Hello, my name is Dr Tara Hickey

I work with clients who have concerns about their well-being as well as clients who feel they do not have any pressing issues but are interested in self development.

My areas of expertise include self-development, managing stress or life challenges, anxiety, depression and psychosis. My therapeutic style is collaborative. I work to create a shared understanding of the problem and support clients to make changes which will meaningfully impact their life. Depending on the individual's experience therapy can be brief (less then 10 sessions), medium or longer-term.

I specialise in using Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) since travelling to Europe several years ago to train with its founder, Professor Paul Gilbert, OBE. I continue to receive supervision from Prof. Gilbert on a regular basis. CFT focuses on building an inner capacity to respond more wisely and kindly to life’s difficulties.

In addition, I have undertaken mindfulness training in Australia (Monash University and Openground) as well as compassion training in the the United States. I have trained with Dr Kristin Neff and Dr Christopher Germer, two of the world’s leading teachers in the field of mindfulness and self-compassion.

I hold an Adjunct Research Fellow position with Monash University and a Honorary Associate position with the University of Sydney. As part of my research I have developed and piloted a mindfulness and compassion group program for youth with psychotic experiences. I have also co-facilitated CFT Self-Practice/Self-Reflection courses for CFT practitioners and am currently conducting research in this area. I have numerous national and international journal publications and have co-authored book chapters. I am a committee member for Compassionate Mind Australia.

I work with clients who would like support with a wide range of issues including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self-development
• Stress and life changes
• Psychosis and Schizophrenia