About Me
Alyssa Garrett Clinical Psychologist MPsych(Clinical), BA(Hons)
I have been working as a Clinical Psychologist since 2007 after graduating from the University of Western Australia. Most of my experience has been in Private Practice, where I love to connect with people seeking to make changes in their lives. I started my career as a Project Officer at the Disabilities Services Commission, then a Graduate Research Assistant at UWA. This range of experience has consolidated a therapeutic approach that aims to balance academic knowledge with the needs of each person. We are all different and I enjoy the challenge of balancing science and art in Clinical Psychology.
I have a warm and understanding attitude toward all people, and work collaboratively with my clients to achieve their desired changes. I use well-researched methods, and pay particular attention to achieving and maintaining therapeutic goals. I believe that the very best interventions in the world are of little value without a good relationship between client and therapist. It is fundamental to my role that I provide an environment where you feel comfortable, heard, and can trust that I have your best interests at heart.
A Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
In recent years I have developed a keen interest in Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy, which has provided more of a framework in which to practice non-judgemental acceptance of different ways of experiencing our world. I have trained extensively in this area and continue to regularly upskill to ensure my practice is affirming of neuro-differences. Click here to read more about Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy. Of paramount importance to my practice is that:
I recognise variation in brain development and function as a valid and important contributor to diversity amongst humans
I recognise and respect my client as the expert on their lived experience
I listen to the lived experiences of neurodivergence to inform my therapeutic practice
My original training was in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and over the years I have built on this foundation with extensive training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema Therapy, both of which now form my predominant therapeutic frameworks. I frequently upskill and attend regular training events in both of these areas. I have completed most of the requirements for Accreditation in Schema Therapy and continue to work towards certification.
What is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy comes from the Contextual Behavioural Sciences and is essentially about fostering psychological flexibility as the foundation of a rich and meaningful life. Rather than focus on pathology, ACT recognises emotional pain as an inevitable consequence of living well and instead is concerned with behaviours that work, and don't work for you (this is called workability). As well as having a strong evidence base in the treatment of psychological problems, it also has application to those seeking to improve their quality of life. Read more about ACT here https://www.actmindfully.com.au/about-act/
Of particular importance to those who have concerns about the practice of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) , I want to emphasise that ACT is explicitly focused on working toward person-directed, values-driven goals. In my practice, a Neurodiversity Affirming framework is embedded in any other therapeutic modality.
What is Schema Therapy?
A variant of CBT, Schema Therapy is a longer-term intervention specifically developed to overcome longstanding, maladaptive patterns of thought and behaviour by identifying and addressing unmet childhood needs. In Schema Therapy, the therapeutic focus is on underlying patterns rather than on acute symptoms, however symptom management is also addressed. Schema Therapy has demonstrated efficacy for a range of psychological disorders and is particularly useful for people experiencing recurrent problems such as with mood, anxiety, suicidality, relationship or personality-based issues. Read more about Schema Therapy here https://www.healthline.com/health/schema-therapy-2#core-needs
Neurodiversity Affirming Schema Therapy
Motivated by dedication to supporting our neurodivergent clients to achieve their self-determined therapy goals, my colleagues and I have developed the STAND Attuned Model: Schema Therapy Adapted for Neurodivergence. The STAND Attuned working group comprises myself, Rikki Ambrosius, Kate Clarkson, Dr Emma DeCicco, and Sherry-Lee Smith. Read more about Neurodiversity Affirming Schema Therapy, including availability for therapy, training, and professional supervision, here.
Professional Affiliations
Member of the Institute of Clinical Psychologists (ICP)
Member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)
Member International Society for Schema Therapy (ISST)
Member of The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, both International and ANZ chapters
Registrations
Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA) - Registered Psychologist. Clinical Psychology Endorsement