Specialising in
Eating Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Self Esteem Issues
Life Transitions
About Me
I am an accredited clinical psychologist. My qualifications are a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, a Master of Science, and a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours (Class 1), all from the University of Sydney.
I work primarily with adults and older adolescents. I have a special interest in eating disorders and obesity, having worked in this field for a number of years. I also help clients with mood disorders including depression, and anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, and generalised worry. I am also experienced with confidence and self esteem issues, and general stress management. My primary focus is always on enhancing clients’ wellbeing and potential.
In addition to private practice, I continue to consult to the InsideOut Institute, National Institute for Eating Disorders at the University of Sydney. I previously worked as the Clinical Lead at the Institute. I also worked as the eating disorders’ coordinator and senior clinician at Prince of Wales Hospital for over 5 years and have also held positions at Wesley Private Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. I have been working in private practice in Sydney’s east for over ten years.
I have presented numerous seminars and training workshops on eating disorders and motivational therapy to mental health professionals, school personnel, and general medical professionals. I have developed online learnings for health professionals and have taught undergraduate and postgraduate university students. I have a strong background in research and have presented at national and international conferences and am an co-investigator on a number of current research studies. My Masters of Science research involved an examination of a therapeutic approach to increase motivation to change amongst clients with eating disorders and I have published several papers on this topic.
My Therapeutic Approach
I generally work within a cognitive behavioural framework; the leading evidence based treatment for eating disorders, anxiety and depression. I am, however, skilled at adapting my approach for each client’s needs, utilising techniques from my training and experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I am also trained and experienced in Maudsley Family Based Therapy, the gold standard treatment for eating disorders in children and adolescents, and in SSCM, an alternative, evidence-based treatment for Anorexia Nervosa.
Offering
A variety of evidenced based treatment approaches in order to respond to your individual needs
Over 15 years’ experience
A strong background in teaching and training, research, policy development and advocacy
Medicare and private health fund rebates
Fees and Rebates
Regular individual sessions are $260 and last 50 minutes. This is below the fees recommended by the Australian Psychological Society.
Initial individual sessions, lasting at least 60 minutes, are $300.
Family therapy sessions may be charged at a higher rate.
Medicare Rebates
Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, the government commits approximately $1310 per calendar year to the mental health treatment of individuals who have been referred by a suitable medical doctor (GP/ psychiatrist/ paediatrician). This is in the form of a rebate of about $131 from Medicare for up to 10 sessions.
To obtain a Medicare rebate you will need to see your doctor before the first claimable session. Your doctor will give you a GP Mental Health Care Plan. Please bring that with you to your first session and you will be able to claim the rebate on the spot.
Some clients may meet criteria for the Medicare Eating Disorders Treatment Pathway. This allows for Medicare rebates of up to 40 sessions of psychological treatment over 12 months. A GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist will need to initiate this pathway by completing an Eating Disorders Treatment Plan. Further details about this initiative can be found here: www.insideoutinstitute.org.au/medicare
Private Health Rebates
Rebates are also available for individuals with private health cover. Please consult your cover policy for specific rebate amounts as they vary according to the plan you are on. You cannot claim a private health fund rebate if you claim a Medicare rebate for the session.
Cancellations
The scheduled appointment time is reserved for you only. If an appointment is missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the fee charged for the scheduled session. If you fail to show for an appointment, the full fee will be charged. Medicare and private health plans do not cover payment for missed appointments.
Bookings can be made by contacting me at helen@rydge.com.au
Supervision
I am a Psychology Board of Australia approved supervisor with clinical psychology endorsement.I can assist with supervision forclients suffering from eating disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders as well as general wellbeing problems. I have a good, up to date understanding of the eating disorders literature and how it can be used in clinical practice.
I have been working in private practice since 2008. My supervision style is primarily didactic and I can provide information and skills training on CBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, SSCM and Maudsley family based therapy. Supervision is also a space for you to discuss transference and counter transference issues and to debrief.
