Power Phrase System is a structured language resource you integrate into your own evidence-based practice with children aged 6–12. Built on narrative identity, character strengths and social-emotional learning. It uses cards, but it isn't a card game — and it isn't a stand-alone fix.
Narrative identity · Character strengths · SEL · Ages 6–12
For a dysregulated, anxious, or selectively mute child, naming a feeling on demand can be the hardest task in the room — not the way into it.
Power Phrase System gives you a different way in. Instead of asking a child to produce a feeling, you offer a card and let them reach for it. The conversation starts from where the child already is.
The cards are the vocabulary; choosing them is the grammar. Picking a card is the naming — and you and the child look at the same pieces, so you're on the same page from the first moment.
The settling layer. Lines like “I won't rush you” signal there's no pressure and nothing to perform. A child who feels cornered can't find words for anything — so this comes first.
The “how-much” words — can, will, might, could, not yet. They let a child say not just what, but how ready they are. Honesty about the in-between, instead of a forced yes or no.
The action words — share, help, lead — and the identity behind them: KIND, GENEROUS, BRAVE. A feeling becomes something the child can picture and do.
One sentence, built by the child
I will→share→KIND
They didn't write it from a blank page. They assembled it from cards. That's the whole move.
Six decks spanning the developmental domains — each one a focus you bring in as a child's needs call for it, pitched to their stage.
Focuses on a child's sense of “I am capable.” A useful starting point where you're working with low agency or a fragile self-concept.
Concrete behavioural anchors for working with dysregulation and impulsivity.
Prosocial language built through “We” modal sentences — useful where you're supporting peer connection.
Language for curiosity and resilience, where you're working with fear of failure or reluctance about school.
Develops values in concrete, action-based form — without shame.
Language for a child's capacity to contribute and positively influence others.
Each role brings the same cards into their own work — used within their own scope of practice.
Psychologists — including school, clinical and educational — OTs, speech-language pathologists, counsellors, mental health social workers and creative arts therapists. A structured resource you integrate into your own practice.
Classroom, learning-support and EAL/D teachers, school counsellors and wellbeing coordinators. For one-on-one work, small groups, or whole-class emotional literacy.
Behaviour support practitioners, NDIS and allied-health providers, and youth and family workers — used within their scope of practice and any relevant plan.
Grounded in frameworks you'll recognise
Narrative identity, character strengths, and social-emotional learning — named openly and documented. The downloads establish the theory PPU draws on; outcome evidence is being gathered through structured pilot pre/post data.
A small founding cohort receives the complete kit free, in exchange for honest clinical feedback that helps build the evidence base. Limited places.
Apply for the pilot →Important: Power Phrase System cards are educational SEL tools. Not a substitute for professional psychological assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. ABN 55 260 040 085 · Warabrook NSW 2304, Australia