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Services

Support for Children, Adults, Adolescents and Couples

ANXIETY
Anxiety is a natural and usually short-lived reaction to a stressful situation. It typically occurs in new, unfamiliar or challenging situation. For some people however, anxious thoughts, feelings, or physical symptoms are severe, upsetting, frequent, and interrupt daily life. If this happens it is important to seek help.

Types of anxiety disorder include:

  • Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Specific phobia
  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Agoraphobia

How we can help

Effective psychological treatments for anxiety include:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) 

Virtual Reality Therapy (VR Therapy)

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DEPRESSION
A person may be depressed if, over a certain length of time, they have experienced either (or both) of the following:

  • a sense of sadness, emptiness, or low mood for most of the day, nearly every day
  • a loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities, even ones usually enjoyed

These symptoms may include changes to their appetite and sleep, lethargy, worry and negativing thinking patterns that may impact on a person’s daily life and relationships.

How we can help

There are a number of effective psychological treatments for depression, including:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

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TRAUMA / PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) refers to symptoms that can emerge following the experience of a traumatic event that involves exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.

Symptoms can include reliving the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event, feeling numb, having negative thoughts and mood, and feeling agitated or wound up.

Exposure to early childhood trauma such as physical or sexual abuse or emotional neglect can have significant long-term effects on healthy development and can cause difficulties in adult attachment relationships.

How we can help

Effective psychological treatments for PTSD include:

Trauma-focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Prolonged exposure & Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

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RELATIONSHIPS

Frequent conflict or arguments, emotional distance, loss of trust or sense of betrayal are common relationship problems. Unresolved conflict causes emotional distance and disconnect in relationships. Therapy can help couples connect and turn towards each other to discuss their needs and fears and resolve conflict. Trust can be rebuilt by helping couples acknowledge hurt and betrayal, be responsive to each other’s needs and strengthen their emotional bond. Relationship counselling can help build strong foundations at the early stages, deal with the transition into parenthood or with fertility issues, cope with loss or illness and manage the later stages of relationship.

 

How we can help

Couples therapy is based on the principles of the Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Therapy.

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INSURANCE / WORK COVER
If you have been injured at work or been involved in a motor vehicle accident you may be the help of a psychologist as part of your recovery. Workers’ compensation is available for physical and psychological injury, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, where work is a significant contributing factor to the psychological injury.

Psychological therapy can help adjustment difficulties, trauma and other mental health difficulties associated with both physical and psychological injuries. Psychological interventions are effective in managing pain associated with injuries. Virtual reality therapy can help reduce phobic anxiety such as anxiety associated with driving in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident.

How we can help

Our psychologists can provide counselling under Work Cover claims and Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme (ICWA).

If you have an insurance claim, please contact us to ensure approval of sessions in advance of your appointment.

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TELEHEALTH
Telehealth uses video conference consultation communication between you and your psychologist. You can claim Medicare rebates for psychological services delivered via telehealth (videoconference or phone) and can access the same number of sessions that you would have received as face-to-face sessions under the Medicare-funded program.

Psychological treatment provided using videoconferencing technology has been found to be as effective as a face-to-face appointment for a variety of mental health problems.

Having the option of telehealth makes treatment more accessible for those who face barriers including family commitments, work schedule, FIFO, disability and other health conditions, anxiety and travel barriers.

There is no need to download any software as your psychologist will send you an email or SMS link for your session. All you will need access to a quiet, private space and a device (e.g., smartphone, laptop, iPad, computer). Our video conference technology, Coviu, is end-to-end encrypted and does not store patient data, providing secure and private telehealth sessions.

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VIRTUAL REALITY THERAPY
Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy uses a headset to immerse you in a virtual environment.  It can be used to enhance the treatment of Anxiety, Phobias, Panic, Trauma, Pain, Stress and other disorders.

VR uses a range of 3D environments to assist exposure to anxiety-provoking situations (such as airplanes, high rooftops, tight spaces, medical procedures, driving, social situations). VR therapy helps overcome barriers to real life exposure and help you face fears in a safe environment as part of graded exposure treatment approach. Your psychologist will be able to see what you’re seeing and can guide you through the intensity and length of exposure to the feared situation.

VR environments can also help practice relaxation and mindfulness skills to reduce stress and help in the management of pain.

 

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STRESS
Stress helps motivate us to perform well and complete tasks when dealing with challenging situations. Chronic stress such as ongoing financial, health, relationship or work-based issues or social isolation can lead to physical and mental health problems such as sleep difficulties, weakened immune system, worry, irritability, difficulty concentrating and feeling overwhelmed.

Work stressors can include factors such as interpersonal difficulties, workload, deadlines, safety issues, long hours, physical environment and structural/organisational issues. People may experience a lack of motivation, autonomy, recognition or financial reward in their job roles and may face uncertainty due to job insecurity, organisational changes or economic conditions. Individuals can experience conflict, lack of support or training or harassment, discrimination and bullying. Often work stress can spill over into home life, impacting on other relationships, sleep and self-care.

How we can help

Professional support can help reduce the impact of work stress.

Stress can be managed with relaxation and mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy.

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SLEEP / INSOMNIA
Sleep is essential for wellbeing and ongoing sleep problems can affect physical health, mental health and quality of life. Sleep difficulties can involve problems falling asleep at bedtime, problems staying asleep during the night with frequent awakenings, or, early morning awakenings without being able to go back to sleep. Cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is an effective psychological therapy for the treatment of insomnia. Treatment involves psycho-education on sleep, sleep monitoring, sleep hygiene, relaxation skills, stimulus control and cognitive restructuring.

 

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CHRONIC PAIN
More than 1 in 3 Australians are living with chronic pain. Chronic pain refers to pain that persists for at least three months. Severe, long-lasting pain can impact significantly on quality of life. While most people think of pain as a physical problem research demonstrates the role that the brain and how we think and respond to pain impacts on our experience of pain. A biopsychosocial model acknowledges the complex interactions among biological, social, and psychological factors, which influence chronic pain. Treating chronic pain often involves a team of health professionals, including psychologists.

Psychological interventions can help manage the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of chronic pain. Interventions reduce the reactivity of the central nervous system, and therefore reduce central sensitisation from the brain, and improve a person’s ability to cope with chronic pain.

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GRIEF / LOSS
Grief is the natural reaction to loss. Grief can be experienced in response to the death of a loved one, separation or divorce or other significant loss-related events. People cope with grief in a variety of ways with individual differences in the intensity and duration of the grieving process. Some people may find it helpful to talk openly about their loss and others may want time alone. Personality, cultural factors and the nature of the loss can influence grief reactions. Typically, grief is associated with intense emotions such as shock and disbelief, sadness, anger, guilt and remorse, anxiety, loneliness, helplessness, and a sense of yearning. Most people can manage their grief by maintaining self-care and, with the support of others, adjust to their loss in time. When grief is complicated or prolonged, professional support can be helpful in adjusting to loss.

 

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SELF-ESTEEM

People with low self-esteem hold negative basic beliefs about themselves and engage in frequent self-criticism while ignoring positive qualities. These beliefs are sometimes formed in childhood or can be influenced by negative life experiences and relationships. Negative beliefs about self may be related to having unrelenting high standards or perfectionist tendencies. When our self-worth is overly influenced by achievement or body image we can experience low self-esteem.

 

Self-esteem can be improved by understanding how negative beliefs were formed and challenging thinking styles and behaviours. By developing awareness of the emotional impact of negative self-talk we can learn self-compassion and improve our self-esteem.

 

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OCD
OCD is characterised by:

  • recurring, persistent, and distressing thoughts, images or impulses, known as obsessions
  • the need to carry out certain repetitive behaviours, rituals, or mental acts, known as compulsions.

Assistance from a psychologist is recommended when the symptoms of OCD are causing significant distress, or are interfering with relationships, daily work or social functioning.

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) with a focus on exposure and response prevention (ERP) is considered the optimal psychotherapeutic treatment for OCD.

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ADULT ADHD Treatment
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterised by difficulties with concentration, attention and impulse control which impact on the person’s day-to-day life. Adults with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating for long periods of time, are easily distracted, or might act or speak before thinking things through. People with ADHD have significant and ongoing difficulties in these areas, which can affect their broader lives, particularly their study, work and relationships.

Treatment varies according to the needs of the person. Those with mild ADHD without other developmental or mental health issues generally do well with a range of psychological strategies. Those with more difficult to manage symptoms or other mental health concerns often benefit from a combination of medication and psychological support.

How we can help

We do not currently provide assessment or diagnosis for adult ADHD. Psychological therapy can help manage symptoms, with some evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy in reducing ADHD symptoms in adults.

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LGBTQI+  ISSUES

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse (LGBTQI+) people are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than their peers. This isn’t specifically because of their sexuality or gender identity, but because they are more likely to face prejudice, exclusion and discrimination than the broader community. Seeking professional assistance from an affirming mental health professional may be helpful for LGBTQI+ people who are experiencing mental health difficulties. Same sex couples and those in in LGBTI+ relationships face the same issues being in a healthy relationship as others face but also may face specific challenges due to the experience of rejection, isolation and lack of social support.

How we can help

Psychologist Katherina Doherty has specific skills and experiences supporting people with concerns and needs commonly experienced by people who identify as LGBTQI+, their partners, and their families. She enjoys supporting same sex couples build positive and healthy relationships using principles from the Gottman Method Relationship Counselling.

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WEIGHT & BODY IMAGE
Body dissatisfaction is highly prevalent in society and weight loss is seen as the solution to body image problems. Weight loss solutions such as easy, fast dieting are part of the problem and often ineffective leading to yo-yo dieting and weight regain. Social stereotypes about body size endorsed by the media create a desire to conform to beauty ideals and increase body comparison. Psychological approaches to helping people with eating, weight and body image concerns de-emphasises weight loss include:

  • whole person values and goals
  • mindset for lasting weight management success
  • development of healthy habits
  • food and mood
  • overcoming emotional eating
  • body satisfaction and acceptance

How we can help

Psychological approaches including cognitive-behavioural therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy for weight management can help build healthy habits, reduce emotional eating and improve self-esteem / body satisfaction.

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FIFO ISSUES

Fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) work practices can be beneficial financially and in other ways but also present specific challenges to employees and their families. Although research shows FIFO workers experience higher levels of mental health difficulties (such as depression, anxiety, burnout, alcohol/drug use), experience of FIFO life varies depending on individual/family needs and aspects of work design/culture (rosters, accommodation arrangements, etc). Loneliness and family separation can impact on relationships and aspects of parenting for FIFO employees and their families.

How we can help

We have extensive experience of providing support to FIFO employees and their families and understand the challenges of working remotely. We can help you manage the impact of FIFO on your mental health and your relationships.

 

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