Psychology

Psychology is both a science and a profession, devoted to understanding how people think, feel, behave and learn. Through a range of strategies and therapies, they aim to reduce distress and to enhance and promote emotional wellbeing.

Psychologists are experts in human behaviour. They have studied the brain, memory, learning and human development. Psychologists can assist people who are having difficulty controlling their emotions, thinking and behaviour, including those with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, serious and enduring mental illness, addictive behaviours and childhood behaviour disorders.

As a science, psychology is the study of the human mind and its wide-ranging functions and influences. Psychological research advances our understanding of human emotion, personality, intelligence, memory, perception, cognition, attention, and motivation, as well as the biological processes that drive these human functions and behaviours. In essence, psychology studies individuals and groups to better understand how people, communities and societies function and ways to help them thrive.

The goal of psychology is to put all of this knowledge into practice, to help people, communities, and society in general to solve day-to-day problems and improve quality of life. Psychology is a profession, devoted to helping people and the community find solutions to real-life problems such as improving mental health and overall wellbeing, learning, performance, relationships, and social interactions.

All psychologists are registered with the national registration board, the Psychology Board of Australia, in the same way medical practitioners (Doctors) must be registered. This means that they must be competent and follow a strict Code of Conduct. Not all counsellors or therapists are registered psychologists. Seeing someone who is registered ensures you receive high-quality ethical treatment.