Rosie Whitehead
Clinical Psychologist
“Every person on this earth is full of great possibilities that can be realized through imagination, effort, and perseverance.” Scott Barry Kaufman
Taking new clients: VERY LIMITED
From: approximately mid to late July
Consulting days: Monday and Thursday
Client age: 18+
Areas of interest
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Depression, anxiety
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Emotional dysregulation and high levels of distress
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Relationship/interpersonal difficulties - such as difficulties with expressing or communicating emotions and needs, difficulty with conflict resolution, difficulties with maintaining healthy boundaries etc
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Coping mechanisms and behaviours that are hard to change or resist, but have negative short and long term consequences, such as avoidance, reassurance seeking, people pleasing, anger, emotional suppression, self-soothing behaviours
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Perfectionism/high standards and related coping mechanisms
During my time as a psychologist, I have made a conscious effort in undergoing training related to my areas of interest, and gaining experience working specifically with these kinds of issues. I regularly access supervision from senior psychologists with experience in these issues to further and deepen my understanding. I keep up-to-date with developments in evidence-based treatment for these kinds of issues, and continue to pursue professional development and further training in these treatments.
I provide treatment using a CBT, DBT or Schema Therapy approach. I focus on gaining a thorough understanding of not just the current problem, but also the origins of how this problem developed and what keeps it going. I have a strong focus on using a compassionate and empathetic approach, always striving to understand the function of any problem, whilst also looking for alternative perspectives and more effective behaviours that can help you lead a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
Supporting Your Own Growth: How You Can Help Make Therapy Successful
Therapy is most effective when it's a collaborative effort. Here are a few ways you can actively support your own healing and make the most of our time together:
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Attend Regularly
Consistency builds momentum and helps us maintain focus on your goals. If life gets in the way, we’ll work together to stay on track. -
Stay Engaged Between Sessions
Progress also happens outside the therapy room. Reflecting on our conversations, practicing tools or strategies, and noticing your emotions or patterns during the week can deepen the work we do together. -
Be Willing to Reflect and Explore
Openness to exploring the roots of your challenges—how past experiences may be influencing your present—and considering new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding can be transformative. Change often begins with a shift in perspective. -
Long-term change takes time
While some benefits of therapy can be felt early on, significant and lasting improvement often unfolds over the course of 20 or more sessions. Sticking with the process allows time for deeper insight, skill-building, and sustainable growth.
Qualifications
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Master of Psychology (Clinical)
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Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Memberships and affiliations
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Member: Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Let's get to know Rosie
Q. What is one of your favourite psychology approaches and why?
A. I love schema therapy, as I feel that it is really helpful for developing a deeper understanding of why people experience difficulties in their life, whilst also allowing people to process and heal from their past experiences, so that they don’t continue to impact them in their current life to the same degree.
Q. What drew you to a career as a psychologist?
A. I have always been quite a social person who enjoys meeting people and learning about people. I also found myself often providing emotional comfort and support to those around me, so it made sense to pursue this further as a career.
Q. Do you use psychology strategies in your everyday life?
A. Definitely. I apply several strategies from both schema therapy and DBT to lots of different areas of my life. I find these approaches extremely helpful for identifying some of my own unhelpful patterns, and developing more adaptive, helpful ways of approaching challenging situations.
Q. Favourite food?
A. I don’t have one favourite food in particular, but I love Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. Yes, I have a beautiful puppy dog called Bessie. She was a rescue dog and is a Sharpei x Bull Arab. She loves the beach, going for long walks, and snuggling on the couch (or in our bed when she sneaks in).
Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. Since becoming a mum, I don’t have a lot of spare time, but things I once enjoyed (and hope to get back into) are yoga, gardening, going to the beach, and camping.