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Chaminga Dhanapala Psychologist

Chaminga Dhanapala

Senior Registered Psychologist 

Languages:

  English and Singalese

Medicare Rebate

Chaminga uses a gentle, client centered therapeutic approach to help create lasting and meaningful changes in her clients’  lives. 

She understands and appreciates the courage it takes to make the decision to address personal concerns and seek professional help. 

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As a senior psychologist with extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of a variety of emotional, behavioural and psychological isseues, Chaminga works on providing clients with the tools and strategies wthat they can transfer from the therapy room to 'real life'.  

 

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Focus areas

More than 17 years of professional experience allows her to approach therapy from a place of deep understanding. Her clients feel accepted and valued while they collaboratively set goals for therapy. Chaminga believes that building safe, trusting therapeutic relationships with clients provide the foundation for effective implementation of evidence-based therapeutic techniques.  She specializes in a variety of evidence-based and best practice therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy & Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to best meet the needs of her clients and their families.  Her professional and life experiences allow Chaminga to approach therapy from a place of deep understanding, providing her clients with a safe, authentic environment to explore their issues.   She is passionate about supporting people to reach their true potential, improve their relationships and lead happier, more meaningful lives Chaminga has experienced first-hand the struggles and complexities of migrating to different countries, and understands the difficulties individuals and families may go through while adjusting to life in Australia.  ​ Immigration Assessments and Reports – Each person has unique needs for immigration reports so an initial session with Chaminga is required to discuss these requirements. Please speak with your immigration lawyer first and ask her/him to provide you with written documentation as to what is needed to support your application and bring that information to your initial appointment.  At the initial appointment, Chaminga will review your history and what reports and assessments are needed.  An estimate will be provided for the cost to do the assessments and generate the report after the initial appointment.  Full payment will be required prior to release of any assessment or report. ​ WorkCover Claims – please provide your claim number and case workers name.

  • Gottman and Imago couples and relationship therapies

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Interpersonal Therapy

  • Mindfulness-based therapies

Therapeutic Techniques 

Clients seen: Children 12 years and above, youth, adults, couples, families.

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Traversing cultures, cities and countries, Chaminga has come to value diversity, flexibility, and self-understanding in her professional and personal life.  She was born in New Zealand, she migrated to Australia to pursue her professional practice. Her multi-cultural life and work experience enhances her eclectic, client-centered approach to therapy. Chaminga has an open and sensitive therapeutic style that respects individual differences, tailoring therapy for each individual rather than using a “one size fits all” approach.

Fees

Education

  • Master of Social Sciences, First Class Honours in Psychology

  • Bachelor of Social Sciences, Second Class Honours in Psychology

  • Institute of Child Protection Studies 2002 Certificate in Child Protection Studies

  • Post Graduate Diploma of Psychotherapy, First Class Honours

  • Australia Post Graduate Certificate of Trauma Counseling & Therapy, First Class Honours

Membership

  • Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 

  • British Psychological Society (BPS)

  • Australian Psychological Society (APS)

  • Australian Federation for Trauma & Aftermath Research (AFAR)

  • Sri Lankan Medical Council

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