What is Psychology?

Treatment with a psychologist can help people improve their understanding of their thinking, painful feelings and learn how to cope better with the challenges of life. Treatment can help people learn to manage various mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety and stress, behavioural problems (e.g. unhelpful coping strategies and habits), and distressing physiological symptoms (e.g. anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia).

Treatment Approaches

The treatment approaches used to help people are well researched, empirically supported techniques.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has been well researched over many years and is associated with significant long-term improvements in symptoms. CBT involves learning effective strategies, such as challenging how you may be thinking about yourself or situations to help manage symptoms, and difficulties, in helpful and healthy ways.

Other helpful evidence-based approaches that can be used in therapy include: Behavioural Activation, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Trauma-focussed Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy.

Who would I see?

Ms. Marni Ahmer is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with people from a broad demographic and age range (children, adolescents, and all ages of adults) who may be experiencing difficulties with:

• Mood disorders (anxiety disorders, depression)

• Insomnia and Sleep disorders

• Trauma and PTSD

• Adjustment difficulties

• Assertive communication

• Bereavement, grief and loss

• Peer relationships and workplace bullying

• Employment and rehabilitation issues

• Anger management and emotional regulation

• Relationship and couple issues

• Coping skills, problem solving and skill development

• Managing chronic pain
  

Marni works within a bio-psycho-social framework in an empathic, client-centred and collaborative way and tailors therapeutic approaches to meet each clients' goals and needs - and helps clients regain balance in their lives.

How do I get Referred?

Treatment with a psychologist usually requires a referral from your General Practitioner (GP). Please discuss your symptoms with your GP as they will be involved in your treatment process.

With mental health symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or insomnia, your GP may be able to refer you with a Mental Health Treatment Treatment/Care Plan. This plan enables people to access a rebate from Medicare for clinical psychology services, which significantly reduces the cost of psychology sessions for clients.

What are the costs?

Each session with a Clinical Psychologist is at Balanced Self Psychology is 50-55 minutes in duration and costs $230.00. However, if a client has a referral letter and a Mental Health Plan from their GP, they may be eligible to claim a rebate from Medicare of $137.05 per session. Concession card holders may be eligible for a concession fee.

Alternatively, for clients with Private Health Insurance, rebates may apply depending on the insurance provider. and you do not need a GP referral. Please enquire about rebates with your provider.