BPsych BArts (Psych) GradDip Management Practice MAPS
Psychologist
Gretchen De Martin is a dedicated Psychologist with a passion for assisting parents, individuals and adolescents with anxiety, as well as supporting senior adults through the challenges they face in their daily lives. Genuine in her approach, Gretchen creates a secure space to ensure you feel heard. Taking an optimistic and inclusive approach she is passionate about the inclusion of all individuals, older adults, children with disabilities and their siblings. Gretchen’s calm character allows her clients to feel safe whilst she brings light-hearted humour to what can be serious moments.
Working with people at different stages in their life, Gretchen shows a real dedication to learning about you, your challenges and your life experience, whilst showing respect and appreciation for you as an individual. Caring and understanding in nature, she values the time with her clients to connect and work as a team, enabling you to embrace change and live a meaningful life.
Having the drive to become a Psychologist was apparent in Gretchen from a teenager, when seeing the impact mental health issues had on people around her. It was at this young age Gretchen made her decision to devote her life to helping people live the best life they can. Gretchen’s broad and trusted expertise includes working with clients who are vulnerable to social isolation or exclusion, guiding them to find ways to become more engaged with what interests them within their life and community setting.
As a Psychologist at Creating Change, Gretchen combines a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a Bachelor of Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Management Practice. Gretchen incorporates Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy and Exposure Therapy into her sessions, and has undergone training in understanding Dementia. She’s developed a real passion for supporting Trauma clients, furthering her training in “Treating PTSD and Complex Trauma”. A registered Griffiths III user (a developmental assessment tool for children aged 0 to 6 years), Gretchen is excited to support families understand and achieve goals for their child. Gretchen’s experience includes working with children experiencing anxiety, adults experiencing relationship, work or health stressors, understanding and processing grief & loss, and supporting older adults through life’s changes.
For 5 years she worked in case management which included liaising with mental health workers, housing and homelessness, employers, academics and other community and government organisations, to streamline client servicing and effect change for social impact. Over the years she has also taken on managerial and leadership roles within Disability Employment and Personal Support Services and for Break Thru; an organisation offering mental health, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Disability Employment and youth services.
In addition to supporting parents & children with behavioural challenges and the associated impact of this on siblings, Gretchen also treats clients of all ages including older adults who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress disorders, grief & loss, parenting stress and adjustment, as well as supporting women with life’s stressors.
Outside of work Gretchen enjoys being in the outdoors at the beach or in the bush, boxing and reading.
Gretchen is a devoted therapist at our practice. She is available for appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays.
"Live life as if nobody is watching, and express yourself as if everybody is listening - Nelson Mandela"