Counseling

Research has shown that a strong therapeutic relationship has a very positive effect on the outcome of therapy. So we give a particular emphasis to the relationship we form with the people we help. We focus on being emotionally available for someone, which includes listening carefully, being concentrated in the moment, fully attending to their words and expressions so we can fine tune our approach to meet the unique needs of the person we are with.

To develop this capacity we have needed to overcome the barriers that prevent us from providing that warm and accepting environment for the people we see. This journey of self-discovery and self-development has given us a deep personal appreciation of the challenges and struggles of mental and emotional growth.

We take a very practical approach, believing that growth and change only happen when we do something different. Supporting people to practise new strategies and approaches consistently helps to break the negative habits of thinking that often underpin depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

We provide a wide variety of services:

Assisting individuals to:

Manage stress and conflict at home and work
Deal with grief, loss and trauma
Overcome feelings of depression, anxiety and fear
Increase self-esteem and confidence
Manage chronic pain
Manage anger or violence

Assisting couples and families to:

Build satisfying relationships
Improve their communication
Manage conflict or disagreement
Improve parenting skills
Cope with separation, divorce or re-marriage
Deal with problems often experienced in blended families

Assisting children to:

Manage anxiety or depression
Build self-confidence and emotional resilience
Manage anger or aggression
Learn social and relationship skills

Making an Appointment

Professional Training and Registration of our Psychologists

Psychologists are trained in understanding human behaviour having studied the brain, memory, learning, human development and what determines how people think, feel, behave and respond. They provide a wide variety of evidence-based techniques such as CBT, ACT and other mindfulness-based therapies, and therapeutic approaches that are customised to meet the specific needs and circumstances of each person. These needs may include areas as diverse as grief and loss, significant life transitions, developmental issues, relationship difficulties, domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault and trauma, as well developing and maintaining healthy lifestyles and physical and mental wellness. More information can be gained from the Australian Psychological Society website.

Our psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, which is part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA). Before being eligible for general registration to practise as a psychologist, students are required to complete a minimum of six years of tertiary level education and training. More information can be gained from the Psychology Board of Australia website. Each of our psychologists have many years experience working in a variety of settings. Mark Cary, Jan Dugan and Jan Gudkovs are members of the Australian Psychological Society's College of Counseling Psychologists. This involves post-graduate training in a variety of therapeutic modalities. Noel Ryan has worked as a psychologist in human services over the past 40 years. Clive Savage worked with children as a guidance officer in schools for several years before completing his training in psychology.