Dr Kirsty James (Psychologist)

Name

Dr Kirsty Michelle James

Qualifications

Master of Science in Forensic Psychology

Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Occupation

Psychologist

Gender

Female

https://www.thetalkshop.com.au

Dr Kirsty James, Clinical Psychologist, completed her Doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at the University of Bath in the UK, after completing her degree in Psychology (BSc (Hons)) and Masters in Forensic Psychology (Msc) at the University of Portsmouth, UK. Kirsty is a Registered Psychologist with endorsement in Clinical Psychology with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a registered Clinical Psychologist in the UK with the Health & Care Professions Council. She is also a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Background Since qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist Kirsty has been offering psychological support to children, adolescents, adults, and their families experiencing a range of psychological difficulties. This has primarily been while working within specialist paediatric and adult services for people with acute and chronic physical health conditions, as well as within a Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Kirsty believes in the importance of developing an open, supportive and trusting relationship with the individuals and families she works with and in partnership with them draws on a number of evidence-based psychological models. Therapeutic Approach Kirsty has skills and knowledge in the assessment, understanding and development of psychological interventions for those experiencing a range of emotional difficulties, and adopts an empathic, respectful and non-judgmental approach throughout all the support she offers. Kirsty has extensive experience supporting children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing common psychological difficulties such as low mood/depression, anxiety/worry, panic disorder, stress, low self-esteem, grief and loss. In order to support people in a professional, effective and engaging way, Kirsty utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and values drawing on a variety of other psychological approaches within this work. These approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Systemic models of understanding relationships and interactions with others around us. Areas of Specialist Experience Kirsty has particular experience in adapting psychological assessment and interventions for those experiencing and adjusting to both acute and chronic physical health conditions. She has supported individuals and families with the diagnosis of and adjustment to living with a physical health condition, emotional reactions to the illness and/ or its treatment(s), and through difficult treatment decisions. Kirsty also has experience in working with children, young people and their parents or families with wide ranging emotional and behavioural difficulties including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic, and phobias. Whilst continuing to use the above evidence-based approaches, Kirsty also incorporates both narrative therapy and play-based approaches in order to support this populations understanding of their emotions and ways to manage these. What to expect in the first session Kirsty recognises that it can be difficult to take the first step to seek psychological support. When meeting with individuals or families for the first time, Kirsty spends time getting to know your strengths, interests and qualities, alongside exploring the difficult thoughts and feelings you are currently experiencing. This will be within a safe, relaxed and private atmosphere, at a pace that feels right for you. Hearing your unique experiences helps Kirsty build a shared understanding of what has led to and is currently maintaining your difficulties. This can then guide decisions about support that is most appropriate for you and a plan for future psychology sessions.

Affiliated Clinics

The Talk Shop - Melbourne

Practice Locations

VIC

The Talk Shop - Melbourne

Address

Melbourne VIC 3000 
Australia

1300 224 665

1300 224 669