Julia Symons

Psychologist

WELCOME

Sometimes we need support to help us manage distress, achieve greater clarity, free up energy, build better relationships and develop a healthier sense of ourselves. I am an experienced psychologist providing confidential counselling. With a caring and empathetic approach, I strive to create a safe environment in which issues and concerns can be explored. Utilising a number of evidence based psychological therapies, I am able to tailor my approach to suit each person, working alongside them to enhance awareness, strengthen well being and facilitate positive change.

You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf.

Jon Kabat-Zinn

WHAT TO EXPECT

The first session is focused on gathering information about what is going on for you and what you hope to achieve through counselling, and discussing a plan on how best to move forward. Another important focus of the first session is forming a collaborative, warm and respectful working relationship. How counselling then progresses depends on your needs and goals, and how you decide to engage with the process.
In terms of the length of time that might be required, if you would like to address a single discrete problem with relatively straightforward causes, then shorter term therapy, such as 3 - 6 sessions, is likely to be a reasonable length of time for you. If you would like to change lifelong or entrenched patterns, with more complex causes, it may be helpful to attend therapy for a longer period of time.I work with individual adults (18+). Fees are $180 for a 50-55 minute session.
A Medicare rebate of $96.65 is available with a Mental Health Care Plan from a General Practitioner. Some private health insurers provide rebates for psychological consultations.The concerns I work with include:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress management
Low self esteem
Life transitions and adjustment issues
Work issues and stress
Life direction
Grief and loss
Sexuality and gender identity
Eco-anxiety and eco-griefMy therapeutic approaches include:
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Training
Narrative Therapy

ABOUT ME

I have been registered as a psychologist since 1995, a profession I was drawn to through my passion for growth, change and helping people. Holding a deep belief in the capacity of everyone to develop to realise their potential, I value the opportunity to share in the process of creating meaningful and connected lives.Throughout my psychology career, I have worked in a range of capacities in the government, not-for-profit and private sectors. This has encompassed extensive therapeutic engagement with individuals and families, as well as psychological assessment and behaviour support. I have also been employed as a trainer and project manager in the human services sector. In 2011 I returned to work in counselling, the area of psychological practice about which I am most passionate.I am registered with Australian Health Practitioner’s Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Psychology Board of Australia, and am a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists.

RESOURCES

FOR IMMEDIATE SUPPORT CONTACT:
Lifeline
Beyond Blue
SuicideLine Victoria
SANE Helpline
Parentline Victoria
MensLine
Kids Helpline
Headspace

FOR SUPPORT IN RELATION TO THE FOLLOWING ISSUES CONTACT:
Substance dependency - Turning Point
Eating disorders - Butterfly Foundation
Personality disorders - Spectrum
Psychotic disorders - SANE Australia
Legal issues (including custody issues) - AAPi: Find a Psychologist

MINDFULNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Head to Health
Mental Health Online
Black Dog Institute
Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria
Smiling Mind
Headspace

CONTACT

If you would like to talk about the possibility of making an appointment, please call and leave a message on voicemail. I will reply to your message as soon as possible. If I’m on leave this will be stated in my voicemail message.Telephone:
0490 912 604I work from consulting rooms in Kyneton, as well as providing sessions online.I respectfully acknowledge I live and work on the lands of the Boon Wurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples. I pay respect to Elders, past and present. I recognise that sovereignty over these lands was never ceded, and commit to working alongside First Nations people for Treaty and justice.

The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.

Joseph Campbell