Treatment Areas

Depression

Delving into depression

Feeling depressed is often a very normal response to a range of different life events. But sometimes these feelings can develop into more than feeling sad, miserable or worried. Sometimes it can impact our ability to function each day and prevent us from enjoying life and doing the things we need to do.


Depression is the most common mental health condition, with 1 in 5 people experiencing it at least once in their lifetime. But everyone’s experience of depression is different, and sometimes it can be difficult to know what’s going on. If you feel you need help then finding out more about depression and how it might relate to your experience can be an important first step. For information about depression, you could consult your GP, or check out the resource links here.


The good news is that depression doesn’t have to be a life-long sentence. There are a range of therapies that have been researched and shown to be very effective in supporting people through depression and back into enjoying life. And, you don’t have to have a clinical diagnosis of depression to benefit from seeking help. Many people seek help in better understanding themselves and making their lives more positive.


This video gives a good description of how depression might feel for some people.


I had a black dog – his name was depression



Our Psychologists who focus on depression:

James Douglas

Psychologist

With 30 years of experience in various organisational and counselling psychology roles, James offers a wealth of knowledge and practical experience. Over the past 24 years, he has specialised in working with police and emergency service workers, providing support to individuals and groups with complex trauma histories, as well as grief and loss. Understanding the significant impact of trauma and stress on relationships, both in personal and professional settings, James also assists individuals in leadership roles and offers guidance in navigating workplace or relationship conflicts.Having dedicated years to collaborating with police in training, James has developed a keen interest in sports and performance psychology. He has effectively worked with numerous athletes to enhance performance and address lifestyle challenges. Through the application of strategies rooted in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, which are evidence-based, James empowers his clients to discover their strengths and achieve their goals with deep respect and sensitivity.

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James Focusses on:

James

Rachel Goodwin

Psychologist

Hi there, my name is Rachel Goodwin and I have been working at The Long Gallery since 2016 and have practiced as a psychologist since 2008. I started my career in Canberra and moved back to Qld in 2011. I have worked in both medical centres and private practice since then helping adolescents and adults with a wide range of presentations.Since the start of Covid-19, we have all experienced long periods of stress including the impacts of recent flooding. As a first time Mum in 2020, I am aware of how tricky it can be in ‘juggling multiple balls in the air’ at a given time and especially ‘balls from left field’. If we reach a state of ‘overwhelm’ where we’re stuck ‘in the mud’, feel hopeless, shutdown and unable to keep ‘juggling’, then it’s vital that we reach out for support and realise we’re not alone! My practices include both mindfulness and compassion and I am available for sessions in 2023. I have experience working with addictions, mood and anxiety conditions, complex bereavement and trauma, and my aim is to help clients move forward in a valued and meaningful direction. Being a country girl at heart, I also appreciate nature and use this to help anchor clients to the present moment. I would love to help anyone who is experiencing overwhelm and would like some support. 

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Rachel

Zach Raftery

Psychologist

Zach works from a person-centred framework, guided by the principles of acceptance, safety, unconditional positive regard, and empathy. He has a masters degree in Clinical Psychology, a masters degree in Counselling Psychology, and holds endorsement in both areas of practice. In his clinical work, Zach draws primarily from the Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Compassion Focused (CFT) and Cognitive-Behavioural (CBT) therapeutic modalities. Zach has a particular interest in working with clients who are struggling with grief and bereavement. He works with clients across the lifespan, including primary and high school aged children, students, parents, young adults and older adults. Zach has previously worked clinically in a variety of occupational settings, including schools, disability and employment services, corrective services, the performing arts, child mental health, and in private practice. When he is not working at our clinic, Zach teaches advanced counselling skills to students in the Masters of Psychology and Masters of Counselling programmes at UQ. Zach is also a board-approved supervisor (STAP certified) and he supervises provisional (trainee) psychologists who are completing postgraduate study. He enjoys sushi, rainforests, video games, sleep, dumplings, and dogs.

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Zach

Jack Andreadis

Social Worker

Qualified as a social worker (Australian Association of Social Workers member no. 475139), Jack offers counselling for anybody seeking support amongst life’s ups and downs. Jack enjoys connecting with a diverse range of clients from all walks of life, including those who just want a chat and those who want to dive deeper.Jack’s primary therapeutic method is an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed approach. IFS is an empowering approach to supporting people with their thoughts, emotions and past traumas, with the goal of connecting to a calm, curious and confident sense of self. Jack also draws on aspects of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Yoga for Trauma Recovery depending on the needs and preferences of the client. In session, Jack likes to combine his curious and conversational counselling style with mindful practices, encouraging clients to connect to their emotions in safe and constructive ways. Doing the work of healing alongside Jack, you will be supported with a flexible approach to finding the pathways that feel right for you.

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Jack