Mr George Turnure
Clinical Psychologist
George Turnure Psychology
Balmain, Sydney NSW 2041
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
As a Clinical Psychologist, I focus on emotions, relationships and mindfulness. I have a patient, practical and non-judgemental approach and enjoy working collaboratively to figure out how difficulties have come into being and how to prevent them from sticking around and/or returning.
I have experience in public and private settings such as community mental health centres, hospital, university and private practice. I have a broad range of interests including adolescent and adult psychosis, complex trauma, depression and anxiety (e.g., social anxiety, generalized anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, agoraphobia & PTSD). I also work frequently with hoarding, physical health issues, (eg chronic pain, tinnitus, cancer), trichotillomania . . .
Background
Six years of formal training followed by practice across a variety of settings including community mental health, private practice, non-government organizations and universities.
Services
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, Schema Therapy and mindfulness
I work with adolescents and adults.
Quality Provision
I am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), my Medicare Provider No. is 5040367W and I have membership with the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Clinical Psychology Association.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Masters of Psychology Clinical - 2014 - University of Wollongong
- Bachelor of Science Hons in Psychology First Class - 2011 - University of NSW
Modalities
ACT - CBT - DBT - EMDR - Schema Therapy - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
Practical and pragmatic with an emotion focus as needed. Patient, non-judgemental and validating.
The initial appointment focuses on assessment ie a broad focus on current difficulties, history and what factors are keeping problems going. My overarching view is that we are a small team (the client, myself, GP and others) working together to understand the situation, trial evidence-based approaches (that may not have been tried before) and prevent the return of problems.
Professional Associations
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association
- Australian Psychological Society
Practice Locations
2 Booth Street
Balmain NSW 2041
Buses are very close (< 5 minute walk), plenty of car spots and light rail is an option too (< 10 minute walk)
Appointments
Monday to Thursdays, first appointment at 900, last at 500.
Fees & Insurance
Standard fee is $280 for 50 minutes, yet depending on circumstances options may include bulk-billing (eg pensioners), reduced fees (eg students).
Medicare rebate approx $136.05 with MHCP from your GP. Private health insurance often has rebates too.
Payment Options
Credit card, direct deposit, PayID
Contact George
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with George Turnure
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I have always been curious about human behaviour, what makes people the way they are, the things they do. I have always been interested in "others' experiences, what they liked and disliked, why they did something; e.g., why go to all the effort of writing a film or a piece of music. Were they intending to express something specific or did it just come out automatically (or both). I would ask questions, listen and try to see the world from their point of view. This was a way for me to have another experience myself.
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I see most things in the world as: 1) existing on a spectrum (vs binary or black/white) and 2) simply one of many different ways of being, where no one way is better/worse than any others. There are many ways to do things, to be. I am also interested in and hope to pursue Buddhism in a more formal way re principles of non-attachment, non-judgemental etc.
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Years ago I thought it would be interesting to make/view a documentary film which explored the major emotions; Ie to explore each's function, how they may be typically experienced, how we naturally want to avoid them and also to understand what is occurring at a biological level too. Emotions seem to be the main reason people show up to therapy and without them we couldn't function/survive. Relationships to self and others is equally of interest.
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I am always tuning into emotions and relationships via schema therapy training which encompasses a great deal of other approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness (detailed below).
I use CBT to work on core thinking and behavioural skills, to understand the relationship between thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviours, to identify/modify unhelpful conditional and core beliefs); exposure therapy for difficulties with anxiety including PTSD, worry, OCD, social anxiety, panic attacks, trichotillomania and body dysmorphic disorder. ACT & mindfulness I use when working with worry, OCD, health anxiety and chronic conditions such as cancer, tinnitus, chronic fatigue and chronic pain etc.
I am also very practical (e.g., exposure therapy, role play, chair work) and frequently draw/use diagrams to understand and communicate ideas more easily vs words.
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Depending on the complexity of the situation (and barriers to change) it could be from session 2-3 (if 2 or 3 issues) and longer if multiple difficulties. How long is a piece of string and how do you define progress? Barriers to progress are many and may include chronic self-criticism, low self-worth, mistrust, substance use and/or increased functioning (return to work, more social, more gym).
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I try to be more mindful of others, more accepting, more patient with loved ones eg partner, friends and family and I aim to foster self-worth in my son.
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Every day, every session is different and unpredictable. I/we may have an idea of what's going on and then together we discover something knew. Being an ally or support for someone during such a journey is very rewarding.
I never cease to be amazed/impressed re clients bravery, tenacity and resilience re the difficulties they have/are facing.
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You bet. I am a human with vulnerabilities and fallible too.
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Climate change.
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Coming Through Slaughter (Michael Ondaatje), Paris Texas (Wim Wenders), Descent into the Maelstrom (Radio Birdman), William Kentridge