about Richard Rigby
download Richard's therapy information Brochure in PDF format
SUMMARY
Let me share a little about myself:
I am a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Brisbane Australia. I am co-director of Feel-good Health Services with my wife Sharon Stathis. Sharon is a natural therapist and Registered Nurse.
I am a Fellow of the Brisbane Branch of the Australian College of Clinical Psychologists (inc Canberra ACT). Currently, I hold the position of President of the Brisbane branch.
I write a monthly column in The Local Bulletin under the heading; “Dear Dick”. This column deals with a wide variety of current psychological issues.
I offer a unique package to help people which involves combining a wide variety of techniques and approaches. My focus is on helping people overcome problems which prevent them from reaching their full potential in life.
approach to therapy
My style of therapy is caring and supportive. I believe that I am able to help people develop self confidence and belief in themselves. I really enjoy helping people overcome their unwanted fears.
My approach is represented in a song that I wrote. You can hear this song & read the words with a single click on: "I DESERVE" Go on, you deserve to experience it.
More details about my work are described here:
background
energy psychology
I have a deep belief of how important the energy systems of the body are to our wellbeing. I use energy techniques such as the Emotional Freedom Technique in my everyday practice. EFT is at the cutting edge of integrating the physical and mental aspects of healing. I have also used energy techniques to help client recover from psychosomatic conditions.
therapeutic techniques
I draw on many different and varied psychological theories and techniques including:
Medicare rebate
I am registered as a Medicare Provider, number 2669481A. In order for you to be eligible for the Medicare rebate, you need to have a doctor's referral quoting item number 2710. Once you have this referral, you are entitled to 6 sessions, with the option of a further 6 sessions subject to your doctor's review of the case. Normally, you would be allowed a maximum of 12 sessions in a calendar year.
Medicare - more information
length of session
Normally my sessions are of one hour duration.
charges
My hourly rate is charged at $130 as from 1 January 2009. Higher fees will apply under certain circumstances.
Master card, Visa card & EFTPOS facilities are available.
rebates
You may be eligible for a partial rebate of fees:
appointments
My normal consultation days are normally Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. I start at 11.00 am and finish at 7.00pm. I am able to make appointments on other days and outside of these times when the need arises.
The waiting time to get an appointment will vary. Wherever possible, I try and make time for an emergency session.
To make an appointment please ring me on (07) 3378 6267
common issues that come up in therapy
I am able to help people with a wide variety of psychological and communication issues. These issues include:
anxiety & related states
excessive worry
overcoming phobias and other unjustified fears
management of anxiety or panic attacks
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
life style improvements
building self confidence
developing assertiveness
developing self awareness
setting good boundaries and sticking to them
guidance in life management skills including decision making
motivation, concentration & energy
issues of getting motivated
how to initiate action and take the initiative
problems with concentrating on work or study
depression
management of depression - (treatment can be without drugs)
health & somatic issues
health problems where psychological and energy healing assist in recovery
teaching how to have more control over things that go wrong with your body
relationship & communication
communications skills (this is an important one)
relationship & marriage issues including difficulties with partners, children and others
crisis & trauma
recovery from trauma including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, abuse and torture
recovery from systemic abuse including family of origin abuse
crisis counselling including grief and loss including dealing with Bereavement disorder
working through grieving in a healthy way including recovery from a relationship break up
psychotic disturbance
I deal with coping and life skills for clients with either acute or chronic mild psychotic disturbances including schizophrenics and bipolar disorder clients
Dissociation
Management of Dissociative (conversion) disorder
addictions & compulsions
management of weight and eating issues; both over weight and under weight conditions
management of substance dependency issues including alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana or prescribed medications
I DO NOT treat people who are on narcotics
overcoming other addictions such as; workaholism, love addiction, gambling addiction and codependency
anger management and mood control
overcoming obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour
behavioural problems
adolescent and childhood behavioural problems
Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity in children and adults
managing Adjustment Disorder
Managing Conduct Disorder
stress & sleep management
stress management and relaxation techniques
sleep management
Pain management
helping clients manage their pain
Sexual disorders
management of sexual problems, disorders or dysfunction
My focus is on helping people overcome problems which prevent them from reaching their full potential in life.
skill teaching for individuals and couples
I teach the skills of effective communication through non defensive communication, active listening, understanding and expressing empathy, sharing feelings as well as the sharing of personal awareness.
personal growth & development
Some people reach a stage in life where they feel that they need to change direction, but don't know how. Personal growth includes learning how to be in control of your life and moving forward while learning how to remove blocks and fears that get in the road.
organizational work
I am currently developing courses to help organizations and groups function at a more optimal level. The teaching package that I will be offering includes the many techniques mentioned above. I will be drawing on my extensive experience in group and corporate work that I have conducted in the past.
how long does therapy take?
Most therapy takes only a few sessions to get things sorted out. Sometimes when we fix one problem, more underlying issue will come up. You decide when to finish therapy at the point where things are working well enough for your satisfaction.
cancellation policy
If you give notification of a cancelled appointment with less than 24 hours notice you may be charged a cancellation fee. Cancellation with less than 2 hours notification may attract the payment of the full fee. Non attendance at an appointment may also attract the payment of the full fee.
change of information
If any of your personal details should change during the course of your professional contact with me, could you please let me know.
privacy policy
As your psychologist, I am committed to providing an excellent standard of care in every respect. My aim is to maintain client information in the strictest of confidence, to protect your well being and establish a secure and trustworthy relationship.
My practice complies with the Commonwealth Privacy Act in relation to the management of personal information. Only details relevant to the provision of psychological care will be collected. These details can be wide ranging as I am committed to act in your best interests by obtaining a thorough assessment of your condition and all contributing factors. Records are stored in a secure and confidential manner.
Your personal information will normally be available only to myself, except when:
1. it is subpoenaed by a court; or
2. failure to disclose the information could place you or another person at risk; or
3. your prior approval has been obtained to:
(a) provide a written report to another professional or agency. eg. a Doctor or a Lawyer; or
(b) discuss the material with another person. eg. your Doctor or another Psychologist.
In addition, information which in no way identifies you may be discussed with another psychologist for the purposes of peer supervision, to ensure that the highest quality treatment is being provided to assist you.
You also have the right to access your mental health data at any time, subject to the exceptions in National Privacy Principle 6.
experience relevant to assisting in the SMART workshops
My original Bachelor of Science degree involved acquiring and extensive knowledge of functional anatomy and physiology. Many years later, I became a specialist in the area of Neuro-psychology studying the functioning of the human nervous system.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s I studied many forms of body work techniques including remedial massage, polarity therapy, Feldenkreis and the Alexander technique. In addition I studied various psychoactive techniques such as Psychodrama, Gestalt and Primal therapy. For one year, I studied Bioenergetic body work with Dr Chris Campbell of Byron Bay. I also received five years experiential learning in Transpersonal Body Work from Pat Lleiss in Brisbane.
I have used this knowledge and experience of subtle energies, anatomy, psysiology and body work to assist Sharon in both developing and the teaching of Ayurvedic Reflexology.
SUMMARY
Let me share a little about myself:
I am a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Brisbane Australia. I am co-director of Feel-good Health Services with my wife Sharon Stathis. Sharon is a natural therapist and Registered Nurse.
I am a Fellow of the Brisbane Branch of the Australian College of Clinical Psychologists (inc Canberra ACT). Currently, I hold the position of President of the Brisbane branch.
I write a monthly column in The Local Bulletin under the heading; “Dear Dick”. This column deals with a wide variety of current psychological issues.
I offer a unique package to help people which involves combining a wide variety of techniques and approaches. My focus is on helping people overcome problems which prevent them from reaching their full potential in life.
approach to therapy
My style of therapy is caring and supportive. I believe that I am able to help people develop self confidence and belief in themselves. I really enjoy helping people overcome their unwanted fears.
My approach is represented in a song that I wrote. You can hear this song & read the words with a single click on: "I DESERVE" Go on, you deserve to experience it.
More details about my work are described here:
background
- My original degree was a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology & Comparative Physiology from Monash University completed in 1965. I worked as a zoologist for a while.
• I graduated from the University of Queensland in 1971 with a Master of Science degree about the influence of barbituate drugs on the retention of learning. Since that time I have had extensive experience working as a clinical psychologist including a period as Senior Psychologist with the Queensland Health Department drug and alcohol rehabilitation unit.
• I am also a registered secondary school teacher.
• I have been a professional entertainer, musician and singer. I had my own jazz band for several years in the late 1960's called the "Red Belly Stompers".
• From 1995 to 2006 I conducted “Singing for Fun and Healing” workshops on the national and international stage. In these workshops, participants learned how to become more confident with their voice. Our learning included learning how to balance the energy systems of the body and to overcome energy blockages.
• I am in full time private practice as a clinical, counselling, and consulting and have been since since 1983.
• I have written the book "Holistic Singing and Toning" (also known as "Singing for Fun and Healing") and also produced several Self Help CDs. - One of my specialist areas is that of helping people with voice issues and performance anxiety.
energy psychology
I have a deep belief of how important the energy systems of the body are to our wellbeing. I use energy techniques such as the Emotional Freedom Technique in my everyday practice. EFT is at the cutting edge of integrating the physical and mental aspects of healing. I have also used energy techniques to help client recover from psychosomatic conditions.
therapeutic techniques
I draw on many different and varied psychological theories and techniques including:
- Supportive Counselling
- Emotional Freedom Technique
• Family therapy and reconciliation protocols
• Teaching couples the skills of active listening & empathy
• Skills training for anger, stress and conflict management
• interpersonal therapy especially for depression
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
• Inner Child work & Voice Dialogue work
• Sedona Technique
• Relaxation techniques (I produced the CD "Body & Mind Relaxation" to help with this) - Sleep induction techniques (I produced the CD "Help with Getting to Sleep" to help with this)
• Emotional and body awareness
• Systematic desensitization & other fear reduction techniques
• Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)
• Energy balancing (I produced the CD "Toning the Chakras" to help with this)
• Gestalt & psychodrama on some occasions
• Psychoeducational techniques & life skills
• The addiction recovery models of Mellody & Bradshaw
• Music therapy, other music and voice work
Medicare rebate
I am registered as a Medicare Provider, number 2669481A. In order for you to be eligible for the Medicare rebate, you need to have a doctor's referral quoting item number 2710. Once you have this referral, you are entitled to 6 sessions, with the option of a further 6 sessions subject to your doctor's review of the case. Normally, you would be allowed a maximum of 12 sessions in a calendar year.
Medicare - more information
- download Richard's Medicare information Brochure in PDF format
• I can post or email you an information sheet
• or contact The Australian Psychological Society: www.psychology.org.au
• or contact Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing: www.health.gov.au
length of session
Normally my sessions are of one hour duration.
charges
My hourly rate is charged at $130 as from 1 January 2009. Higher fees will apply under certain circumstances.
Master card, Visa card & EFTPOS facilities are available.
rebates
You may be eligible for a partial rebate of fees:
- if you are covered by a doctor's Medicare referral under the Mental Health Care plan
• or if you have private medical insurance that cover psychological services
appointments
My normal consultation days are normally Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. I start at 11.00 am and finish at 7.00pm. I am able to make appointments on other days and outside of these times when the need arises.
The waiting time to get an appointment will vary. Wherever possible, I try and make time for an emergency session.
To make an appointment please ring me on (07) 3378 6267
common issues that come up in therapy
I am able to help people with a wide variety of psychological and communication issues. These issues include:
anxiety & related states
excessive worry
overcoming phobias and other unjustified fears
management of anxiety or panic attacks
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
life style improvements
building self confidence
developing assertiveness
developing self awareness
setting good boundaries and sticking to them
guidance in life management skills including decision making
motivation, concentration & energy
issues of getting motivated
how to initiate action and take the initiative
problems with concentrating on work or study
depression
management of depression - (treatment can be without drugs)
health & somatic issues
health problems where psychological and energy healing assist in recovery
teaching how to have more control over things that go wrong with your body
relationship & communication
communications skills (this is an important one)
relationship & marriage issues including difficulties with partners, children and others
crisis & trauma
recovery from trauma including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, abuse and torture
recovery from systemic abuse including family of origin abuse
crisis counselling including grief and loss including dealing with Bereavement disorder
working through grieving in a healthy way including recovery from a relationship break up
psychotic disturbance
I deal with coping and life skills for clients with either acute or chronic mild psychotic disturbances including schizophrenics and bipolar disorder clients
Dissociation
Management of Dissociative (conversion) disorder
addictions & compulsions
management of weight and eating issues; both over weight and under weight conditions
management of substance dependency issues including alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana or prescribed medications
I DO NOT treat people who are on narcotics
overcoming other addictions such as; workaholism, love addiction, gambling addiction and codependency
anger management and mood control
overcoming obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour
behavioural problems
adolescent and childhood behavioural problems
Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity in children and adults
managing Adjustment Disorder
Managing Conduct Disorder
stress & sleep management
stress management and relaxation techniques
sleep management
Pain management
helping clients manage their pain
Sexual disorders
management of sexual problems, disorders or dysfunction
My focus is on helping people overcome problems which prevent them from reaching their full potential in life.
skill teaching for individuals and couples
I teach the skills of effective communication through non defensive communication, active listening, understanding and expressing empathy, sharing feelings as well as the sharing of personal awareness.
personal growth & development
Some people reach a stage in life where they feel that they need to change direction, but don't know how. Personal growth includes learning how to be in control of your life and moving forward while learning how to remove blocks and fears that get in the road.
organizational work
I am currently developing courses to help organizations and groups function at a more optimal level. The teaching package that I will be offering includes the many techniques mentioned above. I will be drawing on my extensive experience in group and corporate work that I have conducted in the past.
how long does therapy take?
Most therapy takes only a few sessions to get things sorted out. Sometimes when we fix one problem, more underlying issue will come up. You decide when to finish therapy at the point where things are working well enough for your satisfaction.
cancellation policy
If you give notification of a cancelled appointment with less than 24 hours notice you may be charged a cancellation fee. Cancellation with less than 2 hours notification may attract the payment of the full fee. Non attendance at an appointment may also attract the payment of the full fee.
change of information
If any of your personal details should change during the course of your professional contact with me, could you please let me know.
privacy policy
As your psychologist, I am committed to providing an excellent standard of care in every respect. My aim is to maintain client information in the strictest of confidence, to protect your well being and establish a secure and trustworthy relationship.
My practice complies with the Commonwealth Privacy Act in relation to the management of personal information. Only details relevant to the provision of psychological care will be collected. These details can be wide ranging as I am committed to act in your best interests by obtaining a thorough assessment of your condition and all contributing factors. Records are stored in a secure and confidential manner.
Your personal information will normally be available only to myself, except when:
1. it is subpoenaed by a court; or
2. failure to disclose the information could place you or another person at risk; or
3. your prior approval has been obtained to:
(a) provide a written report to another professional or agency. eg. a Doctor or a Lawyer; or
(b) discuss the material with another person. eg. your Doctor or another Psychologist.
In addition, information which in no way identifies you may be discussed with another psychologist for the purposes of peer supervision, to ensure that the highest quality treatment is being provided to assist you.
You also have the right to access your mental health data at any time, subject to the exceptions in National Privacy Principle 6.
experience relevant to assisting in the SMART workshops
My original Bachelor of Science degree involved acquiring and extensive knowledge of functional anatomy and physiology. Many years later, I became a specialist in the area of Neuro-psychology studying the functioning of the human nervous system.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s I studied many forms of body work techniques including remedial massage, polarity therapy, Feldenkreis and the Alexander technique. In addition I studied various psychoactive techniques such as Psychodrama, Gestalt and Primal therapy. For one year, I studied Bioenergetic body work with Dr Chris Campbell of Byron Bay. I also received five years experiential learning in Transpersonal Body Work from Pat Lleiss in Brisbane.
I have used this knowledge and experience of subtle energies, anatomy, psysiology and body work to assist Sharon in both developing and the teaching of Ayurvedic Reflexology.
music is an important part of my life
the beautiful view from our therapy room