Could you have bipolar disease and not realize that this condition is present in your life? While this is a possibility, please keep in mind that many people toss the term ‘bipolar’ around without even understanding what this type of problem involves. The terms bipolar and manic-depressive are interchangeable and refer to the same type of mental health issues.
It is true that there are many individuals who suffer from bipolar disease, but this is not a condition that can be casually diagnosed. In fact it is a disservice when someone tauntingly suggests that someone is going through a manic phase simply because they are happy and energetic.
There are some people who may incorrectly use the term ‘cycling’? when they notice the quick temper of an individual who has a low frustration threshold or anger management issues. The inference is that their mood swings and anger are related to bipolar issues. Individuals with ADD have often erroneously been assumed to have bipolar issues when this condition is note even present.
Bipolar disease is a very real, and unique, condition that creates rapid shifts in the brain’s normal chemistry. These shifts are very different from those normal mood changes that most people experience. A person with bipolar disease will undergo a roller coaster ride that is composed of emotional ups and downs.
A person who is bipolar will have no control of these mood swings, and do not realize that that their behaviors are far more intense than normal. The highs they experience are a dizzying whirl of euphoric moments and the lows are both depressing and devastating.
With bipolar disease the changes in mood and behavior are usually startling and severe. The symptoms of bipolar disease frequently result in destructive lifestyles, broken relationships, depression, suicide attempts and other woes.
Bipolar symptoms are generally noted at a fairly early age. Up to 50% of affected individuals will exhibit typical symptoms of this condition while in their late teens or during their early twenties. Bipolar disorders can appear for the first time during the middle-aged years, but this is far less common.
About 50% of all bipolar cases are triggered prior to age 25, and some individuals are even diagnosed as children.
Is there a cure for bipolar disease?
It is important that people understand that bipolar disorder is a chronic health problem. While there are no permanent cures for this condition, today there are advances that allow bipolar disorders to be treated, managed and controlled.
If you are looking for help, whether for yourself or a loved one, our psychologists can assist in exploring underlying issues through therapy. Please visit our practitioners’ page to find out more, or call (03) 9820-5577 for an appointment or to make enquiries.
Psychologists at the Centre for Emotion Focused Practice

Julie Chhouk
Registered Psychologist
I am a registered psychologist and have experience working with both children and adults. I’m passionate about creating a safe and warm environment for clients to express the difficulties that they may be experiencing in their lives.

Lara Ryan
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychologist
I am a registered psychologist that works with individuals of all ages to really get to the heart of what it is they want and need to live a full life..
Jasmine Silberbauer
Registered Psychologist
I am a registered psychologist with a diverse range of experience across various stages of the lifespan, from early intervention through to adult. I have worked across the disability sector, occupational rehabilitation and the corporate sector, to provide a wide range of psychological services.

Lyn O’Grady
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychologist
As a Registered Community Psychologist, I have worked with parents in community settings for approximately 10 years as well as with children and young people in school settings for 10 years.
Jason Ewing
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychologist
I have an extensive experience working with children & adolescents and their parents in school-based settings. I bring a warm and gentle approach to therapy.

Oliver Santiago
Registered Psychologist & Clinical Psychology Registrar
My experience as a Counsellor and Psychologist has spanned a period of 12 years, many of which have been within the community, organisational, educational and hospital sectors. This myriad of experiences has undoubtedly shaped my approach in how I listen and understand people’s difficulties.

Naomee Golluccio
Registered Psychologist
I am a registered psychologist who values working collaboratively with clients to establish a warm and safe space for them to share their experience. My approach is client-focused and grounded in the belief that everyone has the capacity to make changes and grow. My practice is guided by the core principles of trauma-informed care, such as transparency, collaboration, empowerment, and safety; as well as continuing conscientiousness and empathy.

Susanne Goldie
Psychologist
I work with a wide range of individuals in a non-judgemental, holistic way to understand each person’s unique circumstances and support them in achieving their goals. I work with people of all ages.

Joan Hamilton Roberts
Counselling Psychologist & Psychodramatist
I have worked with individuals & couples for over 20 years. I help people rediscover forgotten perspectives & create new visions.

Hannah Lethbridge
Registered Psychologist
I provide a warm environment for clients to express their thoughts, feelings, and struggles in a safe way. My clients value the collaborative approach I take when we work towards their therapeutic goals.
Geoff Newbegin
Counselling Psychologist & Psychotherapist
I am an experienced counsellor and psychologist with over 15 years of experience, which includes a wide range of clinical experience.
Christine Hayes
Clinical Psychologist and Educational & Developmental Psychologist
I provide psychological therapy services for adults, including parents, and for adolescents.
Saturday Appointments
Lucas Silva-Myles
Registered Psychologist
My therapeutic approach is firstly to hear your story and understand what you are going through without judgement.
Heather Williams
Counsellor & Registered Psychologist
I am a counsellor and registered psychologist who has had seven years of experience working primarily in the social services sector and private practice. I work with children, parents, individuals and couples.
Hannah Kroussoratsky
Counsellor
Gentle, caring and encouraging, my desire is to truly hear your story and create a safe space for you to grow and flourish. I have a genuine commitment to your whole self – body, mind, heart and spirit – and my integrated therapeutic approach allows for your holistic care and transformation.
Cora Clough
Counsellor
I am a registered counsellor and work from a humanistic, client-centred approach to assist people in understanding and healing their emotional system.