Clinical Psychology
Psychological support for you and your family.
At the Breast Cancer Research Centre – WA, we understand that a breast cancer diagnosis not only affects the individual but also their loved ones. We believe emotional support is vital to comprehensive breast cancer care. To address this need, we are proud to offer a bulk-billed clinical psychology service dedicated to supporting those impacted by breast cancer.
Our highly skilled Clinical Psychologists are committed to working closely with your medical team to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to managing the emotional impact of breast cancer and other related stressors.
The clinical psychology service we offer is designed to provide personalized and evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Our psychologists are well-versed in dealing with the complex emotional challenges that may arise during breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
How can a Psychologist help?
Most people come because they want to reduce upsetting feelings and improve their sense of well-being. This can happen through reflecting on your experience with a professional, through learning new skills and developing new perspectives.
Our Clinical Psychologists specialise in the impact of early and advanced breast cancer on all aspects of the person. They understand the range of concerns you may have including:
- Physical impact of treatment
- Management of uncertainty
- Feelings of vulnerability
- The effect on your family and children
For those who have finished hospital-based treatment, we can help with issues including menopause symptoms, fear of cancer recurrence or spread, re-evaluation of priorities, adjusting to the “new normal,” and return to work or changing roles.
What can I expect in these sessions?
Appointments are 50 minutes long. In the first session, we will endeavour to get to know you and to understand your concerns. We will ask questions such as“how you have coped in the past with difficult things in your life” and/or “what would you like to get out of seeing a psychologist?”.
We work in collaboration with your PBCI Specialist and other members of the team, using an evidence-based approach to provide constructive and supportive strategies. Members of your family are welcome to come with you, or they can see a psychologist separately.
Please note this service is by appointment only. We do not provide crisis or emergency services.
How much does this service cost?
Under the Medicare Better Access Scheme, your appointments will be bulk billed so there is no cost to you.
How can I get a referral?
In most cases, a referral from your General Practitioner under the Better Access to Mental Health Scheme is required. Click here for more information.
Please ask your breast care nurse or PBCI Specialist, to assist with a referral or request our Clinical Psychologist contact you to discuss further. You may request a referral at any stage, including before and after hospital treatment.
Get in touch
If you would like more information about our clinical psychology services, please contact us.
Phone: (08) 6500 5576
Email: psychology@bcrc-wa.com.au
We are located at:
Hollywood Consulting Centre
Suite 404, Level 4
91 Monash Avenue, Nedlands 6009
Mary has specialised in psychological support for people with breast cancer since 2000. She brings experience as a supervisor and senior clinician at Royal Perth and Fiona Stanley Hospital Breast Clinics. Her early career was in community mental health.
A supportive, respectful and collaborative professional relationship is the foundation of Mary’s practice. She assists people to manage understandable emotional distress and to learn constructive skills to address the impact of serious illness.
Mary draws on a range of evidence-based psychological therapies. She is also informed by the wisdom of hundreds of past clients affected by breast cancer. Areas of special interest include hot flushes, anxiety including the fear of cancer recurrence/spread, mortality issues and the interaction between health systems and people who seek unconventional treatments.
Francoise began her psychology career working with children and families, supporting the relationship and emotional needs of people within the context of the family. This has been her area of speciality for over 20 years. Building on her Masters research in the area of resilience, Francoise’s approach focuses on helping strengthen people’s coping strategies, interpersonal skills and importantly their sense of self and well-being.
Over the past 10 years, Francoise’s focus has been primarily women’s health, with specialised experience in breast cancer and perinatal mental health in both private and public health settings. Her focus has been supporting women with emotional distress and challenges, related to health and major life events, which can be experienced as traumatic and overwhelming. Francoise assists women to focus on both their important (often neglected) emotional needs, and in turn, that of their loved ones who are often foremost in their minds. Francoise works collaboratively with the team, to ensure a wholistic model of care, offering evidence based individual therapy to improve well-being and reduce distress.
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