Welcome
While it is normal to feel stressed or down in response to life’s inevitable challenges, negative feelings can sometimes become overwhelming and debilitating. At these times help from a clinical psychologist can be vital in bringing relief and creating positive change.
Abigail Kazal is a registered clinical psychologist with an established private practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. With more than 20 years of experience treating adults in a variety of settings such as hospitals, community health centres and private practice, Abigail provides a professional and effective service delivered in a respectful and supportive manner.
Some of the difficulties Abigail provides treatment for are:
• Anxiety, panic, worry and phobias
• Depression
• Relationship difficulties
• Compulsive behaviours (e.g. alcohol, drug use & gambling)
• Eating disorders
• Grief and loss
• Traumatic experiences
• Work stress and burnout
• Adjustment difficulties
• Procrastination and motivation difficulties
Abigail’s practice is located in Bondi Junction and Randwick, with flexible hours including evenings and Saturdays.
Abigail Kazal
BA (Hons) M Psych (Clin) MAPS
Clinical Psychologist
Abigail Kazal is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with adults in both the public and private health sector. She qualified from the University of Sydney, holding a masters degree in clinical psychology and an honours degree in psychology.
She is a registered practitioner with the Psychology Board of Australia (with endorsement to practice in Clinical Psychology), holds memberships with the Australian Psychological Society and its College of Clinical Psychologists, and is a registered provider under Medicare.
Since qualifying as a clinical psychologist in 1998, she has worked in a range of settings such as hospitals, community health centres and private practice, both in Australia and overseas. Abigail has recognised expertise in public mental health, having worked as Senior Clinical Psychologist and Program Manager of St Vincent’s Hospital Gambling Treatment Program for thirteen years.
Abigail’s treatment approach is classified as cognitive behavioural therapy, incorporating a number of psychotherapeutic models and techniques such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness Behavioural Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). She works in both short term and longer term treatment modalities, and her approach is informed by contemporary psychoanalytic models of the mind. She has a particular interest in family of origin issues and how these contribute to current difficulties in people’s lives.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology is an of area of advanced practice in psychology that specialises in understanding, preventing and relieving distress and dysfunction, and aims to promote well-being and positive change. It is an integration of science, theory and clinical experience.
Clinical psychologists must hold an accredited postgraduate qualification in clinical psychology, involving a minimum of a masters degree followed by two years of advanced supervised practice. Their expertise in mental health is recognised by the granting of a psychology area of practice endorsement by the Psychology Board of Australia (part of AHPRA - Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). As such clients of clinical psychologists are eligible to a higher level of rebate through Medicare.
Clinical psychologists are particularly skilled in applying scientific theory and research to complex psychological problems using interventions specifically adapted for the individual needs of their clients.
Some of the difficulties clinical psychologists provide treatment for are:
• Anxiety and depression
• Post traumatic experiences
• Relationship difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Work stress and burnout
• Compulsive over-eating or under-eating
• Drug and alcohol use difficulties
• Compulsive gambling
• Chronic pain and fatigue
• Sleep difficulties
FAQs
How do I book an appointment?
To book an appointment please call Abigail on 0410 754 625. If the phone is not immediately answered please leave a message and Abigail will return your call as soon as possible. Abigail will spend time answering any questions you may have prior to your first appointment.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment.
How much and how do I pay?
Each meeting, or ‘session’, is usually 55 minutes long, and the session fees are guided by the Australian Psychological Society. You are welcome to discuss current fees when you make contact. Payment is made by cash, EFTPOS or credit card at the end of each session.
What rebates are available?
Medicare provides rebates for up to ten sessions per calendar year. This requires a referral and a mental health care plan provided by your GP.
Most private health funds provide rebates for psychological services. Please contact your health fund to find out more. It is not possible to claim rebates from both Medicare and your private health fund for the same session.
Veterans are also welcome: DVA Health Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral.
Do you charge late cancellation fees?
Cancellation or rescheduling of appointments require at least 24 hours notice. With less than 24 hours notice the full session fee will be charged. It is not possible to claim the cost of this on Medicare or private health insurance.
Contact
For all appointments and enquiries:
mob 0410 754 625
Correspondence:
PO Box 97, Waverley, NSW 2024