https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/notesfromthecouch daily 0.75 2026-07-28 https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/notesfromthecouch/can-we-just-skip-over-the-childhood-stuff-7dhsx monthly 0.5 2026-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1785219268870-BS8H7QEVV44JZUUGODMB/unsplash-image-EwFChj2yI3c.webp Notes from the couch - Can we just skip over the childhood stuff please? https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/notesfromthecouch/5-reasons-you-may-feel-depressed-7xtj3 monthly 0.5 2026-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1785219401562-7OU79GMN3AICM32A5OVE/Depressioninaction Notes from the couch - 5 reasons you may feel depressed https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/resources-video-audio daily 0.75 2026-05-25 https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/resources-video-audio/connecting-with-your-breath-slbzn monthly 0.5 2021-06-10 https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/resources-video-audio/category/Meditations monthly 0.5 https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/resources-video-audio/tag/Mindfulness monthly 0.5 https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/home daily 1.0 2026-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1779680246157-BQWRM2JWQ2EX7L8N07WV/Rebecca-Ridani-psychologist-couples-counselling-meet-rebecca-3.jpg Home - Hi, I’m Rebecca A clinical psychologist who believes that most people aren't broken, they're just disconnected from themselves and desperately in need of some answers. I work with people who appear like they are functioning on the outside but quietly falling apart on the inside. People who are anxious, exhausted, or going through a life transition that's left them feeling like nothing fits anymore. My approach combines rigorous clinical training with a deep understanding of the body, emotions, and the very human experience of going through hard things. I don't just help you manage your symptoms — I help you understand why they're there in the first place. Because when you understand yourself, everything changes. https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/sessions-with-me daily 0.75 2026-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1779680248334-2AF7HKBH6T0XU8FM0KNP/DSC03477.jpg Sessions With Me - Before you consider working with me… You've made it this far — and that already tells me something about you. You're someone who does her research. Who thinks carefully before she commits. Who wants to make sure that if she's going to do this, she's going to do it with the right person. So before you book anything, read on. I want you to have everything you need to decide whether working together feels right for you — because this only works if it does. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/412a84f4-bbb8-4a40-b47a-828abad92aa0/DSC05014.jpg Sessions With Me - Ready to find out if we are a good fit? The first step is a free 15 minute phone call — no commitment, no pressure, just an honest conversation to see if working together feels right. If it does, we'll take it from there. If it doesn't, you'll still leave with more clarity than you arrived with. Either way, you win. Currently accepting online clients — Monday to Thursday, 9:30am to 5pm. https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/meet-rebecca daily 0.75 2026-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/552f2989-61c5-4c8c-98c8-8482a033b401/DSC03595.jpg Meet Rebecca - Who am I? Hi, I'm Rebecca — and I'm genuinely glad you're here. I'm a clinical psychologist with a Masters from the University of Wollongong, and I've worked across private practice, not-for-profit organisations, and the public health system. Before I became a psychologist, I spent years working as a project manager in the IT industry — a world that runs on performance, deadlines, and the quiet expectation that you just keep going no matter what. That experience gave me a firsthand understanding of workplace stress, burnout, and what it feels like to be highly capable on the outside while struggling privately. I work with people who are functioning — sometimes brilliantly — but who have lost touch with how they actually feel. People who are anxious, exhausted, or navigating a life transition that's left them wondering who they are and what they actually want. I bring not just clinical expertise to this work, but a deep personal commitment to understanding the human experience from the inside out — because I believe the best guides are those who are also doing their own work. My approach is compassionate, curious, and completely non-judgmental. I'm not here to tell you what's wrong with you. I'm here to help you make sense of yourself. In our work together I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, IFS, DBT, Schema Therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions — always tailored to what's right for you specifically. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1779680252567-FWX1PK6CGLUX1UHB6D0D/Rebecca-Ridani-psychologist-couples-counselling-meet-rebecca-2.jpg Meet Rebecca - My education I wasn't always a clinical psychologist — and that winding path is actually part of what makes me good at what I do. I began my university journey studying computer science, spent years working as an IT project manager in the corporate world, and eventually found my way to psychology. It wasn't the most direct route, but it gave me a depth of real-world experience that purely academic training never could. My formal qualifications and ongoing training include: Body Psychotherapy — 3 year professional training, currently in progress Master of Psychology (Clinical) — University of Wollongong, graduated with Distinction Graduate Diploma of Psychology + Honours — University of Sydney Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology — University of Sydney Sometimes the most meaningful paths are the ones that meander a little. On the plus side — I can also fix my own computer. How many psychologists can say that?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1779680252572-BESR64IWFJ4AJPTSLCSF/Rebecca-Ridani-psychologist-couples-counselling-meet-rebecca-4.jpg Meet Rebecca - My areas of interest The areas I'm most passionate about working in include: — Burnout and the particular exhaustion of high-functioning people who have been running on empty for too long — Depression — including the kind that doesn't look like sadness, but shows up as flatness, exhaustion, numbness, or simply going through the motions of a life that's lost its colour — Anxiety — including the kind that's hard to name or explain, that hums quietly in the background even when everything looks fine on the outside — Perfectionism and the relentless internal pressure that comes with it — Self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence — Challenges with emotions - whether that's feeling too much of something like anxiety or anger, or not enough of something like joy, contentment or peace — Relational patterns — exploring how early attachment experiences and past relationships shape our current connections, and working through the blocks that keep us stuck in the same cycles — Grief, loss and bereavement, including loss of identity and relationship endings — Life transitions and the identity shifts that come with moving from one stage of life to another — The intersection of psychology and spirituality - for those for whom faith, meaning, and spiritual experience are an important part of their inner world — Workplace stress, career transitions, and the psychological impact of high-pressure environments If any of this resonates with what you're navigating, I'd love to hear from you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1779680252577-CK7I7ZL22CPFSKW7N18X/rebecca-ridani-psychologist-app-development-mental-health.jpg Meet Rebecca - My publications and past experience Earlier in my career I had the privilege of combining my background in technology with my clinical training to contribute to something I'm deeply proud of. As part of a multidisciplinary research team, I contributed to the development and scientific evaluation of iBobbly — a clinically validated mobile app designed for suicide prevention in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. This work sits at the intersection of technology, clinical psychology, cultural responsiveness, and genuine community need — and seeing it proven effective through rigorous research remains one of the most meaningful experiences of my professional life. For those interested in the research underpinning this work, the publications are listed below. Shand, F., MacKinnon, A., O’Moore, K., Ridani, R., Reda, B., Hoy, M., Heard, T., Duffy, L., Shanahan, M., Jackson-Pulver, L., Christensen, H. (2019). The iBobbly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander app project: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 20(1):198. Ridani, R., Torok, M., Shand, F., Holland, C., Murray, S., Borrowdale, K., Sheedy, M., Crowe, J., Cockayne, N., Christensen, H. (2016). An evidence-based systems approach to suicide prevention: guidance on planning, commissioning, and monitoring. Sydney: Black Dog Institute. Ridani, R., Shand, F., Christensen, McKay K., H., Tighe, J., Burns, J., Hunter, E. (2015). Suicide prevention in Australian Aboriginal communities: A review of past and present programs. Suicide and Life Threatening Behaviour, 45(1), 111-140. Shand, F., Ridani, R., Tighe, J., Christensen, H. (2013). The effectiveness of a suicide prevention app for Indigenous Australian youths: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials,14:396 Tighe, J., Shand, F., Ridani, R., Mackinnon, A., De La Mata, N., Christensen, H. (2017). Ibobbly mobile health intervention for suicide prevention in Australian Indigenous youth: A pilot randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 7(1), e013518. https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/faqs daily 0.75 2026-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1779680253420-KE1IRXFH8UIYX1965ZJ4/image.jpg FAQs What happens at the first appointment? The first session is all about getting to know you. Rather than diving straight into solutions, I take time to really understand what's brought you to therapy, what's been going on, and what you're hoping to get out of our work together. I'll be listening carefully — not just to the challenges you describe, but to the broader context of your life and the factors that may be contributing to how you're feeling. By the end of the first session we'll also have touched on your goals, so we have a shared sense of direction going forward. How long do sessions last? Sessions are generally 50 minutes. The first session may run a little longer as I'm building a thorough picture of what you've come to therapy for — so it's worth allowing some extra time on that first day. Can I get a Medicare rebate? Yes, you may be eligible. To access a Medicare rebate you'll need to visit your GP and request a Mental Health Care Plan. If eligible, you can claim a rebate on up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Your GP can advise you on eligibility, and you're welcome to get in touch if you have questions about how this works. How many sessions will I need? This really depends on what you're hoping to work through. As a general guide, the longer something has been present in your life, the more time we may need to work through it meaningfully. That said, many people notice a shift relatively early in the process. We'll regularly review how things are going together so you always have a sense of where we're at and what's ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1785134658274-29DS8GBRTS2RVWXY8JWD/unsplash-image-m5fS2jbE8ZE.jpg FAQs I’ve never seen a psychologist before - what should I expect? First of all — the fact that you're asking this question means you're already doing something brave. Reaching out for support isn't always easy, especially when you're used to managing everything yourself. The first session is a conversation, not an interrogation. I'll be curious about you — your life, your history, what's brought you here, and what you're hoping for. You won't be put on the spot or expected to have everything figured out. Many people arrive not entirely sure what they want to say, and that's completely okay. By the end of our first session we'll also have touched on your goals so we have a shared sense of direction going forward. From there, we'll develop a treatment plan together that reflects what you want to get out of therapy. Sessions are a mixture of conversation and practical tools — and most likely there'll be some between-session activities to help you practise new skills and embed the progress we're making together. Therapy isn't just something that happens in the room — it's something you carry into your everyday life. Most people find that even after the first session, something shifts. Not because everything is solved, but because being genuinely heard and understood is itself powerful. Still have questions? I'd love to hear from you before you book — just reach out using the contact form. Who do I help? II work with adults aged 18 and over. Please note that I don't currently work with children or adolescents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1779680253439-ACKT8SGV4T4QD2FJYCMY/image.jpg FAQs What's the difference between a psychologist and a clinical psychologist? Great question — and honestly, it can feel like alphabet soup out there. Life coach, counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist, clinical psychologist... where do you even start? Here's a simple way to think about it: the differences in titles largely come down to differences in education and training. Most psychologists have completed four years of university study plus an additional one to two years of supervised practical experience. Clinical psychologists have gone further — completing four years of undergraduate training, followed by at least two years of postgraduate study at Masters or Doctorate level, and then an additional two years of supervised experience. Clinical psychology training has a particular emphasis on the assessment and treatment of more complex psychological presentations. Whoever you choose to work with, it's always worth asking about their training background, their professional memberships, and the therapeutic approaches they use. As for me — I'm a registered member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA), and I'm always happy to answer any questions you have about my background before we begin. What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? This one comes up a lot — and it's a really useful distinction to understand. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed a medical degree and then gone on to specialise in mental health. Because of their medical training, psychiatrists can prescribe medication and are particularly well placed to work with the biological aspects of mental health conditions. A psychologist hasn't completed a medical degree and therefore cannot prescribe medication. Instead, psychological treatment works through a different but equally powerful pathway — using evidence-based approaches like talking therapy, building insight and self-awareness, working with emotions, and creating meaningful behavioural change. For many people, the most effective approach involves both — a psychiatrist managing medication alongside a psychologist providing therapeutic support. If that feels relevant to your situation, your GP is a great first point of contact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1785135688567-QQ5WW9M264VD0ACY2NHC/unsplash-image-s9CC2SKySJM.jpg FAQs Can you prescribe medication for me? No — as a psychologist rather than a medical doctor, I'm not able to prescribe medication. If you're curious about whether medication might be helpful as part of your treatment, your GP is the best first port of call. They can advise you directly or refer you to a psychiatrist for a more thorough assessment. Medication and psychology can work really well together — it's not an either/or decision, and I'm always happy to discuss what might be the right fit for you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1779680253444-CJBE4KZYB9HGG32DK97L/rebecca-ridani-psychologist-couples-therapy-zoom-telehealth-sessions.jpg FAQs Do you offer online sessions and are they secure? Yes — I offer both face-to-face and online sessions, and many of my clients find online therapy just as effective and far more convenient. I use an integrated telehealth system that is end-to-end encrypted and fully compliant for use in healthcare settings. If you choose an online session, I'll email you a secure link ahead of your appointment — no software download required, just click and connect. Online sessions are eligible for the full Medicare rebate, making them just as accessible as in-person appointments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/179ef8b4-daf3-4c73-8de9-684df4be66af/unsplash-image-aocUkMcxeqI.jpg FAQs What’s the difference between seeing a clinical psychologist and working with a coach? Another great question — and one that's worth understanding so you can make the right choice for where you are right now. Psychology and coaching can look similar on the surface — both involve one-on-one conversations, both support personal growth, and both can create meaningful change. But there are some important differences. Clinical psychology is a regulated health profession. It involves the assessment and treatment of psychological conditions — anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health challenges — using evidence-based therapeutic approaches. As a registered clinical psychologist, I'm accountable to AHPRA and bound by professional and ethical standards. Medicare rebates are available through a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Coaching is generally more future-focused — it tends to work well when someone is psychologically well and wants support with goals, direction, performance, or personal development. Coaching is not a regulated profession in Australia, which means the quality and training of coaches can vary enormously. As a general guide: if you're experiencing significant distress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or feel like something is genuinely getting in the way of your functioning — psychology is likely the right fit. If you're in a reasonably good place but want support with growth, clarity, or direction — coaching may be what you're looking for. Not sure which one is right for you? Feel free to reach out — I'm happy to have an honest conversation about what would serve you best. https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/individual-therapy daily 0.75 2026-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/8a358606-9ba1-4298-8567-e4c4fcddad0b/Depression.jpeg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/638de3ca-92c1-4697-abb6-6a30e5d1313c/Anxiety.jpg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/24920d4a-bce8-4a2f-89e1-982e2f5a2c88/Relationships.jpg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/b0374639-93de-4037-b6d5-8cf66351bc4d/Intimacy+issues.jpg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/19760e4f-ebbe-4bf9-84ea-e3171ab212d4/Self-esteem.jpeg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/c32716bc-8f67-4533-ad24-7b1ba6f0e53e/Grief%26loss.jpg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/4e31352f-5682-4f26-8db7-360e554676a6/Anger+management.jpg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/7f9069b5-d1cf-4134-878e-8d5425bb59d7/Perfectionism.jpg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/bba4700b-da18-460f-990b-43999b7b4b49/Emotional+dysregulation.jpg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/7fa7f1cb-bb4a-43e4-b326-9298402d4a0a/Life+transitions.jpeg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/c54affd3-6ee7-4cf5-857c-734c57f9bdd4/Career+direction.jpg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1785220713320-U0Y7XW4ZWG54GBVS7035/unsplash-image-xZ-XWESMTG0.jpg Individual Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/7d41c12d-153c-4a5b-b433-c3e2b3de4979/Screenshot+2026-07-28+at+13-27-21+Individual+Therapy+%E2%80%94+Rebecca+Ridani.png Individual Therapy - You’ve found the right place You're not here because something is wrong with you. You're here because you're intelligent enough to know that the way you're living right now isn't the full version of what's possible for you — and honest enough to admit it. Maybe you've been functioning beautifully on the outside while quietly falling apart on the inside. Maybe you've achieved everything you thought would make you happy and you're still waiting to feel it. Maybe you've spent so long taking care of everyone else that you've completely lost track of what you actually need. Whatever brought you here — you're in the right place. Below you'll find the areas I work in most deeply. You might recognise yourself in one of them. You might recognise yourself in all of them. Either way, I want you to know — none of this makes you broken. It makes you human. And it makes you exactly the kind of person I love working with. https://www.rnrpsychology.com.au/contact daily 0.75 2026-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a13c3f511c2762fbe7356ad/1779680255656-N466RNUMTZA3GRFY9EAI/rebecca-ridani-psychologist-contact-me.jpg Contact - Contact me Ready to take the first step? Reaching out is often the hardest part — and you've already done it by being here. Send me a message using the form below and I'll be in touch within 2 business days to arrange a time for us to have a chat. No pressure, no commitment — just a conversation. Email: info@rnrpsychology.com.au Phone: 0481 464 969