Dr Ashley Van Houten BA MSc (Psych) M Psych (Clinical) PhD
I grew up in Sydney and have lived in country NSW for many years on a property and then lived for a few years in Spain. I have lived for 11 years on the Gold Coast which I have come to love.
I have always been committed to my education and continued professional development. At university I completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychology undertaking courses from Macquarie University, The University of NSW, Sydney University and Wollongong University. I completed a Master of Science (MSc. Psych) in Psychology at Wollongong University and was supervised for my professional registration by a well-researched and published Clinical Psychologist.
I completed my Master of Clinical Psychology (M. Psych. Clinical) at Bond University where I completed research into sexual orientation and HIV/AIDS.A Clinical Masters trains Psychologists to further develop specialist level skills in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and other related mental health conditions such as those I have listed below under “areas of expertise”.
After completing my Masters in Clinical Psychology I was offered a Scholarship to undertake my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Griffith University. I undertook the first Australian and New Zealand psychological study into the mental health of transsexuals living in their preferred gender.
I have worked for many years in the health and mental health sector, in the public sector, the non-government sector, the volunteer sector and in my private practice in Sydney, Spain, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. I initially worked with people with disabilities, learning how to assist them to maximise their abilities and live within the community. I also worked developing and implementing polices for people with disabilities.
I spent several years working in child and adolescent sexual assault and working with young men who had survived sexual assault, rape, substance use, homelessness and with individuals who worked in the sex industry.
I have worked for a federal government agency as a Staff Psychologist where I undertook significant work addressing organisational stress. I also provided psychological support to people on work related injuries, bereavement and organisational change.
I have had a private practices in Sydney, Spain, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast . I speak Spanish as my second language. In my private practice the people who come to see me reflect the range of diversity in our community. I see individuals, couples and families. I provide professional clinical psychology, psychotherapy and consultancy to diverse people from the heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and inter-sexed communities. I see individuals who are unemployed, carers, tradespeople, university trained professionals, and people from all cultures and walks of life making my work experience a wonderful experience of human diversity.
Areas of Expertise:
Assessments: conduct comprehensive mental health and psychopathology assessments
Conferences & Publications:
2007 Health In Difference Conference – Brisbane.
2007 International World Professional Association of Transgender Health Conference - Chicago USA.
I grew up in Sydney and have lived in country NSW for many years on a property and then lived for a few years in Spain. I have lived for 11 years on the Gold Coast which I have come to love.
I have always been committed to my education and continued professional development. At university I completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychology undertaking courses from Macquarie University, The University of NSW, Sydney University and Wollongong University. I completed a Master of Science (MSc. Psych) in Psychology at Wollongong University and was supervised for my professional registration by a well-researched and published Clinical Psychologist.
I completed my Master of Clinical Psychology (M. Psych. Clinical) at Bond University where I completed research into sexual orientation and HIV/AIDS.A Clinical Masters trains Psychologists to further develop specialist level skills in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and other related mental health conditions such as those I have listed below under “areas of expertise”.
After completing my Masters in Clinical Psychology I was offered a Scholarship to undertake my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Griffith University. I undertook the first Australian and New Zealand psychological study into the mental health of transsexuals living in their preferred gender.
I have worked for many years in the health and mental health sector, in the public sector, the non-government sector, the volunteer sector and in my private practice in Sydney, Spain, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. I initially worked with people with disabilities, learning how to assist them to maximise their abilities and live within the community. I also worked developing and implementing polices for people with disabilities.
I spent several years working in child and adolescent sexual assault and working with young men who had survived sexual assault, rape, substance use, homelessness and with individuals who worked in the sex industry.
I have worked for a federal government agency as a Staff Psychologist where I undertook significant work addressing organisational stress. I also provided psychological support to people on work related injuries, bereavement and organisational change.
I have had a private practices in Sydney, Spain, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast . I speak Spanish as my second language. In my private practice the people who come to see me reflect the range of diversity in our community. I see individuals, couples and families. I provide professional clinical psychology, psychotherapy and consultancy to diverse people from the heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and inter-sexed communities. I see individuals who are unemployed, carers, tradespeople, university trained professionals, and people from all cultures and walks of life making my work experience a wonderful experience of human diversity.
Areas of Expertise:
- Mood Disorders:/Depression, Adjustment Disorder. Bereavement
- Anxiety Disorders: Obsessive-Compulsive, Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Phobic Disorders, Eating Disorders,
- Gender Dysphoria, The area of gender research has had a relatively new beginning. The research has spanned over the last 50 odd years. We are now accepting that gender does not fit into a dichotomous category of male and female. As a result many people may experience distress or dysphoria in trying to live according to the male or female stereotype. I undertook Australia's first psychological study into transsexuals. I therefore see people who wish to gain insight into this area of their life.
- Sexual Disorders. Fetishism, Sexual dysfunction. erectile dysfunction. Sexual abuse, Survivors of sexual abuse, Male survivors of sexual abuse, perpetrators of sexual abuse, Victims of rape.
- Addictions: Alcohol Dependence, Drug Use/Dependence.
- General Health : Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, Mindfulness based and other relaxation strategies, Memory problems, Sleep Disorders, Stress Management, Veterans Affairs
- Trauma and Harm: Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse, Men who have been Sexually abused/Raped, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Self-harm, Suicidal ideation
- Relationships: I see both different sexed and same sex couples and Trans* couples, who want to get the best out of their relationship. Couples who have just met and others who have been in long-term relationships. Some areas include: Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Couples Therapy, Cross Cultural Relationships, Divorce/separation, Relationship skills training, Getting the Best out of your Relationship, Same Sex Relationships, Domestic Violence. I enjoy assisting couples get the most out of their relationships. Research evidence highlights that relationships are a protective (they assist) in promoting physical and mental health well-being.
- Personal Health and Well-being: Men’s Health, Anger Management, Assertiveness Training, , Body Image, Carer Support, Grief & Loss, Life/Personal Coaching, Motivation, Self-esteem and Personal Development, Acculturative stress associated to migration to a new country.
- Sexuality: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, Men who have Sex with Men. Sexual orientation. Sex Worker issues, Sexual Health, STIs and HIV/AIDS,
- Work Performance and Stress : Interview Performance, Executive Coaching, Performance Management, Work Stress, Workplace Bullying. I see people who have special exams that they have to get through and need done guidance.
Assessments: conduct comprehensive mental health and psychopathology assessments
Conferences & Publications:
2007 Health In Difference Conference – Brisbane.
2007 International World Professional Association of Transgender Health Conference - Chicago USA.