About Me

Hi, I'm Michael Gurr: Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Sometimes life can throw a lot at us – stress, issues in relationships, anxiety or low mood, and you might find yourself asking, “Why can’t I handle this by myself?”.

It’s completely normal for all of us to think that you should have all the solutions. However, the reality is that we all need a helping hand at times. Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a step towards improving your life. Often, having someone to guide and support you through the tough times can be the key to facilitating that change.

Please know that you are not alone in this and there is a path forward. I am dedicated to helping you find that path forward and getting your life where you want it to be.

My Training & Experience

I have taken an unusual path to become a clinical psychologist. I started as an economist for the Australian Government, but I quickly found that writing reports was just too dry for me. I wanted something that challenged me and was fulfilling. I realised that becoming a psychologist might be what I was looking for so I volunteered as a Lifeline Australia telephone counsellor and, from that point, I knew what I wanted to pursue.

I went on to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and during that time, I realised that a good therapist doesn’t just coast along. They’re actively growing to help their clients feel and live better.

Since becoming a clinical psychologist, I’ve worked in private practices and public mental health, learning a range of therapies, including:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Exposure Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Even now that I’m in full-time private practice, I value continuing my education to become a more helpful therapist to my clients.

My Approach As A Clinical Psychologist

A lot of psychologists just work on helping you better manage your difficulties. And while that may be vital, it’s just as important to get to the root of the problem.

My aim is to find the pace and approach that works best for you to work towards immediate symptom relief and address the root causes of your psychological pain.

The ultimate goal is to help you live a more fulfilling life, where you can face the difficulties life throws at you.

Get Started

1 Get in Touch

As soon as you book a meet and greet call with me. You will also get sent some intake forms. Complete and send these back as soon as possible.

2 Meet and Greet Call

I'll call you at the scheduled time and we’ll spend up to 30 minutes talking about your issues, goals, any questions you have, and how I can help you, and book the first therapy appointment.

3 You First Session

During your first therapy session, we’ll start exploring and working through your issues, so we can outline some possible solutions.

What To Expect When Seeing A Clinical Psychologist

Here’s what you can expect during an appointment with me.

Introduction & Addressing Issues:

During your initial appointment, I’ll ask what you want from therapy and what prompted you to seek clinical psychology services. We may also discuss your history with therapy and any urgent difficulties you’re having with self-harm or suicide.

My role is to listen carefully and help you fully understand your situation, priorities, and the changes you want to make. As you tell your story, I won’t just pay attention to what you’re saying, but also to what you’re not saying or saying indirectly.

Creating Objective Observations:

I’ll share my thoughts, as I see patterns emerge or have thoughts about what I see and hear from you, in a way that will be helpful. When I share these observations, I’ll invite you to weigh in with your opinion. I’ll also assess your feelings, anxieties, and how you relate to me and yourself.

I aspire to hold up a mirror for you to view your situation and problem areas objectively, so we can be conscious and clear in finding the meaning of your struggles. If you feel an observation I’ve made is incorrect or a bit off, I’ll encourage you to correct me, to ensure we’re aligned.

Active Examination & Understanding Of Emotional Responses

Since my observations are so immediate and personal, you may experience a reaction to my input. We’ll look into those reactions because, chances are, you likely respond to me similarly to how you respond outside of therapy. By examining your responses as they occur, we can understand your life objectively and effectively.

Actively examining all of these things offers the chance to identify and change any negative patterns in your life. It’s common to uncover conflicting motivations in this type of therapeutic approach. But, I’ll help you find and start using your strongest and healthiest motivations and, through combined efforts, overcome the obstacles between you and your goals.

Continuing Clinical Psychology Sessions

Continuing sessions will vary in terms of approach, which will depend on your needs and goals. Some things will need a very structured approach. For example, for someone struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the first step is some form of Exposure Therapy. At other times, the focus of our sessions will remain centred around relationships, emotions, and connections.

Who Can A Clinical Psychologist Help?

I work with adults experiencing a range of mental health issues that include, but are not limited to:

While I work with people to manage their issues on a daily basis, my approach involves understanding the difference between their underlying causes and the observable symptoms. For example, two patients may report a low mood, but the underlying cause for each of them could be completely different.

Searching For Clinical Psychology Services in Melbourne? Let's Talk!

Fax:

(03) 7020 2738

Locations and Hours:

Consulting Rooms Melbourne in Fitzroy North:

Monday: 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM
R2R Health In Moonee Ponds:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 9 AM to 6:20 PM