Dr Kelly Murray works with children and adults experiencing the following difficulties:

Within the first few sessions, an assessment is carried out to determine the best approach to suit the needs and personality of each client. Often in consultation with the client, one or more of the following approaches is generally used.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Suitable for both children and adults, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is based on the premise that thinking (cognition), behaviour, emotions and physical reactions are interrelated. While we can't easily intervene at the level of emotions, we can have an effect on emotional responses by working with thinking, behaviour, and to a lesser extent physical reactions. CBT often involves building new skills, as well as looking at cognitive styles and finding new ways to think. The value in CBT has been extensively researched since it was introduced in the 1970s and it is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders and depressive disorders. Research demonstrates that CBT is equally as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression, and that clients are less likely to relapse after a course of CBT as compared with antidepressants medication. Used as an adjunct to medication for severe depression, CBT is also effective.

Skills based programs aimed at children (e.g., Friends for Life) are effective in treating anxiety and depression, and are also demonstrated to be useful in preventing the development of emotional difficulties in at-risk children.

Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is gaining increased recognition in Australia as an effective treatment for Depression. It assumes that depressive symptoms are related to interpersonal difficulties in one or more of four areas: Role Transition, Grief, Interpersonal sensitivities, and Disputes. In IPT the therapist and client work together to resolve the problems in each relevant area, and outcome research indicates that this significantly reduces depressive symptoms.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach used extensively in adjusting to trauma or other negative life events. It involves skill based preparation followed by sessions aimed at reprocessing traumatic life events. The goal with EMDR is to completely eliminate trauma symptoms, rather than finding ways to cope with them. It is widely regarded as a first line treatment for PTSD and research is increasingly demonstrating its effectiveness.

Triple P: Positive Parenting Program

Triple P is an Australian program designed to assist parents in building positive relationships with their children and teaching skills to help encourage desirable behaviour while also finding ways to manage the inevitable incidences of undesirable behaviour. Research findings on Triple P have repeatedly demonstrated its effectiveness in helping families with mild to severe and multifaceted problems in parenting. It is also an effective treatment for ADHD and other behaviour related disorders. More information on Triple P can be found at the Triple P International website, www.triplep.net