blue mountains anxiety clinic - Leura

a VERY WARM WELCOME

Because the demand for services has been so high, we are currently at our client capacity and regretfully are unable to offer a spot with us straight away. However, we are taking a wait list for *adults* only (regretfully, all our available spaces for children have been taken up). If you think you’re ok to wait a month or two and you would like to join our wait list, then please complete the online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours with an estimate of the wait time. If you have a referral from your GP to see us, and you would rather not wait for a place to become available, then your referral can be used with any psychologist - please speak with your GP if you need other recommendations. There are some other resources listed on our Help page - we recommend ThisWayUp for evidence-based self-guided support if needed. Thank you for visiting, wishing you all the best.
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 adults 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. Gina is also a Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA) and a non-directive pregnancy counselling registered provider.
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 concerns (e.g., following a stressful event)
  • Mental health impact for LGBTQIA+ people of experiences (for example) of homophobia, social isolation, discrimination, and experiences of being misgendered
  • Parenting/carer anxiety, education & support
  • Perinatal & postnatal anxiety
  • General pregnancy concerns (clients can access a 3-session non-directive pregnancy counselling referral through their GP)
  • 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 Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments (ADI-R + MIGDAS), for individuals aged 13 years through to adulthood. A 2 hour one-off Mental Health Consultation/Assessment is also available. 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...
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH GINA
Explanation of Service Confidentiality Appointment times Making a booking
Gina and Allison are Medicare registered providers. Gina is also a Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA) and a non-directive pregnancy counselling registered provider.
Crisis and Emergency Numbers Mental Health Services Local Community Supports Welfare & Financial Support Alcohol, Drugs & Gambling