Understanding Anxiety: Supporting Anxious Learners

PL # 14759

Subsidy/Grant Applied School & Student Support
  • Starting on 28 Apr 2026
  • Cancellation permitted until 21 Apr 2026
  • Registration Close : 21 Apr 2026

Delivery Format : In Person

Type Price
For Members
Standard Price
Subsidy/Grant Applied
Reduced Member Price

$205.00
-$180.00
$25.00
Non-Members
$305.00
Prices are inclusive of GST.
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    Registrations open to :
  • AISWA Member Schools
  • Non-Members

Description

How can we possibly want to embrace anxiety? This professional learning will provide educators with the tools to do this for the students and families they work with. They may even find that the strategies will assist them in their own roles. Externalising unhelpful thought patterns and anchoring ourselves into our deeper values brings direction and purpose in the face of life's ever-changing challenges. Come to this workshop and gain insights and approaches to embracing anxiety.

The course will cover:

  • Anxiety – origin story
  • Neurobiology of anxiety – brain development fight, flight freeze response
  • Acceptance and commitment training with a focus on the thought process involved in communicating with others experiencing anxiety and managing our own regulation and anxiety
  • Emotional regulation practice and strategies – acceptance, values
  • What is psychological flexibility?
  • Validation as a strategy to promote brave behaviour

Outcomes

  • Understanding anxiety
  • Strategies to manage anxiety in ourselves and others
  • Psychological flexibility and awareness as a goal
  • Practical framework for working with self and others

Presenters

Diann Kerr (AISWA Staff)

Psychologist

Diann Kerr <span>(AISWA Staff)</span>

Ben Smithers (AISWA Staff)

Registered Psychologist

Ben Smithers <span>(AISWA Staff)</span>

Ben is a registered psychologist who has worked exclusively within independent schools across his career. Starting as a university placement student with AISWA in 2022, Ben supports a caseload of unique schools with a variety of religious affiliations, educational philosophies, and regional statuses. Ben’s passion is in supporting students of diversity and advocating for the needs of neurodiverse students. Ben also has a special interest in the psychology of the internet, including cyber-safety, online communities, and the impact of video game use on mental health, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. 

Wendy Vasquez (AISWA Staff)

Senior Psychologist

Wendy Vasquez <span>(AISWA Staff)</span>

Wendy Vasquez is a seasoned school psychologist with extensive experience in Independent Schools. An accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trainer, she is also trained in Collaborative Proactive Solutions (CPS) by Dr. Ross Greene. Since 2015 at AISWA, Wendy has worked collaboratively with teachers, parents, and students to promote inclusive, supportive educational environments. Her interests include student and teacher wellbeing, autism, ADHD, SLD, trauma-aware practices, childhood attachment, and parenting.

Terms & Conditions

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Segments

Understanding Anxiety: Supporting Anxious Learners

Date / Time

28 Apr 2026 Starts: 09:00 Finishes: 12:00

Delivery Format : In Person

AISWA

Address

41 Walters Drive
Osborne Park WA 6017
Australia

AISWA is easily accessible, with plenty of parking options nearby. While there is no onsite parking available, street parking is available along Walters Drive and surrounding streets, with a maximum fee of $5.50 per day. Please note, no cash or card payment options are available, payment is managed via the EasyPark App, so we recommend downloading it ahead of your visit for a seamless experience. Public transport is also a convenient option, with Glendalough Train Station and Bus Stop 25350 (Route 407) located nearby. We look forward to welcoming you!

PL Hours : 3.00

Learning Area

  • Psychology + Wellbeing

Event Contact

AITSL Standards