WHAT IS THE WESTMEAD FEELINGS PROGRAM?
The Westmead Feelings Program 2 is an evidence-based intervention program for children aged 8-14 years old with Autism and other interpersonal differences, teaching them about emotional understanding and social awareness.
During the program, children are empowered to interact and socialise with their peers while learning to understand and manage their feelings in everyday settings. Parents and teachers also receive training to help support the child’s development.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM?
Psychologists at Foundation Psychology run the program across three school terms, with a total of 16 x 1 hour 15 minute child sessions, 6 x 1.5 hour parent sessions and 6 x 1 hour teacher videos. Parents may like to attend the last 15 minutes of their child’s sessions.
Parents will receive training sessions where facilitators work closely to help them become ‘emotion coaches’ for their child – learning how to support them to talk about and manage their emotions, problem solve and interact with others.
All children, parents and teachers will each receive an information / resource pack at the beginning of the program.
Six months following completion of the program, children and parents each attend a follow-up session to reflect on, revise and refine their skills.
HOW WILL MY CHILD BENEFIT?
The Westmead Feelings Program is based on theories of emotional intelligence and emotional competence, and has been developed to suit children’s individual learning needs.
By interacting and completing activities in small groups, children build the foundations of emotional awareness, social skills and good mental health, including:
• Recognising and understanding their own and others’ emotions, eg. happy, sad, worried and angry
• Developing the skills to understand different perspectives and solve problems
• Managing their own feelings and behaviour in different settings
GROUPS IN 2024
In 2024 Foundation Psychology plans to run 2 separate groups commencing in term 2.
GROUP 1:
AUTISTIC YOUNG PEOPLE AGE 9-12
Sessions will run fortnightly on Mondays from 4.15pm to 5.30pm during terms 2, 3 and 4.
- Module 1 (Term 2): Understanding Emotions
- Module 2 (Term 3): Understanding Others’ Emotions/Emotional Problem Solving
- Module 3 (Term 4): Managing Emotions
GROUP 2:
AUTISTIC YOUNG PEOPLE AGE 13-14
Sessions will run fortnightly on Mondays from 4.15pm to 5.30pm during terms 2, 3 and 4.
- Module 1 (Term 2): Understanding Emotions
- Module 2 (Term 3): Understanding Others’ Emotions/Emotional Problem Solving
- Module 3 (Term 4): Managing Emotions
LOCATION
Sessions will be held at Foundation Psychology: Level 1, 66 Whitehorse Road Deepdene VIC
INTAKE SESSION FOR NEW CLIENTS
Clients who are new to our practice will be required to attend a 50 minute intake session so we can get to know you and plan for your individual needs. The fee for this session is $250 (paid separately) and will be claimable on NDIS or eligible for a Medicare rebate with a current Mental Health Care Plan.
COST
- Cost per Module = $1,210.00 (3 Modules = $3,630.00)
- Resource Kit = $275.00
- TOTAL COST (entire program) = $3,905.00
Foundation Psychology is using the Westmead Feelings Program 2. NDIS funding can be used for this program. For further information or to enroll, please call our friendly staff on 03 9039 2177 or email us: info@foundationpsychology.com.au