About
Ben Bruce is a Psychologist registered in the state of Western Australia. He received his degrees in Science and Psychology from the University of Western Australia in 2001. He also received a degree in Counselling from the University of Notre Dame as well as a degree in Hypnotherapy. Ben runs his own counselling and psychotherapy practice at various clinics (see locations page). He works in a client-centred, evidence based approach. This means he provides for what the client needs based on their presenting condition and their level of development and life experience. His approach to counselling and psychotherapy is informed by:
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (focussing on beliefs, attitudes, values and thoughts interacting with action choices to create psychological and emotional outcomes)
- Supportive counselling (the bread and butter of counselling: as a skilled listener the psychologist actively listens and reflects the story of the client helping them to come up with their own solutions. Coming from a humanistic slant, the most notable proponent of this method was Carl Rogers. Unconditional positive regard and 100% attention is given to the client to help them through their difficulties).
- Psychodynamics (looking at deeper issues from childhood and patterns in the unconscious mind. Based on psychoanalysis principles combined with more contemporary schema-based work. Methods involved talking therapy, exploring and resolving internal conflict between various aspects of the mind. When underlying patterns and conflicts are ‘unearthed’ and made conscious the individual is able to overcome them, empowered by their own awareness and ability to make new and informed choices. ‘Defense mechanisms’ are unconscious devices protecting a person from becoming aware of underlying issues. However this protection can do more harm than good by keeping a person in a state of self-ignorance with automatic tendencies that are unhelpful with a driving force that seems out of the person’s control. The therapist makes ‘interpretations’ to this effect, whereby patterns, reasons, rationale and motivations that are unconscious are indicated by the therapist. Interpretations bring unconscious material to the surface, the conscious mind, so that conscious choice and neutralisation of hidden underlying tensions becomes possible.)
- Hypnosis (focussing on the unconscious mind and re-programming with helpful and constructive hypnotic suggestions. The trance state is utilised. This is deep physical and mental relaxation whereby conscious limitations can be bypassed in order to utilise the unconscious capacities the patient has.)
- Psycho-education (awarenes-based education on how the mind works, as well as interpersonal social systems to create empowerment)
- Family Therapy (looking at group systems and patterns)
- Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (informed by Zen Buddhism, this approach is particularly useful in helping people adapt and adjust to things they cannot change. Mindfulness also offers a transcendental effect, where people can grow beyong previous self-imposed limitations through peace, awareness and wisdom. Attachment and imbalance is seen as creating suffering as per Buddhist wisdom, so that tapping into a purer aspect of mind called the ‘observer’ enables a more balanced and healthy mindset which allows the overcoming of illusory limitations. Compassion for self and others is an overarching aim. When tapped in to, compassion and truth sets us free.)
Ben has worked in a range of fields including:
- University and hospital research
- Sleep science and technology
- Autism therapy and disability services
- Community psychology
- Group therapy for domestic violence and anger management
- Court referred programs
- Family mediation, dispute resolution and child-inclusive practice for the Attorney General’s funded program
- Counselling and psychotherapy for individuals (adult and child), couples and families
- Talk-back radio as consultant psychologist
- Magazine columnist as consultant psychologist
