About
Damien Parker
(Clinical Psychology Registrar)
The Painted Porch was a meeting place for all to discuss life and how to live one’s life in the face of obstacles.
About Damien
Hi I'm Damien Parker and I am here to help others use their obstacles as opportunities to grow, so nobody feels left behind in life, but is growing towards a life they want.
Bio:
I began my career working in Kindergarten and Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) as a Coordinator for 7 years. During this time I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. I was then offered the opportunity to work as an Inclusion Professional for 5 years, coaching and mentoring educators across the Darling Downs. Realising the potential mental health had on education and therefore one’s life, I started my journey studying psychology.
Growing up, my family worked as fencing contractors so we went where the work was. From the Gold Coast, Beaudesert, Goondiwindi, Comet, Rockhampton to finally Toowoomba. Going against the grain I discovered my love of psychology. But I connect with my roots through my vegetable garden. I love growing garlic, onions, kale, rocket, spinach, parsnips (when they germinate), carrots and broccoli.
Areas of Interest/Specialty:
Depression, anxiety, stress/work related stress, trauma, low self-esteem, low motivation, adjustment challenges, grief and loss, burnout, personal effectiveness and resilience challenges
Qualifications:
Master of Clinical Psychology, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
Damien holds a Master of Clinical Psychology, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) from the University of Southern Queensland. He is a registered Clinical Psychology Registrar and a proud member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Damien is committed to ongoing professional development, continually expanding his knowledge to deliver the highest standard of care.
Why the Painted Porch?
Painted Porch Practice draws on the philosophical roots of the “painted porch” from which Stoicism takes its name. A meeting place in fifth century Athens, where people from all walks of life would discuss how to live. Modern psychologists Albert Ellis and Dr Aaron Beck credit Stoic philosophy with influencing their perspective cognitive psychology.
The Painted Porch Practice is where we will come together to meet and support you on your journey. As you work with us, you’ll practice new skills, learn about yourself and be supported as you approach and overcome your obstacles.
Our Philosophy
The Painted Porch was a meeting place for all to discuss life and how to live one’s life in the face of obstacles.
Hold Space with you
This means creating a space where you can let out your thoughts, emotions and life story and not be judged. To acknowledge and listen to your experience.
Calm and warm
My approach is grounded in unconditional positive regard. It means meeting you where you are at in life, without judgement, to help you grow at your pace.
Feedback Informed Practice
“If a seed isn’t growing, you don’t change the seed you change the soil”.
Feedback informed practice means routinely checking in with you to assess if treatment is meeting your therapy goals. If it is not then I need to adjust treatment as needed.
I am here to help others use their obstacles as opportunities to grow, so nobody feels left behind in life, but is growing towards a life they want.
Thank you for contacting us.We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
We got it.
Ready to begin?
You don’t have to take the next step alone.
Reaching out is the first step.
Thank you for contacting us.We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
We got it.
Ready to begin?
You don’t have to take the next step alone — reaching out is already part of the work.