Sally-Anne McCormack is a highly sought-after speaker.  She has been invited to present internationally and across Australia on various topics with regards to psychological issues, parenting concerns and educational questions.  Due to her background of being a former teacher, parent of 4 and a clinical psychologist, she brings an amazing amount of experience to her workshops.

"Stomp out the ANTs" PROGRAMS

Depression is a largely preventable illness.  If we teach our young specific and easy strategies, we can help them to prevent or enable them to manage depression.  The skills offered in the "Stomp out the ANTs" Program, if practised consistently, will make a difference to the way they cope with any difficulties and challenges they may face in the future.

Many of the strategies taught are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which has been shown to be the most successful therapy for depression (eg. "self-talk" skills, etc.).  The sessions run for 6 weeks and are 50 minutes in length.  The groups are divided into school year levels - Grades 5 & 6, Years 7 to 9, and a Years 10 - 12 group.  These groups were chosen as each of these levels face their own specific challenges.

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another - Walter Elliott -

"Stomp out the ANTs" Programs provide the students with a "feelings" vocabulary, teach some ways of replacing negative thoughts with more positive thoughts, show them to look for "evidence" when making assumptions about situations, etc .  This is done using a variety of different methods which may include worksheets, conversations, roleplaying, debates, writing, reading and other means.  There are often "homework" activities such as filling in a mood diary for the period of the program to be able to track the changes in thoughts and feelings over this time.  It also helps the student to focus on their own particular difficulties so they can address them.

The author of this program - Sally-Anne McCormack - is a clinical psychologist, media consultant, experienced teacher, and a parent of 4 children and adolescents.  Her interests include the prevention and treatment of depression, dealing with all educational issues (eg. assessment, giftedness, counselling, behaviour management, etc.) and a variety of other issues that are relevant for children and adolescents.  She has private practices in the Eastern suburbs (Blackburn and Burwood East) and is available for private sessions.

"Stomp out the ANTs" Online Booking Form

Telephone the psychologist on 8812 2373 or email Sally-Anne for further information.