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worried and it is difficult for them to explain to their children what is going on. Working with the procedural pain therapist, therapeutic stories were written for procedures. For example, for one child who refused to have a CAT scan, a therapeutic story successfully assisted and prepared the child and the family by explaining what a CAT scan is and what would happen. It is also essential to give siblings space and an opportunity to talk to someone. They may be worried about their ill brother or sister but feel unable to share this with their parents. Being a conduit back to the family is important. For example, the toddler who is suddenly left with grandparents because the parents are in hospital with her baby sister who has a tumour starts to have major separation anxiety from her parents. I also have a role in recognising what is normal sadness and what requires more psychosocial intervention. I believe my communication specialist background provided complementary skills for my role as a mental health clinician that in turn benefited children and families at the CCC. Such a role, while greatly satisfying, is emotionally

very challenging so I have now moved on. I consider myself as privileged to have had the role in the CCC, working alongside the incredible medical team and sharing such a personal journey with these children and their families. Diana Russo has experience as a paediatric speech pathologist in early intervention and education but her major work experience has been in child and adolescent mental health. She has a Masters Degree in Health Sciences (Infant & Parent Mental Health) and a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences. She is currently the senior speech pathologist and a mental health clinician at Southern Health CAMHS in Victoria.

Correspondence to: Diana Russo

Senior Paediatric Mental Health Speech Pathologist Southern Health CAMHS, Community Services Building Dandenong, Victoria, 3175 phone: (03) 9767 8274

Speech Pathology Australia National Database

Use the online Speech Pathology Australia National Database when searching for Speech Pathologists Search For A Speech Pathologist Online Speech Pathology Australia National Database

Don’t forget to use and refer your clients to the online Speech Pathology Australia National Database which is currently available on the Speech Pathology Australia website. On the homepage you will find a button on the bottom right hand corner titled ‘Find a Speech Pathologist’ click this button to be linked to the Database. www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

The online Speech Pathology Australia National Database holds information on all our members, both private and public speech pathologists, Australia wide. If you are looking for a speech pathologist in your local area, it is as simple as entering your Postcode, and ticking the ‘Search surrounding suburbs’ box. Speech Pathology Australia members are encouraged to keep their practice information up-to-date as much as possible either via your online ‘User Profile’ or by contacting National Office. The information you submitted at the time of renewing your membership is entered into the Database. This information will be available online unless you have indicated ‘I do not want these details used for public referrals, private practice directory listings or online searches’ Remember this referral information is both a service to the public and a benefit to the marketing of your own practice/services.

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ACQ Volume 11, Number 3 2009

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au