about the program, ask questions, and see whether it's the right fit for you.

We'd really appreciate you sharing this with anyone who might find it helpful. 💛

02/08/2026

✨ Thriving with ADHD ✨ ADHD doesn't need to define your life.
Join our 8-week group program, led by our Principal Psychologist, Melanie Calder. The program is designed to help adults understand their ADHD with greater self-compassion while learning practical, evidence-based strategies for everyday life.

Together, we'll explore:
🌿 Emotional regulation
🧠 ADHD-friendly habits and routines
💛 Self-compassion
🎯 Values-based living
🧘 Mindfulness and present-moment awareness

This is a supportive, small-group environment where you'll gain practical skills, connect with others who understand, and discover new ways of working with your brain, not against it.

📍 South Perth
👥 Small groups (4–8 participants)
💳 Medicare rebates available for eligible participants
📞 Register your interest today by contacting Calder Psychology.