Moments in Mind

• Dr Nicole Carvill on why paediatric psychology is about the heart and head

  To wrap up season one of Moments in Mind, we meet Dr Nicole Carvill who runs Think Psychologists in Geelong, Australia. In conversation with host Andy McLean, Nicole shares some of the highlights from her decades working in the disability sector with neurodivergent children, young people, and their families and carers.We learn about Nicole’s upbringing and how growing up with her late brother, who had a disability, gradually drew her towards specialising in her chosen field. She reflects on how becoming a parent to neurodivergent kids also influenced her professionally. And she explains what it means to run a warm and welcoming psychology clinic that views every child “through the lens of a psychologist and the heart of a parent”. Along the way, Nicole shares some practical insights for clinicians, educators and families, and explains how she gets the maximum benefit from standardised assessments – before, during and after they are conducted. Nicole also reflects on the additional impact she made as an educator with Pearson Clinical professional development. Find out more about Moments in MindVisit the Pearson Clinical Assessment websiteLearn more about Think PsychologistsRunning order:0:03:00 - Nicole explains how her family upbringing indirectly led her to pursue paediatric psychology in the disability sector0:05:00 - Nicole explains what working memory is and why it’s so crucial for children0:07:00 - Nicole discusses a courageous leap of faith in her career0:09:00 - Nicole explains how becoming a parent changed her professional outlook0:14:00 - Nicole explains how she carefully guides children and families through the assessment process0:19:00 - Nicole reflects on her work with Pearson Professional Learning, and how that amplifies the impact she can have for educators, children, and families0:20:20 - Nicole’s advice for professionals who are new to standardised assessments0:21:30 - A breakthrough moment that changed the course of a teenager’s academic journey for the better0:23:30 - Nicole reflects on the career moments she will always remember  DisclaimerClient details and narratives presented in this podcast have been altered or omitted to protect confidentiality and privacy. Any similarities to actual individuals, events, or circumstances are entirely coincidental. Each client interaction is unique, and the outcomes or breakthroughs described are specific to the individuals involved. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as guarantees or promises of similar results for others.

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• Neuropsych Dr Renee Testa on her ‘light bulb moments’ with children and families

  In this illuminating episode, host Andy McLean sits down with Dr Renee Testa, a distinguished paediatric neuropsychologist from Melbourne, Australia. Together, they explore the world of childhood brain development, neurodiversity, and holistic care.Along the way, they discuss some of the moments of challenge, breakthrough and joy that Renee has experienced working with children facing neurodevelopmental challenges—including conditions such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and developmental language disorders.Whether you're a parent seeking guidance, an educator looking to better support neurodiverse learners, or a professional in the field of child development, this episode is filled with wisdom, empathy, and practical insights.Renee emphasises the importance of taking a child-centred approach to neuropsychology. Diagnoses are just one important piece of the puzzle, she says. “It’s also about understanding each child’s unique needs and their own perspective,” she explains, highlighting the value of comprehensive assessments (e.g. cognitive potential, academic achievement) combined with considering a child’s social, emotional, and environmental circumstances.Renee recalls one powerful story of a child who had been mislabelled by others as “unassessable” due to oral motor difficulties. With patience and trust, Renee uncovered the child's high cognitive potential, revealing that the true challenge was communication, not intelligence.Informed by decades of experience, Renee shares her advice for those pondering a career in paediatric neuropsychology, and some practical tips for professionals who are new to using standardised assessments.For families and educators, Renee’s story offers a message of hope: understanding a child’s unique cognitive and emotional profile can transform how they are supported, leading to stronger relationships and happier lives. She shares how helping families reframe behaviours often misinterpreted as laziness or defiance can open the door to meaningful interventions and a renewed sense of connection.Find out more about Moments in MindVisit the Pearson Clinical Assessment websiteLearn more about The Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology GroupRunning order:0:03:30 - Renee explains her approach to working with children with neurodevelopmental disorders0:06:20 - Why Renee chose to work in paediatric neuropsychology0:09:00 - How Renee uses standardised assessments to gauge children’s progress and potential0:10:15 - One breakthrough moment Renee had with a child who was previously deemed “unassessable”0:14:00 - How Renee gets children to engage with assessments0:18:41 - Seeing the world from each child’s perspective0:21:00 - Advice for aspiring paediatric neuropsychologist0:22:30 - Career pinnacles that Renee will always remember  Further detailsSubscribe to Pearson’s Moments in Mind podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.To find out more about the Pearson resources that Renee and her colleagues use at the Can Group–from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and the Weschler Individuals Achievement Test to the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning and many more – check out the Pearson website.DisclaimerClient details and narratives presented in this podcast have been altered or omitted to protect confidentiality and privacy. Any similarities to actual individuals, events, or circumstances are entirely coincidental. Each client interaction is unique, and the outcomes or breakthroughs described are specific to the individuals involved. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as guarantees or promises of similar results for others.

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• Binh Doan overcame his own language barriers. Now he helps others to conquer theirs

  In this heartwarming episode of Moments in Mind, speech pathologist Binh Doan takes us on a remarkable journey from his childhood in Ho Chi Minch City to his adulthood in Sydney.After sharing tender recollections from his early years in Vietnam, Binh opens up about the difficulties of arriving in Australia alone as a teenager and attending high school with only a limited command of English. He explains how those formative experiences now guide him when he’s helping children and adults overcome language barriers.Along the way, Binh relives his career highlights which illustrate the importance of early detection and intervention. And he reveals some of the methods that have led to breakthroughs for children and adults, including the integral role that standardised assessments play in his work. This is an episode that demonstrates the power of perseverance, even when the odds are stacked against you.Find out more about Moments in MindVisit the Pearson Clinical Assessment websiteLearn more about SpeakableRunning order:0:02:45 - Binh’s memories of living in a foreign country with a limited understanding of the language0:04:40 - How those experiences inform Binh’s work as a speech pathologist0:06:40 - Binh shares a breakthrough moment with a four-year-old who has a language and a speech disorder0:08:40 - How Binh motivates clients to keep up their practice outside the clinic0:09:40 - The importance of making speech therapy fun0:11:00 - How Binh uses standardised assessments to achieve progress and breakthroughs with clients0:14:10 - How Binh helps skilled migrants with communicating in a second language0:17:00 - How Binh uses mindfulness to help children and adults to remain calm and focus on their therapy sessions0:18:10 - A fledgling career moment that Binh will always remember  DisclaimerClient details and narratives presented in this podcast have been altered or omitted to protect confidentiality and privacy. Any similarities to actual individuals, events, or circumstances are entirely coincidental. Each client interaction is unique, and the outcomes or breakthroughs described are specific to the individuals involved. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as guarantees or promises of similar results for others.

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• From the clinic to the beach to the soccer pitch. How Renee Purcell brings psychotherapy to kids

  In this episode of Moments in Mind, we meet Renee Purcell, a psychologist based in southern Sydney, Australia who specialises in supporting children, their families, and caregivers. Renee's warm, genuine approach to psychology shines through as she shares poignant examples of how she engages clients and helps them overcome mental health challenges.Renee's work stands out for its focus on meeting clients where they are – both literally and figuratively. Rather than conducting sessions solely in a clinical setting, Renee often takes her practice outdoors, into natural environments to facilitate therapeutic activities. Whether it's building sandcastles, kicking a soccer ball, or simply going for a mindful walk, Renee has found that immersing herself and her clients in nature can have a profoundly calming effect.Renee's approach goes beyond just the physical setting. She also makes a concerted effort to connect with each young person on an individual level, taking the time to understand their unique interests and using that as a springboard for their work together.For one client, it was a love of the Super Mario Bros. movie that provided the key to regulating his emotions during intense meltdowns at school. For another, it was a sensory fascination with a soft blanket that helped break down barriers and draw him into the therapeutic process. Renee eschews clinical jargon in favour of plain English and her client-centered philosophy extends to her work with families, teachers and allied health professionals. Lasting change requires a coordinated effort, she explains, where everyone is on the same page and practicing the same techniques.Of course, getting to that point is often no easy feat. Renee describes how many of the families she sees have already been on a challenging journey by the time they connect with her. But Renee approaches these situations with empathy and a determination to provide the tailored support each child and family needs.Renee also explains the integral role that standardised assessments play in her work. Digital delivery of these helps engage children in the process, provides Renee with rapid results, and offers trusted validation of her hypotheses.The podcast begins with a light-hearted anecdote from Renee’s early childhood and ends with Renee imagining her twilight years and the career highlights she will always remember.Find out more about Moments in MindVisit the Pearson Clinical Assessment websiteLearn more about Mindara PsychologyRunning order:0:02 - Renee’s earliest childhood memory0:03:25 - The principles of Renee’s approach to psychology0:04:58 - The importance of what children and families do beyond therapy sessions 0:05:57 - Common circumstances that lead families to seek Renee’s help 0:07:30 - Collaborating with each child’s parents, carers, teachers, families, etc. 0:08:25 - Renee’s outdoor work with children0:09:55 - How Renee uses technology to engage children in standardised assessments0:12:05 - The value of independent, validated assessments0:13:00 - How Renee used a song to help a boy with autism regulate his emotions0:17:00 - How Renee used sensory strategies to help a boy address aggressive behaviour0:19:57 - Renee’s flexible approach to mindful exercises with children0:22:36 - The value of working with children in nature and green spaces0:24:00 - Memorable career moments that Renee will always rememberDisclaimerClient details and narratives presented in this podcast have been altered or omitted to protect confidentiality and privacy. Any similarities to actual individuals, events, or circumstances are entirely coincidental. Each client interaction is unique, and the outcomes or breakthroughs described are specific to the individuals involved. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as guarantees or promises of similar results for others.

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• Occupational therapist Lisa Bowker explains how 1 + 4 + 3 equals “I love you”

  In this episode of Moments in Mind, we meet occupational therapist (OT) Lisa Bowker.After sharing a little about her origin story and why she chose to become an OT, Lisa vividly describes the profound impact that OTs can have on the lives of their clients. She emphasises the importance of tailoring therapy to each client’s individual goals – such as a young woman’s desire to apply makeup independently – and how this has led to several breakthrough moments.Lisa tells several remarkable stories of people’s courage and determination to fight back after serious injuries and during life-changing illnesses. This includes a tear-jerking moment when she helped a man with motor neurone disease to communicate his devotion for his wife.Along the way, Lisa explains how she has used standardised assessments from early in her career, right up to the present day. And she reflects back on the moments that will stay with her forever.This is a must-listen for anyone curious about the power of human beings to survive and strive, even in the most difficult circumstances.Find out more about Moments in MindVisit the Pearson Clinical Assessment websiteLearn more about The Holistic NetworkRunning order:0:03 - Explaining what occupational therapy (OT) is0:04 - What led Lisa to choose OT as her career0:05:45 - Lisa’s early career and how mentors and standardised assessments helped her0:06:40 - Lisa’s approach to OT and tailoring therapy to each client’s aspirations 0:07:45 - Working with a young person who had a spinal cord injury0:09:30 - The circumstances that lead people to seek Lisa’s help0:11:45 - How Lisa uses standardised assessments to personalise and target her therapy0:12:40 - Using a sensory profile tool to help a little boy with a spinal cord injury0:15:00 - Supporting a young man after an acquired brain injury to travel on the train to work0:17:00 - A breakthrough moment for a man with motor neurone disease0:18:45 - A breakthrough moment for a young boy after a spinal-cord injury0:20:00 - Memorable career moments that Lisa will always remember  DisclaimerClient details and narratives presented in this podcast have been altered or omitted to protect confidentiality and privacy. Any similarities to actual individuals, events, or circumstances are entirely coincidental. Each client interaction is unique, and the outcomes or breakthroughs described are specific to the individuals involved. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as guarantees or promises of similar results for others.

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