Ben Larke
Clinic Director & Principal Psychologist
MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
I have an integrative, evidence-based approach that draws on my training in Clinical Psychology at the University of Sydney and my experience in delivering a wide-range of therapy models.
Central to my approach, however, is the belief that the therapeutic relationship – the connection that can be made between the two of us working together in the room – is a powerful tool in itself.
I work with people on a range of issues that they are struggling with in their lives, including:
- supporting people coping with complex emotional and interpersonal trauma
- People affected by PTSD
- the varying and multifaceted forms of anxiety, including OCD
- people experiencing depression and low self-esteem
- people exploring sexual and sexuality issues
- people living with grief and bereavement
- people navigating neurodiversity
- people motivated to explore identity and other life issues
Therapeutic Approach
I am creative, reflective and flexible in my approach.
I try to resist the idea that people should necessarily be categorised or labelled, instead preferring to find ways to help people make sense of their subjective experience to date in a way that is useful to them going forward.
As such I take an integrative approach to therapeutic models that draws upon my training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye-Motion Desensitization and Reprocessing, Compassion Focused Therapy and mindfulness-based approaches.
I also incorporate ideas from inter-personal psychotherapy and hold associate membership with the Australia and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy having trained with them in the Conversational Model of Psychotherapy.
A prior career working in post-conflict, complex humanitarian situations has also left me with an abiding interest in exploring how culture shapes us, influences our pathways to recovery and contributes to a holistic understanding of self.
Peer Supervision, Consultation & Educational Roles
I regularly provide supervision to peers and clinicians and am an APS board-approved supervisor, accredited to supervise clinical psychology registrars.
I also work casually at the University of Sydney, delivering lectures on post-conflict reconciliation and conflict resolution.
Alongside my work with people in Australia, I also provide support to those working internationally in development and humanitarian roles in supporting them navigate the many stressors implicit in the work and in navigating the vicarious trauma that can often arise in these complex and demanding settings.
I have worked in the design of Mental Health Strategies internationally and in cross-cultural research on mental health.
Qualifications:
- Master of Clinical Psychology, University of Sydney
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (Psych), University of New England
- Master of the Anthropology of Conflict, Violence and Conciliation, University of Sussex
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Behavioural Science), University of Glamorgan
Professional Memberships:
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association
- Australian Psychological Society
- Australia and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy