(Deep dive session – 1hr)

Session description
For psychologists and counsellors, role clarity is more than a description of tasks — it is central to how we practise, collaborate, and protect our professional identity. This session explores how role clarity and consistent processes provide a foundation for effective, sustainable practice in schools. We will consider the challenges of integrating with leaders, teachers, families, and external providers, and how to negotiate expectations in ways that reduce conflict and build trust. Participants will also explore how processes — from referral pathways to communication protocols — can bring consistency and credibility to their work. By weaving together role clarity, collaboration, and systems, this session highlights practical steps for strengthening both professional confidence and the impact of school-based support.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain how role clarity underpins effective practice and professional identity.
2. Apply strategies to communicate their role clearly with staff, leaders, and families.
3. Recognise how processes and systems support consistency and collaboration.
4. Address challenges that arise from unclear or competing expectations.
5. Strengthen integration with others through aligned roles and reliable processes.

(Practice toolbox – ½ hr)

Session overview
Strong documentation is more than an administrative task — it is a key process that supports role clarity, consistency, and professional credibility. This session provides a fast-paced walkthrough of how consent forms, record keeping, and note taking can reinforce professional identity and protect practitioners in complex school settings. We will look at what to include, pitfalls to avoid, and how to structure documentation so it is efficient, defensible, and aligned with both ethical and legal standards. Participants will leave with practical examples and strategies to embed documentation processes that support clarity and confidence in their everyday practice.

Key takeaways
In this toolbox session, we will cover:

• Essential elements that link consent forms to role clarity.
• Common pitfalls in documentation that undermine consistency.
• Note structures that support defensible and professional practice.
• Balancing school, ethical, and legal requirements with efficient systems.
• Time-saving strategies to integrate strong documentation into everyday work.

These Q&A sessions have been described as an episode of “you can’t ask me that” – hear from our presenters on topics related to theme of the term + anything else school related. So ask a question that has been on your mind this term. Something about your work, a process, a niggle, a thought, a wonder? Or want to hear what your colleagues think about an idea? Or perhaps you want some ideas or guidance on solving a particular problem? It doesn’t matter! If it is about your work as a school psychologist or counsellor, it is fair game!

(Deep dive session – 1hr)

Session description
Schools are often required to respond quickly to student mental health needs, but too much time spent in crisis response can limit opportunities for prevention. This session explores the differences between reactive approaches and early intervention models, highlighting the benefits of proactive, whole-school strategies. Participants will examine evidence-based frameworks and tiered models of support, considering how these align with current practices in their schools. Through case examples and practical discussion, we will explore how early intervention can reduce pressure on crisis systems, strengthen student wellbeing, and create more sustainable support structures across the school. The session will also highlight practical steps that can help shift from a predominantly reactive approach toward preventive, school-wide wellbeing practices.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Distinguish between reactive and proactive/early intervention models in school settings.
2. Apply tiered frameworks to strengthen whole-school approaches.
3. Reflect critically on their current practices and identify areas for preventive focus.
4. Draw on case examples to highlight the impact of early intervention.
5. Identify practical strategies for embedding proactive wellbeing approaches in their school.

(Practice toolbox – ½ hr)

Session overview
Determining whether a student’s needs can be met with brief intervention or whether referral for longer-term support is required is a common challenge in schools. This fast-moving session provides practical tools to guide those decisions and ensure school-based work is structured and effective. Participants will explore how to frame short-term sessions, apply referral checklists, and coordinate care with both internal staff and external providers. Case examples and templates, tailored to Australian schools, will bring the tools to life. Attendees will walk away with clear strategies they can implement immediately in their day-to-day practice.

Key takeaways:
In this toolbox session, we will cover:

• How to structure effective short-term counselling sessions.
• Referral criteria checklists to support confident decisions.
• Templates for coordinating care with school staff and external providers.
• Case examples that show these tools in action in real school contexts.

These Q&A sessions have been described as an episode of “you can’t ask me that” – hear from our presenters on topics related to theme of the term + anything else school related. So ask a question that has been on your mind this term. Something about your work, a process, a niggle, a thought, a wonder? Or want to hear what your colleagues think about an idea? Or perhaps you want some ideas or guidance on solving a particular problem? It doesn’t matter! If it is about your work as a school psychologist or counsellor, it is fair game!

(Deep dive session – 1hr)

Session description
This session offers a practical and fast-paced walkthrough of evidence-based approaches for the presentations school psychologists and counsellors encounter most frequently. Designed as a “quick reference” deep dive, it blends conceptual clarity with day-to-day applicability. We’ll explore effective strategies and process pathways for common concerns such as school refusal, emotional regulation difficulties (“meltdowns”), self-harm and low self-esteem, family changes (divorce and bereavement), social challenges, exam stress and classmate illness or injury. This session will help you feel equipped to respond quickly, use your time efficiently, and offer support that is both compassionate and grounded in evidence.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify effective, evidence-based approaches for common referral concerns in schools
2. Confidently respond to school refusal, exam stress, emotional regulation, and social conflict
3. Use quick reference frameworks to guide fast decision-making in day-to-day practice
4. Integrate strategies that balance efficiency with compassion in time-limited school contexts
5. Strengthen collaboration with staff and families when supporting students through social and emotional challenges

(Practice toolbox – ½ hr)

Session overview
This fast-moving session dives straight into the practicalities of school-based documentation and communication. From writing clear letters to external providers to capturing useful observations and preparing for meetings, this toolbox session is packed with small strategies that can make a big difference. You’ll walk away with real examples, editable templates, and ideas that help you collaborate with a range of stakeholders.

Key takeaways:
In this toolbox session, we will cover:

• How to write succinct, purposeful letters to external professionals
• Strategies for documenting classroom and playground observations
• Time-saving documentation tips for busy school days
• Examples of language that maintains clarity and professionalism

These Q&A sessions have been described as an episode of “you can’t ask me that” – hear from our presenters on topics related to theme of the term + anything else school related. So ask a question that has been on your mind this term. Something about your work, a process, a niggle, a thought, a wonder? Or want to hear what your colleagues think about an idea? Or perhaps you want some ideas or guidance on solving a particular problem? It doesn’t matter! If it is about your work as a school psychologist or counsellor, it is fair game!

(Deep dive session – 1 hr)

Session description
Parental separation is a common experience in school communities, yet it can raise significant challenges for students, families, and staff. For psychologists and counsellors, the task is to support children while navigating complex family dynamics, differing expectations from caregivers, and the limits of a school’s role. This session draws on family systems theory and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model to provide a structured lens for understanding how separation impacts students across multiple contexts. Participants will explore practical approaches to communicating with caregivers respectfully and effectively, while maintaining professional scope and avoiding legal entanglements. The session also introduces strategies from Dr Ross Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) framework, demonstrating how collaborative problem-solving can reduce conflict and build stronger partnerships between families and schools.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Apply systemic and ecological frameworks to understand the effects of parental separation on students.
2. Communicate with caregivers in clear, respectful, and boundaried ways.
3. Identify school-based strategies that support children through separation.
4. Distinguish between professional responsibilities and legal issues.
5. Use CPS principles to facilitate collaborative problem-solving with caregivers.
6. Strengthen caregiver–school partnerships to promote student wellbeing.

(Practice toolbox – ½ hr)

Session overview:
Engaging families well is essential, but it often becomes more complex when external providers are involved or when boundaries are unclear. This fast-moving session focuses on practical strategies for working collaboratively with families and professionals while maintaining ethical clarity and professional roles. Participants will explore quick tools for reducing conflict, fostering trust, and ensuring that communication stays student-focused. Drawing on aspects of Dr Ross Greene’s CPS framework, such as Plan B conversations and identifying lagging skills vs unmet expectations, the session highlights how small but structured shifts in approach can improve engagement and collaboration straight away.

Key takeaways:
In this toolbox session, we will cover:

• Practical strategies for clarifying roles and boundaries with families.
• Tools for ethical and effective information sharing with external providers.
• Structures for Plan B conversations that reduce conflict.
• Approaches for reframing challenges into unmet needs and lagging skills.
• Sample scripts and phrases for navigating difficult conversations.

These Q&A sessions have been described as an episode of “you can’t ask me that” – hear from our presenters on topics related to theme of the term + anything else school related. So ask a question that has been on your mind this term. Something about your work, a process, a niggle, a thought, a wonder? Or want to hear what your colleagues think about an idea? Or perhaps you want some ideas or guidance on solving a particular problem? It doesn’t matter! If it is about your work as a school psychologist or counsellor, it is fair game!

This 1hr webinar – Integrating AI into your work in schools –  will cover the exciting (and daunting) explosion in AI. This session will explore a range of different AI platforms, including digital scribing/note-taking, large-language models (e.g. Chat GPT) and more that you probably haven’t even heard of, and what we need to consider in using them, as well as how to get the most out of them

Some of the key ideas that will be covered include:

• Understanding the basic principles of AI and how this applies across different platforms
• Considerations prior to using AI – privacy and ethics
• Different platforms and their different opportunities
• Implementing solutions into your work
• Maximising the success of your AI tool/s

This 1hour webinar – Balancing Well-Being and Time Management in Schools – will focus on recognising your own needs in complex and busy environments. We will explore the impact of workloads and expectations while also reflecting on the early signs of burnout with practical tips to foster your own well-being (AHPRA Competency 3). 

Some of the key ideas that will be covered include: 

• How our work is impacted by our role description, what people think we do and what we choose to do
• Setting boundaries between work and personal time 
• Ways to reflect and review work-life balance 
• Practical suggestions to review and prioritise work calendar and expectations 
• Advocating for staff and your own mental health and well-being 

These Q&A sessions have been described as an episode of “you can’t ask me that”, given Matt’s commitment to honestly and authentically answering every question. His answers aren’t planned (and sometimes it shows, as he reasons aloud to get to an answer!), but he often has a unique perspective to share. And this year is going to be even better because we’ve got one of our other awesome speakers joining in to add their thoughts as well! 

So ask a question that has been on your mind this term. Something about your work, a process, a niggle, a thought, a wonder? Or want to hear what your colleagues think about an idea? Or perhaps you want some ideas or guidance on solving a particular problem? It doesn’t matter! If it is about your work as a school psychologist or counsellor, it is fair game!

This 1-hour webinar – Running Intervention Groups in Primary Schools – focuses on how school psychologists and counsellors can effectively run Tier 2 intervention groups. Drawing on 20 years of experience, this session will offer practical guidance on helping students with behavioural and emotional challenges. Intervention groups are vital in creating a supportive school environment, and this webinar will give you the tools to make them work.

Some of the key ideas that will be covered include:

• Why Tier 2 interventions are essential for student development
• How to design and run effective group interventions in primary school settings
• Tips for maintaining group engagement and progress over time
• Assessing the impact of interventions on student outcomes
• Managing logistics and challenges of group interventions within school contexts

This 1-hour webinar – Case presentation using different modalities and NCCD adjustments – will explore various psychological interventions such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy; as well as examine how Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) adjustments for students with disabilities can be applied.

We will review diverse student case studies, demonstrating how psychological modalities can be effectively utilised while addressing complex needs of students and the school community.

Some of the key ideas that will be covered include:

• Reviewing student case studies and exploring examples of different therapeutic approaches
• Implementing change through short-term interventions
• The use of contracting with students accessing interventions
• Practical tips for applying a range of psychological modalities within schools
• Considerations of NCCD adjustments

These Q&A sessions have been described as an episode of “you can’t ask me that”, given Matt’s commitment to honestly and authentically answering every question. His answers aren’t planned (and sometimes it shows, as he reasons aloud to get to an answer!), but he often has a unique perspective to share. And this year is going to be even better because we’ve got one of our other awesome speakers joining in to add their thoughts as well! 

So ask a question that has been on your mind this term. Something about your work, a process, a niggle, a thought, a wonder? Or want to hear what your colleagues think about an idea? Or perhaps you want some ideas or guidance on solving a particular problem? It doesn’t matter! If it is about your work as a school psychologist or counsellor, it is fair game!

This 1 hr webinar – Supporting students with Pathological Demand Avoidance – will focus on understanding and supporting students with PDA. This session will explore strategies that you can add to your toolkit immediately to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment for these students.

Some of the Key Ideas that will be covered include:

• Understanding PDA: The characteristics of PDA, co-occurring diagnoses and formulations, and the common behaviours and triggers in school settings.
• Identifying PDA in students: The signs and symptoms to look for, the assessment and diagnosis process.
• In-class and other on-site strategies for support: How to use your assessment to individually tailor support strategies that you recommend to school staff to increase the student’s engagement.
• Tips for supporting teaching staff – bolstering their capacity to implement these strategies.
• Tips for supporting the parents/caregivers – referrals, resources, and parenting tips to improve understanding and the student’s engagement with their learning.

This 1 hr webinar – Implementing transition programs for primary and high school – will focus on the planning and delivery of effective transition programs for students starting primary or high school. The presentation will address both the value-add and return on investment for these programs, as well as practical strategies to help school psychologists and counsellors efficiently and effectively implement a program.

Some of the key ideas that will be covered include:

• Making the case for the importance of having these programs and appropriately resourcing them
• The components of efficient and effective transition programs (including modal of delivery, adapting it to suit students with diverse needs)
• Identifying practical implementation strategies, including planning and logistics, delivery format/s
• Linking the transition program through to the start of school

These Q&A sessions have been described as an episode of “you can’t ask me that”, given Matt’s commitment to honestly and authentically answering every question. His answers aren’t planned (and sometimes it shows, as he reasons aloud to get to an answer!), but he often has a unique perspective to share. And this year is going to be even better because we’ve got one of our other awesome speakers joining in to add their thoughts as well! 

So ask a question that has been on your mind this term. Something about your work, a process, a niggle, a thought, a wonder? Or want to hear what your colleagues think about an idea? Or perhaps you want some ideas or guidance on solving a particular problem? It doesn’t matter! If it is about your work as a school psychologist or counsellor, it is fair game!