Learn More About Kate
If you're looking for a Psychologist that you can connect with and feel comfortable opening up to, then getting to know me - Kate - is a great first step to determine if we're a good fit.
My Background
My first career was as a Registered Nurse training in Paediatrics, but I always had an interest in psychology and so I commenced my studies after a few years of working in hospitals. Fast forward ten years and 2 children later, I graduated from Griffith University as a psychologist. I was a Student Counsellor at Bond University for 12 years before going into private practice on the Gold Coast. I now live in Brisbane and see clients in my New Farm rooms.
I have experience in helping adults and adolescents with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I have a particular interest in Complex Trauma and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) and am an Accredited EMDR Practitioner.
I take a caring, warm and non-judgmental approach in working with clients to assist them in managing their issues. I have trained in therapy modes, including Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) and Polyvagal Theory-Based therapy.
I am registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority). I am also registered to provide services through Medicare Better Access To Mental Health Care Initiative for clients referred by their GP or Psychiatrist. Clients with a current GP Mental Health Plan are eligible to obtain a rebate for up to 10 sessions from Medicare in a calendar year (January to December). This applies to individual counselling only, not couple counselling.
I am a registered provider with WorkCover and Private Health Funds and am registered with DVA. I am a member of The Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPI) and the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA).
My Special Interests
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal body response to something dangerous. When the response is triggered in our brains, numerous physiological responses occur, known as the flight/fight/freeze or flop response, and goes into survival mode. However, sometimes anxiety shows up when there is no 'dangerous' threat but can be triggered by perception or the feeling of threat.
Anxiety is normal; everyone experiences anxiety at some time in their life – before an exam, when meeting new people, going for an interview or stress at work.
Sometimes it happens for no reason at all. That's also normal. The good news is that anxiety can be managed effectively by psychological interventions.
Depression
Depression is more than just a low mood – it's a serious illness. People with depression find it hard to function every day. Depression has serious effects on physical and mental health. Most people assume that depression is caused by recent social or personal difficulties.
However, depression is often caused by a mix of recent events (external) and other personal factors (internal). Research indicates that recent life stressors are not as important as chronic difficulties such as long-term unemployment or abusive or uncaring relationships. Depression and anxiety can run in families. Some people will be at increased genetic risk. However, such genetic effects do not mean you will automatically experience depression if a parent or close relative has had the illness.
Trauma
Trauma may be described as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. It can take many forms, and often we may think of it only involving events such as car accidents, assaults, wartime experiences or natural disasters.
However, other life experiences such as neglect in childhood, bullying at school, giving birth, the death of a loved one or losing our job can be traumatic. The trauma experienced by an individual can overwhelm an individual's unique coping capacity causing a trauma response.
Trauma can have long-lasting effects on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical health. It can manifest in various ways, including flashbacks, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even physical pain.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The information shared in our session is private and confidential. The only exception is if you should present as a risk of harm to yourself or others or in cases of abuse or neglect of children or dependent adults. I will advise you of my concerns and discuss the next steps in these circumstances. There may be occasions where you would like me to liaise with other parties or health care providers on your behalf (for example, schools, employers, doctors, and allied health care providers). In these situations, I require your permission to make contact, and we will discuss in advance the nature of the information to be shared.
"If you let cloudy water settle, it will become clear. If you let your upset mind settle, your course will also become clear."
~ Buddha's Little Instruction Book (Kornfield: Bantum Books, 1994)