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Treatments
As a Counselling Psychologist I provide assessment, diagnosis and psychological therapy and counselling psychology to individuals from 17 years to older age.
I draw on a range of treatment approaches and work collaboratively with each of my clients to tailor the particular therapeutic approach to the needs and preferences of the individual client. Treatment approaches include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing - often with a particular emphasis on CBT.
Areas of Service
Service provided includes the following
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Mood issues
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Obsessive compulsive problems
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Stress
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Anger management
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Poor self-esteem
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Assertiveness training
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Sleep problems
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Grief and bereavement
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Fear of death
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LIfe transitions
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Phobias
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Panic attacks
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Shy bladder syndrome
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Workplace concerns, bullying and conflict
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Comcare and Veterans Affairs Reports
Referrals
A referral is not necessary to see a psychologist. However one is required to be eligible for Medicare rebates. Other funding organisations may also require referrals. See page on Fees and Rebates for some additional details.
Cognitive Behavour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an active therapy with structure and psychological and behavioural techniques that I will teach you. CBT is solution-focused and helps us address unhelpful thoughts,
emotions and behaviours that hold us back and distress us.
A particular strength of CBT is that it puts the power to bring about change and improvement in quality of life in the client's hands.
Psychological Therapy
Psychological therapy (or psychotherapy for short) is, at its most basic, "talking therapy." It involves the provision of an environment of respect and empathy in which a therapeutic relationship can develop in a way that clients feel safe and valued and gain insight and understanding to assist in making changes in thinking and personal functioning, to move forward and identify new paths through current life challenges.
Within psychological therapy there are a host of different theoretical orientations and techniques. Some (like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) are quite structured, others less so. The availability of these different approaches is important as there is no one-size-fits-all approach that works for all people in all situations. The different approaches mean that the particular approach used accords with the needs and preferences of the indivudual client.
Our past obviously plays an important part in influencing how we think, feel and behave in the present. It helps shape and mis-shape our present and our future. Similarly a preoccupation with the past can get in the way of finding a way through current difficulties. Better understanding the past can help inform the present and guide treatment approaches.
While we can't change the past, CBT helps us change how we perceive and relate to it in the present.
Counselling Psychology
The terms counselling and counselling psychology can be difficult to distinguish between and indeed are sometimes used interchangeably. However the essence of the distinction is that counselling is generally seen as coming from what is termed a "humanistic" viewpoint while counselling psychology includes both that aspect and the empirical research methods associated with psychology. Counselling psychology tends to step back from the notion of "medicalising" a person's situation and viewing it more in a "non-pathologising" way.
The focus in counselling psychology is on the individual person and her/his potential, including inherent potential for growth, rather than categorising someone as "well" or "unwell."
Crisis Information
Crisis Contact Information
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The Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) provides a free, 24-hour, seven day a week service.
Phone 1800 629 354 or
(02) 6205 1065
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The Mental Health Assessment Unit (MHAU), at The Canberra Hospital is co-located with the Emergency Department.
Phone (02) 6244 2222
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Lifeline 13 11 14
Counselling Psychologists
The following extract from the American Psychological Association website provides a useful overview of what Counselling Psychologists do.
"Counselling Psychology is a speciality within professional psychology that maintains a focus on facilitating personal and interpersonal functioning across the life span. The specialaity pays particular attention to the emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related, developmental, and orgaisational concerns.
"The practice of Counselling Psychology encompasses a broad range of culturally sensitive practices that help people improve their well-being, alleviate distress and maladjustment, resolve crises, and increase their ability to function better in their lives. With its attention to both normal developmental issues and problems associated with physical, emotional, and mental disorder, the specilsation holds a unique perspective in the broader practice-based areas of psychology.
"Interventions used by Counselling Psychologists may be either brief or long-term; they are often problem-specific and goal-directed. These activities are guided by a philosophy that values individual differences and diversity and a focus on prevention, development, and adjustment across the life-span."
(The American Psychological Association).
The Australian Psychological Society explains that Counselling Psychologists are trained and qualified to provide
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a wide variety of evidence-based techniques and therapeutic approaches that are tailored to meet the specific needs and circumstances of the client.
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prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of clients with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and more complex presentations such as posttraumatic stress disorder and personality disorders.
Code of Ethics
As a registered psychologist I am bound by the Code of Ethics promulaged by the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Psychological Society (the peak professional body for psychologists in Australia).
The Code of Ethics is directed at furthering the safety and well-being of clients of registered psychologists in Australia. The Code "articulates and promotes ethical principles, and sets specific standards to guide both psychologists and members of the public to a clear understanding and expectation of what is considered ethical professional conduct by psychologists." - (Extract from the Code of Ethics).
Charter For Clients
As a member of the Australian Psychological Society (the APS), I provide services to clients in accordance with the APS Charter for clients. This Charter outlines the service a client should expect from an APS psychologist.
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