Treatment Areas

Relationships

Exploring Relationships

Few couples can claim that their relationship is free of conflict and disappointment. Even the most robust and loving relationships endure difficulties that can arise when from time to time.


Unfortunately, throughout our lives, we are exposed to very few relationship role models and we rarely observe other couples solving these difficult relationship problems. To further exacerbate the problem we are often exposed to idealistic representations of relationships through popular media which may influence our relationship expectations.


It is important to know, however, that the science of psychology has been busy learning the keys to improving relationships and the good news is there are many practical ways to effectively approach conflict and dissatisfaction.


Getting to understand the nature of relationships and how we, as human beings, interact with each other is a great first step. With this knowledge, we can practice and experiment with many varied strategies to influence our partners in positive and sustainable ways.

Our Psychologists who focus on relationships:

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