About Me

Accredited Program Provider for the Cool Kids program

Brita List is accredited by Macquarie University’s Emotional Health Clinic to use the Cool Kids program*.

Cool Kids is a structured 10 session program run over a minimum of 10 weeks that teaches young people and their parents how to better manage anxiety. The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), involves the participation of young people and parents, and focuses on teaching practical skills. Topics covered in the program include:

• Learning about anxiety

• Learning to think realistically

• Facing fears using stepladders

• Parenting an anxious child and

• Learning coping skills such as building confidence, relaxation or problemsolving

The Cool Kids program was developed by Macquarie University and has beenrunning since 1993. The program has undergone continual scientific evaluation and development to include the latest understanding of anxiety and its treatment. It has been translated into a number of languages and today, is used in clinics, schools and hospitals around the world.

I now offer these programs individually, working with child and parent/carer on Wednesdays.

• Cool Kids, designed for children aged 7 to 12 year old (primary school) 1 

• Chilled, designed for teenagers aged 12 to 17 (high school) 1

• Cool Little Kids, an early intervention program targeted at caregivers of three to six year old children who exhibit excessive shyness, separation anxiety and lack of confidence 2

I also offer the following program from Macquarie University, working individually with adolescents on Wednesdays:

• Study Without Stress equips students with knowledge and practical tips on how to approach and overcome the stress associated with heavy workload and exams in the final years of high school. 3

1. Parent/Child or Parent/Teen workbook bundles are $49.95
2. CLK Parent workbook is $24.95
3. SWoS Teen workbook is $24.20

Background

Since 2016, I've supported school-aged children facing anxiety and health challenges. In early 2018, my journey with PANS/PANDAS began with my first client, eventually leading to their successful treatment with IVIg. Recognising the lack of awareness surrounding PANS/PANDAS, I indicated I was "PANS/PANDAS aware" in my bio; subsequently attracting more PANS clients. As of September 2024, I've conducted initial assessments for 70 individuals with PANS, though not all families continue seeking support due to the complexities and competing priorities involved. Accumulating about 600 PANS clinical appointment hours, I've also spent countless additional hours researching, documenting, giving talks, and advocating for appropriate support.

On the 1st October 2024 I officially commenced a part-time PhD, with the proposal titled: “Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS): Advancing the assessment and psychosocial treatment evidence base for youth.” I hope to contribute to clarifying the role of the psychologist in this complex presentation, as there are limits to CBT with inflammation!

Approach

My practice is neurodiverse-affirming, valuing and celebrating diversity while focusing on client-centred, functional goals. I tailor interventions based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) principles to address the unique challenges of inflammation-related symptoms during PANS flares. Flexibility is key during exacerbations, and I accommodate reduced functional capacity with creative strategies.

Additionally, I've assisted families in advocating for their child's needs at school and within their healthcare team, providing documentation and feedback as necessary.

Is your child ready to engage?

Ideally, children should be at least 6-7 years old, willing to attend, and capable of managing 20-30 minutes (it's okay to have breaks, and for parents to stay). 

Addressing prolonged misdiagnosis and misunderstandings in PANS is crucial as they have usually led to mistrust. I am committed to building trust with your child and collaborating on ways to facilitate engagement with me and/or with daily life.

In cases of severe flare exacerbation, such as psychosis or chronic rages requiring crisis support, prompt medical intervention should take precedence. I do not provide crisis services. If you are in crisis, call 000 or follow this link to crisis information.

If your child has returned to their pre-PANS functioning, they may benefit from learning skills to anticipate flares, provided they are motivated. However, if they have trouble recalling their experiences, it might be best to wait for signs of the next flare for it to feel relevant to them.

What can I offer?

• Assessment: I conduct clinical assessments to inform treatment planning. Upon request, I can provide documentation to support your child's accommodations and treatment plans, which can be shared with your child's healthcare team and school.

• Psychoeducation: I offer insights into PANS/PANDAS, assisting families and their supports in understanding the condition and its management.

• Treatment. Your child is:

  • Ready to engage: I provide evidence-based CBT strategies for PANS symptoms including anxiety, emotional overwhelm, depression, irritability, oppositional behaviours (PDA), tics, OCD and ARFID. We can collaborate on accommodations for the fluctuating regression in behaviour and academic capabilities, physical and sensory symptoms, sleep and urinary difficulties.

  • Willing, but not ready for the above strategies: I work on building self-awareness of regulation strategies and identifying accommodation needs.

  • Not yet able to engage; Parent-only sessions: NDIS-funded parents can still use parent-only sessions to enhance their child's functional capacity, consistent with their plan and NDIS goals. Note, I provide psychology sessions, not “specialist behavioural support services”. A Mental Health Care Plan for your child means you are eligible for 2 'parent-only' sessions per calendar year (Jan-Dec) to receive the rebate. Subsequent sessions within the same calendar year incur full costs.

• Report writing to advocate for accessing relevant interventions.

• Consultation with:

  • Parents who already have engaged a healthcare team, and are looking for PANS-specific advice;

  • Other health professionals providing supports to PANS/PANDAS clients; &

  • Schools to collaboratively develop plans for learning support, behaviour management and risk management for students with PANS/PANDAS.

Please see Appointments for brief information on prices and completing a 'new client intake form'.