Melbourne Psychology and Counselling
Psychology and Counselling is a diverse field that consists of numerous philosophies and theories about how to work with people. We believe in a humanistic and relational approach since most people find interpersonal warmth and trust to be a key component to facilitate therapeutic change. However, this is often not enough to sustain change in an individual.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a cousin of the more familiar and long-standing Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). While CBT seems to help a great many people, about one-third seem to not benefit very much. ACT is geared toward that one-third, as well as improving upon the benefits gained by the rest. ACT is protocol steeped in “psychological distancing” where one becomes an observer of one’s thoughts and feelings, without interacting with them, and therefore inadvertently reinforcing them. ACT includes many visual strategies, metaphors, behavioral exposure strategies, and mindfulness, and has an abundance of research involving applications to depression, anxiety, OCD, social phobia, and personality disorders.
With each client we see, we strive to facilitate a level of improved self-understanding into their nature, as well as how they interact with others. Without such insight, change is often temporary, if not altogether elusive. Our main aim is to achieve change that has a long-lasting and sustainable impact on the client’s world and all that surrounds it.
How do I know if I need to see a psychologist?’
A common question as a psychologist we regularly get asked is ‘how do I know if I need to see a psychologist?’ It is a good question and one that should be answered with respect and integrity. Psychology and Counselling fluctuates between being a science and an art, and this means it can be extremely subjective. The best way to know when someone would benefit from seeing a psychologist is when signs and symptoms of problems like anxiety, depression, or trauma begin to interfere with day-to-day functioning. It is recommended to seek help when relationships, friendships, and work-life become too hard because symptoms are getting in the way. Often people report that they can’t manage their anger anymore, or that they can’t focus at work, or that they no longer get enjoyment out of their usual activities. These are just some of the reasons why seeking help may be of benefit.
Melbourne Psychology and Counselling treatments
Jeff Edmonds, Psy.D.
With years of clinical experience working as a Psychologist in America and Australia, Jeff Edmonds draws upon his extensive expertise of working with clients from all walks of life. As a clinical psychologist he is trained to reduce symptoms and alleviate distress using a variety of therapeutic techniques. Most of the adults he sees struggle with symptoms including depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting difficulties, and relationship distress. Some examples of the practical application of his skills include giving talks to schools and businesses regarding anxiety and work-place stress management. His clinical experiences include inpatient and office-based psychological intervention, emergency department intervention, and school and home-based counselling services.
Jeff is a Registered Clinical Psychologist (Licence #PSY0001130089) and received a B.A. in Psychology and a B.M in Music Composition from Michigan State University (1999), and a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from the California School of Professional Psychology-San Diego (2007).
Joyce Lim, MPsych
Joyce is a Registered Psychologist with experience working with clients across the lifespan in Singapore and Australia, from providing couple counselling and family therapy, supporting children, adolescents and their care-givers, and engaging in cutting-edge research on healthy ageing.
Joyce feels strongly that diversity in our world is what makes it beautiful, from differences in cultures, the path of each person’s life experiences and the uniqueness of each individual’s neurotype. To this end, Joyce aims to provide a safe space where her clients can grow and discover their strengths. Joyce approaches therapeutic work through the lens of attachment theory and draws from different modalities to suit the needs of the client. This includes using a strengths-based, collaborative approach while tapping on strategies from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Play Therapy. Joyce is fluent in English and Mandarin, and her multicultural awareness led to a strong understanding on the impact of culture, upbringing and societal pressure on the well-being of clients. Joyce specialises in working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and is also experienced in supporting the needs of children, adolescents and adults who are on the spectrum and/or ADHD, and with individuals who have experienced trauma.
Joyce has a Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) and is also a PhD Candidate at the Australian Catholic University. Beyond psychology, Joyce loves cooking and enjoying good food with her family and friends. She also loves cats despite being severely allergic to fur and dust.
Craig Macpherson, B.A. (Hons), MOrgPsych
Craig is a Registered Psychologist who combines a warm, caring nature, and who has experience working across diverse challenges and stages of life. Craig aims to assist his clients with achieving their preferred goals – whether it be feeling different emotions, improving problem solving, or achieving a different perspective.
Craig incorporates an approach to therapy that employs a wide variety of techniques, based on the best available research and the client’s own wishes.
He has experience working with depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, work-related difficulties, and anger management. He has particular interests in working with current and ex-Defence members and people facing challenges in their workplaces, including unemployment, conflict, and stress.
Outside of psychology, Craig can be found trying to keep fit through running and boxing, cooking up a mess in the kitchen, or spending time with his partner.
For the past 15 years Anna has worked in a number of settings including government and the corporate sectors, and has provided psychology consulting to a wide variety of businesses representing diverse industries.
Anna has extensive experience providing therapeutic counselling and support to adults presenting with a range of personal, relationship and work related challenges. Her approach to supporting her clients is warm and encouraging, focusing on practical solutions.
Anna uses a client-centered therapeutic approach and uses a mix of Short Term Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as part of her practice.