ABOUT
Our Approach and Values
Samantha Povey
Director and Principal Psychologist
B.SocSci (Psych & Forensic), B.A. (Hons), M.Psych (Ed&Dev)
Sam is an Educational & Developmental Psychologist and the Director of Blooming Psychology, a child and adolescent neurodevelopmental assessment and therapy clinic based in Melbourne’s South-East. She is a Board-Approved Supervisor with experience supporting children, young people, and families across school and private practice settings
Sam has an interest in comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments, including cognitive, educational, ADHD, and autism assessments. She also provides therapy for children and adolescents, focusing on emotional regulation, anxiety, executive functioning, and social–emotional development. Her approach blends evidence-based practice with a warm, collaborative, and neuroaffirming lens that celebrates each child’s strengths, interests, and unique ways of engaging with the world.
Before establishing Blooming Psychology, Sam worked within the Department of Education’s Student Support Services, where she developed a deep understanding of how learning, behaviour, and development intersect within school environments. She is passionate about helping families understand their child’s learning profile and supporting schools to create inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent students.
Samantha has provided supervision and training to postgraduate psychology students through her role at La Trobe University, and has also supervised students completing placements through Australian Catholic University, supporting emerging clinicians in developing confidence and competence in assessment and therapeutic practice.
Samantha is committed to working closely with parents, teachers, and allied-health professionals to ensure that every young person feels understood, valued, and supported. She strives to make the assessment and therapy process clear, compassionate, and empowering, helping children build confidence and thrive in both their learning and social–emotional worlds.
Outside of her professional role, Sam enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and baking.
Values That Guide Our Work
Compassion
We meet every child and family with warmth, empathy, and understanding. We honour each family's experiences and aim to create a safe, supportive space where they feel heard, respected, and valued.
Collaboration
We believe that children thrive when the adults around them work together. We collaborate closely with parents, teachers, and allied-health professionals to ensure consistent, holistic support that truly meets each child’s needs.
Growth
Every child and their family has the capacity to grow in their own way and at their own pace. We focus on helping young people build confidence, develop new skills, and feel proud of their progress, no matter how big or small.
Neuroaffirming
We celebrate the diverse ways children think, learn, and experience the world. Our approach respects each young person’s neurotype and supports their natural strengths, interests, and communication styles. We strive to create environments where every child feels understood, accepted, and empowered to be themselves.