Damien MacMunn

Damien MacMunn is a registered psychologist, having completed a masters-level psychology qualification from the University of Queensland. He is empathetic, warm, and solutions-focused in his approach to therapy. Damien always endeavours to create a safe and trusting environment for his clients.

Damien finds it particularly rewarding to support his clients in making positive and sustainable change that lasts beyond therapy. 

Damien draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic methods to support client wellness and progress, adapting his approach to suit client needs. Damien utilises a variety of therapeutic approaches, primarily: 

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

As cliché as it may sound, the most rewarding aspect of my work is the opportunity to help people. Life presents many challenges, and we all encounter adversity in various forms. No two clients are the same and I find immense fulfilment in using my training to support them in overcoming obstacles, adapting to difficulties, and discovering new strategies that bring greater joy and satisfaction into their lives. Although it’s always bittersweet to say a heartfelt goodbye, I feel deeply grateful and privileged to have been part of each client’s personal growth and wellness journey.

There are many ways to practise self-care, and what works can vary greatly from person to person. For me, physical activity has always been a key part of my self-care routine, and I make a conscious effort to engage in some form of physically rewarding activity daily. While my routine can vary, I regularly lift weights at the gym, go indoor rock climbing with friends, practise beginner mixed martial arts, and go running. These activities provide not only exercise but also a sense of mastery, mental detachment from work, and opportunities for social interaction—three key ingredients for effective rest and recovery! They leave me feeling more energised, happy, and motivated, which is especially important on challenging days when negative thoughts and fatigue can surface.

I would describe my therapeutic approach as compassionate and goal directed. Therapy is fundamentally about fostering positive change, and I believe that for it to be effective, it must be empathetic, offer a sense of autonomy, and provide a clear path forward for each client. In practical terms, this involves deeply understanding each person’s unique challenges, values, needs, and aspirations, setting meaningful and tailored goals to guide our work together, and collaboratively developing and implementing evidence-based strategies to achieve these goals. By adopting this approach, my aim is to ensure that each client feels genuinely heard, actively engaged in the process, and empowered with a clear and practical path forward.

There are many challenges and issues that align with my professional interests and training. Specifically, this includes stress, anxiety, depression and mood disorders, vocational difficulties, grief, occupational strain and burnout, and transitions and adjustments to change. While many psychotherapies exist, I primarily use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviours, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasises accepting difficult emotions and committing to meaningful actions and change.