We draw on psychology’s ever-growing fund of scientific knowledge for tested and effective strategies and interventions. We modify these to suit you, aiming to provide you with a personalised service, designed to fit your particular situation and goals.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy offers fresh ways to see the world, including your prospects for health and happiness.
Our psychologists work with people to improve their understanding and management of personal and interpersonal problems. With at least 6 years of training in psychological theories and interventions, psychologists are well-suited to assist with a variety of issues. Our psychologists can help you reach goals such as creating more satisfactory relationships, reducing stress, alleviating anxiety and depression, and increasing personal well-being.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis is a state of inner focus and concentration that occurs naturally to most of us every day, although we are often unaware of it. In clinical hypnotherapy, this natural state of mind is harnessed to encourage powerful mental imagery, and to increase your responsiveness to beneficial suggestions.
Because clinical hypnotherapy involves sustained mental focus combined with relaxation, old issues can sometimes be quickly resolved through new, creative solutions. Hypnotherapy makes use of the mind /body connection to encourage positive changes in habits and pain perception. It can also free the mind to comfortably get in touch with hidden feelings that might be getting in the way of happiness. In these ways and more, it can be a very useful addition to the more commonly-used therapies.
Counselling for Individuals
An individual consultation can help you understand what is getting in the way of your mental well-being, and can provide you with ideas about which treatment would work best for you, based on your needs and preferences.
See fees for more information on costs.
Individual sessions are available with and without a referral or rebate.
Relationship Counselling
Our closest relationships are such an important part of our lives that, over the long-term, continuing conflict and tension can negatively affect our mental and physical health. Counselling can help improve relationship satisfaction and quality of life for both you and your partner, by increasing your understanding of each other and enhancing your relationship skills. It can be very helpful, for example, to understand how your personal life histories, your current stressors and your expectations of each other could be impacting on your day-to-day interactions.
Once these problems are better understood, they can be addressed by working with your psychologist to make some positive changes. For example, you can construct ways of balancing your competing needs as a couple, or learn new skills in open and respectful communication. In these ways and others, relationship counselling can build mutual acceptance and greater harmony.
Counselling for separating and divorcing couples
A relationship breakdown generally results in strong feelings of grief, anger, and anxiety about the future, often at a time when important decisions are being made. Counselling can help you manage the practical and emotional demands of a separation and / or divorce, and encourage you to find a way forward into a satisfactory new future. Being able to talk frankly to a professional can help you through a difficult time, and assist you to make the choices that best suit you.
The relationship counsellor at Portal Psychology, Karen Williams, is a psychologist who has trained at Relationships Australia. She is experienced in helping couples deal with relationship issues, and supporting people during separation and / or divorce. She is also trained in the use of an efficient assessment program for couples called Prepare / Enrich.
Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
At Portal Psychology, initial sessions with children and adolescents begin with building a strong rapport in a friendly and safe atmosphere. When young people feel comfortable, they are more likely to speak openly and honestly about the issues that they might like some help with. They are also more likely to be receptive to working with the psychologist.
The strategies used with children and adolescents are very similar to those used with adults, but they involve a method of delivery more appropriate for the age group. Work with children is likely to include various toys, games, and other age-appropriate activities, whereas adolescents often benefit from learning a few interesting facts about the brain and relationships. Our work also involves time spent with parents, gathering information and keeping them apprised of the strategies that their children are learning, so that they can support their children in the development of new skills.