Filmmaker
A few words about me
After completing my Masters in Psychology (1988) I have worked as a psychologist for over thirty years in public and private practice both in Melbourne and overseas.
My many years of service as Senior psychologist on a Children’s Assessment and Therapy Services team, at various clinics and hospitals, including Monash Medical Centre, Hadassah hospital, Alfred Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, and in private practice, have enriched my skills in assessment and therapy for children and adolescents, counselling with parents and families, and adult therapy. Now I work mainly in private practice and also as a consultant with the Lighthouse Institute delivering workshops to a range of organizations. I also serve on the advisory board of Camp Sababa - a not for profit that organises enriching camps for children with disabilities and provides their parents with well deserved respite.
My training and ongoing professional development ground me in a broad range of theories, which help me to understand children, teens and adults as they confront the difficulties in their lives. These include:
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Developmental Psychology
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Attachment Theory and Psychodynamic Theory
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Family Systems Theory
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Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
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Narrative Therapy
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Positive Psychology
As such my understanding of children and adults is informed by the family and environment they live in, their early childhood experiences and the relationships they develop, their patterns of thinking and behavior, and the stories they tell themselves about their lives.
Because I know we are all different I try to offer a wide range of approaches to fit the needs of my clients. These include Psychodynamic and Cognitive-behaviour therapy and Focused psychological strategies (such as Interpersonal therapy, Psycho-education, Problem solving skills in anxiety and anger). I also incorporate mindfulness and simple yoga exercises in my sessions where appropriate.
Additionally I offer sand tray therapy and play therapy, art therapy and use of therapeutic stories. Many children and adults find that creative and expressive therapies help them communicate their difficulties to themselves and others and provide a way to work through issues.
Overall I hope to offer compassionate, theoretically informed, evidence based and creative ways to help children, teens and adults tell their story, overcome their difficulties and enhance their well-being.
I try to keep my fees affordable for people. As a registered provider under the Medicare Better Access Scheme, Medicare will rebate a substantial part of the cost of the session if you have a Mental Health Plan from your GP. I am also registered with private health insurance companies.
I am registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, am a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists and an Affiliate member of the College of Clinical Psychologists.
My rooms are in Windsor/Prahran (at the Williams Road Psychotherapy Centre) and Caulfield. I see clients Mon – Thurs till 6 pm. If you have any questions or to make an appointment phone 95053296 or email retakac@optusnet.com.au
To learn more about me as an author and a filmmaker, click here.
