PAUL GRAHAM
PSYCHOLOGIST
BA(Hons), Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology), MAPS
Paul is a registered psychologist with a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical), and a member of the APS. For the past 10 years Paul has provided psychological services in community, residential, forensic and youth services settings.
Paul currently works with adult individuals experiencing:
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anger management
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mood and anxiety disorders
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interpersonal difficulties
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life-stage transitions
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porn addiction
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technology addiction
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grief
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sexuality challenges
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personality disorders
Paul works within an evidence-based framework drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, schema therapy, and motivational interviewing. Paul favors an eclectic approach that is tailored to the needs of each patient, and adapts as his patients’ needs change over time.
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Paul believes that honest, open and transparent relationships are essential for positive therapeutic experiences, and spends time building trust with his patients. Paul likes to reflect and draw on the therapeutic relationship throughout the course of therapy to encourage self-discovery and understanding. He strives to be open-minded and non-judgmental, creating a safe space where insight and wellbeing can flourish. Paul’s patients describe him as warm, calm, insightful and attentive.
A word from Paul about anger
While it's healthy to experience the feelings we label as anger, irritation and frustration, an excess of these emotions can create problems in relationships. Many of us have learned to behave aggressively when feeling angry, from passive aggression to physical violence. Learning to express anger constructively is vital for resolving conflicts and misunderstandings, and building healthy relationships. Also, understanding our individual cues for anger readies us for this feeling when it arises, and using strategies to move through these uncomfortable feelings can help to ride out the feelings without acting aggressively.
A combination of relaxation training, building awareness of cues and challenging inflammatory thinking, and strengthening communication skills can be an effective treatment for anger problems.