About Dr Rajes Harper
I am an Educational and Developmental Psychologist with a Doctor of Philosophy (Educational and Developmental) and a Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) from Monash University. I am also a Trainer for Triple P International (since 2009); I train health, allied health and educational professionals in the delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.
I have trained practitioners in the UK, Canada and Singapore as well as nationally around Australia. I worked as a school psychologist in public and private schools in Melbourne and was also part of the KidsMatter team at the Australian Psychological Society, developing a successful national mental-health promotion initiative for children from birth to 12 years.
I previously worked in behavioural analysis in the forensic sector and in-patient psychiatric clinics, as well as in social services. My experience living in and working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities means that I am well-versed in understanding cultural nuances in mental health and wellbeing.
Our Approach
Children: I believe in taking time to build a relationship with you and your child as this, in itself, carves a pathway to creating change. I work collaboratively with you, respecting that you will have a lot of knowledge to offer about yourself, your child and your family. Taking time to understand your family helps me work with you to provide strategies that will best suit your child and yourself.
Adolescents: Understanding that adolescents are seeking independence, I provide a space for them to discuss their concerns. Helping families to develop healthy communication is also imperative. Thus, I continue to work with parents even while working with the young person so that they are still supported outside of the therapy setting. This partnership is established while still respecting the young person’s confidentiality.
Adults: I take a developmental approach in therapy when assessing your concerns. People face challenges at various points in life and my approach is to understand how these life changes are causing distress and help you make meaning of them. I take a holistic view of mental health and wellbeing, considering the interplay between emotional, physical, intellectual, social, occupational and spiritual health. In this way, therapy becomes a tool to help individuals grow and change.
Rather than looking at human distress from the point of view of disorders, a developmental approach focuses on a positive and proactive view. It helps people to focus on their strengths instead of just limitations.
For assessments, Radiant Minds evaluates the situation to select the appropriate assessment method. A thorough approach is taken and the assessment process itself becomes a journey to better understand yourself.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (Educational & Developmental) – Monash University
- Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental) – Monash University
- Accredited Trainer with Triple P International
- Board-Approved Supervisor with Psychology Board of Australia
Professional associations
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Fellow of the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists
- Member of the Helping Children with Autism – Early Intervention Service Provider Panel (via FaHCSIA)
- Registered with Medicare to provide services under Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative
