JOSEPH MCKEDDIE (Click for telehealth link)

Born and raised in Melbourne, I was always interested in science and human behaviour, so it’s no wonder I became a psychologist! Professionally, I graduated from Deakin University with a B.App.Sc.(Hons) in 2001 and then, after studying history of science at The University of Melbourne for several years, I completed my psychological training at Swinburne University, graduating top-of-class with a M.Psych.(Couns) degree in 2010. Since this time I have worked in community mental health centres, tertiary education, not-for-profit organisations and private practice.

Having started my career in child and adolescent mental health, I began to specialise in adult mental health with a specific emphasis on anxiety disorders and trauma, which now forms the predominant focus of my practice. I am also passionate about the education and training of clinicians, and am active in a clinical supervision and health services management role, in addition to having served on organisations aimed at mental health reform in Victoria.

My treatment philosophy for all clients is grounded in Rogerian principles of psychological care, including unconditional positive regard, empathy, respect and genuineness. This person-centered approach allows for strong rapport-building to occur between client and clinician, upon which a comprehensive clinical history, formulation and treatment plan are undertaken and implemented. I draw on a number of evidence-based treatments approaches including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

  • Grief and loss frameworks

  • Trauma-informed care

I am conscious in ensuring that any treatment approach is collaborative in nature and I work closely and respectfully with clients to ensure that counselling is undertaken at a pace that aligns with the goals of each client, and I regularly use formal and informal assessments to track change over time. My ultimate goal for each client is centred on empowerment, so that each client can feel competent, confident and happy with both themselves and the way in which they manage their life on a daily basis.

Areas of experience:

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Trauma

  • Grief and loss

  • Self-esteem

  • Adult ADHD

Treatment Philosophy

I have worked in supporting clients across the lifespan for 15 years and have consulted in community, tertiary and private organisations. I began my career in paediatric mental health at Gatehouse Centre at the Royal Children’s Hospital before taking up a position at Headspace Hawthorn as a mental health clinician for 6 years. I then joined St.Kevin’s College as Dean (Wellbeing) before departing to take up my current position as Senior Clinician at the Royal Flying Doctor Service – Victoria (RFDS). In this role I helped establish the first ever RFDS-branded mental health service in Victoria (Flying Doctor Wellbeing), which provides free, confidential and uncapped mental health support to over 15 rural and regional communities across the state. The program is staffed by 12 mental health clinicians including psychologists, social workers and mental health nurses and now forms a key part of the 2030 RFDS strategic plan.

Career Experience

Following graduation from Swinburne University in 2010 I was admitted to the Swinburne Chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society, and served as the Inaugural Chair of the Outer Eastern Branch of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). I have also served on the Victorian Clinical Council in supporting mental health reform across Victoria and currently occupy the position of Senior Clinician at the Royal Flying Doctor Service -Victoria (RFDS), where I helped establish the first ever RFDS-branded mental health service in Victoria. I am also a registered Clinical Supervisor and Sessional Lecturer at Monash University within the postgraduate Master of Counselling program.

Career Achievements

Masters in Counselling Psychology - Swinburne University of Technology

Graduate Diploma Arts (HPS) - University of Melbourne

Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) - Deakin University

Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship

Bonnett-Horton Family Scholarship

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Victorian Clinical Council (VCC)

Australasian College of Health Services Management (ACHSM)

Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA)

Qualifications & Accreditations