ANIMA Health Network
Our expertise lies in the treatment of PTSD, Complex Trauma, and Adult ADHD (and friends). With a diverse range of expertise, our clinical psychologists and registrars are well-equipped to address various mental health challenges and support you on your journey towards growth, healing, and lasting positive change.
Therapy
Our Clinical Psychologists/Registrars have a minimum of 8 years of training with expertise in diagnosis, assessment and treatment of complex mental health presentations.
We can help you with:
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cPTSD can develop in individuals who have experienced repeated or prolonged trauma, typically in the context of developmental relationships where there is an imbalance of power and control. Unlike PTSD, which can often result from a single traumatic event, C-PTSD is often associated with ongoing exposure to distressing experiences.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event or series of events. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Understanding PTSD is essential for those who may be at risk or are supporting someone with this condition.
At ANIMA Health Network, our Clinical Psychologists have all undertaken specialised training in evidence-based trauma treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Exposure Therapies, and Imagery Re-Scripting.
Find out more about PTSD -
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that, if left undiagnosed and untreated in childhood, can have substantial negative impacts in adulthood. In adults, ADHD can manifest in several ways, including difficulty with focus, impulsivity and poor decision making, procrastination, organisation and time management challenges, constant inner restlessness, and difficulties regulating emotions, which can significantly affect work and relationships.
At ANIMA, our team have expertise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD.
Find out more about adult ADHD -
Depression is a mental health condition that goes beyond just feeling sad or down. It involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in once enjoyable activities. People with depression may experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns, have difficulty concentrating, and often feel fatigued. It's like being stuck in a heavy fog of sadness that affects daily life. Fortunately the symptoms of depression can often be alleviated. Treatment can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both to help improve your mood, and restore a sense of autonomy so you can reclaim your life.
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Anxiety is a common emotional experience where a person feels worried, nervous, or uneasy about something. It's like having a sense of fear or unease, often accompanied by physical sensations like a racing heart, sweating, or a tense feeling. While a bit of anxiety is normal, excessive or constant worry that interferes with daily life might be an anxiety disorder. It's like your mind is stuck on the "what-ifs" and can make simple tasks feel overwhelming. Let us help you acquire the tools you need to help manage your anxiety so that you can once again meaningfully reengage in the world.
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In OCD, individuals often grapple with persistent, intrusive thoughts known as obsessions. These thoughts often provoke significant anxiety or distress. In response to these distressing thoughts, individuals may feel compelled to perform certain actions or mental rituals, known as compulsions, to alleviate the anxiety or prevent a feared event or outcome. The repetitive nature of these behaviours is driven by a need to establish a sense of control or reduce the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts. OCD can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life, and treatment often involves a combination of therapy and, in some cases, medication. Contact our friendly admin team who can help find the most appropriate clinician to help support you on your journey.
What we do:
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Schema Therapy is an impactful therapeutic intervention designed to empower individuals in overcoming entrenched, counterproductive emotional and behavioural patterns that may interfere with interpersonal relationships, career prospects and life satisfaction. Schema therapy aims to help uncover "Early Maladaptive Schemas" (EMS), which are subconscious and enduring emotional and cognitive patterns that develop in response to challenging childhood experiences.
At ANIMA Health Network, all of our clinical psychologists are trained in Schema Therapy. Our aim is to help you address the root causes of emotional and psychological distress and empower you to create lasting meaningful change.
Find out more about Schema Therapy. -
EMDR is a psychotherapeutic approach developed to help individuals process and alleviate the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories. The aim is to facilitate the reprocessing of these memories, reducing their emotional impact and fostering adaptive resolution. EMDR is particularly effective in treating trauma-related conditions, including PTSD, by targeting specific memories contributing to emotional distress.
At ANIMA, all of our Clinical Psychologists/Registrars are fully EMDR trained.
Find out more about EMDR. -
Imagery Rescripting is a powerful therapeutic approach designed to address and alleviate emotional distress caused by upsetting mental images or memories. When individuals have distressing memories, the traditional response might be to replay them as they originally occurred, reinforcing negative emotions. In imagery rescripting, however, the person collaborates with a therapist to transform these troubling mental images. It's akin to jointly editing the script of a mental movie to introduce a more positive and constructive narrative.
During therapy, individuals actively engage in modifying the imagery associated with a distressing memory. By reshaping the mental representation of the event, the aim is to create a new, less distressing ending or perspective. This process enables individuals to reinterpret the meaning of the memory, fostering a sense of empowerment and control over their emotional responses.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it has since been adapted and expanded to treat other mental health conditions as well.
DBT is based on the dialectical philosophy, which emphasizes finding a balance between acceptance and change. It integrates strategies from cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and dialectical strategies to help individuals develop skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and creating a life worth living.
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Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a form of therapy that explores the unconscious mind to understand the underlying causes of psychological distress. It focuses on how past experiences and unresolved conflicts influence present behaviour and emotions. By examining these patterns, therapists can help patients gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth. Psychodynamic therapy is often used to address a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma.
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ACT is a form of therapy that emphasises acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings, and commitment to living a meaningful life. It helps patients learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, and to engage in values-driven actions. ACT focuses on mindfulness, present-moment awareness, and the cultivation of psychological flexibility. By developing these skills, patients can reduce the impact of negative emotions and increase their ability to live a fulfilling life. ACT is often used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
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CBT helps patients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. By changing the way patients think, they can improve their emotional state and behaviour. CBT is often used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and phobias.
Telehealth
Video or telephone consultations are available if you are feeling unwell, or following an initial face-to-face appointment to determine whether this format of therapy will be suitable to your needs.
For video consultations, a link will be sent to you prior to your scheduled appointment, which you simply need to click to join the session. You may connect with your phone, tablet or computer, and no software/apps are required for download.
For telephone consultations, you should expect to receive a call from a private number at the scheduled time of your appointment.
Telehealth appointments are generally eligible for rebates from Medicare under the same conditions as face-to-face appointments.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
At ANIMA, we understand that a mentally healthy workforce is essential for the success and growth of any organisation. As a leading provider of clinical psychology services, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that prioritise the well-being of both employees and the companies they serve.
Our Approach:
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to promoting mental health, resilience, and productivity within the workplace. We recognise that the demands of modern work can sometimes lead to stress, anxiety, and various emotional challenges. That's why our EAP is designed to provide timely and effective support to employees facing personal or work-related difficulties.
Our Services:
Confidential Counselling
Stress Management
Workshops and Training
Online Resources
Neuropsychological Assessments
At ANIMA Health Network, we offer neuropsychological assessments and diagnostic clarification for children (ages 5+), adolescents, adults and older adults.
We assess a broad range of neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychological disorders, allowing us to develop a comprehensive diagnostic and clinical picture of the presenting issues considering all aspects of a person’s functioning.
All assessments are conducted by our Clinical Neuropsychologists/Registrars with a minimum of 8 years of specialised training in assessing, diagnosing, and treating brain-based disorders.
Neuropsychological and cognitive assessments help to identify cognitive weaknesses, a deficiency in knowledge, thought process or judgment in the context of a range of neurological conditions, including but not limited to:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Specific Learning Disorders such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia
Acquired Brain Injury
Dementias
Traumatic Brain Injury
Education Assessment
If left untreated, these conditions can lead to lifelong difficulties at home, school, work, and interpersonal relationships.
Our Team
With a diverse range of expertise, our Clinical Psychologists and Neuropsychologists have extensive experience in the field, our team is well-equipped to address various mental health challenges and support individuals on their journey towards lasting growth, healing, and lasting positive change.