CHRIS DRAKE
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Psychology assessment and treatment for adults of all ages
Supervision for Clinical Psychologists
Twenty five years experience in the assessment and treatment of patients with a range of mental disorders and psychological distress.
Why Psychology?....
Psychological therapy has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for a wide range of disorders including depression, anxiety and trauma. It is also beneficial for improving well being, self awareness and enhancing life meaning and satisfaction. Depending on your presenting problem, psychological treatment may involve expressing yourself and feeling heard and validated, challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, or discovering new or surprising things about yourself. Psychology assessment and treatment is individualised to your needs and circumstances.
SEEING A PSYCHOLOGIST
Many people are tentative talking to someone they don't know about their problems and are uncertain about what the experience will involve.
Once we discuss formalities such as limits of confidentiality and answering any questions you may have, we can then discuss the reason you have chosen to see a psychologist. I will then spend time collecting personal history and ask you to complete other forms of psychological assessment such as answering structured sets of questions. These are undertaken to understand why your problems or symptoms have arisen at this time. Taking this into account, we will then discuss options for treatment.
My primary aim is that you feel understood and able to talk about what you think and feel about yourself. Research tells us that most people achieve some benefit from psychological treatment after 8 - 15 sessions, and that psychological treatment can assist wth reducing relapse. I also focus on working collaboratively with others involved in your care.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Empirically supported assessment and intervention
My understanding of people and psychological intervention is founded on cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic and existential theory. In other words, our early experience, the way we think about ourselves and the world, and how we try to manage the anxieties associated with the individual and social realities of our life explains many of the difficulties we encounter. These form the basis of intervention by fostering awareness, and then alternative thinking and behaviour. These changes can lead to reduction of symptoms and increases in self satisfaction.
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I also provide supervision for Clinical Psychologists at a variety of skill levels.
OUR CLINIC
Relaxed and private space
Our clinic is situated in a quiet shopping strip, across the road from Eaglemont Station and close to cafes and other self care providers. The building has an established feel, and has been furnished to provide a relaxed and containing space. The clinic is staffed by experienced clinical psychologists, social workers and other allied health professionals.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Understanding you better
An important aspect of psychological intervention is spending the first few sessions undertaking a detailed  assessment, where a combination of self report, formal assessment and collateral information is collected. From this I develop an understanding of you and your presenting issues, and develop a plan to commence treatment.
INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT
As unique as you are
Psychological treatment is individually tailored to you and your presenting issues. Some people seek treatment due to concerning symptoms, whereas others seek to develop self understanding or increase their sense of purpose in life. Treatment takes place usually on a weekly basis and typically involves you reflecting on your experience and learning news ways to see yourself and others. Through treatment, clients typically develop new ways of thinking or experiencing themselves and others, and undertake specific tasks to directly address symptoms.