Understanding and managing mental health concerns

t can be difficult to put thoughts and feelings into words. You may feel constantly on edge, flat and unmotivated, worn down by ongoing pressures, or unsettled after a difficult experience. Or perhaps you’re struggling with anxiety, anger that feels out of proportion, grief, or sleep difficulties. Relationship difficulties can also have a significant impact on your mental health.

Are you struggling with...

Trauma & PTSD Childhood trauma Domestic abuse Anxiety & panic Depression & mood
Personality disorders
Sleep difficulties Grief & loss
Life transitions
Burnout & exhaustion
Anger & irritability
Ageing & later life

“Periods of strain, loss, or uncertainty can unsettle even the most capable person. When your mental health feels off balance, I will take the time to understand what’s happening and help you find your footing again.”

— David Manks, Psychologist, Geelong, VIC

Trauma and Stress

Trauma & post traumatic stress

Trauma can follow experiences involving threat, injury, violence, profound fear, or overwhelming life change. Some people relive events through intrusive memories or dreams, while others remain constantly on edge or avoid reminders of what happened.

Childhood trauma & early adversity

Early experiences shape how we understand ourselves and others. Growing up with instability, neglect, abuse, or emotional unavailability can continue to affect trust, self-worth, and emotional security. You may notice repeating patterns, heightened anxiety, or persistent self-doubt.

Domestic abuse & controlling relationships

Domestic abuse may be physical, emotional, financial, relational, sexual, or expressed through coercive control. People often find themselves isolated, doubting their own perceptions, or feeling unsafe in ways that are difficult to explain.

I can help you make sense of what you’ve been carrying, restore safety and autonomy, understand patterns of control, and rebuild confidence and personal agency.

Arrange a time to talk

Emotional Health

Anxiety, worry & panic

Anxiety can feel like a mind that will not switch off. Thoughts circle the same concerns, the body remains tense, and sleep becomes unsettled. You may feel restless, on edge, or unable to relax.

Depression & low moods

Depression can affect mood, motivation, sleep, and concentration. Some people feel flat or lose interest in things they once enjoyed. Fatigue, irritability, and self-doubt are common.

Personality disorders

Personality disorders describe long-standing ways of thinking, feeling and responding that can cause ongoing distress. I work from a psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic perspective to understand how these patterns developed and how they continue to influence behaviour and emotional responses.

Burnout & emotional exhaustion

Burnout develops when pressure continues without adequate recovery. You may feel constantly tired, unmotivated, irritable, or worn down, with little energy for work or daily life. Over time, people may feel detached or depleted.

Anger, frustration & emotional control

Anger is a natural emotion, but it can become difficult when reactions feel intense or hard to manage. Some people experience sudden outbursts, while others carry a constant undercurrent of irritation or resentment. Often anger sits alongside hurt or stress.

When anxiety, low mood, exhaustion, or anger begin to take a toll, talking things through with someone steady and experienced can help.

Book a session

Life Experiences

Grief, loss & bereavement

Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. People grieve the loss of relationships, health, identity, or hoped-for futures. Grief can come in waves, linger longer than expected, or feel complicated by unresolved feelings.

Adjustment & overwhelming life changes

Major life changes can disrupt emotional balance. Job loss, separation, illness, relocation, retirement, or sudden change can leave you feeling unsettled or unable to regain your footing. Many people experience anxiety, low mood, or disorientation.

Significant change and loss can unsettle even the strongest foundations. Taking time to talk can help you process what has happened and adjust to new circumstances.

Make an appointment

Health & Wellbeing

Sleep difficulties & chronic insomnia

Sleep is essential for emotional and physical health. When sleep is disrupted, mood, concentration, and resilience suffer. You may struggle to fall asleep, wake through the night, or wake too early and remain alert. Sleep difficulties often accompany stress, anxiety, or life transitions.

Later life and ageing

I work with adults across the lifespan, including older adults navigating ageing, health changes, loss and life transitions. Many people value working with a psychologist whose life experience supports a deeper understanding of this stage of life.

Changes in sleep, health, or ageing can affect daily life. Support can help you adjust and maintain wellbeing.

Book a free 30-min consultation

Respecting faith and spirituality

Some people want their faith, spirituality, or personal beliefs to be understood and respected in therapy. I am an ordained minister and can incorporate spiritual perspectives where they are important to you. I work ecumenically and with people from a range of world religions and spiritual backgrounds.

Make an appointment See how David can help