Dr Steph Banner
I am a Clinical Psychologist Registrar who particularly enjoys working with anxiety symptoms across the lifespan, and across the neurodiversity spectrum. In our work together we draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Schema Therapy, to make sure you’re getting what you need out of the appointments.
Your first session with me is all about hearing what’s been happening for you and together deciding what we might like to focus on. This is because I believe therapy is most effective when tailored to each individual’s own goals and strengths.
I also have a research interest in reflective practice, which sits alongside my experience in clinical supervision and leadership to provide clinical supervision in an open and reflective way.
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours 1st Class)
- Master of Professional Psychology
- Member of Australian Psychological Society
- Psychology Board-Approved Supervisor
- Additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (including CBT with Self-Compassion and Trauma-Focussed CBT for children and young people),
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy,
- Motivational Interviewing,
- Prolonged Exposure for PTSD,
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and
- Schema Therapy.
I enjoy working with a range of stress and anxiety presentations and disorders such as social anxiety, panic attacks, trauma and OCD, and also anxiety in the context of everyday life challenges and changes such as grief and loss, relationship stressors, school and peer issues, and life milestones such as retirement. Anxiety is nuanced and unique for each individual and our sessions may also involve working on other factors important to you such as sleep and mood and motivation.
Therapy Style
Warm, welcoming and down to earth.
Modality and Approach
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Schema Therapy.
What book have you read more than once?
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. The book is better than the film!
What is your favourite place in Coffs Harbour?
I lean towards the bush and the rivers more than the coast – I love being out in the beautiful valleys we’re surrounded by here.
Steph is a psychologist with a warm, thoughtful, and collaborative approach to supervision. She is passionate about creating a supportive and reflective space where supervisees feel safe to explore their clinical work, build confidence and broaden their skills.
Steph draws on her broad clinical experience as well as her research on self-reflection, and enjoys working with supervisees from many different professional backgrounds and disciplines.
Supervision Style
Steph’s supervision style is relational, reflective, and collaborative. She values creating a space where supervisees can bring both their strengths and their uncertainties. Supervision can have many aims depending on the clinician, including further developing clinical and professional skills, exploring career avenues and exploring the intersections of the personal and professional self in a safe and meaningful way.
Special Interests in Supervision
Steph particularly enjoys supporting clinicians in navigating the sometimes tricky early career years. This includes supporting psychologists in obtaining their registration.
Steph is also a practicing clinician with a PhD, meaning she is well placed to supervise early career clinicians who also have a research interest or completed a PhD before / alongside clinical practice.
Clinical Interests Include:
I enjoy working with a range of stress and anxiety presentations and disorders such as social anxiety, panic attacks, trauma and OCD, and also anxiety in the context of everyday life challenges and changes such as grief and loss, relationship stressors, school and peer issues, and life milestones such as retirement. Anxiety is nuanced and unique for each individual and our sessions may also involve working on other factors important to you such as sleep and mood and motivation.
If you could have a supervision session with one famous clinician, historical or present, who would it be?
One positive of social media is that it makes sneak peeks into the work of so many wonderful therapists from many different backgrounds a bit more accessible. So right now I’d love to chat with Dr Orna Guralnik as I find her approach totally enthralling, or perhaps Dr Billy Garvey for his beautiful way of communicating such deeply insightful parenting tips, however if you ask me again in a month it might be someone else again!
Fees & Rebates with Steph:
Individual Therapy: $210 / session (Medicare Rebate $101.55)
Clinical Supervision: $210 / session + GST