Clinical Psychologist in Perth, Western Australia Treating Mental Health Problems with Psychological, Nutritional & Lifestyle Treatments

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, irritability or other mood or behaviour-related problem then seeking treatment from a mental health practitioner is recommended.

The traditional approach used by mental health practitioners like psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors include 'talking therapy'. Psychiatrists and medical practitioners are also likely to use medication to treat your problems.

While counselling and medication can be helpful for many people, a major issue is commonly overlooked by these practitioners:

If the body is broken, the brain will be broken!

As a clinical psychologist in Perth Western Australia who specialises in BOTH psychological and nutritional treatments for mental health problems, I believe that the body and mind cannot be separated and therefore any treatment that solely targets the mind through counselling is going to be, at best, mildly beneficial -- especially when the body is not working properly.

The figure below shows many of the physical, nutritional, dietary and lifestyle problems that can contribute to, or cause psychological and behavioural problems like depression, anxiety disorders (e.g., generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder), attention deficit disorder, insomnia, anger and conduct disorder, addictions, eating disorders, psychosis/schizophrenia, and even autism.

If problems occur in any of the above areas it leads to a cascade of health problems, many of them associated with psychological and mental health. Unfortunately many of these causes are either not investigated or, when they are, are inadequately done. This can mean that people receive little benefit from counselling or medication because the underlying causes have not been identified and treated.

To promote good mental health, the underlying causes MUST be treated

As a clinical psychologist in Perth Western Australia, the patients that I see generally fall into the following categories.

• People who suffer from both mental and physical problems and believe that their physical problems may be a primary contributor to their poor mental health. Common physical problems included fatigue, digestive problems, headaches, allergies, skin problems, insomnia etc.

• People who just want to seek the services of a competent and compassionate clinical psychologist.

• People who are on medications (e.g., antidepressants) and want to get off them.

• People who have been recommended medication by their doctor for their mental health problem but prefer use natural options.

• People suffering from mental health problems who want to improve both their physical and mental health

• People who have tried numerous treatments in the past but have not improved. I have been successful on numerous occasions in helping people who have been depressed for over 20 years! Please be aware that with complex, long-standing cases, numerous nutritional/physical tests may be required which can be costly.

• Parents who don't want their children placed on medication and are willing to look at psychological and nutritional treatments for their child.

In terms of mental health problems, I have experience in working with children through to adults suffering from the following mental health problems:

• Depression

• Anxiety/Stress

• Panic Disorder

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Attention Deficit Disorder

• Insomnia

• Anger/Behavioural problems

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Autism

• Addictions

• Schizophrenia/Psychosis

• Eating Disorders

Click here for more information about me

My approach involves working collaboratively with my patients to firstly identify possible causes specific to the individual. I use questionnaires, interviews and, if appropriate, nutritional/ hormonal and other testing to to assess causes.

Equipped with this information, I use a range of strategies to help treat the causes, and ultimately improve mental health. While my aim is to help improve peoples' mental health, my ultimate goal is not just to help people FEEL better but also to LIVE better! This is achieved through a range of psychological, nutritional, and lifestyle interventions.

In terms of psychological treatments, I am trained and experienced in cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), behavioural activation (BA), eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR), meditation/ relaxation training, and parenting intervention (e.g., Triple P), just to name a few.

If it is believed that physical/ nutritional causes my be impacting on mental health, treatment may also involve dietary, lifestyle changes and possible nutritional supplementation.

If you or a family member is suffering from a psychological or behavioural problem and would like to make an appointment to see me, my contact details are below. As a clinical psychologist in Perth WA, if a mental health referral is made by your general practitioner, Medicare rebates do apply.

To obtain a referral under Medicare, visit your GP and request an assessment and referral on a "Mental Health Care Plan."

P: (08) 9248 6904
F: (08) 9248 4274
Shop 4, 165 Summerlakes Pde Ballajura Western Australia 6090
Email Me