DR DEREK GILLIGAN

Dr Gilligan is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with 24 years training and experience in the field of general, clinical, and forensic psychology. His practice is divided between 50% clinical work and 50% forensic work. 

In his clinical practice Dr Gilligan provides psychological treatment and therapy for adults and adolescents, presenting with broad range of problems. Dr Gilligan adopts a supportive and empathic approach, with unconditional positive regard, where clients feel safe and comfortable to express themselves openly and honestly, without judgement.

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Along with Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT) (including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Dr Gilligan has developed advanced skills in a range of psychological models, treatments, and therapies, including solution-oriented therapies, narrative therapy, psychoanalysis, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and hypnosis, to mention a few. Dr Gilligan applies psychological models within a Client Directed Outcome Informed (CDOI) framework. That is, he will regularly seek feedback from his clients, that what he is doing is effective, in order to tailor and continue to adjust the “best fit” psychological treatment for the individual. In this way he ensures the best possible outcomes are achieved for his clients. Dr Gilligan regularly attends workshops and undertakes ongoing training and supervision to ensure his knowledge and skills are at the forefront of his profession.

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In his Forensic Practice Dr Gilligan provides assessments and treatment for individuals involved in contact with the law in a variety of contexts. Dr Gilligan provides sensitive, balanced, objective, and professional reports in a humanistic fashion. In the criminal context Dr Gilligan specialises in providing assessments and reports for Local, District, and Supreme court arenas. He has an established reputation as a reliable expert for the assessment of matters requiring section 32 assessments, testamentary capacity assessments, pre-sentence reports, risk assessments (including general criminal recidivism and sex offending), and treatment reports. In the civil arena, he provides assessments for testamentary capacity, psychological injury, and assessments of cognitive impairment from brain injuries (also permanent impairments), and emotional and behavioural disorders following injures. In the family court context Dr Gilligan currently provides ‘single issue’ assessments focusing on parenting capacity and risk, often in the context of, inter alia, mental health issues and substance use. He also provides specialised risk assessments in the context of child protection. Dr Gilligan has developed a solid reputation as an expert forensic psychologist on the back of his 20-year career in the field. 

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COVID 19 Care. At the present time Dr Gilligan is currently taking on a larger than usual ratio of bulk billing clients, in light of the current COVID 19 virus. Dr Gilligan is opening his doors to individuals in need, who are affected by financial hardship and otherwise unable to access psychological services. In addition, Dr Gilligan is offering telehealth options (skype and telephone, although skype is preferred) for those affected by COVID 19.

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Forensic: Fees for forensic assessments and reports vary, are generally set at APS rates, and depend on the level of complexity and time involved in the presenting matter. Dr Gilligan also takes on a load of legal aid funded forensic assessment and reports.