Registered Psychologist - Trauma Informed - St Leonards - Nationwide Telehealth - Evidence-based Practice - Appointments Available
Psychology begins with understanding
Reaching out for support isn't always easy. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, navigating a difficult life transition, recovering from trauma or facing challenges at work, finding the right psychologist can make a meaningful difference.
At Arana Psychology, I provide evidence-based psychological care in a calm, supportive environment where genuine human connection comes first. My approach is practical and collaborative, helping clients better understand themselves while developing strategies that support lasting change.
Based in St Leonards, I offer appointments in person and via telehealth for adults across New South Wales.
Areas of Support
Whether you're facing a recent challenge or something that's been affecting you for years, therapy provides an opportunity to better understand your experiences and develop practical ways forward
Anxiety
Feeling overwhelmed, constantly worried, or finding it difficult to switch off? I can help you better understand anxiety and develop practical strategies to regain confidence and control.
Workplace Issues
Workplace stress, conflict, career transitions and challenging work environments can significantly affect your wellbeing. I provide support to help you navigate these challenges.
Depression
If you're experiencing low mood, loss of motivation or finding it difficult to enjoy everyday life, therapy can provide practical support and a pathway towards recovery.
Adjustment Difficulties
Major life changes such as relationship breakdowns, health concerns, grief or career changes can be difficult to navigate. Therapy can help you adapt and build resilience.
Trauma & PTSD
Traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact on how you think, feel and relate to others. Evidence-based therapy can support recovery and help you move forward
WorkCover Claims
Specialist psychological treatment for workplace bullying, psychological injury, work-related stress and trauma. Available in-person and via telehealth across NSW.
Paul Dekkers
Thoughtful therapy begins with genuine connection
Every person's story is different.
Every person brings a unique story, and there is no single approach that works for everyone. My role is to understand what has brought you here and work with you to find practical ways forward.
I aim to provide a calm, practical and thoughtful approach that helps clients feel understood and supported.
Drawing on evidence-based psychological approaches, I work collaboratively with clients to help them better understand themselves, develop practical coping strategies and move towards lasting change.
To complement my training and practice as a psychologist, I draw on many years of experience as a corporate professional. Originally from the UK, I have been an Australian for 20 years and have lived and worked in several locations in Asia and Europe.
Experience Beyond the Consulting Room
Before becoming a psychologist, I spent many years working in corporate environments.
That experience taught me first-hand about the pressures many people experience every day—high expectations, competing demands, organisational change, difficult workplace relationships and the challenge of balancing work with family and personal wellbeing.
Today, I combine that understanding with evidence-based psychological practice.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, burnout, workplace conflict, career uncertainty or broader life challenges, therapy begins with understanding not only what you're experiencing, but also the environment in which those experiences have developed.
Why Clients Choose Arana Psychology
Finding the right psychologist is about more than qualifications or therapeutic techniques. It's about working with someone you feel comfortable talking with, someone who takes the time to understand your experiences, and someone you trust to help you move forward.
My approach is grounded in genuine human connection, thoughtful conversation and evidence-based psychological practice. Every person who walks through the door brings a unique story, and therapy begins with understanding that story before deciding on the best way forward.
Genuine Human Connection
The relationship between psychologist and client is one of the strongest contributors to positive therapeutic outcomes. My priority is to create an environment where you feel heard, respected and understood from the very first appointment.
Experience Beyond Psychology
Before becoming a psychologist, I spent many years working in corporate environments. That experience provides valuable insight into the realities of modern working life, including workplace pressures, organisational change, leadership challenges and balancing professional and personal responsibilities. It complements my clinical work by helping me understand not only the psychological aspects of a person's difficulties, but also the context in which they occur.
Practical & Evidence-Based
My work is informed by evidence-based psychological approaches, but therapy is never a one-size-fits-all process. Together we develop practical strategies that are tailored to your goals, circumstances and strengths, with a focus on creating meaningful and lasting change.
Calm, Collaborative Care
Therapy is a collaborative process. My role is not to tell you how to live your life, but to work alongside you in understanding the challenges you're facing, identifying helpful ways forward and supporting you as you build greater confidence, resilience and wellbeing.
Specialist WorkCover Psychology Services
Psychological support for workplace mental health
If you're experiencing workplace bullying, psychological injury, work-related stress or have an approved WorkCover claim, specialist support is available through WorkCover Psychology, a dedicated service focused on helping injured workers recover and return to meaningful work.
Explore WorkCover Psychology
Taking the first step isn't always easy
Finding the right psychologist is an important decision.
If you think Arana Psychology may be the right fit for you, I'd be pleased to welcome you to the practice.
Costs & Medicare
Under a GP referred Mental Health Care Plan, the Medicare rebate is $101.05, with the remainder gap fee to be covered by the client of $98.95. Currently, Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 sessions per year.
Many private health funds reimburse for psychological treatment. Please check with your health fund regarding your level of cover
Fully accredited to provide counselling and assessment services to people who have sustained injuries at work or in motor vehicle accidents.
WORKCOVER (NSW, QLD, VIC, ACT, NT) and MOTOR ACCIDENTS
MEDICARE MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
Approach
I offer a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support psychological wellbeing:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on identifying and reshaping patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to distress. You’ll learn practical tools to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and more — with a focus on today’s challenges and your future wellbeing.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is an evidence-based therapy that builds psychological flexibility by helping clients accept internal experiences, unhook from unhelpful thought patterns, and take meaningful action guided by personal values.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a powerful therapeutic modality that helps reduce the emotional impact of traumatic experiences. While widely known for treating PTSD, it also benefits individuals with a range of concerns linked to distressing memories and life events.
