Australian Childhood Trauma Group in Fitzroy, Victoria | Mental health service

Australian Childhood Trauma Group

Locality: Fitzroy, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 9415 6066

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• Child protection service

25.01.2022 In some exciting non-COVID19 related news: The ACT Group is humbled to share that it is embarking on the development and application of its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We believe that it is extremely important that we support and strengthen in our practice cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. We acknowledge that this commitment is very much the start of our journey, and there is much yet to be explored. We op...enly recognise and appreciate the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, with regard to geography, languages, cultures, social and economic circumstances. The foundational core of our work at the ACT Group recognises belonging to be a strength of each of these Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Connections to family, community and country form the basis of a childs identity. The needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people can only be met with appropriate engagement and provision of support, as required, for their families. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people continue to be over-represented in child protection and out of home care systems across Australia. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people who are at risk of or have been harmed by abuse and trauma should have culturally congruent, protective and therapeutic approaches that are supportive and dignified. The ACT Group has a service delivery modality that is underpinned by the value of family, community and cultural integration. The ACT Group recognises that these are critical in the strengthening of children and young peoples well-being. Finally, it is the ACT Groups intent that our RAP is a commitment to providing accountable, culturally safe and dignified services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. Our RAP will also help us evaluate ourselves against this commitment into the future. The ACT Group has worked alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities and organisations, for over 25 years, and will further draw upon these learnings and relationships to form and guide our RAP development. We look forward to updating you more throughout our journey. The ACT Team

24.01.2022 We continue on the theme of leadership with a few tips from Gregory, following on from a recent post you may have seen! Read Gregorys 10 Tips for Good Leadership for CEOs and Managers here: https://theactgroup.com.au/10-tips-leadership/

22.01.2022 Done... Monday this week was my last day as CEO at Australian Childhood Trauma Group... Tuesday Monique Blom stepped into the role and it is her time to shine and take the organisation to the next level. Over the years here are the 10 things I think are critically important about being a CEO and leader. 1) Sleep well - theres always tomorrow... 2) Act honourably in all your decisions 3) Be kind and generous to your staff they are your greatest asset 4) Set the bar high and support people to get there 5) Some of your staff will not like you - get over it 6) It is a lonely job and your staff will not always thank you or understand your decisions 7) Be playful at work sometimes 8) If you go for a drink with your staff after work be the first to leave not the last 9) Know when to step down as CEO there will always be someone better than you 10) Dance to 70s disco music at least 3 times a week Thats all - goodbye... for now :)

21.01.2022 During these difficult and challenging times we are still here! Hi everyone I want to let you all know that Australian Childhood Trauma Group will still be operating throughout this crisis. Fortunately, we have the technology to provide support services remotely where required to all our clients and any new referrals if circumstances are such that face to face support is not possible.... Referrals will still be accepted via our online referral portal https://theactgroup.com.au Please dont hesitate to get in touch and let your friends and colleagues know we are here... please share. Thank you and keep well and be safe. Gregory Nicolau Founder / Consultant Psychologist Australian Childhood Trauma Group

21.01.2022 Some Thoughts About Responsibility It has been an incredibly difficult week. Children dying before they have thrived and lived a full life is so distressing. That a mother and her children should die in such a violent way is almost unfathomable.... That a father and partner could so callously take the lives of his own children and their mother leaves one thinking about the failure of men to self regulate when they experience big feelings. The blame for this event sits squarely on the shoulders of the man that chose this action to solve what he seemed to deem a problem. As adults, WE ARE NOT DRIVEN by others to take particular actions. WE CHOOSE particular actions based on our interpretation of what we perceive others to be doing. It is never OK to justify murderous violence or any form of violence; physical, emotional, or psychological, to resolve domestic disputes. As a society, we fail in so many ways to safeguard children and women in particular from harm most frequently perpetrated by men. These events I am certain leave the mothers and children who are in relationships with unpredictable and dangerous men incredibly unsettled. IF YOU KNOW A WOMAN AND CHILDREN IN UNSAFE CIRCUMSTANCES PLEASE REACH OUT TO THEM FOR SUPPORT. IF YOU ARE A MAN WHO THINKS YOU ARE BEING DRIVEN TO HARM OTHERS, THINK AGAIN, GET HELP. THE RESPONSIBILITY IS YOURS AND YOURS ALONE. IF YOU ARE A WOMAN IN HARMS WAY OR YOUR CHILDREN ARE PLEASE KNOW THERE IS HELP. https://www.whiteribbon.org.au//domestic-violence-hotlines/ I am not sure of what the answer is, although men taking full responsibility for regulating themselves would go a long way, however, I am realistic that this is unlikely to happen simply by saying it should be that way. What I do know is that EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE AND TO THRIVE. Our thoughts go to Hannah and her childrens family, no words I am sure can take the most terrible pain away. Gregory Nicolau Founder / Consultant Psychologist Australian Childhood Trauma Group

21.01.2022 Army doing its thing In times of natural disasters, there is something comforting about seeing people in uniform providing support, containment and care. With all the terrible stories I was struck by this photo of an army soldier (from a helicopter) tenderly holding this little dog... (although you would be forgiven if you thought it was a screenshot from Star Wars - Darth Vader holding Yoda.)... Thank you to all our men and women in uniform military and non-military who have provided a shining light in these very dark days. For children, in particular, it will be very reassuring. Take care and be safe! Gregory Nicolau Founder / CEO Australian Childhood Trauma Group

20.01.2022 Amid the chaos of COVID 19 and its various substantial impacts in the way our world is operating, our CEO Monique Blom asks us to stop and consider the gains made in Australia over recent years about the voice of children and young people. In this blog, Monique explains the importance of meaningful participation of children and young people in organisations and why this becomes even more profound during challenging times. Have a read here: https://theactgroup.com.au/children...s-participation-and-voi/ The ACT Team

20.01.2022 For our blog this week, Emilie Traeger, one of our clinicians in Canberra, has written a piece on the nature of crisis responses during this catastrophic bushfire season. Canberra has undoubtedly been impacted hugely by the fires and their aftermath, with smoke and storms causing ongoing issues for the Capital Territory. Emilie asks whether the response to this disaster will be adequate in addressing the long-term need for these communities, and suggests the need for consist...ency in the supports provided. Where do you think support should be provided and prioritised? Emilie highlights that schools are returning over the next couple of weeks - how should we be addressing the fact that, for a lot of children, they have not had the restful summer holiday that they deserved? As always, we invite you to share your comments and ideas! https://theactgroup.com.au/longterm-bushfire-response/ The ACT Team

19.01.2022 Connecting with children through play At the moment, many of us have more time to play with our children than ever before. Whilst some children (and parents?) may be getting to the point where they are screaming out for their peers, our clinician Hannah Verass writes on the importance of child-centred play with parents and carers, and the wonderful impact it can have on childrens development.... Read more about child-centred play here: https://theactgroup.com.au/child-centred-play/ The ACT Team

17.01.2022 2020 I find myself internally conflicted, at this time we would normally shout out Happy New Year, however, it seems to me to be a rather sombre time given the destruction of these most horrific bushfires that have so terribly impacted so many thousands of Australians. There is the immediate impact of the destructive fires however, once they pass there is also the psychological trauma that many will suffer for years to come.... To those of you supporting someone affected by the fires please ensure your expectations about how long a person will take to move on are measured. People will be affected in different ways and some will take much longer to recover than others. Having worked in the field of trauma for many years, here are 10 things I have found to be useful: 1) Find people you feel safe with to talk to 2) Take care of your physical health by eating and sleeping regularly 3) Children will be looking to adults for reassurance 4) Where possible ensure children have time to play and do not overly expose them to constant radio and TV updates about fires unless you believe you are in danger and require the information to keep safe 5) Continue any family rituals where possible e.g. if Fridays are Fish and Chip nights, have fish and chips 6) Where possible and as soon as possible let extended family members know you are safe, the anxiety of not knowing can in itself become traumatic 7) The impact of trauma does not always appear right away for adults or children, it may take some time, so be prepared that your loved ones may seem OK but then struggle down the track 8) Dont see accessing professional services as a weakness, this can be a game-changer when it comes to recovering from a traumatic event 9) Reach out and stay connected to your community, family and friends 10) For those not directly impacted by this seasons fires but have been in the past be aware that this could be a trigger for you and your children - look to the above if it is so I wish all our colleagues, carers, friends and your children all the best and keep safe. Gregory Nicolau Founder / CEO Australian Childhood Trauma Group

15.01.2022 Working from home has become the new normal. While case numbers are FINALLY going in the right direction in Victoria, many of us won’t be returning to the office any time soon. At the ACT Group, student social worker Liv Cuff has ended up spending her ENTIRE placement working remotely! She shares a few key takeaways and reflections with us here:... https://theactgroup.com.au/social-work-placement-covid/ Have you learnt anything from your WFH experience? The ACT Team

15.01.2022 Children come to this world without an understanding of what is expected of them, where they stand with others, how far they can go, and what happens when they go out of bounds. So they explore, experiment, and learn. This learning and discovery process requires clear boundaries and limits from caregivers. Richard Zhang shares with us a few of his thoughts on setting these limits and boundaries with children.... https://theactgroup.com.au/limit-setting-boundaries/

15.01.2022 As we all gradually emerge from COVID-19 lockdown measures, our CEO Monique Blom talks about adapting to this new normal we find ourselves in. Blog: https://theactgroup.com.au/post-covid19/ At the ACT Group, we have taken certain measures to embrace this new kind of normal, to learn from the experience of the pandemic and hopefully help build toward a brighter, more united future. ... How do you feel the world has changed? Are there any adaptions you have made that you would like to continue to embrace? Please share The ACT Team

14.01.2022 Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Times of Devastation Read Gregorys thoughts and reflections on the ongoing bushfire crisis that has left many Australian communities devastated, exhausted and traumatised. If you are looking for ways in which you can support your loved ones through this, Gregory has included some useful strategies that may help to work through the psychological stages of dealing with disasters. ... As always, if you have found particular strategies helpful, or have more to add, then please share. The show of community across the country has been awe-inspiring and Australians can be proud of the overwhelming response from volunteers, donators and the emergency services in this time of crisis. https://theactgroup.com.au/bushfires-trauma/ The ACT Team

14.01.2022 Instead of categorising childrens behaviour, our clinician Hannah Verass teaches us in her blog how to interpret a childs actions as a form of communication. She asks us to separate the child from the behaviour and regard their behaviour as their method of expressing their needs. Have a read here: https://theactgroup.com.au/childs-challenging-behaviour-te/... The ACT Team

13.01.2022 Managing stress in a Coronavirus (COVID-19) world with vulnerable children In his latest blog, Gregory explains the difference between acute and chronic stress and gives practical advice for managing our responses to stress in this current climate, especially when we have children in our care. https://theactgroup.com.au/managing-stress-covid19/... It is a difficult time for all, but we are all in this together. Remember you are not alone in this stressful time and you can still reach out, even if it virtually! The ACT Team

13.01.2022 Our clinical lead Yasodha Samaranayake has shared some thoughts with us on roles, power struggles and the traditional parent child relationship. Blog: https://theactgroup.com.au/shifting-parental-paradigm/ She suggests that a reinterpretation and a shift in these power dynamics has the potential to result in mutually respectful relationships with children in our care.... What do you think, have you ever tried to shift the position of power in you and your childs relationship? Wed love to hear your thoughts! The ACT Team

12.01.2022 Call out to carers (Foster and Kinship) Im running an online webinar on Friday - Intro to Mental Health. Coma and join me.... Mental Illness will most likely affect us all at some point in our life - be that directly or indirectly through our clients, friends or family members. Join us as we clarify the symptoms, causes and treatments for some of the major mental illnesses. Get in quick as spaces are limited! Gregory Nicolau Founder Australian Childhood Trauma Group Consultant Psychologist Register here https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_tuYWNI_XTAe6ziP8xYK3Gw

12.01.2022 We start this month with some words from our new CEO - Monique Blom! Monique has used her first blog to share with us the elements of leadership she feels are most important. Using her own personal and professional experience, her leadership takeaways are based on outstanding leaders she has encountered on her way to the ACT Group. Have a read here: https://theactgroup.com.au/leading-through-change/... The ACT Team

12.01.2022 Gregory has a bone to pick with the current Medicare rebate system and its undervaluing of certain mental health interventions... To read his potentially most controversial post yet, visit: https://theactgroup.com.au/politics-of-healing/ What do you think? ... The ACT Team

11.01.2022 Empathy in times of trauma, stress and disasters Recently in the media, some of our senior leaders and politicians have been engaging in fake empathy. I would suggest those in leadership positions that are going to speak to people who are traumatised by what has happened in this beautiful country, please dont say when talking to survivors, "I understand". This is not empathy, it is fake empathy.... To truly empathise one has to experience the pain of the other and then reflect it back, e.g. "you are feeling lost right now, not knowing what to do or where to go, its tough". Then be quiet and see what comes back at you. On a national scale to empathise with a nation of people, one has to be able to hold its fears, anxieties and pain and then respond empathically with genuineness, e.g. "It is a terrible thing that is happening, so much devastation, loss and pain. People are looking for a strong response from us as leaders and here is what we will do, we will be there with you all the way until we feel safe again". We have the mistaken belief that leadership is about strength when in fact it is about vulnerability. When people are anxious particulalrly children adults need to show a deep level of empathy in order for them to feel safe. Watch Brene Brown video on empathy.

10.01.2022 Are we really OK? Caroline Ellis, our resident Somatic Therapist in Canberra, has written about the effect of these unsettling times on our nervous systems and asks questions about the impact this has on both the collective, as well as the individual. https://theactgroup.com.au/are-we-really-ok... She also provides us with some strategies on how we can help support ourselves, as well as our community, to return back to a calm state, even whilst the world around us refuses to deescalate. Have you found any coping strategies particularly helpful in these trying times? Please, share the love The ACT Team

10.01.2022 Call out to carers (Foster and Kinship) I'm running an online webinar on Friday - Intro to Mental Health. Coma and join me.... Mental Illness will most likely affect us all at some point in our life - be that directly or indirectly through our clients, friends or family members. Join us as we clarify the symptoms, causes and treatments for some of the major mental illnesses. Get in quick as spaces are limited! Gregory Nicolau Founder Australian Childhood Trauma Group Consultant Psychologist Register here https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_tuYWNI_XTAe6ziP8xYK3Gw

10.01.2022 Toilet paper, coronavirus (COVID-19) and complex trauma chaos or calm, its your choice People have been asking, "why are so many people going nuts with buying up anything and everything in the supermarkets?"... and, "how is this crisis different from the bushfire crisis we recently experienced" in Australia. I have written a blog about this from a complex trauma lens, as I think what we are seeing is a response not unlike this.... In times of crisis, it is very hard for people who are experiencing it to stay in their thinking minds, we are pulled towards our reptilian (survival) brains. If the number of people in their thinking minds begins to shrink then we lose a critical mass of people who can help others to keep calm. And more importantly what happens to children if their are no adults in their thinking minds to keep them safe? Keen for you to have a read and come back and share your thoughts! Gregory Nicolau Founder / Consultant Psychologist Australian Childhood Trauma Group https://theactgroup.com.au/covid-19-complex-trauma/

09.01.2022 "Malala Yousufzai graduates from Oxford University, looking forward to some Netflix and sleep." What was Malala Yousufzai thinking? She should have listened to Australias Minister for Education Dan Tehan and done STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Then she could get a real job and it will be cheaper to study even if she has no interest or aptitude in STEM. I congratulate the Minister in his desire to make some courses more accessible.... In the 70s I studied science and technology along with economics and accounting, I lasted 1 semester, completely sent me raving mad, bored out of my socks. I loved psychology and the arts went on to study both Psychology and Film making. I founded and ran a successful business (ACT Group), began a Start-Up to track the mental health and wellbeing of people (Ripple). Undergraduate courses are about developing the mind, rather than specialisation at that point. Its not the role of Government to shape its citizens but rather to provide opportunities for its citizens to become contributors to a diverse society. I employ you all to support children and young people to explore what they are good at and what they like to do. If you do this the rest will fall into place. Gregory Nicolau Founder Australian Childhood Trauma Group https://www.theage.com.au//malala-yousufzai-graduates-from

09.01.2022 Our clinician Freya Hanly has written a wonderful article with advice on how to build your childs independence. Whilst the return to school may not be as early as previously hoped, when students are eventually allowed to return, the transition is likely to be hugely disruptive one. Building that Bridge of Safety, or the Invisible String between yourself and the child you care for can begin now, and will no doubt benefit from it when the changes come later on. Article: h...ttps://theactgroup.com.au/building-independence/ Our thoughts are with all families during these unsettling times, we hope you are finding ways to enjoy the downtime, whilst keeping yourselves safe and healthy. As always, we are here to support you. If there are topics in particular you would like to read about, especially during this period of isolation, then do let us know! The ACT Team

09.01.2022 Creating understanding for children during natural disasters There are no two ways about it, it is tough in Australia at the moment. A national crisis with regard to the bushfires with experts suggesting it could be months before we see some reprieve. Whilst many adults are finding it tough with all the psychological resources they have you can imagine then what it might be like for children, particularly young children.... Whilst we do not want to underestimate the resilience of children and young people we need to be realistic about what they can manage and the copying skills they have to manage very complex feelings, that include fear, anxiety and hopelessness. Very young children who often see the world through cartoons that promote their messages through cute animal characters, such as koalas and kangaroos may have deep feelings of loss and mourning when they hear about the loss of wildlife. As if their best friends are at risk. If you have a young child asking lots of questions about what is happening rather than say, "dont think about it" consider being honest and using storytelling, drawing and journal making to help your child to better understand these events. If the distress they have seems not to be subsiding then please seek professional help earlier rather than later. You can call us from anywhere in Australia on 1300 034 503 and we can help you find an appropriate referral point. Gregory Nicolau Founder / CEO Australian Childhood Trauma Group 1300 034 503

07.01.2022 Everyones Work is Equally Important This morning I was walking my dog, Matilda, in the park when I chanced upon a young mother with two children in a pram. She was wearing a tee-shirt that said, "Everyones work is important". I said, "I love your tee-shirt". I walked on and for 10 or 15 minutes I was consumed with the message. My thoughts were this young mother was making it known to the world that her choice to be a parent was just as important of someone elses choice to ...be a lawyer or carpenter. Then I thought this phrase is not true and this is why. I think the list of the most important work we do should look something like this from top to bottom: Parents/ carers Teachers Teachers aids Good Neighbours Friends Uncles and aunts Cousins Those that look out for the wellbeing of infants, children and the aged... Then the rest of us... although maybe those that take from the earth and dont give back or accumulate unimaginable wealth through the suffering of others (e.g. slavery) and hoard it rather than do good deeds perhaps they are way way down on the list, if on it at all? Thoughts? Gregory Nicolau Founder/CEO Australian Childhood Trauma Group

06.01.2022 We have a new office in Weston, ACT and would love to share it with a new clinician! Interested? Have a look on SEEK: https://www.seek.com.au/job/50754734 Or visit our careers page: https://theactgroup.com.au/careers/ ... if you have any questions, give us a call 1300 034 503 The ACT Team

06.01.2022 During these challenging times, we are often left feeling uncertain or insecure. With COVID-19, our sense of safety has been compromised and children especially are left feeling anxious and confused. Our colleague Kenneth Spedding has put together a helpful guide to supporting children regain this sense of safety, even if the current situation continues. Have a read here: https://theactgroup.com.au/covid19-children-safety/... Hope you are all keeping safe and well and looking after one another The ACT Team

05.01.2022 A Call Out to Foster, Kinship and Permanent carers. Some states are restricting regular face to face access between children and their birth families. Whilst it is understandable that such actions are necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of all, I invite carers to consider the impact on children. Time to get creative:... 1) Consider regular phone, FaceTime Skype (or similar) so children can still interact with birth families 2) Invite children to write a letter, send a painting or photo to birth families letting them know what they are up to and how they are managing with all that is happening 3) Make it as easy as possible for children to connect with their birth families at this time, if they want to - do not put hurdles in their way 4) Think about creating a project together that involves birth families e.g. play a game of cards online - there are hundreds of things you can do - get creative! Let us know what you are doing to keep children connected!!! NOTE: we are still open and taking referrals, if you need support: For Parents / Carers https://theactgroup.com.au/parents-or-carers/ For Workers / Teachers - https://theactgroup.com.au/home-case-worker-or-teacher/ Stay Safe Gregory Nicolau Founder / Consultant Psychologist Australian Childhood Trauma Group

05.01.2022 With Australia now a month (feel like two?) into lockdown, tensions may be rising high in some family homes... In this next blog from our clinical team, Jenny Jensen has put together some practical tips to help parents and carers repair and reconnect with their children after an escalation. We hope everyone out there is managing as best they can - stay strong and remember words from wise women!*... https://theactgroup.com.au/6-tips-to-reconnect/ The ACT Team *Read the blog to find out more...

05.01.2022 Some quick tips for those working from home with kids!

05.01.2022 Instead of categorising children’s behaviour, our clinician Hannah Verass teaches us in her blog how to interpret a child’s actions as a form of communication. She asks us to separate the child from the behaviour and regard their behaviour as their method of expressing their needs. Have a read here: https://theactgroup.com.au/childs-challenging-behaviour-te/... The ACT Team

04.01.2022 Compassion Fatigue: what is the cost of caring? In our latest blog, clinician Richard Zhang asks our industry what we are doing to protect ourselves from compassion fatigue and secondary traumatisation. Providing some crucial strategies to support both the professional and personal self, Richard looks to build our knowledge of self-care and our capacity to self-support.... Blog: https://theactgroup.com.au/compassion-fatigue/

03.01.2022 Came across this thought was worth sharing. Children may particularly find quarantine difficult so if you are in quarantine some suggestions include: 1) Talk to the other members of the family about the infection. 2) Understanding novel coronavirus will reduce anxiety. 3) Reassure young children using age-appropriate language. 4) Keep up a normal daily routine as much as possible.... 5) Think about how you have coped with difficult situations in the past and reassure yourself that you will cope with this situation too. 6) Remember that quarantine wont last for long. 7) Keep in touch with family members and friends via telephone, email or social media. 8) Exercise regularly. Options could include exercise DVDs, dancing, floor exercises, yoga, walking around the backyard or using home exercise equipment. Exercise is a proven treatment for stress and depression. 9) Reducing boredom while in self-quarantine Confined to home for an extended period can cause boredom, stress and conflict. Suggestions include: 1) Arrange with your employer to work from home. 2) Ask your childs school to supply assignments, work sheets and homework by post or email. 3) Dont rely too heavily on the television and technology. 4) Treat quarantine as an opportunity to do some of those things you never usually have time for, such as board games, craft, drawing and reading. Other ideas please share Gregory Nicolau Founder / Consultant Psychologist Australian Childhood Trauma Group

01.01.2022 "When it comes to understanding behaviour, most of us have been sold a . Society has chosen for the most part to define childrens behaviour as either good or bad and to expect adults to reward or punish behaviour accordingly..." For Gregorys latest blog he has looked at the good or bad/ reward or punish dichotomy, its prevalence in the way society raises its children and whether it actually does more harm than good. ... Consider the suggested steps towards responding to a child demanding attention. Have you found similar methods useful? How have you effectively communicated with a child in your care that is in distress? https://theactgroup.com.au/good-bad-behaviour/ The ACT Team