blue mountains anxiety clinic - Leura
a VERY WARM WELCOME
ONGOING THERAPY
Allison is currently accepting waitlist enquiries for ongoing therapy *for adult clients only* with the hope of being able to offer a first appointment from June.
2-HOUR MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATION/ASSESSMENT (no referral required)
Gina is currently accepting enquiries for one-off psychometric assessments for cognitive, academic, autism and assessments and for one-off 2-hour mental health consultations/assessments for adults.
Any adult, with or without a desire to undertake ongoing therapy, can self-refer for a one-off mental health assessment. A referral is not required. The purpose of this assessment is to use evidence-based assessment tools and clinical knowledge to support an individual to determine areas of strength and challenge. This includes the exploration of any underlying mental disorders that might be adding to the struggle of daily life or might be getting in the way of your capacity to live a satisfying life and build meaningful connections with self and others. More information and costs for this assessment can be found on the Services and Fees Page.
REGISTERING YOUR INTEREST
If you would like to register your interest in a waitlist place with Allison, or a mental health consultation/assessment with Gina, or if you have any questions about whether we might be the best fit for your psychological support needs, then please complete the enquiry form on the Contact Page.
Regretfully, our books are closed to referrals of children for ongoing therapy as all designated spaces have been filled for 2024.
Thanks for dropping by our website. Blue Mountains Anxiety Clinic (BMAC) is a private psychology practice located in Leura village within the beautiful Blue Mountains of New South Wales. Our goal is to provide high quality, individualised and holistic psychological support for adolescents and adults (aged 13 to 95+ years) experiencing anxiety and anxiety-related mental health concerns. We provide comprehensive assessment and treatment options, using evidence-based interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), schema therapy, and transdiagnostic treatment protocols. Gina and Allison are also trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
Anxiety is really common, so if you're struggling, you're definitely not alone. Everyone's experienced anxiety at some point in their lives, and at times it can actually be helpful. When we feel under threat (e.g., if we're baled up by an unfamiliar dog) our anxiety response produces a release of adrenaline and stress hormones that trigger autonomic nervous system reactions and physiological changes that prepare us to run, freeze, or fight. This type of anxiety generally lasts long enough for the threat to pass (e.g., the dog gives a friendly lick). However, for some people, fear, worry, and feelings of being under threat are unrelenting, distressing, and exhausting companions. When anxiety and stress are interfering with you living life in ways that matter to you, then reaching out for support is a terrific first step towards meaningful, doable, lasting change. At Blue Mountains Anxiety Clinic we offer assessment, treatment, skills training, and general mental health support for young people and adults experiencing anxiety-based concerns.
how we can help
There are lots of difficulties and disorders that fall under the umbrella of "anxiety", but common to all is the experience of excessive worrying, along with uncomfortable, unwanted, uncontrollable and at times overwhelming emotions. Sometimes these emotions include not only worry/fear but also sadness, anger, guilt and shame. Frequent worries and intense emotions can really interfere with our ability to experience pleasure, engagement and meaning in our lives. We support clients to identify and make shifts in unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, identify their strengths and values, build confidence and learn strategies to put in their "mental toolkit" for responding effectively to feelings of anxiety and stress. At Blue Mountains Anxiety Clinic, we offer assessment and support for the following concerns:-
- Stress & non-specific anxiety (just feeling "worried")
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Social anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Complex trauma
- Academic, exam and performance anxiety (e.g., during HSC and uni exams/assessments)
- Phobias
- Health (illness) anxiety
- Separation anxiety
- Hoarding disorder
- Trichotillomania
- Bereavement-based anxiety
- Emotion regulation training & stress management
- Life transitions (e.g., retirement) & adjustment (e.g., following a stressful event) concerns
- Mental health impact for LGBTQI people of experiences (for example) of homophobia, social isolation, discrimination, experiences of being misgendered
- Parenting/carer anxiety, education & support
- Perinatal & postnatal anxiety
- Sleep problems (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, nightmares, wakefulness during the night)
- Family worries/concerns
- Work-based anxiety
- Co-occurring difficulties like ADHD
At Blue Mountains Anxiety Clinic we also offer comprehensive Cognitive (WISC-V), and Academic (WIAT-III) assessment of Children Aged 6 – 17 years for diagnosis of intellectual disability, Specific Learning Disorders (e.g., dyslexia), and giftedness.
Cognitive (WAIS-IV) and Memory (WMS-IV) assessments are available for individuals aged 18 to 90 years, while academic assessments are available for young people and adults up to the age of 50 years (WIAT-III).
Gina also offers Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments (ADI-R + MIGDAS), for individuals aged 13 years through to adulthood.
Last, a 2 hour one-off Mental Health Consultation/Assessment is available with Gina. Any adult, with or without a desire to undertake ongoing therapy, can self-refer for this assessment. A referral is not required. The purpose of this assessment is to use evidence-based assessment tools and clinical knowledge to support an individual to determine areas of strength and challenge. This includes the exploration of any underlying mental disorders that might be adding to the struggle of daily life or might be getting in the way of your capacity to live a satisfying life and build meaningful connections with self and others. More information and costs for this assessment can be found on the Services and Fees Page.
For more information about what's involved and assessment costs, please submit an enquiry here.
mEET FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST of Blue Mountains Anxiety Clinic
Dr Gina Villar
PhD | MProfPsych | BSocSci(PsychHons1stClass) | BA (Psych)
"My approach is strengths-based (mobilising positive features of you & your life) and solution-focused. It's all about helping you gain insights, learn strategies and make the changes that matter to you, so you can live the life you love." More...
Gina and Allison are Medicare registered providers. Gina is also a Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA) and Victims Services registered provider.
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