Trish Ayers – Clinical Psychologist
MPsych (Clin), Grad. Dip Prof Psych, BAppSc Psych (Hons), BAppSc (Physio), CEDC, Grad. Dip Sports Physiotherapy, BSW, Cert. Bereavement Counselling Practice, Applied Certificate Relationship Counselling
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia -AHPRA, a member of the Australian Psychological Society, Australian Clinical Psychology Association and the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment. I am also a Provider for Medicare, Workcover, NDIS and TAC. I am a member of The Victorian Neurorehabilitation Network: https://www.vnnetwork.com.au
My career commenced as a Physiotherapist, and evolved through gaining the APS Sports Physiotherapist Title to working with clients with sports injuries and elite athletes. My focus was on rehabilitation to enable elite athletes to return to competition. I also worked with clients with chronic pain and neurological issues. This experience – and the experience of a significant career ending injury – led me to appreciate the importance of psychological treatment, alongside the physical, and highlighted the importance of the mind/body connection. This instigated my journey into the profession of psychology, where I completed my training in clinical psychology.
Therapeutic Approach
My clinical work is informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – (accept what is out of your personal control, and commit to action that improves and enriches your life) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, (a relatively short-term, focused approach to the treatment of many types of issues utilising thoughts, feelings and behaviours) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a treatment for PTSD and trauma. I bring sensitivity, warmth and a collaborative communication style to my work and provide a safe, supportive and private environment. I work collaboratively with a clients treating team if required.
I have particular interest and substantial experience in working with:
- Acquired brain injuries
- Chronic pain and rehabilitation from injury
- People impacted by bushfires
- Grief & bereavement – including animal loss
- PTSD in veterinarians and animal shelter workers
- LGBTIQIA+ issues
- Relationship stress
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Stress management
- Clinical supervision
I am passionate about working together with clients to achieve the best possible outcome.
Where appropriate, I will work with a client’s treating team, for example, in case of an acquired brain injury, working as a team with allied health team members and medical providers, ensures the optimum outcomes for recovery for the client.