Know Gretchen

Gretchen De Martin is a dedicated Psychologist with a passion for assisting parents and families 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 children with disabilities, and ensuring their family fits into mainstream society.  Gretchen’s calm character allows her clients to feel safe whilst she brings light-hearted humour to what can be serious moments.

Gretchen’s Experience & Approach

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 the 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 and or exclusion, encouraging them to become more engaged and interact with family and colleagues.

As a Psychologist at Creating Change, Gretchen holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of Tasmania, a Bachelor of Psychology from Northern Territory University, and a Graduate Diploma in Management Practice. Gretchen also incorporates Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into her sessions, and has recently become a registered Griffiths III user –  a developmental assessment tool for children aged 0 to 6 years. Gretchen’s experience includes 5 years in case management within an interdisciplinary approach, 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 Services and for Break Thru; an organisation offering mental health, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Disability Employment and youth services.

Passion

In addition to working with special needs children & children with behavioural challenges, Gretchen also treats clients of all ages who may be experiencing social anxiety, generalised anxiety, depression, mood disorders, parenting stress and adjustment, separation anxiety, alcohol and drug use, and difficulties experienced within families.

On a Personal Level

Outside of work Gretchen enjoys being in the outdoors at the beach or in the bush, boxing and reading.