- Carl Jung
Patrick O’Brien
Psychologist, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
Sand and Surf Psychology
Caloundra, QLD 4551
In Person + Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
I established Sand and Surf Psychology to support and journey with people through challenges and difficulties they are experiencing, and help meet the increasing need people have for deeper meaning and purpose in their lives.
I have an empathetic, encouraging and completely non-judgemental approach for working with people across a range of life challenges and difficulties. I welcome people who have a clinical diagnosis or those who have become stuck by difficulties that hold them back from living a full life, including:
- Trauma (Developmental and PTSD)
- Depression and Anxiety
- Anger Issues
- Diminished satisfaction and engagement in life
- Leadership challenges
- Work and career issues
(In-person and online services.)
Background
I've been lucky to experience different people and cultures, and to work in varied roles and industries, including senior leadership roles. Most importantly, I've had wonderful support through my own challenges and difficulties.
A key learning for me has been that no one is perfect, nor should we try to be. However, we can access our own unique potential – especially if we receive effective support when experiencing difficulties.
People need other people for support, to learn and to grow. By providing support as a psychologist, I also have the good fortune to learn more about myself and others. It is a shared journey that we go on together, whether that is for a short period through counselling or over a longer period in psychotherapy
Services
I offer the following services in person or online:
- Counselling: Usually shorter-term treatment to address specific challenges and alleviate symptoms.
- Psychotherapy: Longer treatment for persistent and troubling difficulties.
- Vocational support: Supporting people (usually around mid-life) to respond to a vocational calling.
- Leadership development: This service focusses on addressing persistent challenges or difficulties that limit a leader's ability to manage interpersonally or in demanding roles.
Quality Provision
As a Registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, I abide by the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics and continue to develop as a practitioner through high quality professional development activities and accreditations.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Organisational Psychology - 2010 - Griffith University
- Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology - 2005 - Queensland University of Technology
- Bachelor of Psychology - 2002 - Queensland University of Technology
Modalities
ACT - Attachment Theory - CBT - Developmental - Dream Work - Focusing - Jungian - Mindfulness - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Psychoanalytic - Solution Oriented - Somatic Psychotherapy - Strengths-Based - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
Through my early training as a psychologist, I developed counselling skills in cognitive-behavioural therapy, solutions-focussed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy.
In recent years, I have undertaken skills development in somatic (body-based) therapy and long-term therapy (also known as psychotherapy), based upon the work of Carl Jung. I have found these modalities of treatment to be highly effective for supporting people through persistent psychological difficulties and suffering.
Professional Associations
Practice Locations
Trinity House Medical Centre
Suite 6 Level 2, 34 Minchinton Street
Caloundra QLD 4551
Appointments
Appointments are available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays during business hours or by appointment.
Fees & Insurance
Medicare, DVA, WorkCover and private health insurance funding are available. Please refer to my website for further details.
Contact Patrick
Please feel free to contact me via phone or email.
A conversation with Patrick O’Brien
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The good support I received through challenges and difficulties through therapy.
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Through my early training as a psychologist, I developed counselling skills in cognitive-behavioural therapy, solutions-focussed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy. In recent years, I have undertaken skills development in somatic (body-based) therapy and long-term therapy (also known as psychotherapy), based upon the work of Carl Jung. I have found these modalities of treatment to be highly effective for supporting people through persistent psychological difficulties and suffering.
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Transforming traumas and suffering into healing and strengths.
Finding joy, engagement and meaning in life.
Understanding and managing difficult emotions.
Finding new and healthy ways to relate to others.
Finding and answering a vocational calling.
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Jungian therapy
Somatic therapy
Solutions focussed therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Narrative therapy -
Usually clients notice positive differences from the very first session. Sharing difficulties and knowing a plan is being developed to support them to achieve their goals makes a big difference.
Confidence and capabilities grow, session by session. -
As a recipient of good therapy myself, it improved my self-confidence and my relationships with family and friends. It also helped me with knowing and managing myself better, so I can show up for clients by providing the support they need.
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Going on the journey with clients and guiding them along the way.
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Sure do. I find it's best to be open to feedback and admit when I get things wrong. There is always a path forward after that.
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Interpersonal trauma.
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Song: Blackbird by the Beatles
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise