Ms Megan Haire
Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor
Megan Haire Psychology
Orange, NSW 2800
Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
I was living in the outback when I was drawn to work in psychology after a series of tragic suicides. I am currently expanding my practice into rural and remote telehealth. I especially enjoy working with clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and other forms of anxiety. I have worked with clients in university clinics, public and private hospital settings, and private practice. I am well versed in evidence-based therapies. I believe therapy should be safe and fun.
Background
Initially trained in CBT through a university clinic, I have extended my skills by studying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy and other modailites. I have worked in a leading clinic for problem gambling, an inpatient clinic for severe mood disorders, and a children's hospital as well as a not for profit organisation treating vulnerable people with complex difficulties. I am currently in private practice providing telehealth consultations (video and phone).
Services
Individual counselling and psychotherapy
Art therapy
Quality Provision
As a registered clinical psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society, and member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association, I regularly maintain a continuing professional development program and supervision, to ensure I am providing my clients with the highest quality of service.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- B Soc Sc (Psych) (Hons) - 2010 - CSU
- Master of Clinical Psych - 2014 - UWS
Modalities
ACT - Art Therapy - Attachment Theory - CBT - DBT - Experiential - Interpersonal - Mindfulness - Process Oriented - Schema Therapy - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I approach my work through an attachment framework. Making a genuine connection so that the client feels safe and accepted, is the key to building a strong therapeutic relationship that is essential for therapy to be worthwhile. As the client and I explore what the issues are for the client, we collaboratively choose which modalities to employ. We may draw on elements of CBT, ACT, DBT, Gestalt, Schema therapy, Mindfulness, IPT, or art therapy, depending on the evidence of effectiveness and the client's preferences.
Professional Associations
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association
- Australian Psychological Society
Appointments
Hours: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
I provide therapy only via telehealth and am currently not seeing clients in person.
Fees & Insurance
I have a sliding scale of fees which are listed on my website. Medicare rebates are available for 10 sessions per year with a referral from a GP under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
Payment Options
Direct Deposit
Contact Megan
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Megan Haire
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While raising a family in the outback and experiencing a lot of difficulties first hand or through close friends, I became interested in what makes some people vulnerable and other people resilient in the face of hardship. The outback experience heightened my awareness of the issue of isolation, both geographical and emotional, and how important human connection is in keeping us sane and happy. After my local community suffered a series of suicides during a drought, I wanted to do something to help make a difference to the lives of people who struggle with anxiety and depression. I went back to uni and discovered a new way to connect with people through counselling.
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When I was a struggling teenager, I had a light bulb moment while reading "Your erroneous zones" by Dr Wayne W Dyer. It was the first time I realised that my mood was connected not to what happened to me, but to what I thought about what happened to me, or my interpretation or attitude to what happened to me. There was so much freedom and opportunity in that idea. I realised I had choices and was not a victim. From that point on I became a student of human behaviour and what I later came to know as cognitive behaviour therapy. As my studies continued, I developed an appreciation of attachment theory and neuropsychology, and how our mind and body are inseparably interconnected and created in and by our social/emotional environment. I have always been fascinated by human behaviour and psychology and consider myself a humanist.
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I am particularly interested in how our interactions with our parents and other significant people shape our beliefs about ourselves that then have profound influences on how we respond to challenges we face as we go through the world. I also have a strong interest in helping clients who are struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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I mostly use what people generally call Talk therapies (such as CBT, ACT, DBT, Mindfulness, Schema therapy) but these are also active therapies, in that there are practical skills to learn and experiments or exercises to do outside of the therapy room. We often need to experience a new way of behaving and thinking in order to benefit from experiential learning.
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It is not realistic to expect instant results. Even though some people find one or two sessions completely resolves their issues, this is not the norm. Therapy requires a good match between the client and therapist, so that a good alliance is made and a therapeutic bond develops. This should be evident within a few sessions. Research suggests that the client who feels there is a good match and something positive happening within 2 or 3 sessions is likely to have a good outcome down the track. If it's not feeling right for you after 3 sessions, discuss your dissatisfaction with the therapist or find someone else who is a better match.
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Having therapy or doing therapy???
I don't know that 'being a better person' is how I would describe my goals for therapy. Having therapy myself made me more true to myself, and less worried about conforming to please other people. Therapy helped me through a difficult time in my life, and gave me tools to manage anxiety and prevent depression. I know I am stronger and more resilient than I might otherwise have been. It also means I know what clients go through when they begin to tell their troubles to a stranger.
Doing therapy with clients has been a privilege that has made me a gentler person, because every client is unique and teaches me something new about humanity, broadening my understanding and deepening my empathy. You can never have too much understanding and empathy. -
When I am in the moment connecting with another human being about something that is real and authentic, that is when I feel most alive. I first experienced this when working on the phone at Lifeline, and it has never left me.
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Yes, I'm human like everyone else. I have moments of frustration and distraction. However, I manage my practice in such a way that I look after my health and don't compromise my ability to empathise with clients. Supervision and self care is an important part of my routine, and I take breaks to ensure I can offer a consistently high level of service.
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Isolation and alienation of various forms.
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"The six pillars of self esteem" (and other works) by Nathaniel Branden (book)
Any painting by Van Gogh
"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen (song)