Kamia Harris

• A registered psychologist since 2000, Kamia Harris has a diverse range of experience across the public and private sectors.
• She has worked in community health, the Department of Defence, the Australian Psychological Society, and the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health.
• Her expertise lies in counselling, mental health intervention, critical incident response, and organisational training and advisory roles.

Kamia Harris Personal Profile

Psychologist Profile	Senior Registered Psychologist BSc, Grad Dip Ed Psych, M Psych (Couns Psych), MAPS
Official Website	https://strategicpsychology.com.au/
Experienced and trained in a range of therapies, including	Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, as well as training in mental health assessment and treatments
Skills	Assessment and treatment of mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, stress), and a wide range of life issues
Interests	neuroscience research and neuroplasticity, positive psychology and mindfulness-based techniques.
Particular experience	working with issues related to work, career, adjustment, stress, depression, anxiety and critical incident support/ psychological first aid in work, relationships, and military contexts
Member of	Australian Psychological Society (MAPS).
Kamia works with clients aged	18+

You may be a bit confused about her title and background. But, she is a well-respected psychologist. She has studied under renowned psychologists and won several prestigious awards, including the Royal Australasian Psychological Society’s (AAPS) Gold Medal. Kamia Harris, a Sydney-based psychologist, is a former RAAF officer. She now works at the Australian Institute of Sport as the DFPO’s chief psychologist.

Education

Qualifications | Education	University
Masters in Psychology (Counselling Psychology)	La Trobe University
Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology	Monash University
Master of Clinical Psychology	University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Science	University of Melbourne

ARTC Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) Kapooka

LTCOL Kamia Harris travelled to ARTC in Kapooka in December 2010 as a visiting psychologist. She was accompanied by CAPT Andrew Moss and MAJ Margaret Goodman, officers commanding the psychology support section of the ARTC, and LTCOL James McTavish, chief of staff at ARTC headquarters.

Other participants in the meeting included: COL Anthony Cotton, former Director of Defence Psychiatry Organisation, LTGEN Kenneth Gillespie, RADM Graeme Shirtley, Surgeon General of the Defence Health Reserves, and CMDR Scott Craig, Executive Officer of HMAS Cerberus.

DFPO conference at the Australian Institute of Sport

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has recently held a DFPO conference to discuss the role of sport in the prevention of COVID-19. The AIS Framework is based on the latest scientific evidence and extrapolated to the sporting context. The DFPO should be the overriding priority for all organisations involved in sport, ensuring that returning to activity does not threaten other people’s health.

The Australian Institute of Sport is an outstanding example of a government-funded research institute that puts athletes at the forefront of its activities. It is unlike any other institute in the world in that it brings together all aspects of training and research in one central location, ensuring that all the various departments can work in unison to protect public health. DFPO conferences aim to address the issues associated with COVID in sports and provide recommendations on how to prevent it in the first place.

Defence Force Psychology Organisation (DFPO) conference at the Australian Institute of Sport

A major conference held recently by the Defence Force Psychology Organisation (DFPO) at the Australian Institute of Sport has been devoted to military psychology. The DFPO conference is designed to bring together academics and military psychologists to exchange research results. The conference aims to promote an understanding of military psychology and will be the first such gathering. There is a strong emphasis on applied research in defence, with military psychologists encouraged to undertake research as part of their higher degrees.

The conference featured keynote speeches by COL Anthony Cotton, former Director of Mental Health and DFPO, and Mr Andrew Cohn, SO1 and National Coordinator for Defence Families. Other keynote speakers included COL Len Brennan, Director of Health, Headquarters Joint Operations Command; RADM Graeme Shirtley, Surgeon General, Defence Health Reserves; CAPT Sheldon Williams, Principal Psychological Examiner; and LTGEN Scott Craig, Executive Officer, DFPO.

Russ Harris

Dr Russ Harris and Dr Kamia Harris met when they were junior doctors in the hospital and were fascinated with the psychological aspects of human health. They became frustrated with modern medicine and began exploring alternative methods of treatment. They eventually understood the interconnections between the mind, body, environment, and wellbeing. Their new book, The Happiness Trap, offers a powerful solution to the epidemic of stress in modern life.

Dr Russ Harris and Kamia Harris are married with two children. They have been practising psychology for 18 years. Their combined training has given them skills and expertise in assessing and treating mental health problems. Their expertise includes counselling, psychotherapy, neuroscience research, and mental health intervention. They also work with the grief and loss process, anger management, assertiveness, sleep, and relationships. Kamia is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

ACT Mindfully

ACT Mindfully with Kamia Harris is a ten-week crash course on the ACT model that makes the six processes accessible to everyone. The author encourages readers to tailor the techniques to their specific clients and situations, including defusion techniques, mindfulness exercises, client worksheets and homework schedules.

Russ Harris’ ACT workshops

In his bestselling book ‘The ACT Handbook’, Dr Russ Harris describes the ACT model and shares his approach to implementing it.

https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-UserHandbook.pdf

Although he has trained over 30,000 health professionals on the ACT, his journey to becoming a successful trainer and therapist was far from straightforward.

In fact, as a young GP, he was dissatisfied with the work he was doing and wanted to find a more fulfilling way to help people.

Before joining the ACT movement, Harris had studied various counselling techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy. She found it very useful and dedicated one day a week to working with patients on a therapeutic journey. Harris’s journey led her to explore the meaning of happiness and eventually fell in love with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. While her career as a psychologist initially started as a hobby, she found that ACT was her true calling.

Kamia harris Affiliations – Registrations & Member

Affiliations | Registrations	Member
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)	Registered Psychologist
Medicare	Registered Provider
Australian Psychological Society (APS)	Member

Kamia harris Therapeutic Approaches

Important Facts About Cognitive Behaviour Therapy For Insomnia

• If you’ve ever been to a cognitive behavioural therapist, you know that it can be a very challenging and emotional experience.
• While a therapist’s job is to provide support and guidance, the ultimate goal of cognitive behavioural therapy is to improve the client’s coping skills and self-efficacy.
• Cognitive behavioural therapists aim to teach clients self-management and coping skills and to feel that they’re responsible for the benefits of their therapy.

Treatment for mood and anxiety disorders

CBT is a proven treatment for mood and anxiety disorders. Its concepts have been applied to a number of conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. It is also effective in treating conditions such as chronic pain and oppositional defiant disorder. However, it has limitations when it comes to treating other conditions. The following are some important facts about CBT:

The origins of CBT date back to the 1960s and are based on the research of psychiatrist Aaron Beck. Beck identified automatic negative thoughts in his clients. Then he used techniques to alter the thoughts that led to these automatic thoughts. Over the years, the practice has proven to be effective for a number of mental illnesses, from depression to anxiety. Moreover, CBT can be an inexpensive, short-term treatment option for those who cannot afford psychotropic medication.

Treatment for insomnia

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for insomnia is a cognitive psychological treatment. The therapy aims to identify and challenge dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep. These may include unrealistic expectations of how long you should sleep, fears of missing sleep, and overestimations of the consequences of not sleeping enough. Cognitive restructuring for insomnia involves challenging these beliefs and retraining the patient’s mind to associate bedtime with sleep. It also involves exercises, self-help workbooks, and computerized CBT.

Insomnia is a common condition and can make daily functioning difficult. This condition often co-occurs with other medical or psychological problems, and sufferers may feel hopeless about finding a solution. People with chronic insomnia often make themselves feel helpless and try to compensate by sleeping late on weekends or taking naps during the day. Sometimes they even develop other unhealthy sleep habits to make up for the lack of sleep.

Treatment for phobias

Using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as a cure for phobias has been an effective way to treat emotional problems. This type of therapy involves identifying the specific cause of a patient’s fear, examining the rationale for it, and then developing new thoughts and habits that will help them overcome their fears. Many phobias are a result of classical conditioning. These techniques can help individuals reduce their anxiety and decrease their ruminations about their fear.

Exposure-based CBT is the treatment of choice for specific phobias. A phobia is a deep-seated fear of a particular situation or object. It results in distress and avoidant behaviour around the feared object and interferes with daily functioning. Cognitive restructuring strategies, including graduated exposures to the feared object, are combined with exposure-based strategies to eliminate negative thought patterns that evoke anxiety.

What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

The foundational part of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is the idea that we should be content with the things in our lives.

• By setting a value system, we can measure how much we value certain areas of our lives.
• In addition to valuing certain things more than others, we can also rate our level of satisfaction with each area.
• These values are called personal standards.
• If these standards are not met, we should change our behaviours or stop using them.

ACT

The theory behind ACT was developed by professor Steven C. Hayes, who used it to overcome his own panic attacks. His personal experiences inspired him to develop a more life-affirming approach to facing his problems. He believes that ACT is effective for treating a variety of psychological disorders, as well as for addressing a variety of personal issues. In particular, ACT promotes the development of an individualized sense of self.

ACT is a widely applicable form of therapy that encourages patients to treat negative thoughts as harmless. As a result, it has been found to improve symptoms in conditions ranging from chronic pain to mild to moderate depression. In addition, preliminary evidence suggests that this type of therapy can help patients with other conditions, such as smoking, tinnitus, and epilepsy. It starts with a discussion of the patient’s goals and includes psychoeducation, stories, and experiential exercises.

ACT principles

ACT practices emphasize the importance of allowing oneself to experience psychological and environmental events without judgment, thereby promoting workability. In treating disorders that compromise one’s health, ACT practices are particularly critical. As such, ACT therapists encourage clients to develop a greater sense of self through defused, ongoing descriptions of private events. Here are some ACT principles that may be useful in your practice.

ACT therapists encourage clients to observe and practice different responses to difficult feelings and thoughts. They help clients recognize that ruminating about negative thoughts can result in defusion. While a client may ruminate about difficult thoughts, this approach encourages the client to actively engage in activities that have meaning for them. ACT therapists often encourage clients to develop more useful coping strategies, such as focusing on positive activities instead of negative ones.

ACT outcomes

A study examining ACT outcomes found that it significantly increased the number of people achieving positive psychological goals, including behaviours that lead to social and emotional wellbeing. Participants were invited to participate in the study by a therapist and signed a consent form before the therapy began. All participants gave informed consent, and the questionnaires were completed again at the end of the treatment. During the treatment, participants engaged in six key processes that are fundamental to ACT.

Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of the treatment by assessing the impact of values and the impact on clinical outcomes. The researchers found no correlation between values importance and depression. However, the study did find that participants who engaged in values-based action experienced fewer episodes of depression and distress. The study also found that values-based action was associated with improved mental health and decreased depression. Furthermore, participants who engaged in values-based action were more likely to be able to identify positive social relationships.

ACT costs

There are several factors to consider when evaluating the cost of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These sessions are generally offered at no cost and may be conducted at a hospital or clinic. ACT is a type of talk therapy that aims to help people cope with painful thoughts and feelings by fostering greater psychological flexibility. Therapists guide their clients through six core skills and processes during therapy. Some activities may involve storytelling, metaphors, or language games.

Psychotherapy can be expensive, especially for those without insurance. However, if you can find a qualified therapist who offers low-cost services, the ACT cost is well worth it. One session can range from $65 to $200. The cost of a single session of ACT is usually lower than $65 but may still be out of reach for many people. Fortunately, there are many low-cost options, and therapists may be willing to accept a sliding scale.

Motivational Interviewing – An Overview

• Motivational interviewing is a type of psychotherapy that helps people change their unhealthy behaviours.
• This method is commonly used to address addictions and physical health conditions and can prepare a person for specific therapies.
• Motivational interviewing is most effective when a person is unmotivated or angry, and it can help them move through different emotional stages of change.
• The following article will provide an overview of some of the basic techniques and styles of motivational interviewing.

Goals

In Motivational Interviewing (MI), the primary goal is to explore the client’s ambivalence toward change and elicit the client’s desire for positive change. While knowledge of why change is important is necessary, the primary goal is to help the client take responsibility for their actions. Motivational interviewing is a style of psychotherapy in which the counsellor focuses on the client’s perspective rather than judging it. Empathy is a core component of MI.

Behavioural objectives can be as simple as decreasing portion sizes, or as complex as reducing stress related to meal preparation. In addition, motivational interviewing can focus on weight loss, improving body mass index, and reducing waist circumference. Even small lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on these health outcomes. For example, decreasing portion sizes or increasing physical activity may increase a person’s self-esteem. Regardless of the type of behaviour change a client desires, a good starting point is to find a few behavioural objectives that relate to their goals.

Techniques

The techniques for motivational interviewing include reflective listening, summarizing, and evoking. These are all techniques used to encourage change and help an interviewee explore their roadblocks to change. When attempting to motivate a person, it is important to focus on the “why” rather than the “how.” People are unlikely to change unless they have a compelling reason to do so. Identifying the “why” will help you focus your questions on the individual’s needs and goals.

During the interview, open-ended questions can be used to elicit the client’s thoughts, feelings, preferences, and goals. Such questions are person-centred and are most effective when used during motivational interviews. Reflections are also an important technique for motivational interviews because they can help the interviewee better understand what the interviewer is trying to say. Simple reflections include repeating back the client’s words and meanings. More complex reflections explore the meanings and emotions that are unsaid in the interview.

Styles

Motivational interviewing is a type of conversational therapy in which the client elicits the desire to change from within. It does not rely on external contingencies such as coercion or persuasion, which are ineffective when it comes to evoking change. Instead, motivational interviewing focuses on a client’s intrinsic values and goals to mobilize them toward positive change.

Motivational interviewing is an interaction strategy that consists of four basic communication strategies: affirmations, open questions, guided questions, and summary reflections. Each of these strategies has a specific purpose and is regarded as a fundamental interaction skill. When combined, they create an atmosphere of openness and trust. These approaches also help clients recognize that they may have conflicting desires. They are more likely to achieve success if they can identify the gap between their current behaviour and their ideal behaviour.

Efficacy

The effectiveness of motivational interviewing has been studied in various areas, including a wide range of disorders. This technique is based on identifying clients’ intrinsic values and goals, eliciting ambivalence and exploring the benefits and costs of change, and reinforcing the client’s belief in his/her own ability to achieve his/her goal. The most common disorders treated using motivational interviewing are depression, anxiety, and stress.

A meta-analysis of 72 clinical trials found that motivational interviewing was effective for

1. Smoking cessation,
2. Weight loss
3. Cholesterol levels.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

• The goals of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy are outlined in this article.
• In addition, this article describes the Microanalysis employed in SFBT. Finally, this article examines the short-term nature of the approach.
• If you are curious about Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, keep reading! Listed below are the pros and cons of this therapeutic approach.
• If you are considering this treatment approach, consider these tips to help you decide whether or not it is right for you.

Goals of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-focused brief therapy, developed by Steve de Shazer in Milwaukee, is a form of psychotherapy in which the goal of therapy is to quickly develop realistic solutions to problems. This form of therapy focuses on helping individuals achieve lasting relief by developing positive behaviours, attitudes, and goals. Unlike other forms of psychotherapy, this type of therapy requires only one session. It also emphasizes the importance of building on strengths and focusing on future endeavours instead of current problems.

While there are many benefits of Solution Focused Brief Therapy, it isn’t appropriate for everyone. There are certain situations where it is unlikely to work, such as when a client is unwilling to cooperate in therapy.

IASTI requirements for SFBT

The IASTI requires that individuals seeking certification as Solution-Focused Brief Therapists complete a training program in the solution-focused model. Training can take place in a classroom setting or in a specialized workshop. Participants complete exercises, watch live sessions and analyze videotaped sessions. The training must also include an examination that demonstrates competency in the solution-focused model.

In order to receive the certificate, students must have at least 50 hours of formal training and 100 hours of personal professional activities. The IASTI has created a certification program that is a good starting point for professionals interested in solution-focused brief therapy. SFBT training is not only beneficial for professionals, but it is also great for students. It provides an opportunity to learn about the various aspects of the therapy and how to apply it in a variety of settings.

Microanalysis used in SFBT

A common misconception about solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is that therapists must engage in a lot of problem talk. However, this misconception is unfounded, as a microanalysis of problem talks conducted by Insoo Kim Berg shows. SFBT therapists should engage in problem talk as necessary and should not expand the discussion beyond the issues raised. A key benefit of SFBT is that it is a client-led approach, allowing for the client to take the lead in the therapy.

The microanalysis used in Solution-Focused brief therapy involves analyzing a client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in order to determine a solution to a problem. SFBT is most useful when a problem can be tackled early on. The client and practitioner work together to determine a goal for therapy and find solutions together. This collaborative approach can help solve a variety of problems, including emotional, behavioural, and relationship difficulties.

Short-term nature of SFBT

A significant difference between traditional talk therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is its short-term nature. This form of therapy is focused on finding a solution to a client’s current problems and is based on the positive psychological principles of hope-friendly, future-oriented behaviour change. The short-term nature of this type of therapy can be especially helpful when one is pursuing multiple goals.

While many people are concerned about the long-term implications of solution-focused therapy, the fact remains that it is most effective when early intervention is involved. In particular, children can benefit from this therapy if they are dealing with difficult behaviours. The solution-focused approach emphasizes the working relationship between the practitioner and the client, who will set goals together and find solutions to those goals. While this approach is helpful for many problems, it is not recommended for individuals experiencing serious mental health issues.

Services

Adult Counselling

The Benefits of Adult Counselling:

Mental health issues can vary from mild to severe. They can impact your mood, behaviour, and relationships. Sometimes, they affect your relationships with others and your self-esteem. Adult Counselling helps you understand these problems and find relief. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of adult counselling, read on. Here are just a few. All clients are welcome, no matter the reason for seeking help. And don’t forget to read this article’s summary!

Mental health problems can be mild to severe

When you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem, the best place to seek help may vary according to the problem you are experiencing, the person you are seeking help from, and where you are located.

Mental illnesses are illnesses that affect the way we think, feel, behave, and relate to others. Severe mental health conditions can make life difficult and interfere with our ability to live a full life. Mental health problems range from minor to severe and can affect people of all ages, income levels, and races. Fortunately, treatment is available and can help most sufferers find relief from symptoms. For example, people who suffer from bipolar disorder may experience extreme mood swings and energy levels.

They can affect relationships

When it comes to relationships, trust, respect, and communication are key to maintaining a successful relationship. If any of these factors change, however, a relationship can suffer a major breakdown. It may even break up when one partner decides to separate. In such a case, counselling can help both partners work through the breakup and rebuild their bond. The benefits of adult counselling are not only emotional but also psychological. For instance, it can help one partner better understand the other and himself.

They can affect self-esteem

If you are experiencing low self-esteem, you might be wondering if adult counselling could help you. This type of therapy can help you identify what has led to your lack of self-confidence. Low self-esteem is often accompanied by other problems, such as rumination and shame.

There are a variety of different causes of low self-esteem, including demoralizing life experiences, such as loss of employment or breakups. These can significantly reduce a person’s sense of self-worth, confidence, and resilience. Those who have been victims of violence and abuse are at greater risk of developing low self-esteem.