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About Positive Minds Australia

We enthusiastically and proactively teach coping, mindset, connection and wellbeing tools, to increase happiness and purpose amongst our clients. Our goal is for our clients to succeed and reach their potential. 

From character development workshops for academic success in schools, to counselling, psychology services, teaching and professional development, we teach evidence based tools to improve wellbeing, resilience, confidence and emotional intelligence.

Our team of warm and friendly professionals, specialise in character, neurodivergence (including Autism, ADHD and Learning Difficulties), anxiety and behavioural difficulties. As a team, we ensure that every person in our care feels seen, heard and valued.

With over twenty years of dedicated service in counselling, education, and writing books, Madhavi Nawana Parker and her team will work together with you, to find the right solution for you and your family, school, or organisation.

Positive Minds Australia specialises in knowledge, expertise and evidence based techniques that help build confident, resilient and socially-emotionally capable people.

We address the wellbeing needs of our clients through proactive and tailored programs that work from the inside out.

Our team are known for their warmth, authenticity and genuine commitment to every individual with whom we work. We share strengths and values in humility, honesty. compassion and connection.

We specialise in lively, practical and engaging Professional Development days in Organisations to reduce burnout, improve wellbeing and create happier and more productive communities.

We also visit Kindergartens and Schools to teach Social Emotional Confidence, Resilience and Mindset training programs for 4 — 18 year olds. Led by Madhavi Nawana Parker and her team of allied health and education professionals, these sessions use ‘The Resilience and Wellbeing Toolbox’, ‘The Confident Minds Curriculum’, ‘Educator Wellbeing’ and ‘What’s the Buzz?’ for Early Learners, “What’s the Buzz?’ for Primary Age students, ‘ and ‘What’s the Buzz? for Teenagers.’

 

Individual Counselling / Psychologist sessions for 4-18-year-olds in collaboration with their parents. 

Mentoring for Autistic Teenagers and Adults . 

Counselling support for disengaged high school students. 

Social confidence development, mindset coaching and resilience building.

Counselling for children after family separation.

Parent workshops.

Professional Development.

Keynote Speaking.

Director, Author, Counsellor and Speaker.

Madhavi Nawana Parker has provided young people, families, and schools with lifelong tools to develop resilience, confidence, wellbeing, and social-emotional intelligence through counseling, professional development, parent workshops, online training, and an extensive range of published works for over 20 years. Madhavi is broadly recognised in Australia and overseas, for her compassionate, strength-focused approach to improving mental health, confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.

Madhavi studied Psychology and Rehabilitation Counselling at University, developed and delivered social confidence building programs at Autism SA and for two decades has consulted in private practice working closely with young people, their families, and schools. With a strong track record for equipping people with confidence, emotional regulation tools and improved relationships skills, Madhavi also brings these skills to leadership and executive teams, helping to improve their ability to manage stress, improve wellbeing and use a positive mindset in the workplace.

Madhavi is author and co author of over ten books, published worldwide by Routledge, London. Madhavi is a regular podcast guest, magazine article contributor and radio commentator.

Madhavi is married with three children and lives in South Australia. Madhavi consults in Unley on a Wednesday and at other locations throughout the week.

Madhavi was the proud recipient of the Global Women Changing the World Awards, with first place in ‘People’s choice in Education,’ and a finalist in the ‘Hall of Fame,’ category.

 

Madhavi Nawana Parker wearing a bright colourful shirt and black skirt sitting with hand on knee.
Yet another wonderful CPD experience with Madhavi today. We are so lucky to have such an inspirational woman right here in Adelaide, championing the way to a more positive and kind future. A wealth of knowledge and experience!

Kate Ringvall

Paediatric Occupational Therapist, OTeam

Our Team

James Parker

Senior Developmental Educator and Child, Youth Counsellor.

Meet James
Our senior consultant, Nikki Wadewitz wearing black long sleeved shirt.

Nikki Wadewitz

Senior Teaching Consultant and School Workshop Facilitator

Meet Nikki
Drama teacher, Katie O'Reilly standing wearing a bright teal, blue and peach shirt.

Katie O'Reilly

Senior Teacher and Social Confidence Coach.

Meet Katie
Kung-Fu Teacher Nick Bennett standing wearing a black t-shirt and glasses, smiling.

Nick Bennett

Workshop Energiser through Kung Fu, clowning and drama.

Meet Nick

Millie Grant

Early Childhood Specialist and Social Worker, counselling children 3-7 and delivering Early Childhood Programs.

Meet Millie
Sam Taylor

Sam Taylor

Psychologist specialising in group work in schools, anxiety, behaviour and emotional regulation.
Sam is a psychologist who is passionate about helping individuals learn strategies to improve their mental health and well-being. She has experience working with young people and adults with a variety of presentations including anxiety, depression, stress, school refusal, trauma, grief and loss, behavioural difficulties and parenting difficulties. Sam provides a warm, empathetic environment and places a strong emphasis on connection. Her approach to therapy draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, mindfulness practices, and the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) Model. Sam can provide psychoeducation in a one-on-one or group setting on a range of topics including emotion coaching, social skills, behaviour support and resilience building. Sam has a Master of Psychology (Work and Organisational), Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Meet Sam
Jill Moss

Jill Moss

Client Services Officer. Jill holds a Bachelor of Journalism and Public Relations and brings her warm, friendly and enthusiastic personality, along with her skills in communication and organisation to keep the backbone of Positive Minds Australia thriving.

Meet Jill
Chelsea Lambert

Chelsea Lambert

Accounts Management.
Chelsea is currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching while working as an SSO and keeping our accounts department up to date. Chelsea's enthusiastic, determined and friendly outlook is genuine and an asset to our team.

Meet Chelsea
Story of Postive Minds Team, James and Madhavi

Director, Madhavi Nawana Parker and Developmental Educator and Senior Counsellor, James Parker

Madhavi and James met in 1999 while working at Autism SA. Their shared interest in supporting social and emotional growth for Autistic people led to the development of a pilot program in Art therapy combining Madhavi’s background in Psychology and James’s background as a Youth Worker and Graphic Designer.

Together they developed an Art program for Autistic children and teenagers which was successfully delivered around South Australia. James returned to University to qualify in Developmental Education along with a Masters in Education, pursuing his interest in neurodivergence and disengaged youth in Education. James continued professional work in Developmental Education, Counselling and Family Separation while Madhavi continued her work in private practice working with schools, families and young people.

Madhavi and James partnered together professionally, launching Positive Minds Australia in 2019, where they collaborate on creative ways to solve the many challenges facing young people today. Madhavi brings her strengths in compassion, optimism, writing and creativity to their working partnership. James brings his strengths in problem solving, practice based research, focus and policy planning.

Madhavi and James are married with three children and are delighted to be working together again, after focusing on their individual careers over the past twenty years. They enjoy time together and with their children at home and in nature.