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Meet Andri
Principal Psychologist
Specialises in Children and Adolescents
All-Time Favourite Disney Movie: SO MANY to choose from, but if I had to choose one it would be ‘Luca’. I admire Luca’s bravery to silence his anxiety and start exploring and enjoying a beautiful whole new world.
Most Loved Outdoor Activity: Going to the beach when the sun is out and swimming.
Superpower Wish: If I could have any superpower, it would be teleportation!
Hello, I'm Andri! I am passionate about supporting children (from ages 5 and above), young people, and their families to reach their fullest potential and to develop the necessary tools for mental resilience and improved well-being.
I am a registered psychologist in Australia and hold clinical psychology registration in Cyprus.
I was born and raised on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus, and earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Essex in the UK before completing my master’s degree in clinical psychology in Cyprus. Please continue reading for some more information about me!
What is the most rewarding part of working with children and adolescents in therapy?
The most rewarding part of working with children and adolescents is witnessing their uniqueness, resilience, and dedication to reaching their full potential—while also appreciating their incredible sense of humour. I believe that every individual experiences life in their own unique way, and my goal is to understand their perspective, using evidence-based psychological interventions and my own life experiences to support them in achieving their therapy goals.
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Anxiety
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Behavioural difficulties
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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Attention-deficit and Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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Social/Emotional skills training
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School refusal
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Trauma
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Depression
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Self-esteem and resilience
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How do you help children and adolescents feel comfortable opening up during sessions?
I strive to make the therapeutic journey safe, comfortable, and enjoyable by incorporating play, humour, and authenticity. Drawing from evidence-based interventions, as well as skills I’ve learned from drama and improv classes, I create a space where children feel free to be themselves. By listening closely and engaging with what excites them, I ensure that sessions feel natural, interactive, and meaningful—always with a spark of humour too!
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Get in Touch
We would be honoured to have you and your loved ones part of our community at Nurtured Thoughts Psychology. Contact our friendly team of adolescent and child psychologists in Brisbane today to schedule a counselling session tailored to your child or teen’s unique needs and goals. Call us on (07) 3056 0921, or leave us a message on our contact page.
Parents and carers can expect numerous benefits for their children and families by choosing our counselling services.
Our therapy sessions can help develop new skills and communication techniques, improve emotional regulation, and promote positive changes in the brain, all while fostering a safe, expressive, and nurturing environment.
Signs A Child Needs Professional Help
Persistent or severe symptoms might mean the challenges a child is facing are beyond what's considered typical. The guidance of our psychologists can provide targeted support and strategies to address the child's needs. Here are some key signs:
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Persistent sadness or withdrawal: Consistently unhappy, withdrawn, or isolated for an extended period.
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Intense emotional outbursts: Frequent, severe tantrums or emotional reactions disproportionate to the situation.
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Changes in eating or sleeping habits: Noticeable and sustained changes in appetite or sleep patterns could suggest emotional distress.
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Decline in academic performance: A sudden drop in grades or disinterest in school activities.
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Excessive fears or anxieties: When fears or anxieties interfere with daily activities.
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Behavioural regression: Reverting to behaviours typically exhibited by younger children, such as bedwetting, can be a red flag.
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Avoidance of social interactions: If a child avoids or seems fearful of social situations or making friends, it might point to broader social or emotional issues.
Our Psychology Specialties for Children (Ages 5 - 9)
Through personalised sessions, our therapists work collaboratively with you and your family to address a wide range of issues, including:
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Developmental concerns
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Concentration difficulties
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Behavioural issues
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Social skills
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Learning disorders (such as ADHD or Dyslexia)
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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Difficulties with excessive technology use
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Family separation
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Addressing any emerging mental health concerns through holistic counselling support during adolescence is critical for them to learn how to manage stressors effectively and transition into adulthood. We understand that talk therapy may not always be the preferred method of communication for this age group, which is why we offer nonverbal methods, such as play, music, art therapy, drama therapy, and cooking therapy, based on their interests. This helps them express themselves in their most comfortable to address what they may be going through.
Research has shown that nonverbal communication methods in counselling can help adolescents feel safer and more comfortable expressing themselves and develop strong relationships with their therapist. Our adolescent psychologists in Brisbane address emerging mental health concerns, allowing young people to develop stress management techniques and prepare them for adulthood.
Signs A Teenager Needs Professional Help
Beyond a teenager's potential moodiness, some signs suggest they could use professional help.
Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness: Occasional moodiness is common in teenagers; however, unrelenting sadness that lasts for weeks or months is not.
Withdrawal from social interactions: While it's typical for adolescents to want privacy, it's concerning if a teen retreats from family and friends entirely.
Sudden decline in academic performance: A noticeable drop in grades or a lack of interest in schoolwork.
Sleeping or eating changes: Such as insomnia, excessive sleeping, appetite, and weight.
Risk-taking behaviours: Participating in dangerous activities, such as reckless driving, substance misuse, or self-harm, needs immediate attention.
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts: Any talk of suicide or self-harm should be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Irritability or anger: While hormonal changes can cause irritability, excessive and uncontrollable anger is not typical.
Concentrating difficulties or indecisiveness: Teenagers can be easily distracted, but constant inattention and inability to make decisions may indicate a deeper issue.
Our Psychology Specialties for Adolescents (Ages 10 to 19)
Through personalised sessions, our therapists work collaboratively with adolescents to address a wide range of issues, including:
Anxiety & Depression
Bullying & Cyber-bullying
Academic achievement
Relationships
Identity formation
Social pressures
Independence
Self-harm & suicidal thoughts/feelings
Family separation
Early intervention is key to ensuring young ones are supported with professional guidance and given relevant techniques to help them deal with what they're going through. Early intervention can lead to long-term academic and social outcomes, while addressing complications before they manifest into more negative issues.
Just like adults, children and teens can feel a sense of shame associated with their thoughts and feelings. Their inexperience with the world can make it hard to understand or overcome what is happening around them. It's important they are equipped with healthy coping techniques that support their lives for the longrun.
Parental Involvement
Family or parental involvement in the therapeutic process can lead to better outcomes. Family sessions can intertwine with individual therapy, allowing for dialogue, healing, and understanding within the familial unit, which can improve the child's progress. Through collaborative engagement, the family becomes equipped to support the child's journey through growth and healing.
