About Petria

My clinic has been established to meet the needs of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. I bring a passion for prevention and early intervention, and for therapy which activates the close connection between relationship, movement, thinking, play, well-being and communication.

My particular areas of clinical experience and interest are communication, social-emotional development, and play. I acknowledge the relationship between parent, child and therapist as foundational in supporting development, and strive to meet all families with a genuine empathy and warm connection. I delight in working closely with families to support their child’s individual needs.

I am a member of Speech Pathology Australia, and a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist.

I’m involved in a range of community projects both as a parent, and as an advocate for outdoor play, child-parent relationships and early childhood development.

Background: Following graduation from Flinders University in 2002, I have supported families of young children in community health clinics, child development teams, homes, playgroups and centres – both rurally and in metropolitan areas. My 14 years’ experience in early intervention multi-disciplinary teams has enhanced my insight into the development of the whole child. I continue to work closely with other disciplines and services when required.

Specific Approaches:

Marte Meo®:  I find Marte Meo® one of the most engaging and effective therapy tools for families. I completed my 18 months’ training as a Marte Meo® Therapist in 2012. More below.

Circle of Security: I’m an enthusiastic Circle of Security Parenting group facilitator, and have also completed the Core Sensitivities training. More information.

Hanen: ‘It Takes Two to Talk’ & ‘More Than Words’

Infant Mental Health: I completed the Introduction to Infant Mental Health Certificate in early 2016.

My professional memberships include:

• Speech Pathology Australia speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
• AAIMHI (Australian Association for Infant Mental Health) aaimhi.org
• Marte Meo^® International martemeo.com
  • Marte Meo^® Therapist
• Circle of Security International circleofsecurity.net
  • Circle of Security Parenting facilitator
  • The Core Sensitivities
• ‘Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange’:  reggioaustralia.org.au
• The Hanen Centre hanen.org
  • It Takes Two to Talk facilitator
  • More Than Words facilitator