Category: Our approach

By Dr Rachel Hannam Are you “insecure” sometimes? Many of us are. Anxious attachment, also called anxious-preoccupied attachment, stems from childhood experiences where, in some way, we faced inconsistency or unpredictability in our caregiving, leaving us feeling insecure in adult relationships; sometimes even clingy. As adults, those of us with anxious attachment styles can struggle […]

Panic attacks can feel utterly overwhelming and terrifying, but knowing how to manage one can make all the difference. While the experience can vary from person to person, there are strategies you can use to regain control quickly and effectively when panic strikes. Here are simple, step-by-step approaches to help you manage a panic attack. […]

Guest blog post by Benjamin Crooks – Specialist Counsellor Most relationship conflicts don’t start because people stop caring about one another. More often, they develop when stress builds, emotions run high, needs go unmet, and people find themselves reacting. Most of us recognise when we’re not at our best. We become irritable, withdrawn, defensive, impatient […]

Guest blog by Benjamin Crooks – Specialist Counsellor Most people want similar things from life: to feel happy, fulfilled, confident, connected, valued, and proud of who they are. These are universal human needs. It’s also normal not to feel these things all the time. Stress, sadness, anxiety, frustration and self-doubt are part of being human. […]

Guest blog post by James Noon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) asks a deceptively simple question: What if the goal isn’t to feel better, but to FEEL better? Developed by psychologist Steven Hayes and popularised by authors such as Russ Harris, ACT turns the traditional pursuit of happiness on its head. Rather than fighting uncomfortable […]

If you’ve ever sit across from Ben, you know pretty quickly: He genuinely loves what he does. At the heart of his work is something simple but powerful. Helping people. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” Ben shares. “I find people so interesting, and I love connecting with others. Getting to understand someone and build […]

Dr Rachel Hannam is a Brisbane psychologist, executive coach and Clinical Director of North Brisbane Psychologists, which she started in 2012. She has over twenty years’ experience helping individuals, couples and professionals navigate burnout, anxiety, relationship challenges and complex life transitions. Her distinctive approach combines evidence-based psychology with deep clinical curiosity – seeking to understand […]

Major life transitions can affect identity, purpose, and emotional wellbeing. Two groups who often experience complex psychological transitions are military veterans and older adults. Although their experiences differ, both groups may face challenges related to identity, loss, and adapting to significant life changes. Mental Health Challenges in Veterans Military service builds resilience, discipline, and strong […]

By Dr Rachel Hannam If you’ve been labeled with a “Cluster B” personality disorder – whether borderline, narcissistic, histrionic, or antisocial – you might feel a whirlwind of pain and confusion. You may even wonder, “Why am I like this? Is there something wrong with me?” The truth is that you are not broken or […]

If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, you can see either a Psychologist or a Mental Health Social Worker (MHSW). We have both types of practitioners at North Brisbane Psychologists. So what’s the difference? Both psychologists and MHSWs in Australia are qualified to support people going through mental health challenges, emotional distress, or difficult […]

Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and relationship expert, identified four negative communication patterns that can predict the downfall of a relationship—known as the Four Horsemen. These destructive behaviors—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—can harm relationships over time. Recognizing these behaviors and replacing them with their antidotes (gentle start-up, appreciation, taking responsibility, and physiological self-soothing)can lead to […]

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are complex mental health conditions that profoundly affect an individual’s relationship with food, body image, and overall well-being. Recognising the psychological components of these disorders is critical, and seeking psychological intervention plays a pivotal role in their treatment and recovery. The Psychological Roots of […]

Submitted Question: I think one of my colleagues dislikes me. This is bad timing as my ex hates me now too. Can I love myself anyway? If so, how? It’s an unfortunate reality that at some point in life, someone will dislike or even hate you. Whether it’s an ex, a former colleague, a family […]