David Camfield is a Clinical Psychologist who has been practising in the Geelong region for the past 10 years, in both private practice and public mental health. He has a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Deakin University, as well as a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from Swinburne University of Technology. Prior to commencing clinical work, he previously worked as an academic, researching neurobiology and mental health.
David’s areas of clinical speciality include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders (including Generalized anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Health anxiety) as well as trauma-focussed therapy using a combination of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure and Schema Therapy. David is currently completing formal accreditation in both EMDR and Schema therapy.
CBT focuses on developing more flexible and supportive patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to improved emotion regulation. It is a structured, evidence-based approach that emphasises practical skills and strategies to support lasting change. CBT is often considered a “gold standard” evidence-based treatment for difficulteis including depression, generalized anxiety and emotion dysregulation/anger management. It can also can often be beneficial for relationship difficulties and improved communication.
Exposure Therapy involves gradually and systematically confronting feared situations, sensations, or thoughts in a safe and supported way. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), commonly used for obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a variation on this treatment which facilitates a reduction in hte distress associated with feared stimuli over time. This is a highly effective treatment for difficulties including PTSD/trauma, OCD, panic disorder, health anxiety and social anxiety.
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, person-centred approach that strengthens motivation for change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. It emphasises empathy, autonomy, and eliciting an individual’s own reasons for change. This treatment has a strong evidence-base for the treatment of addictive behaviours, and is often used alongside CBT in order to strenghten motivation for change.
EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that supports the processing of distressing memories using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. It aims to reduce the emotional impact of past experiences and integrate them more adaptively. This treatment has a strong evidence base for the treatment of adjustment disorders and traumas (including PTSD).
ACT is a treatment which focusses on helping individuals develop greater psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions guided by important personal values. This treatment often resonates well with individuals who have previous experience with mindfulness practices.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy combines acceptance-based and change-oriented strategies to help individuals manage strong emotions and improve relationships. It emphasises skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing strong emotions and/or interpersonal difficulties in their relationships.
Schema Therapy integrates cognitive, behavioural, and experiential techniques to address long-standing patterns of emotional and interpersonal difficulties that often originate in early life. It is particularly useful for difficulteis including low self-esteem, relationship/attachment insecurity, and recovery from early life traumas and/or neglect
For further information & appointments please call 03 5201 3911 or visit camfieldconsulting.com.au
