Specialists

Cathy Wagner

Psychologist

Psychologist/Hypnotherapist R.N., B.S.W., B.A. (Psych)., Grad. Dip. Beh’l Health Psych., Grad. Dip. Mental Health Science (Clinical Hypnosis)., D.C.H., M.A.P.S., A.S.H

Cathy Wagner is a generalist psychologist who holds specialist endorsement in both, Health and Counselling psychology. Cathy has been working in private practice since 1992. She has a background in Nursing, and also has a Degree in Social Work. She holds Post Graduate qualifications in Behavioural Health Psychology and Mental Health Sciences (Clinical Hypnosis). In addition, Cathy has completed Diploma In Specialist Relationship Counseling.

She has been a clinical associate of the school of Health Sciences (Psychology) at La Trobe University and is a guest lecturer and supervisor of doctoral candidates at RMIT; Swinburne; Deakin and La Trobe Universities.

Prior to commencing full-time private practice, Cathy worked as a psychologist at Epworth Hospital for four years. She completed her primary research thesis in the area of Cardiac Rehabilitation and was subsequently invited, by the Asia-Pacific Society of Cardiology, to take part in a Cardiac Conference Circuit of India, Malaysia and Singapore. From 1996 until 2001 Cathy held the position of Medical Advisor (Psychology), with the Cardiomyopathy Assoc. of Australia.

Her other area of research involved the use of Clinical Hypnosis as an aid to academic performance, including motivation to study and exam anxiety.

Cathy was the Co-coordinator of Counselor Training at Lifeline (Melb) for three years and represented the Australian Psychological Society on the Victorian WorkCover Authority Clinical Advisory Committee.  She also worked with the Inner East and Whitehorse Divisions of the Royal College of General Practitioners as a member of the Steering Committee for the Allied Psychological Services for two years.

Cathy is also a Consultant Psychologist in the Chronic Pain Management Program at Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital.

Cathy works with clients with a range of mental and physical health related issues including: –

  • Depression
  • Anxiety Disorders; Panic Attacks; Phobias
  • Grief and Loss counseling
  • Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Relationship issues and couples therapy, including Family Therapy
  • Stress Management & Assertiveness Training
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Self esteem and self confidence issues
  • Study Skills Training; Motivation to study and exam anxiety.
  • Chronic Pain Management;
  • Cardiac Illness;
  • Diabetes

* Eating Disorders and Obesity Management; and Cancer.

She has also worked with a number of elite sportsmen and women and can assist with performance anxiety and increasing self-efficacy.

Treatment Approach and Therapeutic Modalities:
Cathy is committed to the use of evidenced based and solution focused therapies to help clients develop the skills and strategies to alleviate emotional distress; reduce unhelpful behaviors and improve coping abilities. Therapeutic Approaches includes:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
  • Mindfulness Training & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Psycho-education
  • Relaxation Skills Training
  • Brief Solution Focused Therapy

In addition, Cathy is trained in the use of Clinical Hypnosis as an adjunct to other therapies.

Cathy Wagner is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Cathy is a member of both the Counseling and Health Colleges.

Medicare, Private Health Insurance, WorkCover and TAC rebates are available.