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Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. It can result from a single, life-altering event or a series of ongoing incidents that gradually wear down a person’s resilience.
The symptoms of trauma typically fall into:
Alessandra uses Prolonged Imaginal Exposure & Imaginary Rescripting as techniques designed to enhance patients’ ability to access the trauma memory and process it. Imaginal exposure helps the patients engaging with the emotional component of the trauma memory they could not integrate at the time of the trauma, empowering them to get the control they lost during the trauma and assign a new meaning to the event. Prolonged imaginal exposure normally requires 5-6 sessions of focused trauma therapy, and each session lasts approximatively 90 mins. For more information, please contact us or send an enquiry.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults, impacting various aspects of daily life. Characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD poses unique challenges to those diagnosed and those around them.
Alessandra provides ADHD assessments for adults only. The assessment involves a two-hour assessment and a one-hour feedback session approximately 4 weeks after the assessment. She will also provide a comprehensive report, diagnosis and recommendations going forwards on how to manage ADHD, if diagnosed.
Please note: Psychologist assessments provide a report, diagnosis and treatment (not medication). If you are seeking treatment with medication, you will need to consult with a Psychiatrist.
Medicare does not offer a rebate for assessments. Alternatively, certain Private Health Insurances do offer rebates for assessments. You will need to enquire directly with your Private Health insurance to see if they offer this.
Please also note, you do not need a GP Referral for this assessment.
Please call us to enquire about the assessment cost and waiting list.
Eating disorders are serious mental health condition that involves an unhealthy preoccupation with eating, exercise or body shape.
There are several types of eating disorder, including:
Binge eating disorder (BED) – frequently consume very large quantities of food, even when not hungry (known as ‘binging’).
Bulimia nervosa – frequent eating binges, then get rid of the food through vomiting, laxatives or diet pills (known as ‘purging’).
Anorexia nervosa – Restrictive eating pattern: people with this condition can be severely underweight and create extreme rules and restrictions about their diets and exercise schedules.
Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) – A person with OSFED has many of the symptoms of other eating disorders but their condition doesn’t align with any specific disorder.
You may experience any the following:
Symptoms might include:
Anxiety refers to feelings of worry, nervousness, or a sense of apprehension, typically about an upcoming event where the outcome is uncertain. Anxiety is commonly experienced in high pressure situations or following a stressful event.
Anxiety is generally considered a natural reaction to a stressful situation. However for some people symptoms may become severe and upsetting, interfering with their daily lives.
Common symptoms of anxiety may include: difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, restlessness or feeling on edge, rapid heartbeat, tight chest or chest pain, trembling or shaking, fast/shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed or faint, numbness or tingling sensations, upset stomach, nausea or sweating.
Specific Phobia – anxiety provokes by a feared object or situation;
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – marked by persistent and excessive worry and anxiety no situation specific;
Social Phobia – anxiety in social or performance situations and fear of being judged negatively by people;
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Persistent and unwanted thoughts, images and impulses, and repetitive behaviours or mental acts aimed at reducing distress;
Panic Disorder & Agoraphobia – anxiety about or avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult (or embarrassing).
Depression is a condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general. Most people feel sad or depressed at times. It’s a normal reaction to loss or life’s struggles. But when these feelings last for more than 6 months and interfere with daily activities such as taking care of family, spending time with friends, or going to work or school, it’s likely a major depressive episode. Depression can cause deep emotional pain and can impact how we think, feel and behave. Some people experience only one episode of major depression in their life, while others may go through numerous episodes of the illness.
The symptoms and severity of depression may be different for each person and may include:
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood – depression is triggered by stressful situations requiring change e.g. loss of a job, relationship break-up or “positive” changes e.g. travel, marriage, new job.
Major Depression Disorder involves at least five of these symptoms for a two-week period. Such an episode is disabling and will interfere with the ability to work, study, eat, and sleep.
Interpersonal relationships are central parts of our life and can have a profound impact on a person’s overall wellbeing. Differences of opinion are normal and can be enriching for a relationship. Some conflict in relationships is inevitable, but there are ways to handle conflict so that it can be constructive.
Conflict can indicate that some change is needed to keep their relationship healthy and alive. It can be an opportunity to grow and develop. Avoiding conflicts mean avoiding important issues which would be better faced and sorted out. Getting an external person provides couples with a more objective and complex understanding of the underlines causes of conflicts. Learning how to communicate more openly and effectively will not only be helpful, opening up new avenues and possibilities for both partners.
Gottman therapy uses the Sound Relationship House as a metaphor for a secure relationship. The House comprises two weight-bearing and seven floors. The therapist guides the couple through these successive floors to help them achieve a successful, fulfilling relationship. Gottman therapy also identifies factors considered to contribute to relationship difficulties. Gottman therapy focuses on helping couples to develop the skills and understanding they need to manage their perpetual problems. Specific relationship issues that may be addressed include frequent arguments, poor communication, emotionally distanced couples and problems such as sexual difficulties, infidelity, money, and parenting.
The therapy generally involves between six and twelve sessions (3 months) although this can vary depending on the particular interaction patterns and challenges of each couple. The therapy begins with a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship. This comprises a joint session between the couple and the therapist, followed by individual sessions between the therapist and each partner. Each partner will be asked to fill in a questionnaire and undertaken as ‘homework.’ The therapist draws on this initial assessment to provide feedback to the couple and together develop a treatment plan. Once the treatment plan is agreed upon, the couple attend regular sessions for therapeutic interventions and exercises.