Sawsan Dergham

I am an NDIS-Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner and Psychology (Honours) graduate with extensive experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), early intervention, and allied health support. My professional expertise includes administering assessments, developing behaviour support plans, and delivering tailored interventions for children and adults with autism, ADHD, and developmental delays. Skilled in multidisciplinary collaboration, family engagement, and clinical documentation, I am committed to evidence-based practice and mental health advocacy. Fluent in Arabic and English, I bring strong communication skills and cultural competence to my work, alongside ongoing dedication to professional growth through postgraduate clinical training.

• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM): Introductory Workshop & Advanced Training Program
• Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) Certificate – Autism Partnership Foundation
• Child Protection Awareness Induction Training – NSW Education (2024)
• First Aid & CPR – valid until 2026-02
• Working With Children Check (WWC2417911E) – current
• NSW Police Check – cleared (2023-10)
• PBS Webinar - current, completed August 2025

Sawsan Dergham

2 Rabaul Road, Georges Hall 2198

sawsan.derghamm@gmail.com | 0452 421 556

16 September 2025

Admissions Committee

School of Psychology

Western Sydney University

Dear Committee Members, 

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Master of Clinical and Professional Psychology programs at Western Sydney University. As an NDIS-registered Behaviour Support Practitioner with an academic background in Social Science (Psychology) and Psychology (Honours), I am committed to advancing my training and making meaningful contributions to the profession.

In addressing the requirements of this application, I believe that critical thinking and problem-solving are essential skills for psychologists. Beyond empathy, these skills allow practitioners to carefully analyse complex client presentations, weigh multiple data points, and design effective, evidence-based interventions. For example, in my current role, I conduct functional behaviour assessments and develop comprehensive behaviour support plans. Each case requires the integration of developmental history, clinical observations, family input, and assessment data to identify underlying needs and implement strategies that are both practical and ethical. This process demands not only technical knowledge but also the capacity to think critically and adaptively in the face of uncertainty.

My Honours research project further strengthened these skills by requiring me to design and execute a study on women’s wellbeing during perimenopause. This experience taught me to critically evaluate literature, refine methodologies, and problem-solve in response to emerging challenges during data collection and analysis. These abilities are directly transferable to clinical psychology, where careful reasoning, flexibility, and evidence-based decision-making are vital to delivering safe and effective care.

I am confident that my academic foundation, professional experience, and commitment to reflective practice will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the program and the field. I am eager to refine these skills through supervised clinical training and coursework in your program, and to continue building my capacity to support individuals with developmental, behavioural, and mental health challenges. 

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my suitability during the interview.

Kind regards, 

Sawsan Dergham. 

Please find all relevant documentation, qualifications and certificates below.