Wellness Centre
Our approach
Our Psychology Wellness Centre provides a range of psychology services to children, adolescents, and adults in the Central Queensland community.
Our registered psychologists are enrolled in the university’s Master of Clinical Psychology course and provide services that are based on the latest evidence-based practice, drawing on current research and best-practice guidelines
We can help you, or someone you care about:
- deal with life’s challenges
- assist to develop the skills that you need to manage life more effectively
- understand why you feel the way you do
- discover new approaches to understanding yourself and others
- more importantly, we will help you get more out of life.
At all stages, services provided are professional and confidential to ensure that you feel comfortable, safe, respected and listened to.
The Wellness Centre has been providing low cost, high-quality assessment and therapy services to the general community since 2011.
The Centre’s aim is to develop integrated health services in consultation with other treating health professionals, including GPs, specialist doctors, other allied health practitioners and community agencies.
Contact us
CQUniversity Psychology Wellness Centre
Building 32/Lower Ground 32
Bruce Highway
Rockhampton
Phone: (07) 4923 2233
Fax: (07) 4930 6999
Email: wellnesscentre@cqu.edu.au
Referral: wellness-admin@cqu.edu.au
Experiencing an emergency situation?
If you are in an emergency situation or need immediate assistance, contact Mental Health Alcohol & Drug Services on (07) 4920 6111 or emergency services on 000.
If you need to speak to someone urgently, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Wellness Centre Services
Services include:
- Anxiety and related disorders
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Attacks or Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Depression and Bipolar disorders
- Trauma and related disorders
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders
- Adjustment issues
- Grief and loss
- Stress management
- Relationship issues
- Sleep difficulties
- Pain management
- Health-related problems
- Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy
The Wellness Centre can assist in providing treatment for a variety of emotional and behavioural issues impacting on child and adolescent wellbeing. Our therapists are committed to using a holistic approach involving parents and caregivers, as appropriate, to learn strategies and build skills to assist their child or adolescent.
Services include:
- Anxiety and related issues
- Social Anxiety
- Generalised Anxiety
- Phobias
- Panic Attacks
- Depression and mood difficulties
- Family adjustment to change
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder - social skills development
- Disruptive or oppositional behaviour
- Interpersonal problems
- Anger management
- Social skills
- Self-esteem
- Bullying
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-coping skills
Telehealth allows psychologists provide services online using Zoom video conferencing in the convenience of your own home. It involves the same level of support that you would receive with regular in-person consultations by providing access to those who are not able to travel.
If you think that telehealth may be right for you. Please call reception on 07 4923 2233 or email us at wellnesscentre@cqu.edu.au
Therapy Programs
Together
'Together' is a ten-week program for children and parents to address anxiety. The overall arching goal of 'Together' is to teach children and parents to recognise anxious feelings and help develop skills to cope with anxiety-provoking situations. In 'Together' the psychologist and parent/s work with the child to learn new skills and behaviours.
Beating the Blues
Beating the Blues is a program designed for adults who have experienced periods of low mood. We will help you find strategies that work for you to manage 'the blues' and improve how you feel.
ACT for MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
In partnership with MS Queensland we offer a six week program entitled ‘Living Well with MS’ (a six-week Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Program) developed by Kelly-Ann Burman.
It is best suited to those in the early years of living with MS. In a supportive group environment you will gain strategies to assist you to:
- come to terms with the realities of life following a MS diagnosis;
- adjust to the uncertainty of the disease;
- manage stress and be proactive in problem solving; and
- build your support for the future.
A psychometric assessment measures psychological characteristics such as personality traits, behavioural styles, cognitive abilities, motivations etc. The word psychometric literally means psychological measurement.
Assessment process
The Wellness Centre has adopted recommendations from the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders. This process helps determine an individual’s support needs, and whether they meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
The Guideline recommends a Comprehensive Needs Assessment, followed by a Diagnostic Evaluation.
The Comprehensive Needs Assessment will look at an individual’s strengths and level of functioning in different areas, any support needs they may have, and whether there could be a medical explanation for the behaviours or characteristics that have prompted the referral.
If required, a Diagnostic Evaluation will then take place to establish whether behaviours are consistent with autism and/or another diagnosis.
Types of psychological assessments
The Wellness Centre offers the following types of assessment for children (from 6 years old), adolescents and adults.
Cognitive / Intellectual Assessment
Cognitive assessments measure a range of mental processes, such as memory, problem-solving, decision-making, learning and attention, with a focus on identifying areas of cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
Learning Disorder Assessments
Identifying Specific Learning Disorders (e.g. maths, reading and written expression disorders) often requires both cognitive and academic achievement testing. Cognitive assessment can highlight learning problems, and academic achievement testing provides a benchmark to compare performance.
Personality Assessment (Adolescents and Adults only)
A personality assessment is designed to assist in clinical diagnosis and structuring suitable psychological interventions. A personality assessment may be a useful adjunct to therapy.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments
Completing an ASD assessment is a lengthy process. It involves an assessment of the individual’s developmental history as well as an assessment of his/her current strengths and challenges. Areas that are assessed include cognition, communication, social, behavioural and adaptive skills.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
One of the challenges of diagnosing ADHD is it can be accompanied by other disorders (i.e., learning disorders, mood disorders and oppositional defiant or conduct disorder). Therefore, a comprehensive assessment is required to assess not only attention and hyperactively, but other challenging behaviours, learning difficulties and mood disorders.
Neuropsychological Assessment
The centre currently offers limited neuropsychological assessment in cases where it is clinically important to evaluate higher-level executive functions. These assessments are completed in conjunction with a comprehensive clinical interview, cognitive and memory assessments.
If you require a psychological assessment not listed above please call the centre on (07) 4923 2233.
Important Centre Information
We are a not-for-profit centre. Client fees are used to support the clinical, training and research activities of the centre.
Therapy appointments are $30 per session ($21 per session for concession card holders and CQU students).
Psychological Assessments* range from $250 to $920 (Concession card holders and CQU students receive a 30% discount), depending on the type of assessments required.
*Includes initial Intake session, assessment appointments, Psychological report and feedback session.
Payments for assessments can be made in instalments over the assessment period.
At Psychology Wellness Centre students are provisionally psychologists, registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, they are ineligible for a Medicare Provider Number. Therefore, Medicare rebates cannot be claimed for services provided at the Centre. As a result, fees are kept at affordable rates.
Group programs
Costs vary for participation in therapy and group programs.
For further information regarding fees, please call the centre on (07) 4923 2233.
Payment methods
Credit Card - we accept Visa, Mastercard
Direct Debit
Cancellation fees
A cancellation fee will be charged if you fail to cancel your appointment without providing 24 hours notice or if you fail to attend your scheduled appointment.
Leonie Lorien, Director
Clinical Psychologist, MAPS, BA(Beh. Science), GradDipPsych, MClinPsych
Leonie has extensive experience working as a Psychologist for over 25 years across various settings in regional Queensland. Leonie’s interests include Adult Mental Health, Clinical Assessments and Health Psychology. She is involved in the supervision and training of the next generation of psychology professionals, including teaching in the Master of Clinical Psychology course. Leonie is currently completing her PhD in personal recovery for people living with mental health challenges.
Clinic supervisors
Clinical Psychologist, B.Sci., B.Psych.(Hons)., M.Clin.Psych.
Placement Coordinator/Supervisor – Psychology Wellness Centre
For the past 25 years, Steve has been working therapeutically with children, adolescents, and adults. He has worked as a school psychologist (primary & secondary), as well as in residential treatment programs for young people, specialist youth counselling services, inpatient psychiatric settings, community clinics, University research programs and a home-based therapy program for conduct disordered youth, as well as in his private practice. He is involved in the supervision and teaching of students in the Master of Clinical Psychology course. Steve has a special interest in therapy with adolescents (10-25yrs) including the treatment of anxiety, depression, friendship & social peer issues, self-harm and suicidal behaviour. Steve also has a special interest in the assessment and treatment of ADHD across the lifespan, particularly under diagnosed groups including girls and adults.
Associate Professor Claire Thompson
Clinical Psychologist, BA(Hons), MClinPsych, PhD.
Head of Course - Master of Clinical Psychology
Claire has over 30 years of professional experience in clinical, research and teaching psychology, including provision of mental health services to children and to older adults, training of Clinical Psychology students in Australia and Singapore and supervision of Research Higher Degree students. She has also worked in private practice, mental health service management and professional supervision of psychologists. Her research interests, publications and conference presentations are in the area of clinical psychology, particularly mental health and cognition in older age and models and processes of Clinical Psychology training programs.
Clinical Psychologist
Lecturer/Supervisor
Dr. Matthew Condie is an Australian-trained and based clinical psychologist and board-approved supervisor with a Doctorate education in Sport and Performance Psychology in the United States. He is currently undertaking his Master in Educational Neuroscience through CQUniversity.
Matt has held several key roles in clinical psychology and leadership, including child protection, youth mental health with headspace, adult mental health, emergency psychiatric services, perinatal and infant mental health and refugee mental health both in Australia and abroad. His treatment approach includes CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy and principles of Positive Psychology.
With his clinical knowledge and experience, one of Matt’s passions is to promote well-being and mental health to support developing practitioners towards becoming competent, self-aware, balanced, resilient and well-rounded graduates and professionals. Matt’s drive is to apply authentic, relatable and sustainable education and skills to developing practitioners, clients, athletes, coaches, teams, and organisations to live and perform with purpose, meaning, growth and fulfilment.
Matt is also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology in the United States. He uses a combination of Clinical and Sport Psychology assessments and interventions to support athletes and teams in Australia and the United States from community level to Olympic athletes in mental health, peak performance and leadership. He also has worked with several clinical populations across the lifespan.
Matt has worked locally and internationally across several diverse contexts and environments. He has consulted developing and reviewing mental health legislation in developing countries as part of his commitment to community and capacity development in a cross-cultural context. He is also a member of the Diversity and Inclusion committee within the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).
Matt is a driven and collaborative leader in mental health, mental skills training, education and well-being. His professional purpose is to deliver clinical and performance outcomes and programs to individuals and teams to strengthen community health and well-being.
Clinical Psychologist.
Clinic Supervisor Registrar
Melissa Attwood is a Clinical Psychology Registrar who has experience working with adults and young adolescents across a wide range of settings. Melissa has spent the past eight years working in both public mental health and private practice, working with people experiencing complex issues and severe mental illness.
Melissa has experience in delivering individual and group treatments and working closely with multidisciplinary teams in community based services, including clinical mental health, alcohol and other drug services and mental health community support services.
Melissa is passionate about offering a safe and therapeutic space that is non-judgmental and client-centred. Melissa employs an integrative therapeutic approach that draws on a variety of evidence based therapies allowing her to provide clients with individual interventions unique to their experience. Adopting a collaborative approach to therapy, Melissa strongly believes that people are experts in their own lives.
Trina Attard, Administration
Trina commenced with the Psychology Wellness Centre in 2016, and comes with a wealth of experience after working in the Allied Health Sector over the past 20 years. Her duties and responsibilities not only booking clients for appointments with the Psychologists, but also ensuring clients receive the very best support and overseeing administrative operations as well as supporting staff and students in the Master of Clinical Psychology program.
Master of Clinical Psychology students
Client appointments are booked with Masters of Psychology Students.
All students at the Wellness Centre are either registered psychologists or provisionally registered psychologists, practicing under supervision by experienced Clinical Psychologists. As part of their placement at the Wellness Centre, students must demonstrate competencies in working with child and adult clients across a range assessments and therapy interventions
The Wellness Centre is open to clients on:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm from late March until October.
How do I make a referral?
Anyone can refer to the Wellness Centre, all referrals will be assessed by the Wellness Centre Director for the Centre's ability to support the needs of the client. You or your child will then be placed on a wait list, we will call to offer an appointment as soon as one is available. Wait list times vary depending on the type of referral and the availability of psychologists. An estimate of the wait time can be obtained from reception. Please complete the Referral and forward it to the centre at the address provided on the form.
As we are a training clinic, we are unable to provide urgent, emergency or out-of-hours therapy.
We advise that you contact your GP or your local Mental Health Service should you or any of your family members require urgent or emergency support.
As a training clinic, we are unable to provide support for the following issues:
- Crisis or emergency situations
- High risk of suicidality, self-harm or violence to others
- Current psychotic behaviours or substance abuse issues
- Legal issues or court reports, including family court, worker’s compensation or other legal matters
- Complex problems requiring long-term therapy
- CQUniversity Psychology students - (Please refer to CQU Student Counselling Service)
- CQUniversity staff- (Please refer to CQU Employee Assistance Program).
Crisis support and other services
If you are in an emergency or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000.
To talk to someone now, call Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Frequently Asked Questions
During your visits, you can expect to be treated with respect, understanding, compassion and dignity.
We offer a non-judgmental and caring environment where our main goal is to first listen to you and then to explore effective strategies to resolve your concerns and to reach your goals.
Each therapy session lasts around 50 minutes. The number of sessions required depends on the complexity, duration and severity of the problem. It may be as few as 2 or 3, but will mostly vary from 6 to 10 sessions to address significant issues. Appointments are generally made either weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
During the first session, we will discuss your current situation, issues that are concerning you and what you hope to gain from therapy. You may be asked to complete one or more questionnaires. This is voluntary, but it can help us assess your situation more clearly and understand what is going on for you and how best to respond. At the end of the first session, we explore treatment options, strategies and goals with you.
The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and we encourage you to ask questions about the therapy process. You can also ask the therapist to repeat anything you don’t understand.
