Darren Garriga - ATUNE Health Centres - Psychologist

BPsych, M ProfPsych, MAPS, MACA

Darren Garriga is a Registered Psychologist and is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) and the Australian Counselling Association (MACA). Darren holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle and a Masters Degree in Professional Psychology from Macquarie University. He is also an Approved Medicare provider.

Darren has worked with Lifeline Direct - Newcastle, Hunter & Central Coast for the past 8 years. During this time he has worked as the Counselling Supervisor of Lifeline’s Personal and Relationship Counselling Service, Face-to-Face Crisis Counsellor and Telephone Crisis Support volunteer. Darren has also worked with ARAFMI supporting carers of people with mental illness, and as a therapist at Joblink Plus.

Darren has experience working with a broad range of issues including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, bereavement, drug and alcohol, relationship issues, domestic and family violence, mental illness, work development orders, personality disorders, complex trauma, PTSD, and particularly helping people with thoughts of suicide.

Darren adopts a person-centred approach integrating cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, positive psychology and solution-focused therapy. He believes that creating a non-judgemental, safe and supportive environment whilst looking for everyone’s strengths can help move people towards emotional healing and better mental health.

Darren describes himself as someone who is passionate about people. In his spare time, he enjoys being with family, surfing, gym, health, and relaxing outdoors.