Nial Wotherspoon
Senior Psychologist
Clinic Locations: Essendon, Hawthorn
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) from Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
- Psychology Major from Melbourne University
- Graduate Diploma of Applied Psychology from Swinburne University
- Graduate Diploma of Business Administration from Swinburne University
Experience:
Nial has over 30 years’ experience in psychology, working across a broad range of clinical and non-clinical presentations, including providing services to the older adult community.
Supporting older adults is Nial’s particular area of interest, recognising the unique and often intersecting factors that can impact mental health in later life.
Provides Services to:
Adolescents, Couples, Families, Adults & Elders
Areas of Expertise:
- Physical Health decline, including compounding medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis, all exacerbated with age
- Adjustments to accident/trauma/medical condition/operations etc.
- Renewed interest in meaningful activity post-retirement including reemployment/voluntary work, education, re-training etc.
- Relationship deterioration with long-term partners
- Loss of energy levels, especially physical flexibility and strength leading to decreased motivation
- Family & sibling conflict/estrangement further exacerbated over time
- Loss of purpose and meaning in life, decreasing motivational pursuits
- Depression & anxiety
- Cognitive decline, including loss of mental skills, fear of the future and increasing fatigue
- Financial stress including financial management, loan commitments, lending money, and setting financial goals
- Loneliness, reduced social networks
- A & D issues, including smoking, gambling and medication dependencies
Types of Treatment Modalities used:
Adopts a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches drawing on a number of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MCBT), Person-Centred Approaches, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused.
Nial has nearly 3 decades of experience and is committed to careful assessment clarifying problems and goals while adopting the most helpful intervention in the time available. He works with both long and short-term clients involving them totally in all decisions, making best use of the psychological approach deemed suitable to match a particular issue. This leads to a joint approach assisting with goal attainment.