CALL 9872 6255

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT NOW

MAKAYLA HEARD

Makayla Heard

Registered Psychologist
(MAPS)
BASocSc(Family Studies), Cert IV– Working with alcohol and other drugs

Makayla Heard has been a Registered Psychologist since 2003 and has worked in Eastern and Bayside Melbourne over this duration. Makayla commenced her career in youth services and has extensive experience assessing and treating adolescents and their families in a local government setting. In this context Makayla also conducted support groups for same sex attracted young people, and youth with gender issues. As a result she developed significant understanding and a positive interest with young people and adults who identify as Gay Lesbian Bi-sexual Transgender Intersex Queer (GLBTIQ). In addition, Makayla has had significant experience in private settings engaging a diverse adult clientele presenting with issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD, relationships and workplace stress. Makayla has a Certificate IV in working with alcohol and other drugs and has a keen interest and understanding of the treatment of addictions, including gambling. Makayla also has experience in working with the mental health issues of parents and soon to be parents and the pre and post-natal issues they face. Finally, Makayla is registered to provide services through Victims of Crime, TAC, Workcover, Department of Justice and NDIS. This can include writing reports for court and applications for funding and compensation.

Makayla has a psychodynamic therapeutic orientation which means Makayla believes it is important to address the underlying origins and emotional motivators of client’s behaviour, improve a client’s insight and to explore and process emotions in order for client’s to develop better control over their current choices. In relation to use of alcohol and other drugs, Makayla operates from a harm reduction approach where abstinence is not necessarily the required goal and will tailor treatment to the particular goals of the client. Central to her approach is the positive therapeutic relationship that Makayla develops with all her clients. She has a warm and engaging manner where clients feel easily comfortable. Importantly Makayla is able to integrate skills training, cognitive behavioural strategies and mindfulness skills into her therapy that is individually tailored to a client’s needs.

 

Clinical Interests

Adults -individual counselling and psychotherapy

  • Depression
  • Bipolar
  • Anxiety (social, OCD, panic and generalised anxiety)
  • Substance abuse and addiction (Alcohol and Other Drugs, gambling)
  • Work Stress and workplace issues
  • Trauma (Victims of Crime and Transport Accidents)
  • Family Conflict
  • Parenting assistance
  • Study and University Concerns
  • Disordered eating, weight issues
  • Personality Issues
  • Health problems
  • Grief and Loss
  • Self-harm
  • Post Natal Depression
  • Sexuality
  • Relationships
  • Unemployment
  • Motivation

 

Therapeutic Modalities

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Mindfulness training
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

 

Assessments

Makayla has experience in assessing both adults and children.

Types of assessments conducted:

  • Cognitive/ IQ
  • Learning and Educational
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

 

Makayla is available for assessments on Mondays, and adult counselling sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays for day and after hour appointments.