Andrew specialises in working with children, adolescents’, families/parents and adults. Some of his areas of interest include:

·        Depression

·        Anxiety (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Panic disorder; Phobias; Separation Anxiety)

·        Bereavement, and loss & Grief

·        Sleep problems;

·        Behaviour Management and Parenting

·        Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder;

·        Autism and Asperger’s

·        Conduct Disorders

·        Bedwetting

·        Child and Adolescent Issues

·        Stress Management

·        Anger Management

·        Working with Culturally and Linguistically diverse groups.

Andrew works within a cognitive behavior therapy framework and utilises evidence based therapies. He also has extensive experience coordinating therapeutic groups and currently runs the Rock & Water Program and the ACE (Adolescents Coping with Emotions) Program on a regular basis.

Andrew was trained in the Rock and Water Program over 8 years ago by Freerk Ykema from the Netherlands. The Rock & Water program is a very physically orientated program that enhances young people’s ability to stand strong both physically and mentally. It presents extremely unique therapeutic lessons that build a young person’s inner strength using fun, competitive and action oriented lessons and activities. The focus is on developing new skills and coping strategies.

The aims of the nine week program are to enhance children’s:

·        Self esteem and help them develop a suit of armour of resiliency:

·        Self confidence:

·        Self awareness;

·        Awareness of their own and others personal space;

·        Conflict resolution and negotiation skills;

·        Skills to stay calm and face any challenge;

·        Ability to deal with strong emotions and stay calm;

·        Ability to effectively ignore bullies; &

·        Ability to effectively walk away with strength from bullies.

The work that Andrew has coordinated has been recognised through several awards. In 2004 Andrew was awarded the inaugural Strengthening People and Families Award, presented by the Minister for Youth, the Honorable Carmel Tebutt at an awards Ceremony held at State Parliament House, the awards were coordinated by the NSW Ethnic Communities Council, and the Multicultural Problem Gambling Service of NSW. He has twice been awarded the Pride in Workmanship Award by: Kincumber Rotary in 2008; and Padstow Rotary in 2004.

He has co-authored two books and published six chapters, a selection of which specifically address working with young people from marginalised and disadvantaged groups. The last chapter he wrote was published by the World Health Organization.

Andrew is also one of the Principal supervisors for the Intern Psychology Program coordinated by the READ Clinic.

Working hours are Monday – Saturday (8.00am to 5.00pm).