Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that describes a category of mood disorders. Individuals with bipolar disorder go back and forth between periods of a very good mood (mania), irritable mood and depression. These ‘mood swings’ can be very quick, but will vary in how severe or how long they last for each person. Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally and usually starts between the ages of 15 – 25.
There are two types of bipolar disorder:
1) Bipolar I Disorder: characterised by at least one manic episode and periods of major depression.
2) Bipolar II Disorder: characterised by experience periods of high energy levels and impulsiveness that are not as extreme as mania (called hypomania), and episodes of depression.
Mania refers to abnormally elevated mood and energy, which can sometimes be triggered by life changes, medications, lack of sleep or recreational drug use. If you have experienced mania you may remember being reckless, easily agitated, and experiencing an extreme increase in energy and self-esteem. You may have experienced racing thoughts and may have felt energised to do everything at once. You may have also been more likely to take risks and and felt you could stay awake for long periods without sleep.
The depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder include the following symptoms:
Daily low mood or sadness
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Eating problems; loss of appetite or overeating
Lack of energy
Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Loss of self-esteem
Problems with sleep or excessive sleeping
Thoughts of death and suicide
If you think you are experiencing symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, or you have previously been diagnosed and are struggling to cope, it is crucial to seek professional help. Treatment for bipolar disorder can often involve medication, however your someone.health psychologist can assist individuals with bipolar disorder in various other ways including:
Providing clarity around the diagnosis and education on the various treatment options
Facilitate goal setting and formulate plans to promote a stable routine
Engage social support networks
Assist with identifying meaningful and pleasurable activities
Promote positive psychology principles, including resilience, optimism and motivation
Meet the someone.health psychologists currently available to see new clients for counselling on bipolar disorder
My combined professional and life experiences make me highly aware of the types of difficulties encountered by people from all walks of life and the impact on their and others’ lives these obstacles to wellbeing can have. My efforts and professional skill are dedicated toward helping to make a difference
and to assist people in developing their greater potential
Annette believes that therapy is important for those looking to improve their overall mental wellbeing and to live a healthier, fuller life. Annette has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety and trauma symptoms, perfectionism, confidence and self-esteem issues, difficulties with change/adjustment and workplace stress.
It is very exciting when people take the first step to being proactive in their mental health and it makes me happy that mental health is becoming a topic we can talk freely about. I am excited to learn more about you and work together on how we can begin to create the life you want for yourself.
Hi! I’m looking forward to supporting you on your journey in working towards your goals, wherever you want to go. I aim to provide a safe space to talk about difficult things and value working with a bit of humour. Sometimes it helps bring some spark of joy back to the day to day. It can add meaning when it can be so difficult to look inwards and talk about our emotions. I find a safe space, sense of mutual respect and the therapeutic relationship is key in my practice.
Bilyana’s 20 years’ experience is vast, having started my career in nursing before embarking on study to become a Clinical Psychologist. She sees people presenting with a broad spectrum of presentations, including trauma, depressive and anxiety based disorders, workplace bullying, phobias, relationship issues, stress disorders, schizophrenia, self-harm, suicidal behaviour, personality disorders, grief and relationship issues.
I aim to listen to a client’s journey and help people reach their potential to be the best they can be in all aspects of their lives. I pride myself on providing a reliable and genuine experience to all my clients. I place a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and providing a space which allows clients to explore their difficulties in a safe, supportive, confidential and trusting environment. I will take an individual formulation approach to my practice considering the biological, social and psychological aspects of difficulties. Within this, I will work with clients to identify the most appropriate evidence based treatment approach within the available time. I am committed to helping individuals to achieve their full potential, identify individuals values and helping you achieve your goals.
Brent offers a confidential and sensitive service to his clients providing evidence-based psychological therapy, including assessment and treatment for a range of emotional, behavioural, and psychological difficulties.
I am committed to working with clients through a collaborative client-centered approach. I view acceptance and a non-judgmental interaction as critical components to the client-therapist relationship. I believe in focusing on strengths and self-observation skills as the keys to client change, growth, and development. I look forward to the opportunity of working with clients who are seeking to move forward in their lives. We need to be more like a river in life, not a pond.
I love what I do. I take earning your trust very seriously. I think it’s a big deal to share your thoughts, fears, worries, hopes and dreams in counselling. I work hard to listen well and to understand your experience of the world and how you would like it to be different. I’m a real person and will be clear about how I think I can help and have both professional and life experience to draw from.
Dajana has 20 years experience as a Psychologist working with a diverse range of clients. She has extensive experience in substance abuse and addictions, depression, anxiety, stress management, adjustment disorder, PTSD and grief and loss.
A registered psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals live more fulfilling lives. I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, and I am grateful for the opportunity to accompany my clients on their journey, supporting them along the way.
You can not change the waves but you can learn to surf them. I really like that saying because it emphasizes that although you might not be able to control certain situations, you can still control your reaction and response to it. You might be surprised how small changes in our behaviours or our perspectives can have a great impact on how we feel about ourselves and our surroundings.
“First I’ll listen, then I’ll help”
Hello, I am Dr Geoff Pearce, a Performance and Positivity Psychologist and have 30 years’ experience. I work with Performance and Positivity in adults. ‘Performance’ refers to how well people do the things that are important to them
Ioanna has over 30 years of experience working with a diverse range of clients including adolescents, adults and seniors in both rural and urban settings. Ioanna is keen to work with clients who experience anxiety and depression, low self esteem, family and/or relationship conflicts, amongst other areas or simply to be a sounding board.
James’ approach to mental health is about mind-body integration and looking at the “whole person”. Mental health influences how we feel, think and move, how we communicate and relate to the world, and can seriously impact our physical health. James will hep make sense of how this all fits together, to explore unhelpful thoughts and behaviour, and identify different options.
Jeanette has 27 years of experience as a psychologist. She has worked in private practice, as an Employee Assistance Provider (both internal and external) and as a teacher of counselling in a private counselling college.
Jeanette has gained a lot of expertise working in many areas of psychopathology over the years and continues to enjoy ongoing professional development, offering a service of value.
Jenny has been a registered Psychologist since 2005. Jenny’s key areas of interest are stress and health management, mood and anxiety disorders, parenting, managing life transitions, executive functioning and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Former comedian and current Clinical Psychologist Joe Guse uses humour to help people respond to life’s challenges. Joe strives to help people use humour to respond to lifes emotional choices. He has authored 20 books and appears regularly on American television shows including Biography, Autopsy, and Behind Closed Doors.
Julian’s professional style is a person-to-person clinical practice focusing on individual needs. He works in a natural and holistic style. Your personal preferences are key to the therapy that you receive. Julian delivers therapy that considers your being in the world so that you can gain positive personal relationships and satisfying personal interactions.
Kaming is open-minded and enjoys working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations. Kaming is trained in several evidence-base approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Schema Therapy and EMDR. He is interested to work with people’s addiction issues, interpersonal relationships issues, specific trauma and complex trauma.
Kate has worked as a psychologist for over 35 years and is keen to help people 16-years-old and older who wish to improve their psychological life. Kate has a Doctorate in Health Science and her certifications include Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Ericksonian Hypnosis. She also studies Buddhism, including meditation and mindfulness.
I am a fully qualified hypnotherapist, treating all types of anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, drug addictions, self-esteem issues, chronic pain, and IBS.
I have 20 years of experience as a music teacher and taught children from age four to adults, aged 64 years.
I also treat children and adolescents for peer relationship issues, school refusal, bullying, and poor school performance.
Deciding to see a Psychologist is a big step, so congratulations for coming this far. Once you choose a therapist, stepping into a their virtual therapy room is the next big step, and for many people this can feel overwhelming. A big part of my job is to help you feel comfortable and safe. All you have to do is take that step, show up and be yourself.
I am a clinical psychologist with experience working with adolescents and adults. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgemental space where we can collaboratively explore the challenges you are currently facing; identify and work on the goals you want to achieve in therapy.
Linda has worked for many years with a diverse client group, including people with disabilities, Aboriginal Australians, people with traumatic life experiences and families experiencing conflict and breakdown. Linda has specialist training in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and Narrative Therapy as well as a number of trauma-focussed approaches.
I look forward to working with you on those parts of your life that you are struggling with at present. We will work together collaboratively as I bring my knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and brain processes, to your knowledge of yourself and how you want to live your fullest life. This may involve challenges and change that you might already be apprehensive about but together we can help you develop a new calmness, and to help you to connect with your inner courage and commitment to change. I want for you what you already want for yourself, and that is to lead a life of meaning and purpose with connections to those close to you and to your community.
Louis has experience working with adults and young people aged 16+. Louis has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, trauma and PTSD, bipolar disorder, dealing with anger, stress management, drug and alcohol issues, and managing health and lifestyle.
Manya is experienced in helping people change behaviours that form part of a chronic condition whether physical or psychological. These changes include becoming more physically active and fit; pain management; feeling in control of your eating; the moderate consumption of alcohol; and cessation of smoking & problem gambling. She also has extensive experience helping people exit a substance abuse lifestyle.
Welcome! I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story. I’m a dedicated psychologist who values openness, authenticity, and collaboration. It’s important to me that you feel understood, respected, and valued.
Margot is an experienced Clinical Psychologist who has helped a diverse range of clients over the past 18 years and is currently offering 1:1 psychotherapy for adults and older adults with anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination, low self esteem and confidence, imposter syndrome, parenting concerns, life stage transition, interpersonal difficulties and stress management.
I have a passion for making a difference in people’s lives by increasing their psychological flexibility to become equipped with skills to live a more valued life despite the challenges.
I am experienced in providing successful therapy grounded in empathy, genuineness and respect, I assists individuals across the lifespan referred from local stakeholders, mental health clinicians and GPs.
Martin is best known for his humour and pragmatism. Martin has experience working with a diverse range of clients, including children, adolescents, adults and families. Martin has spent recent years working in a mental health clinic for people living with addictions, trauma and mood disorders.
Welcome and congratulations on taking this first step – it isn’t always an easy one! I can’t wait to meet you and hear your story. There isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ in therapy, and the connection you have with your therapist is so important.
Melissa has extensive experience in working with teen conflicts including peer conflicts, relationships, exam stress and fitting in. In addition to that she has an interest in PTSD and trauma, poor health, covid-related adjustment and loss, HIV and cancer. Melissa can provide support for LBGTQ conflicts including coming out.
Welcome and hello to you, I am looking forward to understanding who you are as an individual. I am hopeful that through our time together we can put in place some steps and strategies to assist you in achieving the outcomes you desire.
Michelle enjoys helping people to deal with life challenges and developmental problems to optimise psychological well-being. Her approach is to work together with clients to process feelings and to develop self insight and understanding. This aims to alleviate distress as well as to provide different ways of thinking, being and relating to the self and others.
I have learned that deep and lasting change is possible, that long-term issues can be resolved, and people can be free of emotional pain they carry by making sense of difficult experiences together, both past and present, and moving towards a place of self-understanding. Michiel works with adults and adolescents using an integrative approach which is based on empathy and building a strong mutual respect and working relationship with clients.
I am passionate about helping people solve problems. My approach is focused on uncovering the things that are holding you back, setting goals to fix this, and motivating you to take action. I tailor my approach to everyone individually, and I use techniques that have been shown by research to help people. If you are interested, please inquire. I look forward to working with you 🙂
Rachel only works with children and young adults, up to the age of 25. She has over 20 years experience. Rachel has a keen interest in helping those who struggle with anxiety issues, including social anxiety, OCD and phobias. She has also worked extensively with young people who experience depression and other mood disorders, alongside other significant life events, such as bullying, relationship/friendship issues and adjustment issues.
Rosara has a keen interest in working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma including PTSD and adjustment disorder, OCD, bipolar disorder, gambling and other addictive behaviours, alcohol misuse, work/personal stress and domestic violence survivors.
Rosemary welcomes clients concerned with personal issues such as anger, stress, anxiety, and depression, self-esteem, phobias, adjustment, behavioural change, eating disorders, smoking cessation, grief and loss, and relationships. She also welcomes clients with workplace issues such as career development, motivation, performance, and interpersonal conflict. Rosemary only provides video consultations.
I like to take a unique approach, tailoring strategies around what works best for you. Whether you are comfortable with talk therapy or taking a more creative approach, I can be flexible in my therapeutic style. I look forward to getting to you know as a person so we can work together creating a better life for you. I am warm, empathetic and easy to open up to.
Sarah uses a person-centred, strength-based approach, working in collaboration with clients to reach their therapeutic goals. Sarah is highly focused on the therapeutic relationship using a calm and relaxed manner, positive communication strategies, empathy, and understanding during therapy sessions.
Shyan is passionate about improving psychological wellbeing and standard of living for individuals across cultures by encouraging individuals to continuously develop and improve their positive coping and problem-solving skills. Shyan also strongly believes in using an eclectic approach so as to create a comfortable environment and cater to individualized needs.
Simon is a qualified primary school teacher as well as a registered psychologist. Simon has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and behaviour and emotional disorders in children. He has a relaxed, easy going nature and likes to provide people with the skills to manage life’s challenges.
Stephanie has had nearly three decades of working with a diversity of clients, issues and genres. Stephanie is keen to work diversely with relationship issues family issues depression and anxiety faulty thinking self esteem learning difficulties stress performance management parenting and pregnancy including IVF.
Teresa’s approach is compassionate, open-minded, and collaborative – she employs various strategies and techniques that will best suit you as an individual. Teresa has broad experience with a range of difficulties including anxiety, OCD, depression, LGBTQ concerns, PTSD, addiction, ADHD, NDIS, eating disorders, grief and loss, stress & anger management, violence or family trauma, personality disorders, career & couples counselling.
Trisha has experience working with a diverse range of clients including children, community from different cultural backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and LGBT+ community.
Client-centred therapy lies at the center of my practice of psychology; where the client’s needs, personal perspectives and preferences inform my treatment methods and choices. I see psychological treatment as a collaborative experience forged by the kindred rapport between the client and myself. My clients and I embark on the recovery journey together and I ensure my approach enables the client to eventually become independent where they no longer need my contribution and have found a stronger, richer version of themselves through therapy.
I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you and forming a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship that is centered on working together to create the life you wish for. I have worked extensively with young people from the ages of 5-18 and their families with the goal of always being respectful, an advocate and assisting clients to navigate their difficulties so that they can lead a rich and full life.
Will is a warm and compassionate Psychologist who is passionate about supporting individuals attain greater mental health and well-being. Therapeutic sessions are centered around helping individuals gain a deeper insight of themselves, their behavioural patterns and self-beliefs.
William is an understanding and effective psychologist who works collaboratively to facilitate healing and a grounded sense of hope. He has extensive experience providing interventions to adults experiencing a wide range of psychological problems including addictions and anxiety disorders.
Winifred has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, work-related mental health problems, perfectionism, procrastination, low self esteem and interpersonal difficulties. She focuses on being empathetic and supports clients on their journey. Winifred believes in creating a comfortable and safe environment where you feel you can talk openly about any issue.
I am looking forward to meeting many and varied clients to work with together to bring the very best in your life. My style is relaxed and friendly and I like to focus on the relationship we build together.
I have practiced for over 30 years with all range of problems so I welcome all or any struggles in your life,. We will approach issues together looking at the emotional processes, thoughts and feelings.
Zhiwen is experienced working children, adolescents and adults including seniors. She has worked with culturally and linguistically diverse clients such as overseas student and new immigrants. Zhiwen has keen interest in working with people experiencing adjustment issues and seeking support for Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar, Depression, Mood, OCD, Phobia, Personality, Trauma (PTSD), Lifestyle and Stress management.