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Group therapy

By offering additional social support and motivation, group therapy can be an effective and cost-effective form of treatment for some people.

At Lawson’s, we are big supporters of group psychology programs. Not only are groups more cost-effective for clients (as the fee per therapy hour is much lower than for individual sessions), making mental health care more accessible, but research shows that group treatment can be as effective as individual treatment for a range of psychological concerns.

Group therapy can also provide the opportunity to meet others who are experiencing similar difficulties and to learn that you are not alone. Courage can be contagious and being in a supportive group can also give us a motivation boost to help us make changes in our lives. You may even inspire someone else in the group to make changes as well!

In short, group programs can be a wonderful addition to (or in some cases, alternative to) individual psychological therapy. 

      Strong Foundations for OCD Therapy Group

      This three week psychoeducational group is designed to give you a comprehensive orientation to the current gold-standard psychological treatment for OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (‘ERP’).

      It will cover key information, ideas, and skills you would usually learn in the first phase of this therapy approach. Our aim is to help you feel empowered and set up for success once you continue into individual OCD therapy or our ‘Break Free from OCD’ with ERP group.

      Suitable for clients 17 years and over

      Time and location: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, West Perth

      Upcoming:

      Group Starts:   Monday, 24th April 2023

      Group Starts:   Tuesday 18th July 2023

      Group Starts:  Monday 9th October 2023

       

      Download our Information Sheet Here flyer 

      We are accepting referrals for our group commencing in February 2023 – Express your interest.

      Rebates may apply through Private Health Funds or Medicare.

       

      Break Free from OCD with ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) for adults

      This therapy group will provide a dedicated space for you to practice ERP with the support of clinicians experienced in treating OCD, and encouragement from fellow group members. The group will run in 5-week blocks, with new members having the opportunity to join at the start of each new block. We encourage members to attend at least two consecutive blocks as research suggests that 12-20 weekly sessions of ERP therapy are required to effectively treat OCD in many cases.

      • Group type: Therapy, Adults
      • Time and location: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, West Perth
      • Dates: various commencing in March, April, May, June, August, September, and October

      We are currently accepting referrals for our next group. Rebates may apply through Private Health Funds or Medicare.

      Teen Break Free from OCD Group

      This 10-week program for 13-15 year olds is an evidence-based approach using cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for OCD, including exposure and response prevention strategies. Teens will learn how completing compulsions in response to intrusive thoughts and worries keeps OCD going. They will develop skills to gradually face anxiety-provoking thoughts, objects, or situations, and resist completing compulsions, and will practice these in a supportive environment.

      • Group type: Therapy, Teens
      • Times and location: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm, West Perth
      • Dates: Thurs 27th Apr to 29th June; Thurs 5th Oct to 7th Dec

      We are currently accepting referrals for our next group. Rebates may apply through Private Health Funds or Medicare.

      Overcome Overthinking and Worry 

      This six week program is intended to help you learn skills to manage persistent worry and rumination, which often plays a role in keeping low mood and anxiety going. You will learn about the vicious cycles that underlie the overthinking spiral, skills to recognise and unhook from these spirals, and helpful strategies for coping with worry and negative thoughts.

      • Group type: Therapy, Adults
      • Times and location: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm, West Perth
      • Dates: Tues 28th Feb to 4th Apr; Mon 17th Jul to 21st Aug

      We are currently accepting referrals for our next group. Rebates may apply through Private Health Funds or Medicare.

      Other group programs

      Additional group dates, times, and programs may be made available throughout the year if there is sufficient demand. Other group programs available at our practice include:

      • Skills for managing exam stress and preparation for high school and university students
      • Introduction to mindfulness for adults
      • Body-Mind Unwind Mindfulness and Yoga-based program for teens
      • Supporting a partner or family member with OCD
      • Distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills group

      If you are interested in any of the groups listed in this calendar, but cannot see a date or time that would suit you, please contact groups@lawsonpsychology.com.au to register your interest.

      Cost and rebates

      Group fees

      1.5 hour group = $120 per session (Gap after rebate = $74.50)

      2 hour group    = $160 per session (Gap after rebate = $98.15)

      If you have a GP Mental Health Care Plan and referral to the group, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate (subject to at least 3 participants attending the group session) for the first 10 group sessions you attend in a calendar year.

      Some private health insurance funds may offer rebates for group clinical psychology services. Consult your health fund for further information.

      Please note that if you are not a current client of Lawson Clinical Psychology, you will need to attend an initial 50-minute assessment with one of our psychologists to confirm suitability of the group before enrolment (cost as per usual individual session fees).

      Where are groups held?

      Group therapy is held at our West Perth Clinic, 6 Outram Street.

      Contact Details

      For more information, please contact 6143 4499 or groups@lawsonpsychology.com.au.

      Who can assist me?

      Melissa Mulcahy Clinical Psychologist

      Melissa Mulcahy

      BPsych (Hons), PhD (Clinical Clinical), Clinical Psychologist

      Browse Our Team for information on all our practitioners:
      Browse Our Team

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      Please use the button below to enquire into our group therapy programs or direct queries to groups@lawsonpsychology.com.au

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      Contact

      Ph: (08) 6143 4499
      Fax: (08) 9200 5696

      Monday to Thursday 9am - 8pm
      Friday 9 am - 4pm
      Saturday 9am - 2:30pm

      Locations

      6 Outram Street
      West Perth, 6005 WA

      36 St Quentin Avenue
      Claremont, 6010 WA

      In the spirit of reconciliation, the Lawson Clinical Psychology acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

      Lawson Clinical Psychology celebrates the extraordinary diversity of people’s bodies, ability genders, sexualities and relationships that they represent.

      Copyright © 2023 Lawson Clinical Psychology. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.

      DR CLAIR LAWSON Clinical Psychologist

      Dr Clair Lawson

       

      Dr Clair Lawson leads a highly professional, growing and diverse clinical psychology practice. Adopting a range of evidence-based approaches, Clair draws on 18 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health to inform her therapy for clients of all ages – with particular expertise in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

      An active member of the clinical psychology field, Clair publishes papers and presents at international conferences. She also provides clinical supervision for her practice and Master of Clinical Psychology students at the University of Western Australia.

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      Sonja Willians Clinical Psychologist

      Sonja Williams

       

      Sonja Williams is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience providing assessment, therapy and corporate consulting.

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      Rebecca Jamieson Clinical Psychologist

      Rebecca Jamieson

       

      Rebecca works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Rebecca works collaboratively with clients experiencing anxiety disorders; depression; trauma; emotion regulation difficulties, including self-harm and suicidal ideation; adjustment disorders; parent-child attachment difficulties; parenting difficulties and relationship difficulties. Rebecca draws from treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Dialectical Behavioural Therapy; Mindfulness; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Schema Therapy; Systemic Therapy, and Attachment Based Therapies. Rebecca is a member of the Psychologists Board of WA; Full Member of the Australian Psychological Society, and Member of the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists. Rebecca is a board approved Supervisor and enjoys providing individual and group supervision.

      Rebecca is a provider for Medicare and most private health insurers.

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      Kelly Fullarton Clinical Psychologist PERTH

      Kelly Fullarton

       

      Kelly Fullarton is primarily trained in cognitive behavioural therapy and has experience working with children, adolescents and adults who present with a wide range of mental health concerns.

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      Gemma Bowden Clinical Psychologist

      Gemma Bowden

       

      Gemma graduated from UWA in 2000 and through her extensive work history, is experienced in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of presenting problems. Her areas of interest and expertise include the treatment of stress, anxiety (including worry, panic and social anxiety) and depression. With a passion for helping people develop resilience and coping strategies for life, Gemma also works with issues impacting peoples overall well-being including adjustment difficulties, work-related problems and relationship concerns.

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      Michelle Jongenelis Clinical Psychologist

      Dr Michelle Jongenelis

       

      Dr Michelle Jongenelis works with adults who experience a range of psychological issues including depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trichotillomania, bipolar, and stress. She is trained in the provision of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Meta-Cognitive Therapy. Michelle is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and has been a member of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy for over 10 years.

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      Dr Lucy Robertson, clinical psychologist

      Dr Lucy Robertson

       

      Dr Lucy Robertson is experienced in helping clients with difficulties such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, low self-esteem, stress, relationship problems, and communication difficulties. Lucy uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based CBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

      Lucy completed an MPsych (Clinical) and PhD and has published research and presented at national and international conferences. Lucy is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and is a registered Medicare provider.

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      Sarah Hollingworth Clinical Psychologist

      Sarah Hollingworth

       

      Sarah Hollingworth has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. Sarah provides a warm and supportive environment, tailoring treatment to the individual or family. She works with people who struggle with their mood, anxiety, trauma, school or relationship stresses, using a number of evidence based treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family systems therapy and mentalization-based therapy (MBT).

      Sarah has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Family and Relationship Therapy. As an AHPRA approved supervisor, Sarah enjoys mentoring and supervising trainees and registrars. She has experience providing training programs to community groups around mental health.

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      Emily Castell Clinical Psychologist

      Dr Emily Castell

       

      Emily has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults for the management of symptoms relating to Social Anxiety, Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, worry and rumination, Bipolar Disorder, interpersonal difficulties, and the development of social and coping skills. Emily’s aim is to deliver evidence-based psychological services that support individuals to work toward their goals. As such, Emily’s position is therapy is collaborative and seeks to develop a strong working relationship with clients. Emily believes that therapy should be inclusive, and she is passionate about making information accessible to individuals with diverse abilities and needs. Emily employs a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Meta-Cognitive Therapy.

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      EMMA BURTON Clinical Psychologist

      Emma Burton

       

      Emma has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a range of issues. She works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, adjustment difficulties, and perinatal mental health issues. Emma also works with families to address behavioural issues in children and parenting strategies. Using evidence-based approaches to treatment, including cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness interventions, Emma tailors her treatment to the needs of each person.

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      Esha Jamnadass Clinical Psychologist

      Esha Jamnadass

       

      Esha works with children, adolescents, adults and couples. She has experience with a wide range of presentations including generalised anxiety, phobias, panic, depression, behavioural difficulties in children and relationship difficulties in couples. She also has experience with autism spectrum conditions and has submitted a PhD thesis in this area. Esha's uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She has also been trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. Esha tailors treatment to each client using a collaborative approach.

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      Dr Kim Eaton Clinical Psychologist

      Dr Kim Eaton

       

       

      Dr Kim Eaton adopts an individualised approach to her therapeutic work with tweens, adolescents, adults, and families, through tailoring intervention to individual need.

       

      She has experience in working with a range of presenting problems, including anxiety and depressive disorders, trauma, as well as eating disorders - particularly where these are complicated by other presenting concerns.

       

      Kim assists families to address systemic, relationship, and communication issues. She is trained in the use of a range of evidence-based approaches.

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      Gemma Healey Clinical Psychologist

      Dr Gemma Healey

       

      Gemma has experience working with a range of presenting problems including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, OCD, emotion dysregulation, insomnia and trauma (adults only) in children, adolescents, and adults. In her client work, she draws from a range of evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy, metacognitive therapy, and schema therapy.

      Gemma has also completed training in imagery re-scripting for PTSD, and in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).  

      Gemma's approach to therapy is flexible with treatment plans being developed in collaboration with clients to ensure the needs of each individual are met.

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      DR Melissa Mulcahy Clinical Psychologist

      Melissa Mulcahy

       

      Melissa is a Clinical Psychologist (Registrar) who works with adolescents and adults. She is experienced in working with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, worry and rumination, suicidality, self-harm, bulimia nervosa, emotional dysregulation, and in youth mental health. Melissa completed PhD in Clinical Psychology with a thesis on perinatal OCD (pregnancy and the postpartum) and also holds a Master of Suicidology degree. She has a strong interest in the treatment of tic disorders and OCD-related problems, including health anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, and body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) such trichotillomania and excoriation/skin-picking.

      She also enjoys working with clients experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties, insomnia, perfectionism, and chronic pain. Her therapeutic style is compassionate, collaborative, and practical. Melissa individualises treatment to each client’s goals, based on evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Metacognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

      Melissa is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society and a State Committee Member for the Australian Association for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

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      Anin Karajagi Clinical Psychologist

      Anin Karajagi

       

      Anin is a provisional psychologist who is completing her Masters/PhD (Clinical) at the University of Western Australia. Anin works with children over 10 years old, adolescents, and adults. She has experience with a wide range of presentations including generalised anxiety, phobias, panic, depression, emotional regulation difficulties in children, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anin uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Meta-cognitive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

      Anin works collaboratively with her clients to build psychological skills that align with their therapy goals and values.

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      Chloe Giffard Clinical Psychologist

      Chloe Giffard

       

      Chloe works with children, adolescents and adults. She sees individuals with a range of presentations, including anxiety, stress, perfectionism, depression, emotion regulation difficulties and interpersonal difficulties. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia, and her research explores the relationships between social anxiety, shyness, autistic-like traits and face recognition.

      Chloe enjoys working collaboratively with individuals to tailor treatment to their needs, and uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

       

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      Sophia Lego Clinical Psychologist

      Sophia Lego

       

      Sophia is a Clinical Psychology Registrar who is passionate about working with adolescent and adult clients. She has experience working with a range of presentations, including anxiety and mood disorders, worry and rumination, low self-esteem, perfectionism, stress, adjustment-related or interpersonal difficulties, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

      Adopting a warm and collaborative approach to therapy, Sophia utilises a range of evidence-based interventions and works to tailor these based on the individual needs and goals of her clients. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema-informed therapeutic approaches.

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      Jessica Yegorov

       

      Jessica is an endorsed Clinical Psychologist and Educational and Developmental Psychologist. She graduated from UWA in 2003 with her Master of Psychology degree. She has since worked across a range of settings including private practice, early education and the disability sector.

      Jessica works with children, adolescents, adults and couples. Primary therapeutic approaches include attachment-based therapy, family systems therapy, positive behaviour support, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy for couples (EFT).

      Jessica can provide support with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, parenting, relationship difficulties and childhood or disability-related behavioural concerns. She takes a non-expert, collaborative approach to making sense of the challenges you may be facing, and will guide you gently and effectively.

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      TAHLIA SANDERS –Clinical Psychologist - Lawson Clinical Psychology

      Tahlia Sanders

       

      Tahlia has experience working with adolescents and adults across a range of presenting issues, including: depression, anxiety, PTSD, complex trauma, disordered personality, disordered eating, OCD, ADHD, grief and loss, and interpersonal issues.

       

      Tahlia draws from and synthesises a number of evidence-based therapeutic models, depending on the needs of the client. These include: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

      Tahlia is affirming of neurodivergence, and of gender and sexual diversity.

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      Yppres Drewe Clinical Psychologist

      Yppres Drewe

       

      Yppres has extensive experience working with children and adults in clinical and education settings. She has worked in the private and public school systems with primary and high school-aged students for many years.

      Her areas of interest and expertise are the assessment of children with learning difficulties and disorders, working with children with disabilities, ensuring appropriate liaison between parents/school/ professionals, and ensuring a case management approach when supporting children.

      Currently Yppres is treating children with learning and behavioral disorders, including Dyslexia and ADHD, in private clinical settings. 

       

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      Dr Stephanie Stevens

       

      Stephanie has many years experience providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, their families, and adults. She has worked predominately in community-based health services within both the child and adult sectors. This has provided Stephanie with opportunity to work with a range of mental health disorders. She is most passionate about treating depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and trauma/PTSD, for adolescents and adults individually, as well as with family interventions.

       

      Stephanie provides evidence-based treatment and primarily utilises Mentalisation-based Therapy (MBT) and Schema Therapy. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Trauma-focused CBT. She is passionate about providing a curious, non-judgemental stance and forming a collaborative bond with her clients.

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      Tara Stowe

       

      Tara Stowe graduated from Curtin University with a Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2014. She has since gained experience working with children, adolescents, adults and older adult clients presenting with a range of concerns, including; generalised anxiety, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, PTSD, depression, grief, and adjustment disorder.

       

      Tara is trained in various evidence-based treatments including Schema Therapy., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Clinical Hypnosis, and Trauma focused CBT.

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      Sebastian Palmer Clinical Psychologist Lawson Clinical Psychology

      Sebastian Palmer

       

      Sebastian is a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Trainee with experience and passion for working with youth, anxiety and depressive disorders, personality disorders and using schema therapy. He has experience working across a variety of presenting concerns such as OCD, anxiety and mood disorders, sexual trauma, interpersonal difficulties, and personality disorders.

       

      Seb has a preference for authenticity and human-to-human approach to collaborate with clients throughout treatment. He provides a range of evidence-based interventions to provide sincere care to clients to help them live happy and fulfilling lives. He works using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and works through an attachment and trauma-informed lens.

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      Malin De Sliva Clinical Psychologist Lawson Clinical Psychology

      Malini De Silva

       

      Malini is a Clinical Psychology Registrar who is passionate about working with adolescent and adult clients. She has experience working with a range of presentations, including anxiety and mood disorders, worry and rumination, low self-esteem, perfectionism, stress, adjustment-related or interpersonal difficulties, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

       

      Adopting a warm and collaborative approach to therapy, Malini utilises a range of evidence-based interventions and works to tailor these based on the individual needs and goals of her clients. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema-informed therapeutic approaches.

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      Monique William Clinical Psychologist

      Monique Williams

       

      Monique is a Clinical Psychology Registrar and is in the process of completing a PhD in the area of mindfulness and anxiety. Monique works with adults and has experience working with anxiety disorders, depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, perfectionism, trauma-related concerns and family of origin issues. 

       

      Monique works with her clients to create a safe and non-judgmental space. She uses a range of evidence-based approaches, tailored to her client’s needs, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy. In her work with neurodivergent clients (e.g., Autism, ADHD), Monique strives to employ a Neurodiversity Affirming approach.

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      Dr Janice Wong - Clinical Psychologist – Lawson Clinical Psychology

      Dr Janice Wong

       

      Janice is passionate about working with children, youths, families and adults to help better understand and improve mental health. She is also enthusiastic about helping people find their “spark”. When working with Janice, you’ll find that she is collaborative and warm in her approach. Janice has worked in a range of settings, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, and community adult mental health services and has experience in the delivery of evidence-based practices (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and using a schema focussed approach). 

      Janice is also interested in innovation and research, having previously managed a team’s research portfolio. Janice has been an active member of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy since 2012.

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      Meghann Wiens

       

      Meghann is a Clinical Psychologist who enjoys working alongside adults and older adults experiencing a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, and adjustment. She has special interest and experience working with the psychological and emotional challenges of health-related issues such as cancer, pain, sleep, and functional disorders as well as palliative care and end of life concerns.

      Meghann incorporates a range of evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and EMDR, depending on the needs of the client. Meg is affirming of diverse sexualities and genders.

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