Gideon Sacks
Clinical Psychologist
BSc(Neuroscience), BSc(Hons) Psych, MPsych (Clinical)
Days of Practice: Monday, Alternating Thursdays, Friday.
I am a 32 year old male presenting with an empathic manner and a desire to empower patients to make changes in their lives. I try my best to meet patients where they are at and to be what they need at the time. Sometimes this looks like collaboratively problem solving with my clients or teaching them new skills. At other times I try to say less and support my clients to feel more, or if they cannot, work on their ability to understand their feelings.
I have experience working across the lifespan, with a range of mental health and medical conditions, but predominantly I work with people 14 years and older. I am a strong believer in direct communication with my clients about what their expectations of therapy are and what I can provide.
I commonly work from a cognitive-behavioural framework, with added interest in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and psychoanalytic approaches to therapy. Areas that I frequently work with include depression, various forms of anxiety, bipolar disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, low self-esteem, grief and loss, neuro-developmental conditions (e.g. ADHD and Autism), acquired brain injuries, and a range of disabilities. I also have an interest in integrating cognitive testing into my practice when appropriate.
In addition to my role at ANIMA, I also work part-time at an inpatient rehabilitation service for patients with acquired brain injuries. I feel very comfortable working with people whose treatment approach requires consideration of their cognitive strengths and weaknesses. I also enjoy collaborating with medical and allied health professionals when needed.
Outside of work, I enjoy being surrounded by forests, rivers and coastline. I also enjoy taking photographs on my film cameras and then developing the film.