DAMIEN PAYNTER (Clinical Psychologist)
Damien Paynter is our principal psychologist at our marion psychology service, Sturt Road Psychology, having provided psychotherapy & clinical psychology services for over 24 years.
He takes a positive, fresh, warm, and passionate approach to providing psychological services. Whilst it can be easy for some to label others, he tends to look deeper and try to fully understand the person in a holistic manner, and thereby address the matters that will enhance their life and treat the symptoms that have a detrimental impact on the persons functioning. He employs a therapeutic approach that is respectful, authentic, and focused on lasting changes through a tailored combination of CBT (cognitive-behavioural therapy), schema-based, solution-focused, motivational, positive psychology, and interpersonal therapy approaches.
Damien has special interests in adult psychology, ageing/older persons mental health, gay and lesbian psychology, general mental health, & working with partners of personality disordered characters. He has particular experience working with anxiety, depression, sexuality, workplace issues, relationship issues, stress, grief/loss, anger, trauma, & the impact of personality disorders within relationships.
In recognition of completion of specialist training, experience, and continued professional development, he holds specialist endorsement with the South Australian Psychology Board and is a member of the Clinical College of the Australian Psychological Society. Having worked across a variety of organizations (public, private, hospital, residential facilities), he has an insightful understanding of both workplace cultures and mental health issues across various contexts.
Damien has worked and/or provided consultancy services to a broad range of corporate, private, & health (aged & disability related services) including Relationships Australia, Gay Men’s Health Service, Davidson Trahaire Corpsych, The Second Story Youth Health Centre, APM (Advanced Personnel Management), Centrelink (Job Capacity Assessing), Minda Incorporated, Primary Health, & SA Health (The QEH & The Repatriation General Hospital).
His tertiary qualifications include a Masters of Clinical Psychology (Uni of SA), Graduate Diploma of Psychological Practice (Social Sciences), Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science (Psychology), & Bachelor of Science (Psychology/Biology). He completed additional training and supervision to achieve endorsement by the South Australian Psychological Board and APS College of Clinical Psychologists to practice as a Clinical Psychologist. He continues with ongoing specialist professional development activities including peer supervision, courses/training, and research.
Over the years, he has continued to develop his skills and experience with ongoing professional development training, employment placements, and personal experiences. He has witnessed many changes in the profession of psychology & commenced private practice many years before Medicare funded psychological services where introduced.