Supporting youth and young adults towards mental well-being
Discover a healthier way of coping with the help of a professional and experienced Psychotherapist and counsellor, located in the northern suburbs of Brisbane.
We can help if...
When going through a traumatic or challenging life event, seeking support can be daunting. We are here to offer you a safe space to work through these challenges and to help you come out the other side a stronger, more resilient you.
With accreditations from The Australian Centre For Eating Behaviour, we utilise therapeutic techniques to foster a client-centred approach. We're committed to guiding you through your journey, helping you reclaim your life.
You’re having body image concerns
Navigating the world as a young adult is challenging, but being comfortable in your own skin is another challenge. If you’re experiencing poor self-esteem and concerns with your body image, we can help you work through this in a safe, supportive way.
You have concerns of self-harm behaviours or thoughts of suicide
Experiencing self-harming behaviours or suicidal thoughts can feel isolating and frightening. We provide a safe, understanding space to explore these feelings. Our goal is to equip you with coping tools, encouraging you to lead a life free from these distressing thoughts.
You're experiencing bullying
The words and actions of others can have a profound impact on our overall mental health. At Joanne Fitzgerald Therapy, you will have a safe space to speak about the impact bullying is having on you, and develop effective strategies to cope, recover, and regain control of your life.
Juggling the everyday pressures of life, work, and study can seem like an impossible task. We can provide you with proactive and effective support to assist you in regaining your routine, confidence, and motivation.
You’re grappling with anxiety disorders
The way you experience anxiety can be complex, and can manifest in many forms, from generalised anxiety to more acute conditions like panic attacks or post-traumatic stress disorder. We specialise in anxiety therapy, ensuring you have a supportive approach tailored to your needs. We employ methods like exposure therapy, commitment therapy, and other treatments to foster an anxiety management plan that helps you.
You're facing challenges with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder can often feel overpowering, making it challenging to go about daily life. We offer a safe and supportive environment to explore and address the roots of your OCD. With a blend of supportive psychotherapy and recommended effective coping strategies, we aim to guide you towards a life where your OCD is manageable.
If you have these or any other concerns, we can help.
"Unlock your unique strengths and values, and embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling, enriched life."
– Joanne Fitzgerald
A little bit about me...
I am a psychotherapist and counsellor with several years experience working with young people who have a range of mental health conditions and backgrounds.
I believe that each individual has their own unique set of strengths, values, and resources which can be used to help them live an enriched, fulfilling life. As your therapist, it will be my role to help you discover new ways to build upon these unique skills.
My private practice is a safe place where young people can come to receive support in a calm, client-centred, and supportive therapy space that values your individual needs, preferences, and autonomy throughout the therapeutic process.
I have specific skills in working with eating disorders, trauma, suicidal/self-harm behaviours and general mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression and personality disorders.
My qualifications include a Bachelor in Psychology, a Diploma in Counselling, as well as accreditations from the Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour and Blue Knot Trauma Counselling.
Why see a psychotherapist?
Psychotherapy works
Psychotherapy has been shown to improve emotional and psychological wellbeing, and is linked with positive changes within the body. Psychotherapy works within a holistic approach to assist you in achieving your goals.
Psychotherapy helps you understand yourself on a deeper level
Psychotherapists work together with their clients to form a therapeutic relationship that helps them better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. By doing so, you are able to develop better coping skills and build resilience.
Psychotherapists care about your long term goals
Unlike other types of therapists, psychotherapists have the capacity to see their clients on a long term basis, working collaboratively to achieve their goals. We will be with you every step of the way.
FAQs
Explore our FAQ section to find answers to frequently asked questions.
You are not required to obtain a GP referral, and are able to book an appointment with us immediately. However, we are unable to accept Mental Health Care Plans and therefore cannot provide a Medicare rebate.
Everything that we talk about during our therapy sessions is kept confidential between you and your therapist. There are, however, some limits to confidentiality, and these are:
- If I feel that you are at risk of hurting yourself, or someone else
- If you or another young person are being harmed by someone else
- If I am required by law to disclose information provided in our sessions
In all instances of the above, we will always endeavour to discuss this with you before we break confidentiality. This can be a tough situation for you to navigate, so we will always involve you in the process where possible, giving you as much control as the situation allows.
We offer individual therapy sessions for youth and young adults aged 12-30.
Both are required to undertake significant formal education and experience, however psychotherapists are focussed on working with their clients on a long term basis. In addition, while psychologists may be interested in a clients formal diagnosis and working to improve symptoms, a psychotherapist believes in a holistic approach to mental wellbeing (taking in the whole picture, rather than looking at a diagnosis), by working collaboratively with their clients.
Ready to journey towards a brighter tomorrow?
Let's journey together, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and understanding.
