Psychologist Dr. Cora MacHatch - Online Psychology Clinic

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Autism is a developmental disorder of variable severity. It is characterised by difficulty in communication, social interactions and repetitive and restricted patterns of thoughts and behaviours.

Often a number of medical and mental-health issues accompany autism spectrum disorder such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep disturbances, feeding, epilepsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, gastrointestinal problems.

There are many approaches to autism treatment. They include behavioural treatments, psychotherapy, medicines or a combination of these. Each intervention needs to be tailored to the needs of the individual as well as those of their care-givers.

Our clinic offers psychological and behavioural interventions individualised to your specific needs. In addition, we tailor parenting programs that have been shown to be effective with children and teenagers with autism, such as Stepping Stones Parenting Program. This is a specialist program based on Triple P's Positive Parenting Strategies. It helps parents and caretakers manage problem behaviour and developmental issues; it also helps encourage desirable behaviours, teach your child new skills, cope with stress, and develop a close relationship with your child.



Visit our site for more information about our services and to make an appointment to discuss your support needs.

www.think-free.net

Body image is how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind. It is what you believe about your appearance (thoughts, memories,
assumptions, generalizations), how you feel about your body and how you physically experience your body. People with a negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from depression, isolation, low
self-esteem and obsessions with weight and food. People’s relationship with food can be
problematic. Individually tailored treatments can successfully address these problems and
improve a person’s functioning, mental health and well being.

When struggling with chronic illness such as diabetes, people need the support of others.

Often times, they need professional support for their psychological needs and those of the people who care for them. Psychological and behavioural factors can affect health directly and the treatment approach is biopsychosocial. In other words, health is understood to be the product not only of biological processes (for example a tumour), but also of psychological (thoughts, beliefs), behavioural (habits), and social processes (socioeconomic status, ethnicity).

Health can be improved by working directly with the person to understand all these factors and constructively applying this knowledge.

Depression is a common but serious disorder. The symptoms of depression affect how you think, feel and manage daily activities, such as sleeping, eating and working. Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. No two people are affected the same way by
depression and there is no “one size fits all” for treatment. I assess severity of symptoms and individual needs and individualise evidence-based treatments to each client.

Anxiety can be a normal part of life. But anxiety disorders include more than temporary worry or fear. There are different types of anxiety disorders and their symptoms interfere with daily functioning. Anxiety disorders can successfully be addressed by treatment specifically tailored to the specific needs of the person.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behaviour. People with ASD have difficulty with social communication and interaction, restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. It is known as a “spectrum’ disorder due to the wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. Although it can be a lifelong disorder, treatment and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability
to function.

Parenting, or child rearing, is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. I offer
parents simple and practical strategies to help them build strong, healthy relationships, confidently manage their children’s behaviour, and prevent problems developing, through the use of evidence-based programs such as the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.

Bullying is the use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate or aggressively dominate others. The behaviour is often repeated and habitual. One essential prerequisite is the perception, by the bully or by others, of an imbalance of social or physical power, which distinguishes bullying from conflict.

Behaviours used to assert such domination can include verbal harassment or threat, physical assault or coercion, and such acts may be directed repeatedly towards particular targets. Rationalizations of such behaviour sometimes include differences of social class, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, behaviour, body language, personality, reputation, lineage, strength, size or ability.

Stress is a psychological process initiated by events that threaten, harm or challenge an organism or that exceed available coping resources and it is characterized by psychological responses that are directed towards adaptation. Stress-related disorders result from
abnormal responses to acute or prolonged anxiety.

Trauma is often the result of an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds one’s ability to cope, or integrate the emotions involved with that experience.

The ways that unhealed trauma, adverse life events, abuse and grief can manifest themselves are unique to each person. The effects of trauma can also affect family and loved ones trying to offer support. Treatment depends on the stage of stress at which the patient seeks help and is tailored to individual needs.

Relationships require work and at some point will face challenges, big or small. Sources of stress might threaten the stability of a relationship. Strain can be placed on a relationship when stressful circumstances affect the couple as a whole, or even just one of the partners. Many couples struggle to communicate effectively; there might be differences in parenting views, expectations, or some of the problems that might impact the relationship could be
chronic illness, addiction, infidelity, financial difficulties, emotional distance. Therapy can be an effective way to enhance communication between partners and address relationship problems.

Book your online appointment with Dr. Cora MacHatch, by clicking the link below!

https://uniquenous.net/

Unique Nous – psychology clinic | autism I specialise in neuro-developmental conditions, primarily Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I have extensive experience working in this area alongside leading world authorities on ASD, such as Professor Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett, under whose guidance I trained.

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Parenting
Bullying
Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
Body Image
Eating Disorders
Health Psychology

PhD (Cognitive Neuroscience) Psychological Services - Dr Cora MacHatch Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parenting, Bullying, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma andStress-Related Disorders, Relationship difficulties, Health Psychology, Body Imageand Eating Disorders