Psychologist
B. Psych, MAPS
I’m a registered psychologist and I have worked in the mental health sector for 16 years in Sydney and Brisbane. Prior to being a registered psychologist, I worked for not-for profit organisations in Sydney doing mental health outreach work visiting clients and providing support in different aspects of life. I have also worked as a behaviour support practitioner which included working with NDIS clients and supporting younger clients and their families to navigate challenges at school or home.
My main goal is to help my clients to improve their mental health and have a better quality of life. I have worked with clients of different cultural backgrounds and am very mindful, especially if clients have not received therapy before. I provide psycho-education and tailor my approach based on the client’s values and strengths. This can help them to navigate difficult periods in their life.
My core interests are as follows: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Grief and loss, Trauma, Hoarding, social anxiety, school refusal, low self- esteem and confidence, Relationship breakdowns, families going through separation, unhealthy sleep and eating patterns. I also have experience with working with neurodivergent clients including Autism and ADHD.
Some of the therapy techniques I use in sessions with adults are derived from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT); Schema therapy; Motivational interviewing; Trauma focused CBT and Mindfulness. These can be tailored for younger clients whilst also using some creative play (art, sensory items, interactive resources).
Please note I can offer parent consultation sessions for a private fee if parents would like to discuss any concerns or would like some advice or strategies to support their child. This does not require a referral from a GP and rebates through your private health cover may be available.
On a personal note, I have 2 children and value quality time with my family. I enjoy music and baking in my leisure time. I also like exploring new places when I can and have an appreciation for nature.
Below is some more information on my main areas of interest.
Challenging Negative Thoughts
Many clients who come to therapy struggle with their negative thoughts and seek help to change their mindset. I work with my clients to identify their thoughts and create awareness about some of those thinking traps. I use different techniques linked to Cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness and Acceptance and commitment therapy to help them learn new skills around challenging their Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs).
Grief and Loss
I know it can be very hard to navigate the grief and loss journey when we have lost someone close to us. It is important to be mindful that this can take months or even years. Human beings process grief in different ways, some express their feelings while others may not. As a therapist, I try to create a safe space for my clients during our sessions and aim to support my clients in their grief journey with care and compassion.
Anxiety in Children
Many children develop anxiety symptoms at a young age due to a range of factors including school stress, friendships, changes in circumstances and so forth. Some children may experience many physical symptoms such a sore stomach, heart racing, restlessness at night, or shaky hands, while other children may have a lot of negative self-talk and worries. I work with my younger clients to help them use different coping strategies when they feel anxious so they can stay regulate their emotions and stay calm.
Low Self-Esteem and Confidence
One of the most common struggles that clients present in therapy revolve around low self-esteem and confidence. This could be linked to school settings, work settings, relationships, or in general day to day life. One of my main goals as a therapist is to help clients to improve self confidence but using a strengths based approach and also making every small win count. This further boosts their self-esteem and helps them stay motivated to achieve their short-term and long-term goals.
Unhealthy Sleep and Eating Patterns
Healthy sleep and eating patterns are essential to good physical and mental health. I like to emphasise this in my sessions with clients as it helps to maintain good routines and ensure that their anxiety or depressive symptoms don’t worsen. Interventions such as good sleep hygiene and a balanced diet are very important, any barriers to these can be addressed in sessions.
Hoarding / Finding it hard to let go
I have a special interest in dealing with clients who have challenges around hoarding. I know this can be quite emotional for some clients as they can hold on to many belongings whilst also collecting other items which provide them comfort. I have worked closely with clients to understand their situation and the environmental factors that contribute to hoarding behaviours. Whilst a practical approach is ideal, we can also address this in therapy sessions so clients can develop readiness to deal with the tasks around de-cluttering and then letting go.
Navigating the NDIS
The NDIS supports clients with a disability and provides funding to improve their quality of life. I was involved in the initial rollout of NDIS and have worked within the NDIS space in different roles for at least 10 years. During this time, I have worked with children and adults with mild-moderate Intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, as well as clients with psychosocial disability. We work together on the goals listed on their NDIS and monitor progress over the course of the plan.
To make a booking with Sharita, select Online Booking or call Vision Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3088 5422.
Articles of Interest by Brisbane Psychologist Sharita Lobo