Renae Jarrett

My path to becoming a psychologist began with a deep appreciation for the privilege of helping others, along with a longstanding curiosity about the human mind and the ways we make sense of our experiences.  My teenage sons would say I am very interested in people – and they are right.  In therapy, that natural curiosity helps me listen carefully and understand each person’s story with warmth and respect. 

Before settling into therapeutic work, I wanted to gain broader life experience.  I travelled extensively, worked across a range of environments and held roles from entry-level positions through to senior management in the corporate world.  I have balanced motherhood and marriage along with my therapeutic work for the past 20 years.  These experiences influence the way I work and give me a strong appreciation for the pressures many people quietly carry - parenting, caregiving, relationships, work, identity, and the challenge of holding everything together in a fast-moving world.

I work with adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, grief, stress, burnout, life transitions, and the emotional impact of difficult experiences.  My approach is calm, practical, compassionate, and grounded in creating a collaborative space where people feel safe enough to explore what’s happening beneath the surface – at a pace that feels manageable.  I want to help people respond intentionally rather than react automatically to difficulties.

I draw primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), supporting people to better understand themselves, process painful experiences, and reconnect with the life they want to move towards.  I’m particularly interested in the relationship between trauma, the nervous system, and emotional wellbeing.

Therapy can include moments of vulnerability and emotional intensity, but also moments of relief, humour, insight, and genuine connection. My hope is that it becomes a place where you feel less alone with what you are carrying, and more able to engage in life with meaning, authenticity and connection.

For more information and direct bookings, please visit www.actualitepsychology.com.au

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The therapies I offer

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

EMDR uses eye movements or some other form of bilateral stimulation to allow the brain to naturally heal and process emotionally disturbing information. Overall, after EMDR you’re likely to think differently about traumatic events, leading to less negative impact on your life. As you process a series of key memories or issues over time, your symptoms are likely to reduce, providing positive and optimistic ways of thinking and your responses and behaviours are likely to change. Pathways start connecting between emotional and logical parts of the brain. These changes are likely to feel profound and long lasting due to addressing core issues rather than managing symptoms

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapy that helps by fostering psychological flexibility, enabling you to accept difficult emotions rather than fighting them, while committing to actions that align with your personal values. It helps shifts focus towards living a meaningful life, even in the presence of pain or adversity.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology,

    University of Newcastle, 1994 – 1997

  • AHPRA Registered Psychologist

    Psychology Internship, 2005 - 2008

Trainings

Continuous professional development for over 20 years via trainings, conferences and clinical supervision.

  • Psychology services are eligible for private health insurance rebates if you have the appropriate extras cover. Rebate amounts and session limits vary depending on your health fund and level of cover.

  • Individuals | 50 minutes

    $260 (GST inclusive)

    Medicare rebates available for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan

    Supervision | 50 minutes

    $210 (GST inclusive)

    • Full registration with Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA)

    • Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)

    • Member of the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)

    • Member of the Association of Contextual Behavioural Science (ACBS)

The Place Within operates on the land of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera and Turrbal Peoples. We acknowledge these peoples as the traditional custodians of this land. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ wisdom, culture, dreaming and ongoing connection to Country. Sovereignty was never ceded.

We also recognise the strength and diversity of all marginalised communities, including LGBTQIA+ people, and are committed to fostering an inclusive, affirming space for all.