Just recebtly I attended the National AACBT conference in Sydney. Guest speakers included Michelle Craske, Jacqueline Persons and Richard Bryant. The conference was a stimulating occasion and a great opportunity to hear about the state of the art research being conducted, both here and overseas. Such occasions are invigorating for both teaching and implementing therapy. One presentation focused on clinicians' discomfort with imaginal exposure. If you feel this is an issue for you, please contact me to arrange supervision or training in this usefuland important technique.
Some great news in our two- year follow up research of psychological treatment of trauma. See the article here:
http://doi.org/10.1002/da.23214
The study is of particular interest and timely, given the current stress on our health system.
As my practice, like many others, has been inundated this year many people trying to access help might be finding long waiting lists an issue. Remember that while you are waiting to see a professional you can still set aside an hour each week for your own self-help. Reading a book isn't going to be the same as sitting with another person to receive individuated treatment, but many of the strategies offered in self help books are tried and tested ways to ease stress and improve mood. You may want to use the hour to practice mindfulness or watch a video about the issues you are struggling with. There are also online treatments available such as This Way Up and others. The time you set aside may begin to make some inroads towards easing your symptoms while you wait to see a therapist.
Well, we find ourselves in the thick of 2021 with still a great deal of uncertainty about the long terms effects of the pandemic for ourselves here in Australia, but also overseas. There are many challenges to living with uncertainty and it is a trigger for anxiety in many of us. Thankfully, psychologists have been able to continue to offer support, using technologies such as Zoom and Skype and have been able to stay connected with those of you who have been looking for support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel like you need to address any psychological concerns.
COVID-19 update. I'm happy to let you all know that my practice is running via telehealth at present. If you have concerns about set-up or how to access telehealth, let me know. There is a little bit of a wait to book in for a session, but get in touch and we can work out a time which suits. Stay safe everyone and let me know if you need further support at this time.
Here is a link to a handout I wrote about self- esteem. It might be something you try by yourself or you use while in therapy:
If you're anything like me, right now you're thinking two things:
Firstly, where has the year gone? And secondly, I still haven't got around to.......
Motivation and confidence are two characteristics or attributes many people I see wish they had more of- and the bad news is no-one's selling them! The good news is, if you think therapy can help you access confidence and motivation then you're right. By exploring the barriers in terms of beliefs, emotions, ideas about yourself or other people and also assimilating previous experiences, therapy is one way to help access your own confidence and motivation. Now is a good time to think about fitting in some sessions with a psychologist next year. Don't leave it until the new year - January is when everyone else jumps on the resolutions bandwagon!
On an unrelated note- very happy and proud to share this article about treating first responders. Another resounding success for exposure -based therapy:
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291718002234
Enjoy the next couple of months. Its a buzz, its also a struggle and a stressful time for many people and some families are facing their first Christmas without a loved one, which can bring its own pain. There is also the likelihood of a difficult fire season, as we are already seeing. Reach out for help if you need it and remember Lifeline offers 24hr support about a wide range of issues on 13 11 14.
I've included a picture below to show my appreciation for a recent workshop I attended run by Scott Kellogg on 'Transformational Chairwork and the Four Dialogues" . It was a powerful and humbling three days in rainy, but beautiful, Melbourne. Many techniques I've applied already and have received very positive feedback about the strategies Dr Kellogg demonstrated. A great mid-year lift.
Been a while since I've updated anything here, which is a good reflection of how busy people can become in a quite insidious way! A lot of current research is looking at the role of workplace stress and how we can manage this more effectively to improve our mental health. My former supervisor Richard Bryant has recently published Treatment Guidelines for PTSD in emergency services workers, a useful resource for clinicians and others in contact with this population:
https://blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/default-source/research/expert-guidelines---diagnosis-and-treatment-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-in-emergency-service-workers.pdf
I have recently had the opportunity to attend a supervision Masterclass to maintain my board-approved status as a supervisor. Its always a great opportunity to reflect on current practice and what you could improve or do better. Thanks to Christine Senediak who ran the workshop, with her usual skill.
Finally, a link to a recent article by myself and my former team at the Traumatic Stress Clinic investigating our two- year follow-up data in the Grief study:
Bryant RA;Kenny L;Joscelyne A;Rawson N;Maccallum F;Cahill C;Hopwood S;Nickerson A, 2017, 'Treating prolonged grief disorder: A 2-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial', Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, vol. 78, pp. 1363 - 1368, http://www.psychiatrist.com/JCP/article/Pages/2017/v78n09/16m10729.aspx
I was delighted to see continued support for exposure therapy. It can be tough, but here is another piece of evidence supporting its efficacy.
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The year slips past quickly- almost Easter already! A few notable successes include a very interactive and engaging workshop at the International Medicine in Addiction conference, successfully completing Coasttrek for Fred Hollows Foundation and the addition of an extra day into the mix.
Happy to say strong links are still maintained with the Traumatic Stress Clinic and I imagine these links will endure forever. To catch up with what the clinic is up to, head over to their website using the button below.
Happy New Year!
Big news for this year is that I will be able to offer Monday appointments from end of January. I am finishing up my role with the Traumatic Stress Clinic, with a great deal of sadness but also feeling it is the right time. It has been an amazing role, and I have been really fortunate to work with a bunch of clinicians at the forefront of clinical psychology in Sydney and also to have consistently had the support and backing of my boss Richard Bryant for the last eleven (and a half) years.
In short its been wonderful, but now its time to devote more energy to my private practice and that means greater availability and flexibility in that arena.
If you're thinking of making an appointment- no better time!
Well and truly back in the saddle now- great trip to Ireland and welcome opportunity to connect with former colleagues. I'll certainly offer the workshop again- possibly in different format but will keep you posted.
I have just signed on as an adjunct lecturer at UNSW for the next three years and am delighted about this role. Being at the cutting edge of research into PTSD and Grief keeps treatment up-to-date and relevant and most importantly of all- effective!
If you're feeling there are things you would like to get kickstarted before end of year- now is the time to initiate change. I am happy to provide help and support with regard to setting meaningful targets for change, over these next months. Let's see 2016 end as well as possible for you. Contact me via email or phone to take the first steps.
Update and info for mid- year 2016
It's a busy time of year now, with my regular lecturing gig at UTS next week and preparing for annual leave in June/July.
FYI I will be running a workshop in Dublin, Ireland on CBT for Prolonged Grief if you have any colleagues or friends you would like to mention this to, I'm happy to give a 5% reduction for anyone mentioning this website.Please click below for further information:
I will be away for seven weeks, so if you are thinking of referring during this time, email is the best way to get me and I'll try to reply so we can set something up for my return. Apologies though for any inconvenience caused by my absence.
When I get back it'll be straight over to the Institute of Psychiatry to help with their Psychological Strategies for GPs course and then back into stride with usual therapy hours available from beginning of August.
Happy New Year 2016!
Catherine is happy to announce she is able to offer appointments across two days now, having added an extra morning. She is based at a new suite this year, same floor but other side. Settling in at present so apologies for any teething difficulties! Hope you like the new set-up.
To get the year off to a good start feel free to book in for a 'Psychological MOT'- we can make a plan to work out what needs tweaking in your life to have you running smoothly all year!
Sept 2015
Catherine is holding a workshop this weekend at the University of Western Sydney and was a guest speaker at Randwick's Mental Health Professionals Network last Thursday evening- slides to follow on their website.
UTS Lecture & DSM-V
Catherine recently guest lectured at UTS' new Clinical Masters programme and looks forward to teaching and meeting the GPs completing psychological training and NSWIOP in August.
Ongoing teaching helps keep therapeutic knowledge up to date - which in turns helps Catherine's patients be assured they are receiving best practice interventions.
To find out more about DSM-V and how it has changed the conceptualisation of common mental disorders so you too are up to date, check out the American Psychiatric Society's webpage and associated links:
http://www.psychiatry.org/dsm5
JAMA Publication:
http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx?journalid=70&issueid=931148
Link to that JAMA article (see reference below).
August 2014
New location for the Traumatic Stress Clinic!
http://www.wmi.org.au/ourpeople/Pages/RichardBryant.aspx
Also, myself and my colleagues will be publishing an article in JAMA soon. Keep your eyes peeled!!!
March 2014
://devel.brain-dynamics.net/people/view/id/8
See the link above for details about Catherine's work at the Traumatic Stress Clinic
October 2013
Catherine has completed her role at the Cade Clinic for the time being but continues to enjoy a good relationship with her collaborators there.
See http://www.cadeclinic.com/content/cadeclinic/people/index.php
New anxiety resource for health professionals and again, proud to be involved with the development of this resource. If interested please check out he website below:
http://www.anxietyeducation.edu.au/contact/
Very proud to be associated with this article. I supervised the clinical psychologists involved and received an acknowledgement as a result. High impact journal and a meaningful and important study.
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1346186
2012
Check out this recent edition of In Psych on mood disorders. One of the articles is published by myself and a few distinguished Australian colleagues, who share an interest in bipolar disorder in young people:
2012
This story represents a win for psychological treatment of mental disorders. If you have had success with a psychologist don't be afraid to tell friends. Many people suffer in silence and many more are unaware of the Medicare rebates available under the Better Access scheme. Read more about these here:
JAN 2012
Happy New Year Everyone!
A busy end to last year saw treatment extending with greater flexibility in appointment times and accommodation of the Government cutbacks to the Medicare Better Access scheme.
To maximise your sessions, focus on what it is you want to get out of therapy and communicate this to your GP. They can then help you with a referral that enables you to claim $122.15 of the total cost of a session. Very worthwhile! If you have any concerns or questions about the process, then please give me a call or send an email and I'll clarify. It can be confusing at times, so don't be afraid to ask questions.
MAY 2011
Catherine has just spent the weekend teaching GPs in Western Sydney about using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. The workshop was well-received and will improve understanding of psychological techniques for those who attended.
If you have any difficulty discussing therapy with your GP, feel free to contact Catherine who will happy to fill them in on what is likely to happen in sessions.
New Season New Premises!
Catherine has moved office to Harley Place in the heart of Bondi Junction. The new office is located diagonally opposite the 'Borders' entrance to Westfield Bondi Junction.
Plenty of traumas have been occurring on an almost regular basis in late Dec 2010 and Jan 2011. If you, or someone you know is struggling to cope with recent traumatic events do feel free to give Catherine a call (0401 611 578) to discuss possible options.
Catherine Cahill will be presenting regardng PTSD at the Centrelink Allied Health Conference on October 28th 2010.
It will be an exciting opportunity to exchange ideas with other disciplines and discuss their approaches to trauma in people who attend Centrelink.
WORLD SUICIDE DAY-10th September 2010
Community Forum in Sydney- register your interest at the following link:
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Catherine has recently been involved in coordinating workshops for the Mental Health Practitioner's Network. A workshop in Surry Hills last week discussed some of the difficulties private practitioners face. It also raised difficulties with treating people with long term or chronic conditions under the Better Access scheme, something which Catherine is familiar with from some of the patients in her private practice.
August 2010
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Catherine has designed a new, free treatment for adolescents with bipolar disorder and is currently assessing potential participants. If you want to refer someone for this treatment or find out more about it yourself please click here:
http://clinicalpsychologist.yolasite.com/contact.php
The treatment is bulk billed under Medicare. To find out how to set this up for yourself or your child please give Catherine a call on 0401 611578. There are two treatment sites- Bondi Junction in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs and Royal North Shore Hospital at St Leonard’s.
The treatment is suitable for 15-20 year olds who have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. You may also be eligible if you suspect you have bipolar disorder. To find out more about this option, please contact Catherine and she will discuss possible ways to proceed with you.
The treatment is purely psychological. It is based on the most commonly used and evidence-based treatments for bipolar disorder in adults but has been modified to suit a younger population. It draws on;
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Family focused Therapy
- Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy
- Psychoeducation
Catherine’s extensive study of bipolar disorder in younger people means that her therapeutic skills are fine-tuned to suit this population and the treatment adheres to the most up to date guidelines emerging from research in this area.
Feb 2010