Introducing Dr Kerry Chillemi
Qualifications
BA Soc Sc (Psych), PG Dip (Psych), Prof Doc Psych (Clinical)
Member of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Areas of expertise
Anxiety
(generalized) (social)
Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Depression
Autism
Spectrum Disorder
ADHD
Workplace Stress
Grief and Loss
Trauma and Abuse
Substance Use
Adjustment
Self Esteem
Sleep Concerns
Treatment modalities
Dr Chillemi’s approach is grounded in evidence-based therapies, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), EMDR and Emotion Focused Therapy. She practices from an approachable client-centred style and uses evidence-based therapies tailored to the client’s individual’s needs. Dr Chillemi is passionate about supporting people to thrive and achieve overall good mental health and wellbeing. She feels privileged to share in her client’s experiences and it is imperative to her that you feel heard and understood. Respect, hope and perseverance are key to a valuable learning experience that promotes positive and sustained outcomes.
What is a Clinical Psychologist
- Clinical psychologists are highly qualified clinicians with specialist training in the psychological assessment and treatment of mental health concerns.
- Clinical psychologists use evidenced based therapeutic techniques to treat a wide range of mental health concerns that range from mild symptoms to severe and complex presentations.
Learning healthy ways of sitting with distress
Gaining an awareness of the common triggers of distress and understanding the warning signs (that is the feelings, thoughts, physical sensations and behavioural urges or actions) that signal that we are experiencing distress. Once you become aware of your triggers and warning signs, you are in a better position to apply helpful coping strategies.
Schema Therapy is a powerful treatment approach that allows people to identify psychological defences and self-defeating patterns that begin early in life.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy provides coping skills to challenge problematic cognitions (thoughts) and behaviours that can amplify distress.
Learning to be mindful of your emotions in a curious and non-judgmental manner (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) allows clients to change how they pay attention to an emotion and sets the framework for managing distress in a healthy way.
In summary, clinical psychology is a structured research informed learning experience in which clients learn coping skills that promote both positive and sustained growth.
Publications
The Functional Legacy Mindset™ approach was designed by Dr Kerry Chillemi to educate people on how different minds function (to embrace their strengths) and the legacy of such minds in terms of the benefits to society. The theory of a Functional Legacy Mindset™ approach is grounded by the therapeutic benefits of embracing the authentic self, to promote a sense of purpose, in which clients feel empowered to embrace their unique strengths and abilities to contribute to society in ways that feel authentic and meaningful to them.
