What is Psychology?

Our psychology is the product of the complex interaction among our genetic templates, environment, learning, stress, emotional tolerance, relationships, and other factors. The brain continually changes in response to our environment and environmental challenges.

How can a psychologist help me?

Psychological problems are often many years old and are the product of equal years of thinking and behaving in the same ways. This can make the process of psychological change a long-term project and the extent of change is correlated to efforts (e.g., completion of out of session tasks, level of physical exercise, lifestyle choices) toward positive change. Sometimes psychological distress requires a short-term approach, and many people can experience change within weeks to months. Each psychology session is 50 minutes and for couples, sessions can be longer (up to 2 hours). At your first session your psychologist will gather information to assess your concerns. Together you will develop some goals and a plan, consider resources to support you, and determine whether further psychological support is needed. The number of appointments will vary depending on the nature of your requirements.

Psychologists work with clients to rebuild the neural architecture of the brain by:

• Creating and maintaining a safe, empathic, and supportive therapeutic relationship.
• Supporting clients to restructure thoughts and change behaviours.
• Supporting clients to gain an intellectual understanding of psychological problems and integrating behaviour, emotion, sensation, and cognition for insight and change.

Psychological intervention is effective for many of our life struggles including:

• Anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, panic, and phobias).
• Mood Disorders (depression and Bipolar Disorder).
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
• Relationship problems.
• Grief and loss.
• Stress and trauma.
• Improving communication skills.
• Coping with change.
• Injury and chronic pain