About Me
In therapy, a genuine connection builds the trust needed to explore challenges and create meaningful change. That’s why I believe it’s important for you to know a bit about me and how I approach this work. By understanding who I am and how I show up for you, we lay the groundwork for a collaborative, supportive, and effective therapeutic relationship.
Robert Rusanow
Hi, I’m Robert Rusanow, a registered Psychologist dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges, build resilience, and thrive. I aim to provide a warm, supportive, and helpful therapeutic environment with the goal of bringing about meaningful change and growth. I take a person-centered, strengths-based approach, tailoring evidence-based therapies to your unique needs, all within a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.
When I’m not working with clients, I continually expand my skills through professional development, ensuring that my practice remains informed by the latest research and best practices. I am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and am a proud member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi).
BPsychSc(Hons), MProfPsych
I believe that effective therapy is both an art and a science. Each person’s journey is unique, so I aim to integrate different therapeutic frameworks to match your needs, drawing on strategies that are grounded in research, focused on your strengths, and guided by your personal experiences. Our work together will be collaborative, flexible, and informed by ongoing feedback to ensure we’re moving in the right direction. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to take meaningful steps toward what is most important to you.
My Approach to Therapy
Evidence-Based
In my work, I rely on practices and methods that are supported by research and proven to be effective. This means that I draw on established interventions and frameworks like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other modalities that have a solid foundation of evidence behind them. My goal is to ensure that the strategies and techniques used are effective in helping you to achieve your goal(s) for therapy.
Person-Centred
My approach is grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own life. I strive to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. In our work together, my role is to walk alongside you, offering empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. This means I respect your experiences and support you in exploring your thoughts, feelings, and goals at your own pace. Together, we’ll cultivate a trustworthy relationship that supports your personal growth in a way that feels true to who you are.
Strengths-Based
I believe that every person has strengths, resources, and capacities that can be leveraged to create bring about meaningful change. In our sessions, we’ll identify and build upon these strengths — the qualities, skills, and resilience that are already part of you. Rather than focusing solely on problems or deficits, we’ll work to amplify your existing abilities to help you overcome challenges. Part of my role is to support you in seeing and utilizing your strengths, so you can feel more empowered and confident in your journey toward personal growth.
Integrative
I combine a range of theories, techniques, and insights from multiple psychological frameworks to tailor treatment to each individual. More specifically, I draw on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existential Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Person Centred Therapy - depending on each individuals preferences, presentation, and needs.
Feedback-Informed
I want to make sure that therapy is genuinely helping you move toward your goals. To do that, I incorporate regular check-ins using simple, standardized measures to track how you are feeling and how symptoms may be shifting over time. This is not about ticking boxes or filling out endless forms — it’s about making sure we have a clear sense of what’s working and where we might need to adjust our work. By blending these insights with our ongoing conversations, we can stay flexible, responsive, and focused on what truly supports your progress.
Becoming a registered Psychologist in Australia involves an accredited educational program, supervised practice, and adherence to strict professional standards. Learn More.
Qualifications
On my journey to become a registered Psychologist, I completed a Bachelor of Behaviour Studies (Psychology) from Swinburne University of Technology, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Psychology) from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), graduating with first class honours. I have also completed a Master of Professional Psychology with the USQ, after which I rounded off my psychology training with 12 months of closely supervised practice as a provisionally registered Psychologist.
Experience
As a mental health worker and Psychologist, I have gained experience providing psychological services across a range of settings, including community-based programs, clinic-based services, telehealth platforms, and outreach programs. In my professional practice I have worked with individuals and families impacted by disability, severe mental health diagnoses, and substance misuse, as well as members of the veteran community, ex-offenders, and the general public for a range of mental health related issues.
I Have a Particular Interest in Working With the Following Presentations:
Depression
When treating depression, I typically utilise evidence based psychoeducation and intervention from several different therapy modalities to help address the cycle of depression and facilitate a return to adaptive functioning.
Anxiety
My treatment of anxiety often incorporates psychoeducation and evidence-based interventions aimed at improving relaxation, addressing contributing factors, and adopting healthier responses to anxiety.
Stress
My approach to treating stress involves practical problem-solving while identifying and addressing deficits in self-care, coping skills, and emotion regulation. I also help address the impact of any maladaptive coping strategies.
Grief & Loss
My work with grief and loss often involves normalizing the grieving process, along with psychoeducation and interventions to help process the loss, achieve acceptance, and clarify contextually relevant values and meaning.
Meaning & Purpose
When addressing meaning and purpose, I use evidence-based approaches to explore personal values, clarify goals, and foster fulfillment by identifying barriers and developing pathways to a more satisfying life.
Other
Many issues share common elements, enabling adaptable and flexible approaches to treatment. If I cannot confidently support your specific needs, I will let you know and help you connect with a more fitting service.