Developing depression is thought to be the result of multiple contributing factors, including biological (such as a genetic risk), psychological (such as having low self-esteem), and social (such as trauma and adverse life events). Depression involves feeling miserable or sad, or losing interest or enjoyment in your usual activities. Feelings of strong guilt or worthlessness
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Depression
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Anxiety
Anxiety is the most common psychiatric disorder. There are several different types of anxiety disorder, which are all characterised by worry (about a specific issue, or a range of problems), nervousness, or apprehension about real or imagined events. People can feel overwhelmed by anxiety or panic, restless or tense, and have physical symptoms- such as
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Stress
Stress is how your body responds to pressures or demands, and involves a perception that those demands exceed your resources or ability to respond to them. A moderate level of stress can be helpful, as it motivates us to perform and tackle the challenge/s. Too much stress, or long term stress, is not so helpful, however. This
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Perinatal Mental Health
‘Perinatal’ refers to both the antenatal (pregnancy) and postnatal (after birth) periods. Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are times of massive life transition which can involve mixed feelings, including feeling up and down. It’s common in the first couple of weeks after giving birth to experience the baby blues- feeling sad and teary; this tends to
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Pregnancy Support
Considering whether to try for pregnancy can raise issues for women and their partners, particularly when there have previously been fertility challenges, difficulties with past pregnancy or birth, or loss of a baby. Even if you decide to try, pregnancy is a time of massive life change and transition, and can be a time of
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Pregnancy Loss
Becoming pregnant can be a great joy in your life. But what if the worst happens? It is shocking and frightening to lose a baby. Whether that was at a few weeks, later in pregnancy, at birth, or to lose your infant. The love and the grief are real, no matter how far along you were. Women
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Eating Disorders
Many factors are thought to cause or predispose people to disordered eating, including trauma, genetic risks, modelling of these behaviours, biological factors, rigid thinking and perfectionism, low self-esteem, dissociative experiences, impulsivity, early menstruation… and more. Research has consistently supported that social, familial, or cultural pressure to be thin (or lose weight), in conjunction with internalising
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Trauma & PTSD
When trauma occurs and is a ‘one-off’ event, it is very normal to have your world turned upside down. Most people, with support, routine, self-care, and time, return to normal and feel like themselves again. For children and young people who have experienced trauma, one factor linked to their recovery and wellbeing is how they are
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Evidence-Based Treatments
A range of evidence-based treatments are offered, including: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Cognitive Behaviour Therapy- Enhanced (for eating disorders) Cognitive Processing Therapy (for PTSD) Habit Reversal Training (for trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, or nail biting) Interpersonal Therapy Mindfulness skills Acceptance and Commitment Therapy skills Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills Brief Solution-Focused Therapy Motivational Interviewing Services are available face-to-face
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Self-Esteem
Having low self-esteem can affect you in a myriad of ways: you might be a people-pleaser; have difficulty voicing your needs; be highly self-critical; overlook positives in your life or about yourself; have high levels of negative feelings; a risk of depression; have lower job satisfaction; or have poorer quality relationships. Several evidence-based interventions are
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Sleep Problems
Sleep disturbance can present in multiple ways. Some common problems include difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep (insomnia), sleeping far too much (hypersomnia), having repeated and distressing nightmares, and sleeping at times other than regular night bedtime hours (for example not sleeping at night, but sleeping during the day, referred to as circadian rhythm disorders).
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Individual Therapy
Dr. Emma Black provides individual therapy to adults and young people for a wide range of issues. Dr. Black has a particular interest in women’s mental health and wellbeing, and her areas of interest and experience include the following: Women’s issues Perinatal difficulties, including postnatal depression and anxiety Non-directive pregnancy counselling support for a current or recent
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Women’s Issues
Women can face a broad range of difficulties throughout their lives. There are ongoing social and cultural pressures as to how women ‘should’ behave, and breaking out of this mould often results in negative judgement or criticism. The decision to have children, or not. The feedback from others about this issue. Trying to have children,
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Telehealth
Telehealth Psychology services are available via telehealth format (phone or video link). This allows access to therapy even when you live outside of Townsville, and if you are experiencing health symptoms that prevent you attending the clinic. Supervision may also be accessed via Telehealth.
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Professional Supervision
Peer consultation and supervision are available. Emma is an approved supervising psychologist for all training pathways. Enquire here or contact for an appointment to start accessing services.
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