Stephens & Bradley Forensic Clinical Psychological Services

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Stephens & Bradley employs a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) treatment approach that aims to solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviours and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure. Essentially we focus on the "here and now" in alleviating psychological distress, whilst appreciating that life experiences contribute to our understanding of 'the world', our beliefs about how 'the 'world' is, and how 'we' are expected to behave in 'it'.

With CBT you develop an understanding of the role your thoughts and behaviours play in creating and maintaining emotional distress. You are taught a range of skills to help you challenge and modify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, and produce different emotional responses.


Is this you?

• Are your worries holding you back?
  
• Can't seem to shake your low mood?
  
• Have been the victim of a violent or fearful offence?
  
• Have experienced traumatic events in your life?
  
• Have been charged for something you may have done?
  
• Are subject to proceedings in a Court of Law?
  
• Are always angry or your behaviour is not 'normal'?
  
• Having panic attacks?
  
• Feel scared or worried for no particular reason?
  
• Having difficulty with drinking or drugs?
  
• Struggling with fears or concerns?
  
• Have suffered 'stress' or injury in the workplace?

Do you feel or have you experienced any of these things? At different times in our lives many people will experience these feelings, thoughts and behaviours. It doesn't mean you are 'crazy', or inherently 'bad'. Other people have experienced similar and different types of traumatic events, and they have 'made it through' so it is important for you remember that you can too.

The difficult decision now is 'what do you want to do about them?'


It's okay

'Life' does not always go the way we planned, does not necessarily fit into what we think 'should' have happened, nor does it necessarily treat us well. Thus there are times when our life experiences can cause us psychological and emotional pain, along with difficulties in carrying out our day to day activities. When this does happen we can find it difficult, and struggle to cope not only with the difficult situation, but our life generally. Many of us can experience a sense of hopelessness and can feel overwhelmed by what is happening.

Sometimes we act or behave in a manner that our family, friends or society do not agree or accept, and this can result in various 'problems' both legally and socially. At Stephens & Bradley we separate behaviour from the person and believe that individual instances of behaviour do not alone determine a person as 'good' or 'bad', 'worthy' or 'not worthy'.

It is not uncommon for inappropriate, unacceptable or unlawful behaviour to manifest itself at a result of previously experienced painful or damaging physical or psychological trauma. Thus Stephens & Bradley are able to provide therapeutic services to both clinical and forensic clients in order to help them move through the sometimes difficult psychological and emotional difficulties they, and their families, can experience.


Profile

Our Principal Psychologist, Bradley Jones, is endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia as a Forensic Psychologist. He has completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), a Master of Psychology (Forensic), and has more than 20 years in the Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, and the NSW Corrections system. Brad has worked in a variety of settings including the NSW Police Force, Probation and Parole Service (NSW) and now in private practice.
Brad has conducted research and health promotion in the area of child attachment and the effect upon adult relationships; anxiety and it's influence upon drug and alcohol treatment; schizophrenia offending behaviour and treatment options; and the psychological effects of Police Witness Protection Programs upon Law Enforcement Officers, program participants and non involved members of the public.

The combination of Brad's employment and continuing studies has given him extensive experience in the areas of law enforcement and it's inherent triggers for depression, anxiety and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); victims of crime and its many debilitating psychological and physical impacts; the motivations and causes of criminal offending behaviour and its legal implications; and offender incarceration and rehabilitation.

Brad is well acquainted in giving evidence and undergoing cross examination in the NSW Local, District, and Supreme Courts along with the NSW Coroners Court. Given the many complexities of therapy and with the many 'discoveries' in forensic and clinical psychological research, Brad endeavours to keep up to date with current research.

Memberships

Registered Forensic Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia

Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Associate Member of the APS College of Forensic Psychologists

Member of the Australian Association of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Member of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law

Member of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse

Member of the International Academy of Investigative Psychologists

Member of the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology