Adam van Heerden - Elsternwick
A little about me
Hi, I'm Adam. I am a Psychologist with extensive experience working in community health clinics, schools and the private sector. Emboldened by my own search to find true belonging, I now work alongside young people, their families and individual adults to help them reconnect with themselves and find their place in the world.
My clinical work is based on the viewpoint that with increased awareness and support, each person has the capacity to resolve difficulties, improve their mental health and cultivate more fulfilling relationships. I respect the uniqueness of each person and will seek to understand your concerns within the context of your family, culture, gender, sexuality and overall life space.
Above all, I am dedicated to creating a welcoming therapeutic space and believe healing can only occur in relationship.
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Areas of Focus and Qualifications
- Interpersonal challenges (relationships, friendships, family)
- Anxiety concerns (social anxiety, worry, panic attacks, perfectionism and phobias)
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Low self esteem & self worth
- Assertiveness Skills
- Navigating neurodiversity
- Anger management
- Recovery from trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Existential questions (finding purpose in life, navigating self expression and community, and exploring life direction)
- Work related difficulties (stress, bullying, low work satisfaction and career direction)
- School / study related difficulties (study stress, friendship issues, organisational skills, school refusal)
- Life transitions
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Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) - Reichman University
Honours in Psychology - The University of Melbourne
Master of Ed. Psychology - The University of Melbourne
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Relational Gestalt Psychotherapy (in progress) - Gestalt Therapy Australia
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) - Openground Mindfulness Training
Acceptance Commitment Therapy - Russ Harris Training
Bush Adventure Therapy Practitioner - Adventure Works Australia
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Services
Adolescents and Young Adults
Safe and supportive counselling sessions where we talk about what’s important to you. Together, we will understand what’s happening in your life and find ways to approach your challenges and goals. I am interested in your unique strengths and growth as a whole person.
Adult Counselling
Compassionate and non-judgemental sessions that support you to cultivate increased awareness of the ways you show up in your life and in relationship. Together, we will make sense of your concerns within the broader context of your life and develop flexible approaches to meeting your goals.
Walk and Talk Therapy
Not a fan of the counselling room? I've got you covered with Walk and Talk Therapy! As a trained Bush Adventure Therapist, I have seen the benefits of engaging therapeutically in the great outdoors. Walk and Talk Therapy provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the dual benefits of counselling and being in nature at the same time.
