Areas of Professional Interest
From anxiety and depression to issues related to alcohol and other drug use, grief and loss, as well as navigating challenges specific to the LGBTQ+ community or the workplace, my practice encompasses a broad spectrum of concerns. Each topic reflects not only my professional expertise but also my commitment to providing compassionate and effective care to those in need.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Whether it is difficulties with Alcohol, Marijuana or other illicit drugs, we understand that addressing challenges like these requires an approach tailored to your individual needs. If you’re struggling with substance use, we’re here to help you navigate this journey
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety is something that can impact many of us in Perth at different times, whether it’s before a job interview, exam, or meeting someone new. However, when anxiety starts affecting our daily lives or limits what we can do, it’s
Blokes Stuff
As men, we often find ourselves shouldering the weight of our emotions alone, following societal expectations of stoicism and self-reliance. This “man-code” can lead to isolation and make opening up about our inner struggles challenging. However, navigating depression or anxiety
Depression
We understand that depression is a common mental health condition that affects many individuals living in Perth and the country. Depression symptoms can manifest differently for each person, but it often involves feeling persistently downhearted, experiencing a lack of interest
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals in intimate relationships or family settings. It involves patterns of abusive behaviour that can encompass physical, emotional, and psychological harm. IN PERSON appointments Telehealth appointments book online 1300 506 768 Taking
Family of Origin
Although counselling cannot change the past, it is possible to look at history with an “adult eye” and assist the person to look at their experiences in a new way. IN PERSON appointments Telehealth appointments book online 1300 506 768
Gay and Lesbian Issues
We know first-hand that the LGBTQ+ community may face unique and additional challenges and experiences like micro-aggressions, stigma-related and minority stress that research has shown to negatively impact mental health and well-being of those in the LGBTIQA+ community. Many gay
Grief, Loss & Change
Facing grief, loss, and unexpected changes is an inevitable part of life. Whether triggered by the passing of a loved one, job loss or other changes due to circumstances like COVID-19 or sudden life-altering events such as natural disasters or
What I Do Not Treat
Although I seek to assist a wide range of clients (from aged 16 upwards) in relation to the sorts of issues or concerns that walk through the door, or come in via a GP referral, there are some situations or
Workers Compensation
From time to time, I receive referrals from GP’s for clients in relation to Workers Compensation cases. Alternatively, occasionally after seeing a client we conclude, it is really a Workers Compensation case. In either scenario, I see my role as
Workplace Issues
Workplace issues encompass a broad spectrum of challenges that we may encounter in our professional environments. These issues can range from navigating work-life balance and managing difficult relationships with colleagues or supervisors to coping with unexpected job loss or facing
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety can impact any of us at some time or another, e.g. going to a job interview or exam, or meeting someone for the first time, apart from any other situations.
This youtube clip “Know when Anxiety is Talking” from Beyond Blue is a good example of how anxiety can apply in a workplace setting.
If however your anxiety is impacting on your life, or restricting what you do, it might be time to speak with your GP about getting a Mental Health Care Plan, so you can get Medicare subsidised sessions with a Psychologist to look at this and what can be done.
While we probably won’t get results “overnight”, it is reasonable to expect that after a few sessions of looking at what is “behind” the anxiety and what can be done to reduce it, changes in anxiety levels will probably reduce, or at least be more “manageable”.
For those wanting to do some reading on the subject, I read this book ANXIETY (by a Psychiatrist, Dr Mark Cross who has his own longstanding experience with it) over the course of a long weekend (it’s also in dozens of libraries) and recommended it on the Huntingdale Psychology, Counselling & Clinical Hypnotherapy facebook page.
Medicare pays subsidies for Psychologist services, because “talking therapy” works.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Whether it is difficulties with Alcohol, Marijuana or other illicit drugs, I may be able to assist.
Usually this can involve looking at the reasons behind the use of whatever drug or drugs you are using, whether legal (like Alcohol) or illegal like Marijuana, “Ice”, “party drugs” or other types of illicit drugs.
While there is no “Magic Wand” to deal with whatever drug is creating problems for you, we can certainly look at what is “behind” the drug use, to seek to overcome or reduce it’s impact and what you can do now.
Whether it is looking at whether you are trying to deal with hurts or negative events from the past, or you are an “Adrenaline Junkie” , (i.e. you like the feeling of being “high”,) or drug use is used as a way to “escape” a particularly negative situation, we can look at the options available to you and what can be done to change your situation.
Blokes Stuff
Colin finds that a high percentage (well over half) of his clients are blokes.
- Guys often like to talk to another guy and male psychologists are a minority in the profession;
- They like the fact that Colin has worked in both Blue and White collar settings;
- He offers “after hours” (evening, i.e. after work) and Saturday morning bookings;
- Bookings can be made at short notice (up to about an hour beforehand) via HealthEngine;
- Depression, Anxiety, Stress, addictions, relationship difficulties and difficult workplaces are just some of the matters Colin deals with;
- The thought that consultations are confidential (except for a few emergency” situations) and the guy can safely “let his guard down”;
- He has over a half century’s life experience;
- His professional experience includes work in the Domestic Violence (DV) and Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) fields (in a Prison Farm setting);
- Guys report that it is easy to develop a professional relationship with him;
- His clients cover a wide range of professions including, tradies, mechanics and other manual workers, apart from retirees and NDIS clients;
- Clients are often given handouts to take home with them to think about later (see e.g. the “Refrigerator Quotes” links) or suggest books to read or movies to watch;
- Telehealth is available for all clients, including those in the country, including on FIFO sites;
Admittedly guys will often wait till the proverbial $%*# hits the fan! But it might be time to “bite the bullet” and get a referral from your GP.
Although there is no “magic wand” we can still work on issues of concern.
Guys often report they find it useful and helpful to talk with someone “a few steps removed”, when they feel they are “up the creek without a paddle”.
Depression
If you are having troubles with extended periods of feeling downhearted and blue, it might be time to see your General Practitioner about getting a GP Mental Health Care Plan.
Matthew Johnstone has written books on the subject, (I had a Black dog his name is Depression – It’s in dozens of libraries) with one being animated and put onto Youtube by the World Health Organisation. (You can also buy his books from his website.)
Talking with someone who is “a few steps removed” can be useful as a way of looking at what can potentially be done, to reduce the degree of depression.
Medicare pays subsidies for Psychologist services, because “talking therapy” works.
Domestic Violence
Archie Roach – Walking Into Doors – This video on YouTube is what it’s all about.
Ring 000 if you feel you are in danger.
National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service
Phone counselling and support 24/7 – Phone 1800 737 7321800 737 732 FREE including online counselling
Or see the website 1800respect.org.au for more information
An ABC News item to be aware of: ‘Stalker apps’ and GPS allow domestic violence abusers to discover hidden refuges
For information about:
Safety planning
Department of Human Services:
“We have payments and services to help you if you are experiencing family or domestic violence.”
The WA Police on their webpage have information about:
- How to report family violence
- How can police help?
- What is a Police Order?
- Do you need a Restraining Order?
As the Police say: “The most important thing you can do is to get help!
You need information and support to make yourself safe and end the abuse.
Is it a crime? YES!
Examples of criminal offences that occur in family and domestic violence situations include assault, sexual assault, making threats about a person’s physical safety, stalking, damage or stealing of property and breaching Restraining Orders.” https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Yoursafety/familyviolence/tabid/895/default.aspx
Domestic Violence is not about, or the same as “Anger Management” because Domestic Violence is directed towards a person with whom the “offender” is in a close intimate relationship (definitely not a “stranger”)
It should also be remembered that it can occur in all sorts of relationships (including same-sex relationships) and is not always a case of a man being domestically violent towards a woman, sometimes it is the other way around.
Usually working on Domestic Violence involves looking at attitudes, beliefs and behaviours
This can include looking at the offenders actions, while trying to separate the actions from the person.
For example instead of thinking (and possibly saying) “You are a bad person!” look at the offence as an otherwise good man (usually) engaging in bad behaviour.
The Duluth Model is a widely used way of looking at Domestic Violence and identifies how domestic Violence involves a number of parts to it, not just the physical “violence”.
Anger Management is about learning to express your disagreement, frustration etcetera in a socially acceptable way. It can also be about working out if your anger is really justified? Learning to use a better way to respond to something you don’t like, can be another part of learning to manage anger.
In the case of intimate relationships this can also be about creating a situation where both parties feel safe to express disagreements, disappointments and the like, without fear of physical or emotional violence.
For those interested a link to the Irish Man Up campaign.
You may be interested in this video from the Mayor of London “Have a word“
Family of Origin Issues
From a combination of work and life experience I have come to realize that not everyone had an uneventful childhood.
Some of the issues that individuals might bring to me as a Psychologist and Counsellor include one or both parents being either:
- Physically absent – where the parents might be divorced, separated or deceased, or “Single Mums or Dads”, or who had parents who were so busy working to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads they didn’t have much time for their children
- Emotionally absent and not giving the child the physical and emotional support they needed to grow up as well adjusted adults;
- Physically or sexually abusive to their child or children.
Although well intentioned, the parents may have had their own:
- Mental health issues;·
- Alcohol or other drug addictions;
- History of physical and or sexual abuse or neglect as children;
- Situations where “the fickle finger of fate” dealt them a difficult life
That meant they could not give their children the love and attention the developing child needed.
There is any number of variations of the sorts of situations described (or not described) above.
Although counselling cannot change the past, it is possible to look at history with an “adult eye” and assist the person to look at their experiences in a new way.
This is not to ignore what has happened in the past, but to try to help the client to feel more comfortable with what has happened or not happened and try to reduce the impact on their current life.
Gay and Lesbian Issues
Why might a Gay man or Lesbian see a Psychologist? (Either in-person or via Telehealth)
Some reasons could include:
- Depression or Anxiety (often, though not always, a result of “less than equal” treatment)
- Wanting to develop a Gay/Lesbian support network away from “the scene”?
- Wanting to explore questions about “How will I meet Mr/Ms Right?”
- Dealing with issues about discrimination or less than equal treatment
- Feeling the need to hide who you really are in the workplace or other settings
- Wanting to reduce internalized Homophobia or heterosexism
- Feeling guilty about being Lesbian or Gay or that it’s “wrong”
- Concerns about responses of family, friends, or your church to “coming out”
- Conflicts between cultural or religious beliefs and homosexuality
- More general fears about “coming out”
- Social isolation from other Lesbians and Gay men
- Alcohol or other drug addiction
- Want to feel better about being Gay or Lesbian
Dealing with Grief, Loss & Change
Although death (like taxes, and change) is one of the inevitable parts of life, how and when it impacts the individual or family can be quite different, depending on circumstances.
Death can come with or without warning, e.g.
- It could follow on from an ongoing illness;
- Alternatively death may follow an accident (i.e. is unexpected) or some sudden or unexpected health event, e.g. a Heart attack or Stroke;
It is not always a death that can “knock the wind out of your sails” so to speak.
It can be other changes that are not expected.
Whether it is
- The loss of your job (e.g. in recent times as a result, directly or indirectly of COVID-19);
- Without any (obvious to you) warning, your spouse leaves you;
- Some sort of natural disaster, e.g. a fire or flood;
- Your pet cat or dog (your constant companion) is no longer available to keep you company;
- There are other significant or unexpected changes in your circumstances.
As a result you may not be “your usual self”, you might go into “hibernation” (and not because of COVID-19,) or you may “wallow” in your own self-pity and have difficulty accepting the changes that come about as a result of these circumstances.
Admittedly, sometimes the support and assistance of family and friends may for a period of time, be what you need. However, after a while, it may be that you need to speak with someone who is “a few steps removed”.
Prepare-Enrich
I am now trained and authorised to administer this relationship enhancement program, that has been used by millions of people worldwide.
It can be used on both opposite and same sex couples, those who are (legally) married, living together or those planning to marry. It is often done as part of “Marriage Preparation”.
Prepare/Enrich can also be done by couples who have been together for a long time as a sort of “tune-up” of the relationship.
Initial and follow-up sessions (only in evenings or Saturday morning) are scheduled for two hours. With an absolute minimum of a total of four hours of consultation.
There is both the “Full” and the “Lite” version, which has been described as useful for a “Tune-up”.
The PREPARE/ENRICH online assessment is customized to a couple’s relationship stage and structure and provides certified facilitators with a detailed report on the couple’s strength and growth areas. Many aspects of the couple relationship are covered, some that may not yet have been thought about before.
It should be noted that Prepare/Enrich is not “Couple Counselling”.
However, this can be done separately after completion of the Prepare/Enrich program.
Further information available from the main Prepare/Enrich website.
Both the “Full” and the new “Lite” (or “check-up”) versions include:
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Financial Management
- Affection and Sexual Expectations
- Spiritual Beliefs
- Marriage/Relationship Expectations
- Couple Map (a look at couple closeness and flexibility)
- Family Map (a look at the differences and similarities between the 2 families of origin)
- A SCOPE Personality assessment or each partner*
* Social—degree of comfort in social settings; Change— degree of comfort with change; Organized – how organised and persistent is the person in pursuing goals; Pleasing-how considerate and cooperative is the person in their interactions with others; Emotionally Steady – calm vs sensitive or the emotional response to stress.
Additional topics covered in the “Full” version
- Commitment Scale
- Relationship Dynamics
- Personal Stress style of each partner
Workplace Issues
Over my working life I’ve experience in a range of different types of workplaces, from my early days in clothing factories (cutting out shirts and pyjamas), office jobs in the Federal and State public service, as well as in not for profit and community based organisations, including work in a Prison Farm and separate Domestic Violence group settings.
That is separate from the more “fill-in” or casual jobs, like helping out with a stock-take, or counting cars and trucks going past an intersection!
Over the years, I’ve also had clients coming to see me who have worked in a range of settings, from (like me) some fairly menial jobs, and or labour intensive roles (e.g. “Tradies” – you can see my article about working with them here) through to people in fairly senior technical or professional roles.
- Dealing with work-life balance (e.g. work and parenting/carer roles);
- Difficult working relationships with co-workers or bosses;
- Expected or unexpected unemployment, or underemployment;
- Dealing with “ism’s” (sexism, racism, heterosexism and or ageism).
Depending on the circumstances I may refer clients to books like;
- Difficult personalities : a practical guide to managing the hurtful behaviour of others (and maybe your own!) / Helen McGrath and Hazel Edwards
- Enough about you, let’s talk about me : how to recognize and manage the narcissists in your life – Les Carter
- Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ – Daniel Goleman
- Fathering from the fast lane: Practical ideas for busy dads – Bruce Robinson
- Hamlet’s Blackberry: A Practical Philosophy for building a Good Life in the Digital Age – William Powers
- The asshole survival guide : how to deal with people who treat you like dirt / Robert I. Sutton
- The no asshole rule [building a civilized workplace and surviving one that isn’t] / Robert I. Sutton
I may also refer clients to websites like:
What I Do Not Treat
Although I seek to assist a wide range of clients (from aged 16 upwards) in relation to the sorts of issues or concerns that walk through the door, or come in via a GP referral, there are some situations or conditions I do not feel I have the training or experience to work with. Or there are other matters to be aware of in relation to them.
Those conditions I do not seek to treat or assess include:
- Acquired Brain Injury cases
- Alzheimer’s and related conditions
- Attentions Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) conditions
- Eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia and related conditions
- Family Court matters, including Parental Capacity reports
- Gender Dysphoria cases (although I would seek to assist the client
to find appropriate peer and professional support) - Intellectual disability or learning disabilities
- Personality and related disorders – e.g. Psychosis; Psychotic
disorders; Emotionally unstable personalities - Pregnancy Support Counselling (I don’t have the Medicare training
required to provide this service)
Although I may well work with clients with these conditions, I am not in a
position to provide assessments, but may well assist them to find a place
where the client can obtain one, if they need a formal assessment for e.g.
the NDIS.
Workers Compensation Cases
From time to time, I receive referrals from GP’s for clients in relation to Workers Compensation cases. Alternatively, occasionally after seeing a client we conclude, it is really a Workers Compensation case. In either scenario, I see my role as assisting the client in their recovery.
My clinical notes are created as a prompt for the provision of therapeutic psychology and related services.
I am not a forensic psychologist and do not seek to provide services for medico-legal settings.
As such I now specifically advise new clients of this and that copying of documents and preparation of reports for that purpose will be charged at the current (hourly) Australian Psychological Society recommended rate. I acknowledge that clients may well sign an authority for a legal or another party to obtain copies of my notes, for legal or other related purposes.
Notwithstanding that clients will have given permission, I am reluctant to supply copies of my otherwise confidential notes to third parties.
I believe supplying information as requested (by the insurer or lawyer) has the potential to negatively impact the professional therapeutic relationship between the client and (myself) the psychologist. Both in the individual case and in society in general. As otherwise, the client (and other clients) may well not reveal relevant, sensitive information, for fear it may (at some time in the future) be disclosed to third parties.
For the reasons above, I would ask clients to have their lawyer or insurance company request a report, rather than copying of my file notes and other related documents. This takes into account that it could well take hours to copy a clients file, which could easily cost much more than me preparing a report.
