I’m a Clinical Psychologist based in Melbourne who helps older adolescents and adults cope with overwhelming emotions and remove the need to numb negative feelings through food, alcohol, sex or drugs. I focus on addressing the root cause of the problem with the goal of creating happiness, peace and lasting change.
Dr Jamie Barnier
Are you struggling with overwhelming emotional pain, anger, grief or anxiety? Is your relationship with yourself and others negative or lacking fulfilment? You may have tried exercise, medication, food, alcohol, sex or any other number of ways to numb or cut off from your feelings but found that the problem hasn’t gone away. In fact, over time it’s probably gotten worse. You may be feeling lost, detached, helpless and wondering if things will ever get better. You desperately want to be free of this struggle but aren’t sure of the steps to take to get there. I see people just like this everyday in my practice.
If this sounds like your story, you don’t have to continue suffering. There is hope and there is help. Reaching out for help whether for the first time or one of many times is probably one of the hardest steps you can take in your healing journey – but it’s the most important.
Beyond treating symptoms, my goal is to help you get to the root cause of your difficulties and to overcome the hidden roadblocks that have stopped you feeling better and living the life that you wish to live. I aim to do this through undertaking work that is based on emotional depth and meaning with the ultimate goal of bringing about lasting psychological and relational change.
I have a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and have worked extensively with people from all walks of life for more than a decade. I particularly enjoy working with those between the ages of 17-40, and those experiencing anxiety, trauma and grief.
I focus on providing Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Therapy (ISTDP) and related therapies.
My core beliefs which influence how I see people and how I practice are below.
If you would like more information, or would just like to chat further before deciding if I can help you, please get in touch with me.
WHY SHOULD I WORK WITH YOU?
- I have a doctoral degree (the highest qualification in the field of psychology) and over 10 years of clinical experience. Through that, I’ve come to understand what works and what doesn’t work in therapy and what leads to lasting change.
- My approach is to help you come to a deep level of self understanding and to identify and work through the root cause of your difficulties. To that end, I have an extended 1.5-2hr first session so that by the end of our first meeting you will know how I work and how that approach can help you.
- I want to make sure that I am bringing my best to each person I am working with and to see them through to the end of their therapy journey. Therefore, I only take on a limited number of clients at any one time.
Case Studies
The Suicidal Woman
“Barbra” was a married woman in her 50s with one adult child. She described a loving and supportive marriage, a healthy relationship with her son, an active social life and meaningful work. On the outside, she appeared to have it all together. She was referred to me...
The woman with irritable bowel syndrome
“Stacey” was a female in her 60s, who was referred to me by her psychiatrist for severe anxiety leading to gastro-intestinal symptoms. Specifically, she experienced panic attacks and loose bowels (diarrhoea) whenever she travelled too far from home which had been...
FAQs
How do I book an appointment with you?
Can I contact you in between our appointment?
For administration matters (such as making or changing an appointment) it is best to phone my admin team (they can respond to you much quicker than I can!) For clinical matters, please feel free to send me an email jamie@drjamie.com.au I aim to respond within 1-2 business days. Responses are likely to be brief as I find it is more therapeutic to cover content in a face to face session rather than via email.
What if I need to see you sooner than our next appointment?
Please let know if you need to see me earlier than our next scheduled appointment. I usually keep several free appointment slots each week for urgent reviews. These appointment times might require some degree of flexibility though (e.g., they might be in the middle of the day rather than after hours)
Do I need a referral to see you?
Not at all. You are able to self-refer to see me.
Do you offer Medicare rebates?
Yes. So long as you have a referral from a GP or psychiatrist for psychological therapy Medicare will offer a rebate for the first 10 sessions each calendar year (you will periodically need to return to your GP to get a re-referral letter). The current Medicare rebate for sessions with a clinical psychologist is $126.50 per session
I have a referral, but it is made out to another psychologist or practice - can I use this to see you?
Yes you can. Provided that the referral is less than 12 months old you are still able to use it to see myself. Please note that Medicare will only cover a total of 10 sessions of psychological therapy per calendar year (so if you have seen another psychologist this year that will count towards the 10 session limit).
I have private health cover. Can I get a rebate for seeing you?
Each health fund differs in what they provide cover for and how much this cover is. Please check with your health fund to clarify.
Can I get a rebate from Medicare as well as my private health fund?
Unfortunately, you can not claim both a Medicare rebate as well as private health at the same time – it must be one or the other. You can however, opt to use your private health cover (if you have psychology as part of your extras) if you have exhausted your Medicare rebate for psychology or you may wish to use it in lieu of a Medicare rebate.
Core Beliefs
Even among the most difficult life journey, a better life is possible.
The human spirit is innately resilient and able to overcome tremendous adversity.
Sometimes circumstances get in the way of living out your hopes and dreams but change is always possible.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED THERAPY
Many people are uncertain as to whether or not they need to see a psychologist. This short video clip (2.25) will hopefully help bring some clarity to that decision.
Dr Jamie has worked with the following organizations
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