Understanding Minds - Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychology

Understanding Minds offers clinical psychological services for adults, adolescents, children and families. The problems we commonly deal with include:

Anxiety, fears and phobias
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Depression
Trauma or unresolved grief
Abuse or neglect
Child behaviour problems
Assessment and management of ADHD
Difficulty separating from a parent or carer
School refusal
Developmental disorders, such Asperger’s Disorder
Social difficulties, such as difficulty making or maintaining friendships
Self-esteem or extreme shyness
Sleeping problems

What usually happens?

Prior to the first consultation all clients receive an information pack containing information about the clinic and confirmation of their appointment. Some clients will be asked to complete questionnaires which we will ask you to return to the clinic before your appointment. The questionnaires help us better understand your problems before we see you. This saves time (and your money) in the assessment process.

Your first visit to the clinic usually involves describing what is troubling you or your family. We may ask you or your child to do some psychological tests to help us get a clear picture. Later consultations usually involve us providing information and suggestions and helping you to learn appropriate living or coping skills.

There are many different schools of psychology. We practice evidence-based psychotherapy, often using behaviour therapy, a combination of cognitive and behaviour therapy (CBT), or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). We choose these approaches because they have a solid scientific basis, so what we do is likely to be helpful and unlikely to be harmful. Non-scientific approaches are unable to show this.

You will find our approach has a strong emphasis on practical problem-solving. We understand that having someone sympathetic to talk to about your worries is important. However, talk alone will not make things better. You will usually solve your problem by trying our suggestions in the situations where your problem occurs.

Confidentiality and privacy

At Understanding Minds, we maintain confidentiality as a priority. You are entitled to access or to correct your client file at any time. Understanding Minds complies with the Privacy Act 1988 and the guidelines set by the Australian Psychological Society in the way we collect, store, use, and disclose health information. For more details please view our Privacy Policy.