Charles Maddison

ABOUT 

Charles Maddison is a psychotherapist, family therapist and mental health social worker. He is passionate about helping people living with complex and comorbid mental health challenges, particularly trauma survivors and adults living with symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is also committed to supporting the mental health needs of Australia’s First Nations people. 

Charles is skilled in family therapy cases including family conflict, adolescent behaviour issues, parenting practices and couples’ relationships. Drawing on his extensive background as an executive in corporate and government settings, he provides EAP and career counselling services. He also works with clients challenged by substance abuse when comorbid with other diagnoses. 

Taking a whole-of-system approach to clients’ problems, Charles has broad experience in treating various mental health challenges including: 

• Issues related to trauma (post-traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, intergenerational trauma, moral trauma, sexual and physical assault) 
• Complex trauma (long term difficulty regulating emotions and managing distress)
• Symptoms associated with adult Autism Spectrum Disorder 
• Mood disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar
• Families and couples in conflict 
• Career difficulties and other life challenges 
• Emotional dysregulation 
• Grief and loss 

Before training as a psychotherapist and social worker, Charles acquired many years’ experience as an executive with public and private sector organisations and not-for-profits. Since becoming a therapist he has worked in a private teaching clinic specialising in complex and comorbid cases; with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ counselling service for ADF personnel and their families (Open Arms); and in private practice. 

Clients with a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral from their GP to either Charles or to Cova Psychology can claim a Medicare rebate when they attend sessions with Charles, unless the client has reached their annual limit of consultations that attract a rebate. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Graduate Diploma of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (Bower Place Training) 
• Graduate Master of Social Work (Flinders University) 
• Master of Business Administration (Macquarie University) 
• Bachelor of Arts – English literature (University of Newcastle) 

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES 

With a warm, relaxed style balanced by direct interaction as required, Charles tailors therapy depending on clients’ needs and goals, emphasising a strong relationship between client and therapist. He provides evidence-based therapeutic approaches including: 

• Psychoeducation 
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) including Trauma-focussed CBT
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy 
• Assertiveness training 
• Anger management 
• Relaxation techniques 
• Motivational interviewing 
• Parent coaching and 
• Non-Violent Resistance in family settings. 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP 

• Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) – accredited Mental Health Social Worker 
• Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists (AAFT)