Therapy Approach
Clinical Psychology
Valerie is a clinical psychologist. Clinical psychologists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems and mental illness. They are trained in the delivery of a range of (non-drug) techniques, strategies and therapies with demonstrated effectiveness in treating mental health disorders. They are specialists in applying psychological theory and scientific research to solve complex clinical problems requiring individually tailored interventions.
Types of therapy
Valerie primarily uses evidenced based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) approaches to clients problems. Valerie has chosen to work using these types of therapies as research and her own experience with clients have shown them to be effective and time efficient therapies for clients. They also allow clients to develop skills which they can then use throughout their lives.
Where appropriate Valerie also uses a Mindfulness approach together with CBT or IPT.
Valerie believes that it is important to treat each client as an individual and to understand their particular problems and situation. This enables her to provide the most effective treatment for each client.
Valerie has experience in working with clients from various cultural groups and same sex attracted clients.
Therapy and Medication
For some conditions your doctor may prescribe medication. In most situations therapy can be effectively combined with medication. Therapy provides skills that can be continued to be used after therapy finishes
Personal Background
Valerie also brings a wide ranging background to her work with clients. This includes personal life experience, experience in business and experience as a volunteer in several areas.
The relationship between the client and the therapist
An important part of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. Valerie believes that it is important for clients to feel comfortable discussing their concerns and progress. For many people it may be the first time that they have talked about particular personal issues. Valerie offers a supportive non-judgmental environment which allows clients to explore their difficulties and to develop effective ways to control and manage them.
Perhaps the most important part of good therapy is an effective therapeutic alliance between the client and therapist. Valerie sees this as a true alliance in which both contribute, the client brings their knowledge of themselves and their environment and their experiences in making changes, whilst Valerie as the therapist brings her professional expertise. This collaborative working relationship continues as therapy progresses.
Client privacy
Client privacy is important. Valerie follows the ethical codes that are set out by the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Clinical Psychologists Association.
Sydney Australia
