Principal Psychologist
CRISTIAN MCHEILEH
Cristian is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and was awarded both First Class Honours in Psychology and a Master of Professional Psychology by Monash University (Melbourne, Australia). Cristian has experience with clients from a wide range of cultural and social backgrounds across public and private mental health sectors. He gained valuable clinical experience through his work supporting vulnerable young people with complex needs in Youth Justice. Cristian’s work with disadvantaged youth shaped his practice and underpins his values of social justice and a recognition of systemic factors that perpetuate inequality.
Cristian adopts a warm, empathic, collaborative approach and establishes trust quickly. He offers treatments for a range of presenting problems using evidence-based therapies that are individually tailored to meet the needs of his clients. He often draws on principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Interpersonal Processes, helping people to develop insight and find practical solutions to their problems. Cristian has experience with young people and adults treating anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, relationship issues, self-harming, addictions, stress, amongst other problems.
Cristian aims to create a safe space to process and explore trauma, spiritual crisis, and psychosis. He supports his clients to examine conditioning, cultural and religious beliefs, norms, and values. He also has an interest in working with people across diverse sexuality, sex, and gender spectrums. Cristian is open-minded and facilitates a comfortable pace for clients to draw on their strengths and lead a more fulfilling life.
OUR PURPOSE
Hourglass Psychology was founded in 2021 by psychologist Cristian Mcheileh, in response to the growing demand for mental health services that emerged during pandemic times. Together with the mounting awareness of social justice issues have undoubtedly contributed to people’s existential concerns and their place in this ever evolving world. Hourglass Psychology provides emotional and psychological support within this context, seeking to thoughtfully integrate an individual’s personal difficulties with the broader society in which they live.
“I created Hourglass Psychology to offer people a place where they could be themselves without judgement. We celebrate diversity and are allies of minority groups within our community.”
We adopt an inclusive philosophy and are dedicated to providing care to a wide range of culturally diverse people. This includes those whose backgrounds and identities are aligned and differ from the psychologist’s own, such as ethnicity, age, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, open relationships and polyamory, vegetarianism/veganism, chronic or terminal illness, and people of all abilities.
Why Hourglass?
Most scientific research shares the same general structure following the shape of an hourglass. The Hourglass Method usually starts with a broad area of interest, then narrows down into specific testable hypotheses or focus questions. At the narrowest point of the hourglass, researchers directly observe and measure the question of interest. The data collected is analysed, interpreted and conclusions are broadened back out to apply relevance to real world scenarios and applications. And so… at Hourglass Psychology, research informs evidence-based practice.
TREATMENT AREAS
Hourglass Psychology seeks to assist those experiencing a range of difficulties by practicing at the forefront of clinical research.
Addiction (incl. alcohol/other drugs)
Adjustment difficulties
Anger management
Anxiety
Behavioural difficulties
Communication and social challenges
Cultural difficulties
Depression
Disassociation
Emotion regulation difficulties
Excessive worry
Gender and/or sexuality challenges
Grief and loss
Guilt
Hopelessness
Impulsivity
Low motivation
Low self-esteem/self-worth
Mood fluctuations
Obsessions and compulsions
Panic
Perfectionism
Post-traumatic stress
Psychosis
Relationship/interpersonal difficulties
Self-harm
Sexual and/or performance issues
Social anxiety
Stagnation
Stress
Suicidal thoughts
Trauma
Work-related problems/bullying