Everyone gets stuck now and then, perhaps a Nudge can help.

Nudge: A small change in the right place can make a big difference.

A Nudge for Me

Individual Counselling

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Nudge offers comprehensive psychological assessment and evidence-based interventions, designed to improve your functioning and quality of life.

From time to time, everyone experiences difficulties that test their ability to cope and to function effectively. Difficulties can range from stressors such as a loss or sudden life change, to more pervasive mental health issues including anxiety, depression and other diagnosable psychological illnesses.

A Nudge for Us

The only things that can be said for certain about relationships are that we all need them and that they change. Sometimes a relationship must end in order for a new one to begin - often with the same person. Relationship difficulties can prove highly distressing, both for those involved and for family members who may be exposed to them.

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The good news is that in many cases you can 'grow together' with a little help from a trained, independent party. A 'nudge' for you and your partner can help you clarify the issues, assist you to communicate, and develop strategies to move forward toward a more rewarding relationship. Nudge Psychologists have extensive experience and formal training in helping couples get 'back on the same page.'

Couples Counselling

A Nudge for us

We all know that families can be incredibly complex systems that can provide relief and support one day, and the worst kind of stress the next. Family relationship difficulties are very complicated and can prove distressing for all involved. Family relationship counselling requires particular expertise and training. Dr Justin Harrison has particular interest and expertise in couples and family counselling interventions, having worked with families for over a decade. So if your family life is getting to be more stress than support, it might be time to get that nudge in the right direction.

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Family Counselling

A Nudge for us

Dr Justin Harrison is an accredited provider of Individual (Level 4) and Group (Level 3) Stepping Stones Triple P Programs. Stepping Stones is based on Triple P’s positive parenting strategies; designed to support parents to manage problem behaviour and developmental issues common in children with disability. It also helps parents to ‘get on the same page’, adjust to having a child with a disability, engage more with their community, encourage behaviours they like, develop a close relationship with their child, and to teach their child new skills.

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Positive Parenting Program

The Stepping Stones Triple P program is an in-depth program recommended for families with significant problems. The program involves approximately eight private consultations with a trained provider who’ll help you develop a wide range of parent problem solving skills. Each session lasts about an hour to 90 minutes.

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Our Assessing Psychologists can assess for the presence of:

Psychological Assessment

Nudge Psychology offers a broad range of educational, development and behavioural assessments. Our Assessing Psychologists have demonstrated track records in psychological and educational assessment, early intervention psychology service delivery and working with families.

- Intellectual Disability

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- Specific Learning Disorders of Reading (previously Dyslexia)

We adopt a neuropsychological approach to assessment. The application of scientific methodology and an extensive range of specialist diagnostic assessment tools ensures strong diagnostic accuracy. Our thorough evaluations permit identification of students’ specific cognitive, attentional and learning strengths and weaknesses. Parents are provided with a comprehensive report, detailing assessment findings as well as evidence-based teaching and learning recommendations and accommodations for formal examinations.

We have access to the most comprehensive, up to date test library in the South West (including iPad administration of tests such as the WISC-V for great student engagement and accuracy), you can be assured you will receive a cutting edge educational assessment.

- Specific Learning Disorders of Mathematics (previously Dyscalculia)

- Specific Learning Disorders of Written Expression (previously Dysgraphia)

- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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Educational

Medico-Legal – Court-related Services

Nudge conducts psychological assessments for various court-related matters. These include:

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– Parenting Capacity Assessments: Cases involving removal of children from their carers due to abuse, neglect or maltreatment may require assessment through Department of Communities or the Perth Children’s Court. Dr Melissa Harrison has extensive experience in assessment of Parenting Capacity and provides expert testimony with respect to these assessments.

– The Family Court: Dr Melissa Harrison performs the role of Single Expert Witness in Family Court related matters.

– Criminal Injuries Compensation: Individuals who have suffered psychological trauma or harm as a result of a criminal act may be entitled to Criminal Injuries Compensation. Nudge Psychologists have extensive experience in the provision of psychological reports for this purpose.

– Worker’s Compensation and Motor Vehicle Accidents: Nudge Psychologists have decades of combined experience in the assessment, reporting and treatment of insurance related psychological injuries.

– Pre-Sentence Reports: If convicted of a crime, a Pre-Sentence Report may be requested to assist the Magistrate or Judge in considering mitigating factors, issues of risk and recidivism, and the likely impact of imprisonment.

A Nudge for Everyone – Primary Care

The team at Nudge have a real passion for giving back to the community, and giving psychology away. Why not check out our videos and podcast series – you might find there’s a helpful Nudge for you and your family, free!

Videos

A Thirsty Fish

Just Ask Dr Justin

A Nudge for GP's

The Nudge Group accepts referrals from General Practitioners, Psychiatrists and Pediatricians under various Medicare Initiatives.

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Referral & Intake

Psychological services under GP referral are partially Medicare rebated. Private Health rebates may apply (depending on health fund and client level of coverage). Additionally, The Nudge Group provides psychological assessment and treatment services under the following referral/funding streams:

- Private referral

- Educational Assessment

- Workers’ Compensation

- Victims of Crime (VoC)

- Department of Child Protection

- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

A Nudge for GP's

At The Nudge Group, we strive to support you in your role as your patient's primary treatment provider.

Partnering

The Nudge Group employs a skilled Practice Manager to ensure your clients receive prompt attention and support. As soon as a referral is received, your client is contacted and an appointment is arranged for the earliest convenient time.

You can choose to refer a client to a specific psychologist by name, or alternatively, to the practice. In the latter case, your patient will be allocated to the psychologist most appropriately qualified to deal with the presenting issues. Should a psychologist's wait list be such that your patient is unable to access treatment promptly, we will provide your client with the option to appoint with another psychologist.

Once client contact has been established, you will receive confirmation from our office advising of the first appointment date. If we are unable to make contact with your patient, you will be notified and we ask that you discuss this with the patient at their next appointment.

We maintain an active client wait-list which is reviewed daily. This ensures new clients will be offered an earlier appointment should one become available.

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As per Medicare guidelines, the psychologist will provide regular written reports detailing client progress.

Clinical Psychologist

Presently, Melissa works in private practice delivering assessment and treatment services. She provides psychological therapy for a wide range of conditions including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, sleep disorders, substance use disorders, self-harm, and domestic violence support. She has extensive experience working with children who have suffered developmental trauma and disrupted attachment. Melissa’s previous roles include Child Abuse and Neglect Counsellor, and Sexual Assault Worker (child and adult).

Dr Melissa Harrison is a Registered Psychologist with Clinical endorsement with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She holds Full Membership with the Institute of Clinical Psychologists (ICP), the Australian Clinical Psychologists Association (ACPA), the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), Pacifica Congress, the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law (ANZAPPL), and the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST).

Melissa has been working in the field of psychology since 2004, in public and private settings, with children, adults, couples and families (particularly with high risk and high need populations). She has over 17 years’ experience conducting medico-legal assessments for various Courts and Tribunals. Melissa has previously worked as an Assessment Specialist within adult corrections. Currently, she conducts Parenting Capacity Assessments for the Department of Communities, Criminal Injuries Assessments for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, Capacity Assessments for the State Administrative Tribunal, and Psychological Assessments under Workers’ Compensation inter alia. She is a Single Expert Witness for the Family Court of Western Australia.

Melissa was awarded a Bachelor of Behavioural Science in 2004 from LaTrobe University, and a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) in 2006 from Charles Sturt University, following which she completed two years of supervised practice and obtained Psychologist Registration. Afterwards she completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with Charles Sturt University in 2018. Her Doctoral dissertation focused on parenting and specifically examined the relationship between impulsivity, parenting knowledge, and parental disciplinary style. Melissa is currently studying for a Masters in Forensic Mental Health with the University of New South Wales (UNSW; Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry). She served as an AHPRA approved supervisor of Psychologist trainees (Provisionally Registered and Clinical Psychologist Registrars) for over a decade.

Meet the Team

Dr Melissa Harrison | Principal Clinical Psychologist

BBSC, BSocSci(Psych)(Hons), DPsych(Clin), MACPA

Dr Justin Harrison has a storied history, having worked as a tradesman, a park ranger in the central desert, and a trekking guide in Kakadu and Patagonia. Justin has worked with men, children, families and couples for two decades and has a passion for the science and art of psychology (and philosophy); in particular how these can enrich our lives.

In addition to his couple’s and family systems therapy, Justin has worked as a School Psychologist, and taught Developmental Psychology at University level for many years. His research and experience in statistical and research methods are at the fore when it comes to assessment and diagnosis of learning or neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. Specific Learning Disorders, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, ADHD and/or Autism Spectrum Disorders).

While Justin is a social scientist - having published papers on parenting programs, as well as moral psychology and impulsivity - he is also an accomplished essayist and guest speaker, available for engagements on request. In addition to his clinical work, Justin continues to teach psychology as an adjunct lecturer at Charles Sturt University.

Dr Justin Harrison | Psychologist

BPsychology(Hons 1), PhD (Psychology) MAPS

Elissa returned to her roots in rural Western Australia in 2016 after completing Master’s and PhD level study in the field of Neuropsychology in The Netherlands, followed by training and endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist in Australia. Elissa is passionate about providing much needed specialist services to rural areas and is currently pursuing further study with a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Western Australia. She consults in both Manjimup and Busselton.

Elissa works with a broad range of mood and anxiety-related issues with a focus on adolescents and adults. Her background in neuropsychology means she is well-placed to provide psychological intervention to individuals with co-morbid neurological or neuropsychological issues. She also draws from her background in neuropsychology to provide comprehensive assessments for children with learning and/or developmental issues (i.e. through Educational Assessments). Elissa completed her PhD on the subject of cognitive ageing and enjoys working with older adults to explore the role of psychology in supporting a healthy ageing process.

Dr Elissa Klaassen |

BSc (Neuroscience), BSc&Tech (Psych)(Hons1), ResM (Neuropsychology), PhD, MPsych(Clin),
Grad Dip Clin Neuropsych (candidate), MACPA

Pam joined the Nudge Group team with over 20 years’ experience in a diverse range of industries and an extensive background in a health care environment with experience in both the medical and legal fields.

Pam is dedicated to the old virtues of honesty, reliability, integrity, responsibility and providing customers and clients with the highest possible level of service.

Originally from Kalgoorlie, Pam is now entrenched in the Southwest lifestyle, she loves the beach and her 2 cocker spaniel furbabies.

Pam | Administration Officer

Elissa is a registered Medicare provider (eligible for Clinical Psychology rebates) and is also eligible for rebates under most private health care funds.

Work with Us

The Nudge Group is always on the look out for talented psychologists holding Doctoral or PhD level qualifications in Psychology. We are always excited to consider new projects, ideas or directions for the right candidates. If you would like to learn more about working with our award-winning team of professionals, please send your resume to:

Email Melissa

Dr. Melissa Harrison – Director/Principal Psychologist

Applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

We acknowledge we are practising on the unceded land of the Wardandi and Bibbulman clans of the Noongar People. We pay our respects to their elders; past, present, and emerging. We recognise and celebrate the first peoples’ connection to the land, sky, waters and community. We pay our respects to the ongoing traditions of health knowledge and healing which have been practiced here for hundreds of generations.

The Nudge Group

The Nudge Group is a locally owned private practice offering best practise, evidence-based services in psychological assessment and treatment of mental health disorders, relationship and sexual problems, as well as developmental and behavioural disorders in children.

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Ph: 08 9751 1084
F: 08 9716 7373
E: [email protected]

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BUSSELTON
181 Bussell Highway, Busselton WA 6280

BUNBURY
Unit 2, Marlston Offices, 11/13 Victoria Street, Bunbury WA 6230

MANJIMUP
Southern Forests Medical Centre, 4 Lock St, Manjimup WA 6258

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