Registered Psychologist
Hi there, I’m Rachael. I am a registered psychologist who is passionate about de-stigmatising the experience of mental ill-health and promoting the use of self-care and self-compassion.
I strive to provide a therapeutic experience that cultivates a sense of acceptance and validation in the lives of those I am privileged to work with.
I understand that people present with unique strengths, challenges, motivations and needs. My focus is to create a safe, non-judgemental and inclusive space for people to better understand themselves and to assist them in addressing the challenges that may be holding them back from living their best lives as their best selves.
I have experience working in the public mental health and disability sectors across community, custodial and hospital settings. I have worked with adults and young people (over 16) from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety and mood disorders, post-traumatic stress and complex trauma, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis and substance use.
I am an eclectic practitioner and will draw upon a range of evidence-based interventions informed by cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, schema therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and somatic psychotherapy to effectively assess and treat various mental health issues.
I have particular interests in adolescent mental health and wellbeing, suicide awareness and prevention, embracing and promoting neurodiversity and working with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, psychosis and/or low self-esteem as well as those who have lived through trauma.
Rachael can help you with:
Mental Health and Wellbeing – providing psycho-education, developing symptom reduction strategies and relapse prevention plans for a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, other mood disorders, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), complex trauma, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis and substance use.
Adjustment and Transition Difficulties – assistance with overall adjustment and learning practical strategies to help reduce the distress associated with food sensitivities and chronic health conditions (e.g., Coeliac Disease)
Identity and Self-Esteem – addressing self-esteem and body image issues, understanding and improving the relationship with food, and replacing unhelpful coping strategies that no longer serve a person (e.g., avoidance, isolation, aggression, over- and under-eating, self-harming).
Rachael’s Qualifications:
- Full registration as a General Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice from Griffith University
- Bachelor of Psychological Science from Griffith University
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons) from Griffith University
Q&A with Rachael!
What’s your favourite food?
Similar to the length of a piece of string, my love of food is endless. However, being a Coeliac, I have had to make some tough adjustments to what I can and cannot eat over the years. My search for the perfect gluten free naan continues…
What’s your favourite cooking method?
Using the slow cooker. Minimum effort for maximum aroma and flavour!
Why did you become a psychologist?
I’m a naturally curious and open-minded person and have probably been drawn to understanding why people think, feel and act in the ways that they do from a young age. The decision to become a psychologist most likely began as a way to better understand myself and navigate the world, which over time, has shifted into a career focused on helping others to help themselves.