Mr Paul Northfield Social Worker

Qualified Social Worker and Create Balance Team Member Meet Paul Paul is a qualified social worker, educator and therapist with over 15 years of experience across school wellbeing, family support and community services. He brings a calm, grounded presence to his work and creates a safe, supportive space where children, young people and adults can explore their experiences, strengthen relationships and build confidence in themselves. Paul works from a trauma-informed and neuro-affirming framework. His work is collaborative and responsive, supporting clients to develop emotional regulation, improve behaviour patterns and deepen connection within themselves and with others, drawing on evidence-informed modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Theraplay. He offers a relational, strengths-based approach and values the importance of meeting each person where they are. Paul understands that every individual and family system is different and works alongside clients to make sense of their experiences and build meaningful, sustainable change. Paul has particular experience supporting children and young people with emotional and behavioural challenges, including those who experience difficulties with school attendance, regulation and social connection. He also works closely with parents and families, helping them feel more confident and supported in responding to their child’s needs and strengthening family relationships. Paul also utilises Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support clients in processing and resolving the impacts of trauma. EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based approach that helps the brain reprocess distressing experiences, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing individuals to move forward with greater ease and resilience. Paul integrates EMDR in a safe, paced and developmentally appropriate way, ensuring clients feel supported and in control throughout the process. Paul provides individual therapeutic support, family and parenting work, and NDIS capacity building supports, including emotional regulation, social skills development, community engagement, independent living skills and school advocacy.