What we treat
I am a consultant clinical psychologist, with 30 years’ independent private and contractual practice which has included general private practice as well as extensive EAP services to a number of major organizations and smaller business concerns.
I have extensive experience helping with issues of anxiety, depression, relationship and/or family difficulties, trauma, and the legacies of traumatic experience; as well as assisting with self-development when that is someone’s wish or goal, to help release the potential and creativity within; assertiveness training, deep relaxation, conflict resolution, etc.
For three years from its inception I was Clinic Psychologist and Manager of the Macquarie University Child Anxiety Clinic under the directorship of Professor Ron Rapee, and taught as Associate Lecturer in Psychology. I also taught psychology and ethics at the Jansen Newman Institute as Deputy Academic Director, and managed the student trainee psychology clinic (supervision, placements). I have acted as supervisor to counsellors at Ted Noffs Foundation PALM Program and Cyrenian House (AOD), and recently in a locum role providing psychological therapy to participants of the William Booth House Bridge Program (AOD).
My long term contracted EAP work has comprised individual counselling, personal and workplace related, group work such as trauma debrief and defuse (CID), conflict resolution, and management consultancy. I currently provide (mostly telephone) EAP services to Centennial Coal P/L Western branches, in a private capacity, since 2006.
My approach with clients is overall a pragmatic and collaborative one, to suit individual and personal needs. I work with people’s strengths, on their wavelength, affirmatively with firm boundaries and challenges where appropriate, constructive, and tolerable by the client. Treatment/therapy ‘methods’ may include paradigms such as ddp, brief solution focused therapy, cbt, or more extended psychological therapy. Mindfulness techniques and attention to lifestyle practices (diet, exercise and so on) are included by way of psycho-education within a therapeutic framework. My prior background as a television writer and working in the film and television industry also informs the breadth and ease of my relating with interesting people from all walks of life, and brings a narrative as well as phenomenological view to clients’ lives and experiences.
- _ _
Some examples of issues that may lead people to seek psychological therapy or guidance:
• anxiety (including general, social, or specific)
• relationship difficulties (even starting a new relationship can be very stressful)
• need for stress management
• depression
• grief (recent or past, unresolved or complicated)
• workplace and/or personal life stress
• relocation due to work or relationship demands
• need for conflict resolution
• need for communication/assertiveness skills
• family difficulties (mild or severe, current or past)
• parent-child dynamics (any age)
• a new baby (parents & siblings adjusting; post-natal depression, etc)
• separation, divorce
• addictions/substance dependencies/abuse (alcohol, other drugs, cigarettes, food, sex, etc)
• living with an addictive person
• illness, physical injury
• sexual, body image issues
• eating difficulties
• self-esteem, self-worth issues
• workplace bullying/harassment
• difficulty leaving a controlling or abusive relationship (or legacies of one)
• past history/experience of abuse or neglect
• obsessive/compulsive disorder, hoarding disorder, etc
• a desire for personal growth and self-development
• concern for someone else
Regardless of the type of issue present or therapy modality used, timely and skilled psychological help and the stability of the therapeutic relationship will frequently uncover people’s desire and capacity to explore their fuller potential, to care for themselves, and to live in greater empathy with themselves and others.
“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.”
Contact:
Ph. 0414 395 617 E: [email protected] Web: www.psychologyground.com.au
Fellow APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Medicare prov. 258510CW, Reg 0001251523.
Agi holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and is trained in various therapeutic modalities and psychotherapy. Agi has experienced her own personal therapy which adds to her understanding of others' needs and in the process of assisting in people's personal growth, as well as taking a pragmatic approach to help find solutions to immediate presenting issues.; Agi has worked with a wide range of people of all ages over her 27 years of practice.