Why a Clinical Psychologist might be helpful

Many of us seek counselling at some point in our lives, and often we've been struggling with underlying concerns or difficulties for some time. Sometimes the addition of significant life stressors such as work, health or relationship issues overstretch our coping resources, and sometimes we experience symptoms of stress, depression, or anxiety without really understanding why. I often work with people with the following presenting concerns:

  • Depression, or chronic sadness 
  • Anxiety and panic symptoms
  • Feelings of overwhelm and stress, whether at home or at work
  • Relationship issues contributing to emotional distress or mood disturbance
  • Adjustment to a health crisis or chronic health/fertility issues
  • Adjustment to major life transitions and changes
  • Feelings of low self-worth, or feeling lost and stuck in life, leading to feelings of hopelessness or despair
  • Working through family-of-origin difficulties or trauma

 

Clinical Psychologists undertake highly specialised training in understanding human development, personality and issues of mental health. As a Clinical Psychologist I have undertaken 7 years of University level training (holding the qualifications of Doctor of Clinical Psychology) and have extensive experience in understanding and treating psychological distress in both its more everyday and more complex forms. Clinical Psychologists are trained to understand the interplay of factors such as family history, biology, societal pressures, and our own personalities and choices which have impacted us all as individuals. As I holistically-focussed Clinical Psychologist, I think it's incredibly important to understand all of these factors and their impact on our identity, our bodies and health, and how we perceive ourselves and the world.

Unlike Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists utilise a range of non-medication based therapies to bring relief from suffering and enhance wellbeing and growth. Clinical Psychologists are registered with Australia's governing health body, AHPRA, and must adhere to ongoing professional training, supervision and abide by a national code of ethics designed to protect consumers.

(Please note that I do not work with anger-management or domestic violence issues). 

My approach

I adopt an integrative approach and depending on your preferences and situation often work with or more of the following models:

  • Somatic trauma processing
  • Psychodynamic (including transpersonal and Jungian)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Person-centred, existential and humanistic therapies
  • Schema/Parts/Cognitive therapy
  • Behavioural therapies including exposure
  • Attachment-based therapies
  • Mindfulness based & Compassion based therapies
  • Mind-body therapies
  • Positive psychology

I have a particular interest in holistic mind-body and wisdom-focussed psychology and helping clients create flourishing and authentic lives. Each person tends to work best with a unique approach tailored to them, and this is something that we would discuss upon first meeting. As a Clinical Psychologist I work with adults across the entire life span.

Assessments

I offer neurodivergence assessments for ASD and ADHD/ADD, with a special interest on presentation in women and the overlap with areas like creativity and sensitivity, as well as the role of childhood development. Assessments are conducted with a holistic mindset geared towards better self-knowledge. Reports provide formal diagnostic outcomes and can be used for employment, academic, insurance, and NDIS purposes as appropriate. Diagnostic assessments to clarify dual or differential diagnoses are also possible.

Please contact me to discuss the process and fees further.

Fees

I endeavour to keep my fee below the APS recommended fee of $311.

  • With a Mental Health Care Plan: (please note that the full session cost is payable up front and your Medicare rebate will then be applied on-the-spot for you). 
    • Initial Consultation out-of-pocket cost is $123.15 (Full fee $265, with a Medicare rebate of $141.84)
    • Standard Consultation out-of-pocket cost is $98.15 (Full fee of $240, with a Medicare rebate of 141.85)

 

  • Private (please consult with your private health fund to determine your level of rebate. We are able to process your health fund rebates for you on-the-spot):
    • Initial Consultation out-of-pocket cost is $265
    • Follow-up Consultation out-of-pocket cost is$240

 

  • I also provide services under NDIS and WorkCover - please contact me to discuss further.

Book an appointment

To enquire further, have a chat, or book an appointment with me please get in touch through my 'contact' page.