Shoalhaven Psychology Services & Consultancy

Get to know Shoalhaven Psychology Services & Consultancy

From Shoalhaven Psychology Services & Consultancy's website.

• Our approach

  Shoalhaven Psychology uses a collaborative, supportive approach that integrates a variety of evidence-based therapies tailored to your needs, including cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and psychodynamic approaches. Sessions involve talking with your psychologist about why you've come to therapy, your concerns, and what you'd like to achieve. The practice believes in whole wellbeing and addressing all aspects of yourself—physiological, biological, mental and social—to help you process and adapt to life changes. Your therapist will be present, connecting with transparency, dignity and respect, and bringing humour into sessions to reduce tension and enhance the therapeutic relationship. Therapy is viewed as a collaborative process where you learn new skills and ways of managing distress while working with a psychologist who is genuinely committed to your growth and progress.

• Meet the team

  The Principal Psychologist is Janine Lord, who brings more than twenty years of experience as a psychologist and offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Calida Felton is a newly registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) holding a Masters of Counselling degree. All psychologists have tertiary qualifications in psychology and hold registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and Psychology Board of Australia. The team maintains current registration through ongoing professional development and holds membership with the Australian Psychological Society or Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. Team members are described as having high emotional intelligence, being empathic, kind, gentle, humble, and down to earth.

• Your first visit

  At your first appointment, your psychologist will begin by going through important paperwork including an information form, consent form (covering confidentiality and fees), and other relevant information; if you have a medical referral this will be discussed. The remainder of the session focuses on talking about why you've come to therapy, your concerns, personal circumstances, challenges, and what you'd like to get from therapy. Your psychologist will ask questions to gather relevant information to help you, so don't worry about knowing what to say. Sessions typically last 50–60 minutes, and over the first three to four sessions you'll develop a plan with your psychologist to clarify what to expect going forward.