Hennessy Clinical Psychology

Hennessy Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychologist, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, NDIS, DVA.

MPsych (Clin), BPsych (Hons I), MAPS FCCLP
David has worked in a range of mental health and physical health settings, including inpatient acute psychiatric and psychiatric residential rehabilitation, acute medical health psychology and physical rehabilitation, community mental health case management, and private practice. David also spent eight years with Lifeline across counselling, supervision, and training roles. David has worked in a range of mental health and physical health settings, including: inpatient acute psychiatric and psychiatric residential rehabilitation, acute medical health psychology and physical rehabilitation, community mental health case management, and private practice. David is experienced in working psychotherapeutically to assist clients experiencing:

Complex adult mental health presentations
Schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder​
Adjustment to physical/medical health issues​
Persistent pain
Trauma and complex trauma
Mood and anxiety disorders
Phobias
Obsessions and/or compulsions
Substance use and addiction
Grief and loss

30/11/2025

Acquired brain injury and psychology
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Acquired brain injury can reshape a person’s life in significant ways. Memory, mood, identity, roles and relationships may all shift. Many people describe a before and after feeling.

Psychological support can help with grief, emotional regulation, cognitive changes, and rebuilding identity. It also supports carers and family who often experience their own adjustment process.

Healing and meaning remain possible. You do not have to walk through it alone.


Have a quick read:https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/abi-and-psychology-acquired-brain-injury-psychology/























29/11/2025

Psychological Benefits of Simplicity
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Simplicity helps the mind settle. When we reduce unnecessary complexity, we lower cognitive load and support clearer thinking and calmer emotional states.
Simple steps help: breathe, notice your thoughts, feel your feet on the ground, and ask yourself what you need right now.
Small, steady actions bring the mind back to clarity and balance.

Read further:https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/psychological-benefits-of-simplicity/




















28/11/2025

Nature is a gift to our psychological health
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature/

Why Nature Matters for Mental Health | A regular dose of nature benefits mental health. I treat time in nature as essential for my own mental wellbeing. As a clinical psychologist, my work revolves around supporting people through some of life’s most painful and complex emotional challenges....




The Power Of Doing NothingBy David Hennessy, Clinical PsychologistOften, the best way to move forward is to stop.Rest is...
28/11/2025

The Power Of Doing Nothing
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Often, the best way to move forward is to stop.
Rest is not something we earn. It is something we require.

Psychology and neuroscience show that intentional pauses support clearer thinking, steadier emotions and nervous system recovery.

Doing nothing is not laziness. It is deliberate restoration.
In that quiet space, insight arises and energy returns.

If you are tired, you may not need to try harder.
You may need to stop.
Just for a while.

David the Psychologist


Read further: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/power-of-doing-nothing/























27/11/2025

Balancing the Happy and the Crappy
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Daily life often brings lighter moments sitting beside heavier ones. For people living with chronic disabling health conditions or psychosocial disability, this mix can feel even more noticeable.

Capacity building psychology supports people to build steadier coping, daily structure, emotional regulation, and communication skills. It helps strengthen confidence in navigating both the easier and harder parts of life.

Therapy at Hennessy Clinical Psychology is practical, grounded, and person centred.
Based in Varsity Lakes and available through Telehealth.

Bookings: hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/contact/
Read further: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/balance-happy-and-crappy/



















26/11/2025

Nature is a gift to our psychological health
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist
Nature is a gift to our psychological health
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

A quick read: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature/

Why Nature Matters for Mental Health | A regular dose of nature benefits mental health. I treat time in nature as essential for my own mental wellbeing. As a clinical psychologist, my work revolves around supporting people through some of life’s most painful and complex emotional challenges....





https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature/

Why Nature Matters for Mental Health | A regular dose of nature benefits mental health. I treat time in nature as essential for my own mental wellbeing. As a clinical psychologist, my work revolves around supporting people through some of life’s most painful and complex emotional challenges....




24/11/2025

What Is Mindfulness?
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Mindfulness is not about making the mind go blank.
It is not about perfect attention.

It is the simple, steady practice of noticing when your mind has wandered and guiding it back with kindness.

Mindfulness invites us to show up for our life, one moment at a time.
It supports emotional steadiness, clearer attention, healthier relationships, and care for anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].

Some days feel calm.
Some days feel restless.
Both are entirely human.

Every gentle return to the present builds a friendlier relationship with your inner world.

Enquiries or Appointments
Link in bio
hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/contact/

Read further: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/what-is-mindfulness/

23/11/2025

Therapy for Depression in Varsity Lakes
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Sometimes life can feel heavy and burdened, like dark clouds that just won’t seem to lift.

Depression is much more than a period of sadness. Depression can dim our motivation, energy, and sense of who we are. This is usually a very lonely experience. Therapy is about walking alongside you, gently exploring what matters and finding steady ground.

In our sessions, I draw on CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches. We work together to find practical, real-world ways to help you reconnect with what gives life meaning. Wise therapeutic support can be a great comfort while working together to get back to a sense of meaning.

Support that is grounded, thoughtful, and human.
Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast, QLD
In person or via telehealth
Book here: hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/contact/

Read further: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/therapy-for-depression-in-varsity-lakes/

21/11/2025

How Happy Is the Typical Person?
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Many people quietly wonder if everyone else is happier or more settled than they are.

Research suggests that most adults sit in a middle range of happiness. We move through our week with a mix of contentment, tension, frustration, and periods of pleasure or connection.

Our minds are wired for problem solving, so they tend to focus on trouble before joy. Light hearted fun and ease often need deliberate practice.

With practice, we can learn to:
• notice this balancing act without harsh judgement
• engage in radical acceptance of our changing inner world
• take small actions that support balance and steadiness

Simple behaviours help, such as spending time in nature, gentle movement, reaching out to others, practising humour, or pausing to breathe and slow the pace of the day.

Happiness is less a destination and more a shifting rhythm. With patience, awareness, and small repeated actions, we can cultivate a sense of balance that is grounding, supportive and sustainable.

Read further: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/how-happy-is-the-typical-person/

20/11/2025

Fun Friday | Psychology of fun. There is a powerful link between fun and psychological well-being. As adults, it’s easy to become consumed by responsibilities, routines, and expectations. But nurturing our inner child, the part of us that thrives on curiosity, creativity, and joy is not just an indulgence. Fun isn’t frivolous, it’s foundational.

Read More: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/the-psychology-of-fun/.
Have you had your dose of nature yet today?
By David the Varsity Lakes Psychologist. https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature/

20/11/2025

Buddhist Teachings and Modern Psychology
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Buddhist teachings have guided human reflection for more than two thousand years, and many of these ideas sit comfortably within contemporary psychology. They encourage a calmer relationship with thoughts and emotions and offer guidance that fits well with both daily life and therapeutic work.

Through years in the trades, counselling, training, and clinical practice, I have noticed that people respond well to grounded and workable ideas. Buddhist philosophy offers practical ways of understanding the mind that align with mindfulness based interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and compassion oriented approaches.

Concepts such as impermanence, non attachment, compassion, and present moment awareness help reduce inner tension and support healthier patterns. These ideas continue to influence modern therapeutic models and provide useful frameworks for personal and professional growth.

Read further: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/buddhist-teachings-modern-psychology/






























Address

155 Varsity Parade
Varsity Lakes, QLD
4227

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm

Telephone

+61414277596

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