Rachelle Porter is a psychologist in private practice in Melbourne.
Rachelle works from a trauma-informed framework, providing a nurturing environment to explore and work through difficult issues, assisting clients to enhance wellbeing and optimise functioning.
About
Rachelle Porter is a Clinical Psychologist with more than 15 years experience working in mental health within the private and public sectors. Her work with clients aims to develop effective coping strategies to help deal with daily life.
Rachelle draws from a variety of psychological models in her work with adolescents and adults, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Mindfulness, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Systemic and Emotion Focused Therapy.
She provides a nurturing environment to explore and work through difficult issues, and assist clients in enhancing their wellbeing.
Qualifications:
Bachelor Science (Psychology), Brigham Young University
Bachelor Arts, Brigham Young University
Post Grad Diploma Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology
Masters Psychology Clinical, Swinburne University of Technology
Affiliations:
Fully Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Reg. # PSY0001669077)
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) since 2006
Registered Medicare Provider (# 4501885H)
Therapy
Rachelle has experience and expertise working with individuals with a variety of issues, including:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress management and coping
Mental health/illness
Parenting challenges
Grief and loss
Relationship issues
Relaxation
Post traumatic stress
Physical health concerns
Self development
Skills training
Problem solving skills and training
Anger management
Social skills training
Communication training
Stress management
Assertiveness training
Self-esteem issues
Finding value and meaning in life
Therapeutic Approaches
Rachelle approaches all counselling from a person-centered modality, a commitment to providing an environment of safety, acceptance, non-judgement and unconditional positive regard.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
(CBT)
CBT is an evidence based psychotherapeutic approach, a talking therapy. CBT aims to solve problematic emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure in the present.
There is empirical evidence that CBT is effective for the treatment of a variety of problems, including mood, anxiety, personality, eating disorders, substance abuse, and psychotic disorders.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)/Mindfulness
ACT is a scientifically based therapy, which takes its’ name from one of it’s core messages: accept what is out of your personal control and commit to action that improves your life. The main aim of ACT is to help create a rich, full, and meaningful life while effectively handling the pain and stresses that go with it.
ACT has been proven to be effective with a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to work stress to schizophrenia. It is a very active model, involving practicing psychological skills to assist in handling difficult thoughts and feelings more effectively.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
This therapy focuses on what clients want to achieve through therapy rather than on the problem(s) that made them seek help. The approach does not focus on the past, but instead, focuses on the present and future.
Solution focused therapy helps people identify the things that they wish to have changed in their life and also to attend to those things that are currently happening that they wish to continue to have happen.
Emotion Focused Therapy
Emotion-focused therapy is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on the importance of emotions to general wellbeing, and the impact that problematic emotional interactions can have on thoughts, physical wellbeing and quality of life. Within this approach emotions are seen as essentially adaptive, and a helpful guide toward actions which will bring satisfaction and contentment. However, emotions can become problematic due to past traumatic experiences, or because people have learned to dismiss or ignore them.
Emotion Focused Therapy has proven to be effective with a range of issues including depression and recovery from trauma.
Fees and Services
Rachelle’s fee is $230.00 for a one hour consultation.
This includes a 50 minute session with the remaining 10 minutes being used for writing session notes, letters and other matters, as required.
Medicare rebates are available with a referral from a GP; please see Medicare Services. Alternatively, you may be eligible for rebates from private health care funds.
Medicare Services
In order to receive the Medicare rebate, clients need to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP or psychiatrist.
Clients with a valid referral are eligible for a rebate of $137.05 per session.
After claiming the Medicare rebate, the cost for a 50 minute session is reduced from $230.00 to $92.95.
Students/Health Care Card Holders may be eligible for a reduced rate.
Clients are then eligible to receive up to 10 sessions of focused psychological treatment per calendar year.
Examples of eligible psychological conditions under the Medicare Scheme:
Adjustment disorder
Depression
Phobias
Sexual disorders
Mixed anxiety and depression
Unexplained somatic complaints
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Eating disorders (bulimia)
Bereavement disorder
Panic disorder
Alcohol use disorders
Drug use disorders
Sleep problems
Obsessive compulsive disorder
