Episode 02 - Renee Purcell | Pearson Clinical AU&NZ

From the clinic to the beach to the soccer pitch: How Renee Purcell brings psychotherapy to kids

In this episode of Moments in Mind, we discover how psychologist Renee Purcell joins children in their own worlds to fully engage them in standardised assessments and interventions. Podcast host Andy McLean learns about the breakthrough moments that have left an indelible impression on Renee as she’s guided children and caregivers through mental health challenges. It’s a discussion that’s equal parts entertaining, engrossing and enlightening.

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This article contains edited excerpts from the podcast. To hear the full episode, click on the audio player above or listen via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. A full written transcript of the podcast is available here.

Andy McLean: Renee, tell me about the principles that guide your distinctive approach to psychology?

Renee Purcell: Firstly, keep it simple – avoid the jargon, and make things easy for people to understand. Second, keep children and families engaged so that they are actively involved and invested in the process.

Andy: How do you ensure children and families remain engaged?

Renee: I listen to what my clients are interested in and build sessions from there. Whether it's Transformers, Pokémon, or playing soccer, when I meet young people on their own terms and tap into what they're passionate about, then what I teach really resonates and sticks with them.

Andy: You also emphasise the value of involving the wider support network around each child. Why is that so crucial to your work?

Renee: Every child is shaped, in part, by their environment and the people around them. Typically, we’ll make more progress when we involve the child’s teachers, families, caregivers and other allied health professionals. When everyone is the same page, practicing the same strategies, lasting change is possible.

Andy: What sort of journey have families already been on, before they meet you for the first time?

Renee: It varies, of course. Often families haven't been able to get the support they need and that can last months or even years. By the time they find me, they can be near the end of their tether, which is really unfortunate. But that’s not always the case. For example, in other instances, a teacher might mention certain behaviours to parents and suggest the parents seek an assessment by a psychologist like me.

Andy: Children are very familiar with technology nowadays. Can you turn that to your advantage to enhance the assessment and therapy process for them?

Renee: Oh absolutely. Pearson’s Clinical Assessments can be completed on iPads and laptops via the Q-global platform. For many children, the material feels more interactive and engaging on a digital device. Having that technology definitely makes the process smoother because the children usually enjoy it. Plus, it streamlines the scoring and reporting for me, which saves time so I can focus on where I add most value and provide tailored support.

Andy: During our podcast chat, you shared some powerful examples of the breakthroughs you've witnessed with your clients. What is it about these moments that make them so special to you?

Renee: The research tells us that our own happiness and wellbeing is boosted when we help people and make a positive difference in their lives. So, when I see breakthroughs – perhaps where a simple shift in approach unlocks profound progress – it’s incredibly rewarding for me as well as for the child.