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The Department of Clinical Psychology at PeterMac aims to:
- Enhance the psychological well-being of patients, their partners and families at Peter Mac.
- Use best practice treatments to facilitate positive changes in individuals, enabling them to meet their own needs/goals.
- Develop innovative research into interventions to
- Enhance individual psychological treatment specific to cancer
- Improve hospital staff communication skills
- Implement group therapies addressing challenges associated with cancer.
- Consult, support and provide psycho-education to colleagues both at Peter Mac and in the wider community about the psychological impacts of cancer.
- Provide leadership in education and training for better clinical care in the field of psycho-oncology.
Studies have shown that optimal care of
patients with cancer involves care of physical and psychological needs. There are many psychological issues
experienced by patients and those close to them in association
with cancer-diagnosis, treatment and also after treatment
has finished. |
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Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrews Place, East Melbourne VIC 3002
(Melway Refrence Map 2G:A2)
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HOW CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY CAN HELP
At Peter Mac, Clinical Psychologists have specialist skills in enhancing the emotional wellbeing of individuals, couples and their families dealing with cancer. We provide thorough assessment and work with patients and their families to develop treatment plans, specially identifying people's needs and goals, strengths and difficulties.
Some of the questions people bring when they see us are:
- How do I adjust to having cancer?
- How do I keep cancer in perspective?
- How do I live with the uncertainty of cancer?
- Why did cancer happen to me?
- I am worrying my cancer will come back - is that normal?
- What are my life priorities now I've had cancer?
- How do I communicate better with my children about cancer? (or partner/friends)?
- How do I learn to relax/sleep better?
- How can I improve my relationship intimacy?
- How can I manage my depression? (ie feeling low, hopeless, crying a lot)
- What can I do to feel less anxious? (eg panic attacks, worry, anticipatory nausea)
- How do I make treatment decisions? (eg whether or not to have a mastectomy).
Our aim is to provide an opportunity for people to discuss and explore their experience of having cancer. We work collaboratively with people to strengthen their coping strategies to better manage their illness and deal more effectively with their concerns. Each treatment plan is individualised. Some of the therapeutic styles we may use include: cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), mindfulness therapy, existential therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). We provide both individual and group treatments. |
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WHO CAN BE SEEN
The Department of Clinical Psychology provides a wide-range of psychological services to people with cancer and their partners or families for inpatients, outpatients and former Peter Mac patients.
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT
- Referrals to see a Clinical Psychologist can be made through your Peter Mac Doctor, Nurse Coordinator or Social Worker.
- You may also call the Department of Clinical Psychology on (03) 9656 3574 directly during business hours to request an appointment.
- Clinical Psychologists are currently available
for outpatient appointments on most days.
Costs: This is a free service.
Language Services: Interpreter services can be arranged.
Privacy: Privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times. Your psychologist will discuss this with you.
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Clinical psychologists are trained in a science-practitioner model, which means that we use research to underpin our work with clients. We are involved in the following ongoing research projects.
PRATT FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP - HARNESSING INNER STRENGTH
The Department of Clinical Psychology is linked to the Supportive Care Research Group and is involved in the development of a world-leading formalised program of psychosocial supportive care. The Department is participating in research into:
- Improving recognition of psychological distress.
- Improving access to psychological support services.
- Developing an evidence base for the provision of both individual and group based psychological programs.
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Tessa Jones
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Head of Department |
BA, BLitt (Hons), MPsych (Clinical), MAPS |
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Annabel Pollard
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Clinical Research Fellow |
RN, BA, Grad Dip App Psych, MPsych (Clinical), MAPS, Member of APS College of Clinical Psychologists |
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Dr Maria Ftanou
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Clinical Psychologist |
B AppSc (Hons), D Psych (Clinical), MAPS |
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Dr Ann Boonzaier
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Clinical Psychologist |
BA (Hons), MA (Psychology), D Psych (Clinical), MAPS |
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Justine Diggens
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Clinical Psychologist |
B Sc (Hons Psych), M A (Clinical Psychology), MAPS |
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Enza DePino |
Provisional Psychologist |
BAppSc, Postgrad Dip Psych |
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Dr Judy Dunai |
Clinical Psychologist |
BA (Hons), MPsych (Clinical), PhD, MAPS |
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Dr Kate Neilson |
Clinical Psychologist |
BBSc (Hons), DPsych (Clinical) |
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Helen Watson |
Administration |
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Department Telephone |
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Telephone: 03 9656 3574 |
Facsimile: 03 9656 1095 |
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