MIRELLA DI BENEDETTO

BBSc MA(HealthPsych) PhD(Psych)

We are living in usual and exceptional times. Australia experienced its worst known bush fire season ever and now we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic. Mental health issues have skyrocketed in recent times. Using telehealth, I can provide psychological support to Australians living in regional and rural Australia.

I have mostly worked as an academic (lecturer and researcher) over the past 20 years, which has been interspersed with working as a psychologist since 2001. I have worked in Bendigo, Ballarat and in Melbourne. I am endorsed in health psychology, the branch of psychology that explores the relationship between mental and physical health: I have a strong focus and background in physical health issues as well as mental health issues. Therefore, my approach to therapy is holistic: it takes into account any lifestyle factors that might be contributing to any presenting psychological illness in the client. Overall, I have a client-centred approach to therapy, so I work together with my clients to achieve their individual therapeutic goals.

As well as years of psychological experience as a researcher and psychologist, I have also had my share of life-changing experiences, which can give me a different insight into what clients might be experiencing. However, everyone is a unique individual and brings their own life story to therapy. So, my therapeutic approach uses evidence-based practices tailored to the individual.

SPECIAL INTERESTS:

• Depression
• Stress management
• Anxiety and worry
• OCD, specific phobias, performance anxiety
• Self-esteem, assertiveness and communication
• Anger management
• Grief and loss
• Trauma
• Quit smoking
• Insomnia/inability to sleep
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Adjustment disorder
• Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorders
• Alcohol abuse