Discover and unlock your enormous potential to think, learn and flourish across the lifespan with our Cognitive Programs.

Cognitive Training

For Teachers, Professionals, Parents and Carers

Cognitive Coaching

For Small Groups and Individuals, including Children

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How we can help

Improve Life Outcomes

Building Brains provide cognitive course programs

  • That support you in understanding and extending your cognitive capacity and improving your quality of life.
  • That coach you to enhance your cognitive, emotional, social and problem-solving skills and achieve your goals.
  • That teach you how to build your remarkable mind at school, in daily life and business with tools and strategies that will develop your potential to think and learn.

Achieve your goals

“We know what we are, but not what we may be”

William Shakespeare

What is your goal?

Choose your personal goal below and learn how cognitive training and coaching can help you achieve your goals.

Cognitive coaching is based on the concept of neuroplasticity i.e., that our brains have the capacity to rewire and build new neural pathways at whatever age and stage they are at. By learning new and adaptive thinking skills and processes, and by challenging the unhelpful thoughts and patterns that hold our behaviours in place, cognitive coaching aims to improve mental well-being and overall quality of life44.

We all know someone, or have known someone, who is active, mentally sharp and thriving well into their 90’s.  We wonder what is the secret to their mental and physical fitness at such an advanced age?  

For years, it has been believed that aging is associated with a loss of cognitive abilities, and that only a few, fortunate individuals are able to retain their mental capacities throughout their lives. However, an increasing body of scientific evidence demonstrates that, while we can expect to lose some cognitive abilities as we grow older, we also gain and improve others. The welcome news is that most of the risks for cognitive decline can be addressed with lifestyle changes. Although none of us can control every factor that might undermine our cognitive health, Harvard Medical School report six pillars of cognitive fitness that will go a long way to protecting you.

Each pillar involves improving your lifestyle in certain ways—not just by doing crosswords and sudoku, but by developing healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, developing a positive outlook, learning to manage stress, staying connected to friends and family, eating a healthy diet and exercising and keeping mentally active. There’s an added benefit, too. Committing to these changes will also improve your overall health, since most of these steps benefit the cardiovascular system and other organs in your body as well.

Our world can be fun and exciting; stimulating us to grow, develop and learn.  It can also be scary and overwhelming; resulting in us “battening down the hatches” and withdrawing, to find peace and security. This applies to us as adults and to our children.  Recent world events have magnified the challenges and demands, with many feeling increased levels of worry and anxiety.  This is a normal reaction, however, in the long term may not be beneficial for us or our children.  This course, for adults or children, aims to teach knowledge and skills about how to manage your Worry Brain and be more in charge of your Brave.   

Cognitive coaching enhances teacher outcomes in two distinct ways. The first happens when teachers actively and explicitly teach their students the cognitive and metacognitive skills required to improve learning outcomes. The second positive outcome comes from supporting teachers to explore the invisible thinking behind their practices through a three-step process involving planning conversations, observations, and reflection conversations23. By deepening teachers’ own metacognition, building on their strengths, and allowing them to explore and enhance their capacities, cognitive coaching increases teacher efficacy through professional dialogue and self-reflection23. 

Cognitive coaching and training can improve student school behaviour. When students are taught cognitive and metacognitive thinking skills (such as Show Focus, Self Regulation, Just a Moment….Let me Think) they then have some tools to manage challenging emotional situations. When students are coached over time to use their “Thinking Skills” to solve problems, the skills become more automatic and transferrable to other life situations.

Cognitive coaching and training with students can significantly improve their academic and social/emotional outcomes by enhancing their cognitive abilities and self-regulation skills. Research indicates that cognitive training, (explicitly and systematically teaching structured thinking skills and processes) has shown efficacy in improving attention, working memory, and cognitive skills among school-age children, including those with learning differences12.  Moreover, cognitive coaching and training tailored to specific needs, (e.g., early years students from disadvantaged backgrounds) can further enhance their cognitive abilities and overall academic performance5. There is evidence across many countries and cultures that such investment in the early years can help combat disadvantage and positively affect children’s development years beyond their lives in pre-school.

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  • Portrait Mary Williams - Cognitive Training Coach

Mary Williams

Experienced educator, counsellor,
cognitive coach and trainer

About Me

I have over 35 years experience as an educator, 30 years as a counsellor, therapist and trainer and 7 years as a cognitive coach.

In all those years I have accumulated extensive knowledge and wisdom for teaching and supporting people to unlock their learning and thinking potential and to improve their cognitive, emotional and problem-solving skills.

Something that hasn’t changed over all these years is my passion for being a cognitive coach and trainer. It is wonderful to facilitate change in people and be part of it.

I provide cognitive training and coaching in the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim area, and further afield like in Brisbane when requested.

Education​

B.Ed (Primary and Special Schools)

M.Ed.St (Guidance and Counselling)

Trainer – FIE-B (Feuerstein Institute)

MORE ABOUT ME

What is…

Cognitive Training

Cognitive Training is where we train teachers and parents to use cognitive coaching tools and strategies with their children, to improve their thinking and leaning.

Cognitive Coaching

Cognitive Coaching is where we work directly with small groups and individuals, including children, to improve their thinking and learning.

Cognitive Training
for Teachers, Professionals
and Parents/Carers
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Cognitive Coaching
for Individuals
(Adults and Children)
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Cognitive Coaching
for Small Groups
(Adults)
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Cognitive Coaching
for Small Groups
(Children and Parents)
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Cognitive Course Programs

Cognitive Training – For Teachers, Professionals and Parents/Carers

cognitive training session

Cognitive Training Programs

Feuerstein Instrumental enrichmentBright Start Cognitive Curriculum

The training is offered to professionals (teachers, therapists, psychologists, counsellors) and parents working with children aged 3-12 years (and some older individuals).

Training to deliver Cognitive Education programs has many benefits for your children and yourself.

  • Improved academic performance: You can help children to improve their memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills. This can lead to improved academic performance in all subjects.
  • Enhanced learning skills: You can help children to develop effective learning strategies. This can help them to learn more efficiently and effectively, both in school and outside of school.
  • Increased self-awareness: You can help children to become more aware of their own thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This can lead to improved self-management and self-regulation skills.
  • Improved social-emotional skills: You can help children to develop better social-emotional and self-regulation skills. This can lead to improved relationships with peers and adults.
  • Increased resilience: You can help children to develop resilience, which is the ability to recover from, and grow through, setbacks and challenges. This can be helpful for children who are dealing with difficult situations, such as bullying or the loss of a loved one.
  • Improved memory and attention for the children in your care.
  • Development of your children’s Metacognitive skills (their thinking about their thinking) which in turn has a positive impact on their learning potential.

In addition to these benefits, cognitive training programs can also help teaching professionals to:

  • Adapt to new technologies and teaching methods
  • Be more effective in the classroom
  • Become better leaders and mentors

Overall, cognitive training programs can offer a number of benefits for teaching professionals and parents.

We encourage you to consider participating in a cognitive training program that can benefit both you and your children.

Contact us for
Cognitive trainings

Cognitive Coaching – For Individuals

image of a one-on-one cognitive coaching session

Cognitive Coaching Programs

1 hour sessions for Adults and Children
Feuerstein Instrumental enrichment (Adults)Bright Start Cognitive Curriculum (Children)

Individual, tailored Cognitive coaching offers many benefits.

Benefits, include:

  • Improved performance and leadership skills
  • Achievement of personal goals
  • Increased self-awareness and resilience
  • Enhanced problem-solving skills

Benefits of Individual cognitive coaching:

  • More personalized attention: In individual cognitive coaching, the coach can focus solely on the client’s individual needs and goals. This can be especially beneficial for clients who have complex challenges or who need to develop specific skills.
  • More confidential and supportive environment: Individual cognitive coaching provides a more confidential and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. This can be important for clients who are dealing with sensitive topics or who are not comfortable sharing in a group setting.
  • Greater flexibility: Individual cognitive coaching sessions can be scheduled more flexibly to accommodate the client’s needs. This can be important for clients with busy schedules or who have other commitments.

Ultimately, speak with us in a free 30 minutes consultation to assess your needs and find the best program for you.

contact US FOR
Individual Cognitive coaching (Adults & Children)

Cognitive Coaching – Small Group (Adults)

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Cognitive Coaching Programs

Brain Based Management of Anxiety (adults)Cognitive Health & Fitness for the aging population

Read more about the benefits that Adult Small Group Cognitive Coaching offers.

  • Increased motivation and engagement: Participants in small group cognitive training programs are often more motivated and engaged than those in individual programs. This is because they have the opportunity to learn from and interact with each other.
  • Increased Cognitive and Physical Health outcomes This Cognitive Health 8-week course is currently being sponsored by the Scenic Rim Council
  • Improved social skills: Small group cognitive training programs can help participants to improve their social skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
  • Reduced anxiety: Small group cognitive training programs can help to reduce anxiety in participants, as they feel more comfortable and supported in a group setting.
  • Increased accountability: Participants are more likely to be accountable for their progress, as they are expected to participate and contribute to the group.
  • Reduced costs: Small group cognitive training programs are often more cost-effective than individual programs.
  • Greater flexibility: Small group cognitive training programs can be more flexible than individual programs in terms of scheduling and location.
  • Sense of community and community support: Small group cognitive training programs can provide participants with a sense of community and support. Participants can have the opportunity to learn from and support each other. This can be especially beneficial for those who are feeling isolated or who are facing similar challenges.
  • Improved quality of life: Small group cognitive training programs can help to improve the quality of life of participants by helping them to stay mentally sharp and engaged, and to live more independently.

In addition to these benefits, small group cognitive training programs can also be tailored to the specific needs of the participants. For example, a small group cognitive training program for older adults may focus on memory and attention skills, while a small group cognitive training program for young adults may focus on problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Overall, small group cognitive training programs offer a number of benefits for participants.

Talk to us in a free 30 minute consultation to see what we offer.

Contact us for
Small Group Adult Cognitive coaching

Cognitive Coaching – Small Group (Children and Parents)

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Cognitive Coaching Programs

Rewire your Worry Brain (Anxiety Program)Bright Start Cognitive Coaching for ChildrenFeuerstein Cognitive Coaching for childrenSupport Program for Parents

Cognitive coaching for children can offer a number of benefits.

  • Improved academic performance: Cognitive coaching can help children to improve their memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills. This can lead to improved academic performance in all subjects.
  • Enhanced learning skills: Cognitive coaching can help children to develop effective learning strategies. This can help them to learn more efficiently and effectively, both in school and outside of school.
  • Increased self-awareness: Cognitive coaching can help children to become more aware of their own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This can lead to improved self-management and self-regulation skills.
  • Improved social-emotional skills: Cognitive coaching can help children to develop better social-emotional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This can lead to improved relationships with peers and adults.
  • Increased resilience: Cognitive coaching can help children to develop resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. This can be helpful for children who are dealing with difficult situations, such as bullying or the loss of a loved one.

In addition to these benefits, cognitive coaching can also help children to:

  • Become more confident and self-assured
  • Develop a growth mindset
  • Achieve their personal goals

Cognitive coaching can be especially beneficial for children with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other developmental challenges. It can also be helpful for children who are gifted and talented.

If you are a parent or teacher who is interested in cognitive coaching for your child, I encourage you to speak to us in a free 30 minute consultation. We can help you to assess your child’s needs and develop a personalised coaching plan.

contact us for
Small Group Children & Parents Cognitive coaching

Great Words About Our Programs

“Mary has helped me to become more aware of my own thinking and how it impacts my teaching.”

Mary has helped me to become more aware of my own thinking and how it impacts my teaching. She has also helped me to develop new teaching strategies and to become more effective in the classroom. She is an amazing coach and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to work with her.
Roger,
Teacher

“The Cognitive Health Course has been a really important experience for me.”

I don’t think people really pay that much attention to their brain health. We hear lots about the latest health fads to lose weight etc but nothing about our brain. Really, its just so important. If
our brains don’t work, our body is “out of order”. The brain is fascinating and you can challenge your brain and grow new neural pathways. The 6 pillars of Cognitive Health are a great reminder as we age positively. Mary reminded me that this is very achievable. Thank you. I absolutely would recommend this to friends and family. It is so informative. It has given me a new perspective on challenging myself. Thank you Mary for a wonderful experience. I enjoyed it so
much. I would highly recommend for ALL!
Rosie,
Grandmother

“Mary has helped me to become more aware of my own thinking.”

Mary has helped me to develop new thinking skills and to become more effective in all areas of my life.
I highly recommend individual cognitive coaching with Mary from Building Brains to anyone who is looking to improve their thinking and performance.
Alec,
Student

“My daughters’ grades have improved. They are more focused and engaged in class.”

I am so grateful for the cognitive coaching that my daughters have received from Mary. They struggled with learning and attention in school. After just a few months of coaching with her, their grades have improved. They are more focused and engaged in class, and more confident in their abilities.
Joy
Parent
Questions we frequently get asked

FAQ

Cognitive coaching is a non-judgmental, developmental, and reflective model that teaches people about their brains, neuroplasticity and the opportunities they have to improve their thinking and problem solving skills. Through a series of activities and training experiences, people develop tools and strategies to improve their thinking. It is based on the knowledge that we can always further develop our cognitive and metacognitive skills in a structured and sequential way and therefore see improvement in thinking, social and emotional domains.

Cognitive coaching can be beneficial for people of all ages and at all stages. It can be used to improve performance in areas such as focus and memory, education, leadership, and personal development.

The goals of cognitive coaching vary depending on the individual client. Goals are achieved by systematically learning and applying new thinking skills and strategies.
Some common goals include:
– Improving decision-making
– Increasing self-awareness
– Enhancing problem-solving skills
– Building resilience
– Developing leadership skills
– Achieving personal goals

Cognitive coaching is typically conducted in a series of one-on-one sessions. The coach works with the client to identify their goals and develop a plan for improvement. The coach also provides support and guidance as the client works to achieve their goals.

What are some of the key elements of cognitive coaching?

Some of the key elements of cognitive coaching include:
Reflection: The coach helps the client to reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in order to identify areas where they want to improve.
Teaching: The coach teaches about neuroplasticity and the cognitive (executive) functions that underpin all of our learning. They then assist clients to learn and integrate the cognitive functions into the identified areas of their lives.
Collaboration: The coach works with the client to develop a plan for development and provides support and guidance along the way.

Cognitive coaching can offer a number of benefits, including:
– Improved performance
– Increased resilience
– Improved memory and attention span
– Life-long development of executive functions
– Increased self-awareness
– Enhanced problem-solving skills
– Improved resilience
– Development of leadership skills
– Achievement of personal goals

The Feuerstein Method is applied to help children and adults to develop their thinking and learning skills. This method is based on the theory of Structural Cognitive Modifiability (SCM) (Neuroplasticity) which believes that to create a change, a person needs intervention through Mediated Learning Experience (MLE).

There is no specific regulation for cognitive coaching in Australia. However, many cognitive coaches are certified by professional coaching organisations such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or the Coaching Supervision Academy (CSA).

If you are interested in improving your thinking and performance, then cognitive coaching may be right for you. Cognitive coaching can be beneficial for people of all ages and professions, and it can be used to achieve a variety of goals. We offer cognitive coaching sessions for teachers, individuals, small groups and children.
Learn more in our what do you want to achieve and cognitive programs section.

  • Teacher trainings take place in your school.
  • Small group & Individual coaching sessions are held in a psychology clinic on Tamborine Mountain and at various other centres throughout Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast.
  • Individual children coaching sessions and parent training can also be held at home if this is more appropriate.

– Please contact us for details because circumstances vary for individual people. Also visit our cognitive program rates page.
– The Scenic Rim Council sponsored Cognitive Health and Fitness course costs $10 – contact us for more information.

Schedule a FREE 30 Minute Consultation

Discuss your questions and needs, or take the opportunity to learn more about our cognitive coaching programs and to see if it’s a good fit for yourself, your children or your organisation.
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Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment logo

We use the Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment technique, combined with our long experience with other cognitive training & coaching techniques in our programs to achieve the best results for you.

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Coaching AT YOUR PACE​

We ensure cognitive change
with incredible results

2 x+

improved learning

1.5 x

cognitive capacity

100%

improved quality of life

Talk to us in a free 30 minute consultation

For an improved you

Contact us today
our Vision

Helping individuals to become their best version​