Lucy
Smith
Psychologist

Hi, I'm Lucy Smith

I'm a registered psychologist based in the Brisbane area.

Although I am experienced in working with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, suicidality, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), for the past 10 years I have primarily worked with complex PTSD and eating disorders. I have worked with eating disorders in both individual and group therapy contexts, in both private and hospital settings, and in inpatient and outpatient settings.

My new website can be found at ExhalePsychology.com.au


Eating Disorders and My Philosophy

Although recovery from an eating disorder involves addressing and confronting your relationship with both food and your body, I believe that in order to achieve full recovery you also need to address your underlying issues. I believe that eating disorders are not about food, weight, and shape, but that deep down they are really about pain and discomfort. In this way the food and body image difficulties act like a mirror, reflecting a deeper, more complicated pain.

Some examples of common underlying issues that need to be worked through in order to achieve full recovery include:

  • Perfectionism
  • Self-doubt
  • Inappropriate guilt and self-blame
  • Poor sense of self (lack of identity)
  • Trauma experiences
  • Relationship difficulties (this can include family, friend, and romantic relationships)
  • Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or emptiness
  • Feelings of unworthiness or inadequacy
  • Ongoing pressure from others or yourself to achieve academically, in sports, or in other areas
  • Difficulty managing and/or communicating feelings
  • A strong need to be in control

Through addressing these underlying issues, you can work towards not only a positive relationship with food and your body, but a meaningful life that includes, joy, pleasure, flexibility, freedom, and spontaneity.


Treatment Modality

I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) but also draw from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, CBT-E (Enhanced CBT for eating disorders), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and Mindfulness.


Availability

Monday
Wednesday
Friday


Fee

General appointments $190

Appointments under the Eating Disorder Plan $190

Appointments under NDIS (no gap fee) $214.41


Rebates and Referrals

No referral is needed for appointments, however getting a referral from a psychiatrist or a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from a GP gives access to rebates of $88.25 for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. For those with more than one health specialist (health specialists include psychologists, psychiatrists, dieticians etc.), a Team Care Arrangement (TCA) can be written by their GP giving additional rebates of $55.20 for 5 sessions per calendar year. Having private health insurance can result in further rebates, depending on the level of coverage.

Individuals with an eating disorder may be eligible for an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) which provides up to 40 rebates of $87.45. If you believe you may be eligible, discuss going on an EDP with your general practitioner or psychiatrist.



Resources

Recommended Reading:
  • 8 Key To Recovery From An Eating Disorder by Carolyn Costin
  • Overcoming Binge Eating by Christopher Fairburn
  • When Eating Is Everything by Fiona Place, Jillian Ball, and Phyllis Butow
  • The Body Keeps The Score: Mind, Brain, and Body in the Transformation of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk
  • The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
  • The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge

Mindfulness/DBT Skills Blog:

To arrange an appointment, please contact me:


I work out of a private room at New Farm Wellness Centre.
Phone: (07) 3358 2982
Fax: (07) 3358 1311
http://nfwc.com.au
Address: New Farm Wellness Centre, 187 James St, New Farm QLD 4005


My new website can be found at ExhalePsychology.com.au