Craig Russouw
Psychologist
Psychology board-approved supervisor
Bachelor of Science (Monash University)
Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology (Monash University)
Committee member Australian Psychological Society Outer East Victoria branch
I started counselling in 2003 and since this time have supported many community members on their mental health journey, including adults and children. Being able to work in partnership with someone, to help them gain a better understanding of themselves and improve their wellbeing and experience of life is a privilege, and my biggest motivations for being a psychologist.
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I am a relationship based professional, and pride myself on being able to establish engaging and healing relationships with clients and their carers, in a safe and calming space. If talking about mental health or coming to counselling worries you or your loved one, I have a proven track record of helping people with this in the early stages of counselling and developing lasting relationships. I am able to connect with people from all walks of life, but especially men, boys and other young people. I have a special interest in men’s health.
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I utilise a range of approaches that are tailored to your needs; and develop a care plan together with you, your carers, general practitioners and other health professionals. My therapeutic approaches include cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused brief therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.
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Through my health career, I have also managed large teams, projects and budgets in agile and demanding work environments. I am able to effectively utilise this experience to provide psychological and practical support to managers and executives in areas of personal wellbeing, high stress environments and team management.
Areas of Passion & Expertise
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Specific phobias
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Family separations including coparenting and supporting good mental health in children
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Other life changes/transitions
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Anger management
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Grief and loss
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
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Relationship issues
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Behaviour and conduct concerns in children and adolescents
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Stress, including high school performance stress
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High pressure and agile work environments
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Additional Career Experience
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Management and clinical supervision of teams delivering psychological and referral and access services for a large geographical catchment across East and North East Melbourne
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Planning for critical services and system redesign in response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommendations
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Development and implementation of numerous mental health services to support community members for a large geographical area
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Member of multiple national mental health reference groups; for assessment, health data, service performance and consumer experience