Philosophy & Vision
My initial approach to therapy is balancing the short-term and long-term outcomes. What I mean by this is in the short-term, we need skills and knowledge to help us do a little bit better with the distressing situations we are in. And when we can handle and make choices that matter, we can move into the longer term thinking and start to do the work that makes healing and recovery possible. I think of therapy as the steps necessary to thrive and live a full life where you can make choices every day to do more of what matters.
I currently have a decade of experience as a psychologist, and during that time I have worked with children, families, adolescents and adults are different stages in life.
Background
At the age of 12, I started working in a hot doughnut van at the local market in my hometown and after a few years I started working at the local supermarket. My work experience at school was in the trades with builders, electricians, and plumbers. And when I moved away to university to study I started working as a disability support worker and after a few years and a thesis project with community disability service organisations I started working as a positive behaviour support psychologist.
After this I moved to regional Victoria to work in adolescent mental health. Before returning to Melbourne to work in a perinatal family medical clinic and a private practice, working with adolescence and clients on the NDIS.
Services
Flexible care that meets you where you are. I value collaboration with those i work with and I believe mental health doesn’t adhere to a 9 to 5 schedule so i am flexible where i can be to accomodate everyone’s needs and schedule.
Quality Provision
I am committed to continuous professional development. I have a strong commitment to evidence based practice and i make it a point to stay up to date with advancements in the field. I do this by completing regular professional development opportunities including training, reading and conferences, and setting aside time for treatment planning and revision of outcome rating scales.
I value peer support, supervision and continue to seek external specific supervision with experts in their field.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Psychological Science - 2014 - La Trobe University
- Graduate Diploma of Psychological - 2015 - Deakin University
- Certificate IV Disability - 2013 - Ivanhoe Institute of Nursing
- 4+2 Internship - 2021
Modalities
ACT - Attachment Theory - CBT - Existential - Internal Family Systems - Motivational Interviewing - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Play Therapy - Solution Oriented - Strengths-Based
Therapy Approach
The central tenants of my therapeutic approach are the common human experience of living and the skills we learn to adapt and thrive in our environment. I utilise an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach that helps people recognise what is happening in their inner world, connect to what matters, diffuse from what’s in the way and commit to taking meaningful action.
I also utilise a therapeutic framework called Positive Behaviour Support.
During my last few years i have been involved in group therapy which has highlighted the importance and therapeutic value of authentic relating and i bring a strong relational component to the therapy. The therapeutic relationship is such a valued piece, i work to honour that in my practice.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association for Cognitive & Behaviour Therapy
- Australian Psychological Society
Practice Locations
620 Bridge Road
Richmond VIC 3121
Appointment reminder emails contain Google Maps screenshot and pictures of the office alongside suggestions for parking and public transport at each office location.
17 Fairholm Grove
Camberwell VIC 3124
Appointments
In person and online - Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10am to 5pm
After hours from 5pm to 7pm
Online - Wednesday 10am to 5pm
After hours from 5pm to 7pm
With notice i can be available on Saturday
Fees & Insurance
Consultations are $200 for 50 minutes.
Medicare rebate is roughly $96
I work with the NDIS.
I prefer to have a 15 minute phone call with potential clients before a first session so we can get on the same page and ensure if i can be of help.
Payment Options
Payment can be made using the online booking portal or can be paid using the invoice email sent at the conclusion of sessions. Invoice emails can be sent to NDIS, etc as required. Direct debit and online credit card processing is provided.
Contact Chris
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Chris Wallace
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I chose this profession, for the sense of purpose that it gives me. The kind of work I get to do with people at really difficult or wonderful moments of their lives, I considered to be a valuable use of my time.
Assessing and formulating a problem and identifying its interconnecting pieces comes really naturally to me.