Dean

Mr Dean McManus, MPsych

Clinical Psychologist

verified by TherapyRoute

I treat a wide range of psychological concerns, with particular expertise in anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, stress and burnout, trauma, addiction, relationships, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I offer a direct, trauma-informed approach grounded in CBT, EMDR, and mindfulness, alongside psychological assessments (including autism, ADHD, personality, cognitive, and medico-legal), and have extensive experience supporting adults, teens, families, and minority clients.

About Me

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience across private, corporate, and government sectors. My work has included roles as an educator, resilience coach, counsellor, and psychologist, with a strong interest in mental health promotion, positive psychology, and social justice.

Approach

Work focuses on noticing how your body, thoughts and relationships signal what needs attention, then pairing that with targeted tools to reduce overwhelm and make everyday life steadier. In person in Helensvale or online in English, sessions are relaxed but purposeful, with short experiments, grounding skills and paced memory-processing when needed. Between sessions I offer simple practices and clear steps so momentum continues outside the room. People juggling identity questions, relationship strain or chronic overwhelm often find this steady, practical rhythm helpful.
Contact Dean

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services


Services Offered:

  • Psychological & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal psychological testing to identify conditions, map a person's cognitive and emotional profile, and guide treatment planning.

    Learn more about Psychological & Diagnostic Assessment
  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

    Learn more about EMDR
  • Play Therapy

    A therapy for children that uses play as a natural form of communication, allowing them to express feelings and process difficult experiences.

    Learn more about Play Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy

    A therapy that explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape current feelings, relationships, and behaviour.

    Learn more about Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Trauma Counselling

    Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.

    Learn more about Trauma Counselling

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Children
  • Couples
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise


Scope of Practice:

  • ADHD / Attention Difficulties

    A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about ADHD / Attention Difficulties
  • Anger

    An intense emotional response to perceived threat, injustice, or frustration that, when persistent or uncontrolled, can damage relationships and well-being.

    Learn more about Anger
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Autism (ASD)

    A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns, with a wide range of presentations and strengths.

  • Behaviour or Conduct Issues

    Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.

  • Depression

    A mood disorder marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in energy, sleep, or appetite that impair daily functioning.

    Learn more about Depression
  • Grief, Loss & Bereavement

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss, varying widely in duration and expression.

    Learn more about Grief, Loss & Bereavement
  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder

Professional Title:

  • Clinical Psychologist

    An advanced mental health professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and complex conditions.

Qualifications


Master of Psychology (Clinical)

University of New England

Year: 2022

Bachelor of Social Science

Charles Sturt University

Year: 2013

Service Area


Sanctum Psychology

In-person & Online

Gold Coast, Queensland

Australia

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