Optimistic thinking skills for children who have experienced early childhood trauma.

Albert Bandura
Canadian Psychologist

"In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life."

The program focus is on the development of optimistic thinking skills - starting at the very basic level of identifying emotions and then moving to create a broadening of emotional language. The program then looks to the development of reframing skills through learning to look for evidence in the experience of events, thereby creating a more realistic and flexible outlook, whilst at all times validating the felt perspective of the individual.

Hephzibah Menuhin
American pianist

"Freedom means choosing your burden."

Playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy are the key ingredients contained within the delivery of Opt In activities.

Opt In is delivered through games and activities that can be incorporated into the everyday lifestyle of families and all are designed with busy households in mind. Whilst the program is initially 8 weeks in length, we expect these games to form part of the ongoing fabric of the families participating. The Expressions cards are the first core element of Opt In to be produced and released.

The theories of Martin Seligman, Daniel Hughes and John Gottman have been heavily relied upon in the production of this program and are reflected in and woven throughout the approach to all aspects of delivery.

Maxwell Maltz,
Psychologist and motivational writer

"Self-image sets the boundaries of individual accomplishment."

The Opt in Program is currently in Pilot phase  - please contact us here or phone 03 9695 2200 for further details.

Expressions cards

150 expressions cards and 150 words form this product, which is designed to be used by all age groups, across a variety of settings.  Young people explore, practice and learn thinking and communication skills in a fun way. Learn more about them here.

Links to other organisations you may find useful

Beyond Blue - creates awareness of the impact of depression and works actively to prevent it, and improve the quality of life for everyone affected.

Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) - of interest to people living with mental illness, family members, carers and friends, professionals from many fields, mental health service providers and interested members of the general public.

Raising Children Network - Supported by the Commonwealth Government, and full of useful content for anyone interested in the healthy development of young Australians, local supports and services across Australia, are listed, and topics cover everything from healthy meal ideas to family relationships.

Attachment Resources - a group of professionals, parents and community members interested in promoting the future mental health of the community by encouraging attachment based parenting methods and therapeutic options. Attachment Resources is an approved provider of OzChild Resilience programs.