ADHD

ADHD is a behavioural disorder that interferes with a child’s ability to succeed at school, even if they are clearly intelligent. The three main problems they exhibit are inattention, impulsivity and overactivity.

Since all children may show these behaviours to a certain extent, it is important that a child who potentially has a type of ADHD, is properly diagnosed by a professional.

There are a number of ADHD symptoms in children that have to be persistent in order for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD.

Click here for more information about the characteristics of ADHD in children.

Once diagnosed, children with ADHD can be successfully treated. ADHD neurofeedback is now seen as the most effective psychological intervention for children with ADHD and this is a service we offer at Directions.

Using EEG’s to map the brains activity, we can ‘rewire’ the brain and teach it to calm down and concentrate.

Click here for more information on neurofeedback.

Our Staff

Jutta Dempsey

Bachelor of Education (Uni)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology

Jutta is a Registered Psychologist and Registered Teacher with over 40 years experience. As a teacher and guidance counsellor and child therapist, Jutta established Directions, the first child directed practise in Townsville, over 30 years ago because she became acutely aware of the lack of services available in for children with learning and behavioural difficulties.

Chelsea Corbett

Bachelor of Psychology

Chelsea Corbett is a is a Registered Psychologist, with over 9 years of experience working with challenging young people. From a cattle family, she brings a unique understanding and genuine authenticity to her therapy with children and adolescents, together with a determination to improve their wellbeing within the home, school and community.

Anna Quenault

Bachelor of Science
Graduate Diploma of Psychology

Anna Quenault is a Registered Psychologist with over 5 years experience with Directions having previous experience in various counselling and mentoring roles. Anna is passionate about psychoeducational education for children and adolescents, and parental management.

Shane Davison

is a Psychology Graduate from rural Queensland who has worked in Education and Disability Support roles both in Australia and overseas. He is excited to complete his provisional internship from the experienced staff at Directions. He has a passion for understanding early childhood development and interventions for Oppositional Defiance Disorder and anger management.

Kelly Bell

is a Psychology (Honours) Graduate from James Cook University who has experience working with children, adolescents and adults. She is a thoughtful and empathetic psychologist determined to completed her provisional internship at Directions. Kelly has a passion for helping children and their families achieve their best by providing evidence based strategies to navigate a wide range of neurodevelopmental and mood disorders including Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Specific Learning Disorder & ADHD.

Leena Coutts

Office Manager

Leena Coutts has extensive experience in Reception and Administration and considers her role to make the children, adolescents and families to feel welcome and their wellbeing a priority whilst accessing our Psychological Practice. She is an experienced mother and grandmother in her private life and this enables her to provide a practical and considered approach to organising the daily functioning at Directions.