Linda Boyce - Clinical Psychologist
My Training
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience working with adults and older adolescents with a variety of mental health issues. I have worked for Queensland Health in Barrett Acute Psychiatry Service at Wolston Park Hospital and also in the Alcohol and Drug Service before working in private practice in Capalaba since 2007. I am a Redlands local and committed to supporting the community in this great area of South East Queensland. I have helped clients with a variety of presentations including depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions (e.g. divorce, retirement, job change), self-esteem, alcohol and drug problems among other things.
My Style
My style is warm and nurturing and I like to work with you on goals you choose for therapy. I think lasting change comes from understanding the links between the past and present. You can expect me to dig a little deeper into why you might be feeling or behaving a particular way but you get to choose how deep we go. If I was to capture the feeling I want to create in therapy it is one of safety and warmth. It is only with an attitude of curiosity, not judgement, that the therapeutic environment becomes a safe place to explore why we do the things we do even when we don’t want to.
My Special Interests
I have two particular areas of interest that I continue to learn about; perinatal mental health and complex post traumatic stress disorder.
I became interested in perinatal disorders after becoming a mother myself - talk about life changing! I also found many mothers seeking psychological support during this exciting but stressful time in their life. Perinatal mental health covers issues from conception and infertility, to pregnancy and infant loss, antenatal anxiety and depression and post natal anxiety and depression. I am interested in attachment based parenting and working to assist the transition to parenting for the whole family. I am a member for the Centre for Perinatal Psychology and both the International and Australasian Marce Society.
My interest in Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorders stemmed largely from recognising how early experiences of trauma or unmet attachment needs led to a life long impact on a person’s ability to manage their own emotions and to find loving and supportive relationships. I have seen the impact of this across all kinds of clinical presentations and work to create a safe place for clients to explore the vulnerabilities they have from their early life experiences. I am an Accredited Practitioner of the EMDR association of Australia (EMDRAA) which is recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of two effective psychological treatments available for PTSD. I use a variety of evidence based approaches in my work including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy and eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
A Little About Me
I am very lucky to work in a job I love and feel privileged to share parts of a person’s life journey with them. I love spending time with my family and watching my children grow into the beautiful people I know them to be and in spending time with our new puppy. I like to create calm and beautiful spaces for the home and have enjoyed bringing in an aquarium and a whole load of plants and shells into my living area. If I wasn’t a Psychologist I would be a writer as I enjoy creative pursuits like writing. I dream of more overseas travel and like experiencing new cultures and food.
FAQs
What Can I Expect in a First Appointment?
An initial appointment is a bit different to other appointments. During this time it is important for me to get an understanding of who you are as a person, who the important people in your life are and what areas of your life are not going the way you would like. I may also want to get a bigger picture of your life including family history, relationship history, social history, employment history, medical history so that I don’t miss anything important. Many people new to treatment are a bit anxious about what to expect and what they will be asked, however this usually passes as you get to know your Psychologist. After an initial session, responses vary. Some people are tired after talking about topics that are emotional for them and some are excited that they have taken a step forward in their recovery.
How Do I Know Which Psychologist is Right for Me?
This is a hard question to answer. Psychologists have their own personalities, areas of interest and treatment techniques they use. It is a good idea to see if you can read a profile about Psychologist and see if they specialise in areas relevant to you.
Your GP may also have some recommendations for you. Most important though is how you feel in sessions with your Psychologist. Do you feel like they understand you and are interested in you? Does what they say make sense to you? If you are not getting what you want from treatment, take charge and tell your Psychologist what you would like to focus on and see if they are able to change their approach. If not you may consider seeking treatment from someone else.
Do I Need A Referral?
Most clients come under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their GP, but I also see people privately, under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and through Work Cover. Your GP may refer you under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) in which case you may be eligible for a medicare rebate. More information about this can be found if you click on the following link: https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/5DB6692978BC3395CA257BF0001C10D7/$File/factsheetforpatients.pdf
If you are considering getting a MHCP you need to book an appointment with your GP and ask for a longer appointment so a MHCP can be completed. Your GP will decide your eligibility for a MHCP based on your symptoms (some things like couples counselling or learning assessments are not covered by a MHCP). You may be eligible for up to 10 sessions under a MHCP in a calendar year.
You may also come privately and it is recommended you contact your private health insurance (if you have it) to check if you are covered for psychological services and how much you are covered for.
How long is a session?
A session generally lasts for 50 minutes.
How often do I see you?
This is something we can work out together. I usually see clients weekly or fortnightly especially when first starting to build up that momentum. Some clients continue with this frequency and some choose to spread sessions out after a while if they have been feeling better or notice they have less things they feel like discussing.
What is the difference between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?
Many people are confused about the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist. Both professions work in the field of mental health. A Psychiatrist has medical training as well as training in mental health. They can prescribe medication or prescribe medication plus provide counselling around mental health issues. A Psychologist cannot prescribe medication but have undertaken extensive training in mental health assessment and treatment. They have completed a minimum of 4 to 6 years training in Psychology with additional minimum 2 years supervised practice before they are able to register as a Psychologist with Medicare. A Psychologist will work with you on your treatment goals using methods that have been shown to be effective in scientific research.
What are the fees?
I have a mixed billing practice. The 2023/2024 recommendation by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for a 45-60 minute session is $300.00. I charge less than that with a fee of $230.00 for full fee paying clients and $210.00 for clients who are on a health care card or pension card. If you come under a MHCP the Medicare rebate you receive is $136.35. Clients on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are billed the recommended NDIS rates for Psychology Services. Clients coming under Work Cover are billed at the recommended Work Cover rates for Psychology Services.
Professional Memberships
Australian Psychological Society
EMDR Association of Australia
Centre for Perinatal Psychology
Marcé Society - International and Australasian
“ Today you are you, that is truer than true.
There is no one alive who is youer than you “
Dr Seuss
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