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A Critical Look at One of Trauma Therapy’s Most Popular Claims Image by freepik If you have spent any time exploring trauma therapy, you have almost certainly encountered the phrase the body keeps the score . Popularised by Bessel van der Kolk’s influential 2014 book of the same name; this idea has become something of a mantra in trauma-informed circles. It captures something many trauma survivors recognise intuitively: that their distress lives not just in their thoughts, bu

As a psychologist working with adults of all ages, I have noticed a consistent pattern in my practice: many clients arrive convinced they are struggling with anxiety, but when I explore their symptoms more deeply and use validated psychometric assessments, the picture that emerges is actually more aligned with depression than classic anxiety. This is not a matter of clients being ‘wrong’ about their experiences, they are experiencing genuine distress and doing their best to m

What Is Psychosocial Safety? Psychosocial safety refers to the organisational conditions that protect workers' psychological health and prevent mental harm arising from work design, management practices, workplace relationships, and organisational factors. In my practice at Behavioural Edge Psychology, I use the definition of psychosocial safety as the systematic identification, assessment, and control of psychosocial hazards that create risk to worker mental health. Under A

What Is Neurodivergent Burnout? Neurodivergent burnout (specifically ADHD burnout and autistic burnout) represents a state of chronic exhaustion that occurs when the demands of navigating a neurotypical world consistently exceed an individual's adaptive capacity. Unlike standard work stress, neurodivergent burnout is a systemic response to prolonged masking, sensory overload, and executive function demands that fundamentally differs from typical occupational stress. ADHD burn

Navigating the workplace can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals. It is essential to understand your rights and the protections available to you under Australian law. This knowledge empowers you to advocate for yourself effectively. Your Legal Protections as a Neurodivergent Employee Neurodivergent conditions fall under the definition of disability in Australian law, which means you are protected by several important pieces of legislation: Key Legislation Protecting

If you are reading this, you might be considering therapy for the first time, searching for a psychologist who truly understands contemporary life stress, or perhaps you are an existing client curious to know more about the person sitting across from you in sessions. Either way, I am glad you are here. My name is Sarah Fischer, and I am the Principal Psychologist at Behavioural Edge Psychology. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself properly, not just with credentials

When life feels overwhelming or progress seems stalled, finding the right support can make all the difference. I’ve seen firsthand how behavioural coaching can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. In St Kilda, a unique approach to coaching is gaining attention for its practical, empathetic, and results-driven methods. This is where Behavioural Edge Psychology steps in, offering tailored strategies that help individuals and organisations thrive. Behavioural coa

Progress with Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is not what most people expect. It is not about feeling better all the time, staying calm every day, or functioning as though nothing ever happened. Those expectations fundamentally misunderstand how survival works and what recovery truly requires. Awareness itself is progress. Sometimes, progress shows up quietly as awareness. You might notice that you are dysregulated a bit sooner than before. Perhaps you suddenly understand why something

By Dr. Sarah Fischer, MAPS, Principal Psychologist at Behavioural Edge Psychology, December 2025 The events of Sunday, 14 December 2025 at Bondi Beach have left our nation reeling. Fifteen lives were lost, including a 10-year-old child, and more than 40 people were injured in what authorities have confirmed as a targeted terrorist attack on a community Hanukkah celebration. As a psychologist with experience treating a range of trauma conditions, I have watched our collective

One of the most frequent questions I hear at Behavioural Edge Psychology  is, "How long will this take?" It is a fair question! Starting therapy is a big step and knowing what to expect (both in terms of time and cost) is crucial. The truth is, there is no magic number, but I can give you a clear framework based on the latest research and, importantly, the Australian financial context. The short answer? Most people benefit significantly from a focused course of 6 to 12 sessio

Domestic violence remains one of Australia's most pressing social crises. In April 2024, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared it a "national crisis", calling for proactive interventions that focus on perpetrators and prevention. Now, groundbreaking research from New South Wales offers a promising new approach using a common antidepressant that could help reduce domestic violence reoffending amongst highly impulsive men. The World-First REINVEST Study The REINVEST trial (R

In my practice, I have noticed an increasing number of clients seeking support for symptoms consistent with Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). This shift reflects a broader change in how mental health professionals and the public understand trauma and its lasting effects. In this post, I will explore why C-PTSD is gaining recognition and what the latest research tells us about effective treatment approaches. The Rise in Recognition of C-PTSD C-PTSD has moved from the margins to mainstrea

Taking the first step toward seeing a psychologist is a significant act of courage. It is entirely normal to feel a mix of hope, nervousness, and uncertainty about what that first session at Behavioural Edge Psychology will actually involve. I believe that feeling safe and informed is the first step toward effective change. This guide demystifies the initial appointment, so you can walk into our Caulfield South, St Kilda, or Telehealth rooms feeling ready and supported. 1. Be

There is a particular weight that comes with being the person others turn to in crisis. Emergency responders, healthcare workers, therapists, social workers, lawyers, clergy: these professionals spend their days holding space for others' pain, making life-altering decisions, and maintaining composure when everything around them is falling apart. But who holds space for them? At Behavioural Edge Psychology, I have built my practice around a simple truth: those who support, des

Overstimulation in a digital world - why seeking mental health is a must-have For too long, seeking help for mental health has been shrouded in shame, silence, and misunderstanding. But today, we face a new challenge: we're living in an era of unprecedented information overload and constant stimulation. Our brains weren't designed for the relentless pace of social media notifications, 24/7 news cycles, and the pressure to be perpetually connected. It's time to acknowledge tha

Putting on a brave face is not good organisational practice Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are a cornerstone of workplace wellbeing strategies, offering employees access to confidential support for personal and professional challenges. Despite their potential to enhance employee engagement, productivity, and overall mental health, EAPs often face low utilisation rates. Understanding the barriers to uptake is crucial for organisations aiming to foster a supportive and thr

In today’s fast-paced work environment, stress is almost inevitable. Whether you're managing deadlines, navigating workplace dynamics, or balancing personal responsibilities, the pressure can sometimes feel overwhelming. One highly effective tool to combat stress is self-talk. This inner dialogue can significantly enhance resilience, helping you to stay calm, focused, and motivated even in the most challenging situations. What Is Self-Talk? Self-talk is the internal conversat

Your Sign to Get Your Edge . My story I embarked on this career path after completing my undergraduate and graduate studies in psychology. I am a registered psychologist with Ahpra endorsement in organisational psychology. It takes time and effort to become a professional! ​I earned my PhD in 2023 and have published peer-reviewed research on subjects such as leadership, management, psychological safety and trust at work, and organisational change. I read and write a lot... Wi

Stress has become an all-too-familiar companion for many professionals. While a certain level of stress can be motivating and even beneficial, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on an individual's performance at work. The Physical Toll of Stress Stress triggers the body's "fight or flight" response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. While these hormones can be helpful in short bursts, prolonged exposure can lead to various physical health issues, inclu

In today's fast-paced work environment, you cannot rely solely on technical skills to lead effectively. Emotional intelligence (EI) has become vital for success. By understanding and managing emotions, as well as empathising with others, emotionally intelligent professionals contribute to positive workplace cultures and employee engagement. Studies show that emotionally intelligent workplaces can see up to a 30% increase in employee performance and a 60% improvement in emplo