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

(Please note that I don't specialise in addiction, substance-dependency, or eating disorders. Where they are a significant concern you might find it helpful to speak with your GP or contact the “Find a Psychologist” service of the Australian Psychological Society to locate a Psychologist who works with these issues).

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.

If you are experiencing significant concerns in any area of mental health you may be eligible for a referral from your GP to see me, and this would also entitle you to a significant Medicare rebate for our sessions.

My approach

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

  • Psychodynamic (including transpersonal and Jungian)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Person-centred and humanistic therapies
  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy
  • Attachment-based therapies
  • Mindfulness based & Compassion based therapies
  • Mind-body therapies
  • Positive psychology
  • And various others….

I have a particular interest in holistic mind-body and spiritually centred 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.

(Please note that I do not provide independent assessments or medico-legal reports for the purposes of  third-party insurance matters or legal issues). 

Fees

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 $127.95 (Full fee $280, with a Medicare rebate of $137.05)
  • Standard Consultation out-of-pocket cost is $102.95 (Full fee of $240, with a Medicare rebate of 137.05)

 

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 endeavour to keep my fee below the APS recommended fee of $300.

 

Department of Veterans Affairs clients who hold valid coverage for mental health treatment will not be charged any gap fees. 

 

I work with self-managed NDIS clients - please contact me to discuss further.

 

Please contact me to discuss arrangements if you are seeking an independent psychological assessment or wish to attend under a WorkCover or Insurance claim. 

 

Initial Consultations are approximately 60 minutes in length. Follow-up Consultations are approximately 50 minutes in length.

Book an appointment

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