Series episodes
In each episode, you’ll meet someone who makes a profound difference in other people’s wellbeing every single day.
EPISODE 02
From the clinic to the beach to the soccer pitch. How Renee Purcell brings psychotherapy to kids
◼︎ APRIL 8 ◼︎ 24 MIN ◼︎ READ ARTICLE
In this episode of Moments in Mind, we meet Renee Purcell, a psychologist based in southern Sydney, Australia who specialises in supporting children, their families, and caregivers. Renee's warm, genuine approach to psychology shines through as she shares poignant examples of how she engages clients and helps them overcome mental health challenges.
Renee's work stands out for its focus on meeting clients where they are–both literally and figuratively. Rather than conducting sessions solely in a clinical setting, Renee often takes her practice outdoors, into natural environments to facilitate therapeutic activities. Whether it's building sandcastles, kicking a soccer ball, or simply going for a mindful walk, Renee has found that immersing herself and her clients in nature can have a profoundly calming effect.
Renee's approach goes beyond just the physical setting. She also makes a concerted effort to connect with each young person on an individual level, taking the time to understand their unique interests and using that as a springboard for their work together.
For one client, it was a love of the Super Mario Bros. movie that provided the key to regulating his emotions during intense meltdowns at school. For another, it was a sensory fascination with a soft blanket that helped break down barriers and draw him into the therapeutic process.
Renee eschews clinical jargon in favour of plain English and her client-centered philosophy extends to her work with families, teachers and allied health professionals. Lasting change requires a coordinated effort, she explains, where everyone is on the same page and practicing the same techniques.
Of course, getting to that point is often no easy feat. Renee describes how many of the families she sees have already been on a challenging journey by the time they connect with her. But Renee approaches these situations with empathy and a determination to provide the tailored support each child and family needs.
Renee also explains the integral role that standardised assessments play in her work. Digital delivery of these helps engage children in the process, provides Renee with rapid results, and offers trusted validation of her hypotheses.
The podcast begins with a light-hearted anecdote from Renee’s early childhood and ends with Renee imagining her twilight years and the career highlights she will always remember.
LISTEN
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V), Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Third Edition (WIAT-III), Sensory Profile 2, Q-interactive
SPEAKERS
Renee Purcell, Psychologist, Mindara Psychology
Andy McLean, Host, Moments in Mind
EPISODE 03
Binh Doan overcame his own language barriers. Now he helps others to conquer theirs
◼︎ LAUNCHING MAY 6 ◼︎ 18 MIN
In this heartwarming episode of Moments in Mind, speech pathologist Binh Doan takes us on a remarkable journey from his childhood in Ho Chi Minch City to his adulthood in Sydney.
After sharing tender recollections from his early years in Vietnam, Binh opens up about the difficulties of arriving in Australia alone as a teenager and attending high school with only a limited command of English. He explains how those formative experiences now guide him when he’s helping children and adults overcome language barriers.
Along the way, Binh relives his career highlights which illustrate the importance of early detection and intervention. And he reveals some of the methods that have led to breakthroughs for children and adults, including the integral role that standardised assessments play in his work. This is an episode that demonstrates the power of perseverance, even when the odds are stacked against you.
LISTEN
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Speech and Language Assessments, Cogmed
SPEAKERS
Binh Doan, Speech Pathologist, Speakable
Andy McLean, Host, Moments in Mind
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EPISODE 04
Neuropsych Dr Renee Testa on her ‘light bulb moments’ with children and families
◼︎ LAUNCHING JUNE 10 ◼︎ 22 MIN 30 SEC
In this illuminating episode, host Andy McLean sits down with Dr Renee Testa, a distinguished paediatric neuropsychologist from Melbourne, Australia. Together, they explore the world of childhood brain development, neurodiversity, and holistic care.
Along the way, they discuss some of the moments of challenge, breakthrough and joy that Renee has experienced working with children facing neurodevelopmental challenges—including conditions such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and developmental language disorders.
Whether you're a parent seeking guidance, an educator looking to better support neurodiverse learners, or a professional in the field of child development, this episode is filled with wisdom, empathy, and practical insights.
Renee emphasises the importance of taking a child-centred approach to neuropsychology. Diagnoses are just one important piece of the puzzle, she says. “It’s also about understanding each child’s unique needs and their own perspective,” she explains, highlighting the value of comprehensive assessments (e.g. cognitive potential, academic achievement) combined with considering a child’s social, emotional, and environmental circumstances.
Renee recalls one powerful story of a child who had been mislabelled by others as “unassessable” due to oral motor difficulties. With patience and trust, Renee uncovered the child's high cognitive potential, revealing that the true challenge was communication, not intelligence.
Informed by decades of experience, Renee shares her advice for those pondering a career in paediatric neuropsychology, and some practical tips for professionals who are new to using standardised assessments.
For families and educators, Renee’s story offers a message of hope: understanding a child’s unique cognitive and emotional profile can transform how they are supported, leading to stronger relationships and happier lives. She shares how helping families reframe behaviours often misinterpreted as laziness or defiance can open the door to meaningful interventions and a renewed sense of connection.
LISTEN
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V), Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition (WIAT-IV), Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, 3rd Edition (WRAML3)
SPEAKERS
Dr. Renee Testa, Neuropsychologist, The Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology Group
Andy McLean, Host, Moments in Mind
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View Transcript - coming soon
EPISODE 05
Dr Nicole Carvill on why paediatric psychology is about the heart and head
◼︎ LAUNCHING JULY 8 ◼︎ 23 MIN 30 SEC
To wrap up season one of Moments in Mind, we meet Dr Nicole Carvill who runs Think Psychologists in Geelong, Australia. In conversation with host Andy McLean, Nicole shares some of the highlights from her decades working in the disability sector with neurodivergent children, young people, and their families and carers.
We learn about Nicole’s upbringing and how growing up with her late brother, who had a disability, gradually drew her towards specialising in her chosen field. She reflects on how becoming a parent to neurodivergent kids also influenced her professionally. And she explains what it means to run a warm and welcoming psychology clinic that views every child “through the lens of a psychologist and the heart of a parent”.
Along the way, Nicole shares some practical insights for clinicians, educators and families, and explains how she gets the maximum benefit from standardised assessments – before, during and after they are conducted. Nicole also reflects on the additional impact she made as an educator with Pearson Clinical professional development.
LISTEN
FEATURED PRODUCTS
ADHD Assessments, Academic Learning Assessments, Cogmed
SPEAKERS
Dr. Nicole Carvill, Psychologist, Think Psyschologist
Andy McLean, Host, Moments in Mind
Read Article - coming soon
View Transcript - coming soon
Coming soon: Moments in Mind, a brand-new podcast from Pearson Clinical Assessment
◼︎ MAR 7 2025
Moments in Mind is a brand-new podcast, coming soon from Pearson Clinical Assessment
In every episode, you’ll meet someone who makes a profound difference in other people’s wellbeing every single day.
From psychologists to occupational therapists to speech pathologists, you’ll hear about the moments that have changed their lives – and changed the lives of the people who they support.
Along the way, you’ll hear real-life stories of people’s struggle and strength – of professional intervention and inspiration – and journeys of personal discovery and recovery.
And in every episode, our guests reveal some of the proven strategies and trusted methods that have led to moments of breakthrough with their clients.
We can’t wait to share Moments in Mind with you. Season one is coming soon to a podcast player near you. So, jump onto Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe to Moments in Mind now.
LISTEN
Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Youtube
SPEAKERS
Andy McLean, Host, Moments in Mind
EPISODE 01
Occupational therapist Lisa Bowker explains how 1 + 4 + 3 equals “I love you”
◼︎ MARCH 11 ◼︎ 20 MIN ◼︎ READ ARTICLE
In this episode of Moments in Mind, we meet occupational therapist (OT) Lisa Bowker.
After sharing a little about her origin story and why she chose to become an OT, Lisa vividly describes the profound impact that OTs can have on the lives of their clients. She emphasises the importance of tailoring therapy to each client’s individual goals – such as a young woman’s desire to apply makeup independently – and how this has led to several breakthrough moments.
Lisa tells several remarkable stories of people’s courage and determination to fight back after serious injuries and during life-changing illnesses. This includes a tear-jerking moment when she helped a man with motor neurone disease to communicate his devotion for his wife.
Along the way, Lisa explains how she has used standardised assessments from early in her career, right up to the present day. And she reflects back on the moments that will stay with her forever.
This is a must-listen for anyone curious about the power of human beings to survive and strive, even in the most difficult circumstances.
LISTEN
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Sensory Profile 2 (SP-2), Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3)
SPEAKERS
Lisa Bowker, Occupational Therapist, The Holistic Network
Andy McLean, Host, Moments in Mind
Moments in Mind is also available to listen on your favourite streaming platforms: Amazon Music / Audible, Youtube, iHeartRadio, Deezer