Peta Greaney
Educational and Developmental Psychologist
B.Bus (Acct),Grad Dip.Psychology,B. Behavioural Science (Honours Psychology,
M.Psychology(Educational and Developmental), Board-approved Supervisor, MAPS,MCPP
At Growth in Mind, my focus is helping clients grow in the aspects of their life that are currently important and impactful to them. Personal growth varies across the lifespan and can be particularly poignant during transition phases such as starting school, moving into adolescence, early adulthood and navigating parenting.
While I enjoy working across the lifespan, I have a particular interest in working with children and adolescents and their families, young adults, parents and perinatal clients and young people with Scoliosis. In addition to counselling, I am experienced and interested in Psycho-educational Assessment. Having worked extensively in primary and secondary schools prior to private practice, I believe assessment is invaluable to better understand an individuals strengths and challenges, and how these may be impacting their education, social and family relationships and their own mental health.
My background
Prior to moving into private practice, I worked extensively as a Psychologist in both the primary and secondary school setting and in early intervention health settings. This experience has provided me with a rich understanding of children's and teenager's experiences at school - academically, socially and emotionally. Working from a systems perspective, encompassing both school and home, provides me with an in depth appreciation of many of the potential challenges young people may experience.
In addition to general counselling, I am passionate about helping young people and their parents navigate the social-emotional aspects of living with and being treated for Scoliosis. Having completed specialised training in the mental health aspects of Scoliosis, as well as being a parent of a young person with Scoliosis, I believe I bring a unique skill set and perspective to these clients.
I also enjoy helping adults navigate the challenges that come their way, whilst better understanding their strengths and developing some new skills as well! As a Psychologist and a Mum, I am particularly interested in working with new and experienced parents through the perinatal period. Though I draw on a number of therapeutic techniques, I offer a practical, functional and 'real life' approach to working with my clients.
I have a particular interest in working with:
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Anxiety and Depression
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Scoliosis mental health
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Social and emotional struggles at home and at school
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School and study related issues such as time management and motivation
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Emotional regulation across the lifespan
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Growth Mindset and Resilience skill development
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Challenges during life transitions, like becoming a new parent
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Perinatal and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression
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Assessment - Cognitive, learning and Developmental Disorders (e.g. ADHD)
Why I like working with young people and their parents?
I am passionate about the dynamics of families and enjoy working with parents to more successfully help their children navigate their world through:
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Understanding their children’s strengths and challenges (academically, socially and emotionally)
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Understanding their parenting strengths and challenges
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Understanding their family dynamics.
In addition to helping the young person, I hope that by working together, parents can gain practical and functional skills, whilst keeping the 'relationship' with their child/ teenager in mind.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a Mother of three children (including twins), so I know all too well the challenges and joy that being part of a family brings. My compassion for families, sibling relationships and parenting has definitely grown through my own life experiences. My family and I love to travel and experience adventure in the outdoors. When I manage to find some ‘alone time’ I love going hiking, swimming or catching up with friends.