Second Chance Psychology was born in 2020, when our founder Gabriela decided it was time to link her values and worries to her professional life. Gabriela is passionate about helping others achieve their full potential, while also being an environmental enthusiast. We are part of many different systems that have influence on our health and wellbeing. We are bio-psych-social beings.
Climate change is real, and we are experiencing its effects every day. Floods, bushfires, food insecurity, climate immigration, among many others. Uncertainty about our future has become common.
Gabriela has decided to transform worry into action. At Second Chance Psychology we provide high quality psychological services, whilst truly caring for our environment.
We believe that everyone deserves a second chance! And every sunrise provides a new chance to build a better future!
Gabriela is a clinical psychologist with 10+ years of experience in clinical practice, in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, NGOs and private practice. Gabriela is a Board Approved Supervisor and is the sole author of the book “Fundamentals of Supervision in Psychology”, published by Sinopys Press (in Portuguese).
Originally from Brazil, Gabriela immigrated to Australia in 2014 and she has been working in private practice since. Gaby, as she prefers to be called, is a caring, funny and emphatic professional that believes in the power of awareness for the development of empowerment. An avid student, Gaby believes that psychoeducation, warmth, non-judgmental connection, and humor are key elements to changing our thoughts patterns and to help improve our wellbeing.
Gaby has completed the following formal education: Psychology (Brazil — Masters in Clinical Psychology equivalent), Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care (Brazil), Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Therapies (Brazil), Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian Health (Deakin University, Australia). She is currently studying for a Master of Public Health (University of Queensland), with emphasis in mental health and climate change. Gaby has been supervised by Hollie Levy-Mack, a faculty member of the Beck Institute for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy.
Gaby is a Member of the Australia Psychological Society, the APS College of Clinical Psychology and Psychology for Safe Climate, from which she is a certified Climate Aware Practitioner.
In her spare time, Gaby can be found being goofy with her son and enjoying outdoors activities.
Second Chance Psychology is a proud member of Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA). CAHA’s mission is to empower the health sector to build a sustainable and climate active healthcare.
Second Chance Psychology is committed to ensure its activity has minimal impact in our environment. That’s why we have partnered with Greenfleet to offset our carbon emission.
Our commitment goes beyond carbon emission. From banking to the power supply, from the searching engine and business cards to the web server this very site is hosted in, every aspect of the business has been carefully thought of.
Second chance is more than our name. We believe that second chances apply to our clients, to the minimal paper used by us, to the furniture we choose. Everyone and everything deserves a second chance.
Be assured that our environmental practices do not affect the quality of the service we provide. On the contrary, by pleading and acting against climate change we acknowledge the need for business to act in order to prevent further environmental issues that affects so many of Australians (bushfires, floods, and heatwaves).
There are a variety of reasons why one might start seeing a psychologist. Sometimes life gets difficult and we just need someone impartial to listen to us non-judgmentally, so we can process our thoughts and feelings better. Sometimes something amazing happens and the fear of losing it or not being enough, becomes debilitating.
At Second Chance, we are trained to see people facing a variety of difficulties in their lives, including (but not exclusive):
Session fee is AU$235. In the case that you have a referral and a valid mental health care plan from a GP, you might be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of AU$129.55
We know that the reality of climate change is overwhelming and challenging, and we often question how we can improve our own carbon footsteps. At Second Chance Psychology, we provide consultancy for private practices looking to transform their practices into environmentally sustainable services.
Gabriela is also a Board Approved Supervisor and she is available for supervision.
Absolutely! You can see our psychologist for any problem that you might be experiencing and need help with. The only difference is that you will be helping the environment while helping yourself. We might never mention environment in session, rest assured that the topics for discussion are chosen by you, together with the psychologist
Here at Second Chance we truly understand people as a bio-psych-social being. Although the focus of sessions can be on one’s mind, we acknowledge the importance of systemic factors that contribute to our wellbeing. We also base our work on your values, which is why we decided to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
Unfortunately, we cannot have face to face sessions, not at the moment. Telehealth has proven to be effective, and while we organize our little place to greet you in person, we can enjoy the perks that technology has to offer, e.g. no commute. Our sessions are all online, but your safety and confidentiality are still paramount. We use Zoom for our sessions, which is encrypted, meeting the confidentially requirement by AHPRA. Phone sessions are also possible, although not preferable.
Yes, as long you have a valid and current Mental Health Care Plan issued by your trusted GP. International students and workers can access rebate by their OHSC.
Although Bulk Bill can be offered in very specific occasions, Second Chance is a private billing practice.
At Second Chance Psychology we use Power Diary, which is a reliable and secure software for private practices. Payments are made at the end of the session, with your credit card. Rebates are done online for you, taking away the hassle of contacting Medicare.
We offer 24 hours cancelation notice. If cancelation happens less than 24 hours the full price of a session will be charged. Last minutes cancelations are bad for the client, for the psychologist and for other clients who could have scheduled an appointment at that time.
We at Second Chance Psychology acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
