John Van Beusekom
Clinical Psychologist & Director
BPsych(Hons), MPsych(Clinical)
John is a clinical psychologist who is passionate about forming therapeutic relationships with people of all backgrounds, to help them develop insight into their presenting concerns, and work together to achieve their personal goals.
Most recently, John has worked with the mental health acute care team across a variety of settings: the 1300MHCALL telephone triage and crisis service; the emergency departments of the Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital; consulted to the Queensland Ambulance Service in assessing mental health emergencies and individualising pathways of care; and providing brief intervention within the community. Through this work John has enjoyed promoting the safety of people in crisis and engaging those in need with timely treatment. People often presented with a variety of difficulties, including mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders, symptoms of trauma, and crises triggered by overwhelming life circumstances.
Prior to John’s work with the acute adult population, he worked with the child and youth mental health service. This work entailed providing individual, family and systemic psychological intervention to vulnerable children and adolescents presenting with complex mental health concerns. During this time John enjoyed advocating for young people with the mutual goal of creating meaningful sustained change.
In line with evidence-based practice guidelines, John enjoys working from various therapeutic frameworks, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical-Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. John will work closely with you to discuss which approach may best address your presenting concerns.
John has completed a Masters of Clinical Psychology from the University of Queensland, including a dissertation on evaluating the implementation of an intensive outpatient program for people with eating disorders, based at the Queensland Eating Disorders Service. John also enjoyed teaching activities, including tutoring undergraduate ‘Psychopathology’ and ‘Developmental Disorders of Childhood’ Courses.