About Rachael O'Connor

Professional Experience

I have worked as a psychologist since 1995. Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to work with many different people and presentations. Upon graduating from university, I began working as an intern psychologist in mental health in rural New South Wales. In that role, I received a good grounding in many areas of mental health including major depression, post natal depression, suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and drug related psychosis. I later became interested in neuropsychology and the impact major mental illness had on people’s coping abilities and their executive functioning (such as memory, impulsivity, and planning). Later, I worked in hospitals and the community consulting with doctors, mental health teams and specialists for several years.

A yearn for the ocean led me to Port Macquarie where I worked in adolescent mental health and in sexual assault services. A year or more afterwards, I missed my family and returned to Queensland and settled on the Gold Coast. Here I worked for a government department as an in house psychologist for many years. In that role, I provided therapeutic intervention and counselling, performed clinical psychological evaluations and continued with neuropsychological assessments. Private Practice has always been a long term goal for me and the decision to move was not taken lightly. In 2008, I felt that I had gained sufficient life and professional experience to be able to make real and lasting positive change in people’s lives. Thus far, the transition into private practice has been endlessly fascinating and rewarding. Many wonderful and inspirational outcomes have already been achieved with many of my clients.

Life Experience

Wife, mother, daughter, and sister. I know how rewarding and difficult these roles can be. This experience helps to bring a good working knowledge of healthy relationships and the skills needed to succeed.

I am experienced in balancing the demands of work and life. I have worked in both private and public organisations. As a result, I have a good understanding of the challenges involved and have developed skills to manage stressful situations and negotiate positive outcomes.

Education

My formal education includes:

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology)
  • Graduate Diploma of Science (Psychology)
  • Completion of two years internship under Dr Ann Delahunty to qualify for full registration as a Psychologist in New South Wales and Queensland.

I am committed to ongoing professional development. I see education as an ongoing and important part of life. I attend numerous workshops, conferences and seminars every year to further improve my professional knowledge and provide the best service possible to my clients.

I am experienced in counselling and can use various therapeutic approaches including Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy. I am a Registered Psychology Supervisor in NSW and an Associate Member of Australian Psychological Society.