Simon MacLachlan

Healthy sleep is integral to overall mental health and wellness, yet so few people report they are happy with their sleep quality or duration. I’ll work collaboratively with you or your child to understand your sleep difficulties and improve your sleep and sleep-related concerns such as insomnia.

Sleep difficulties may include insomnia, hypersomnia and circadian rhythm disorders, and can often co-occur with FIFO routines, stress, depression, trauma, medical conditions and chronic pain. I also enjoy working with children and teens to help them with difficulties such as nighttime fears and circadian rhythm disorders. The treatment approaches I utilise include cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i), the first-line approach for the treatment of insomnia, and mindfulness-oriented therapies. These have been found to be helpful in:

• Understanding the genesis of sleep difficulties
• Treating the specific factors contributing to poor sleep
• Reducing mental over-activity
• Promoting relaxation
• Establishing behaviours and routines which promote a good night’s sleep

I am a clinical psychologist with experience in varied roles, including hospital mental health settings, child protection, and private practice. I received a Master of Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with Honours from Edith Cowan University. I hold additional training and experience in counselling, psychotherapy, and behavioural sleep medicine.

I am passionate about utilising evidence-based therapies informed by current research, and tailor my treatment approach to support the individual needs of my child, adolescent and adult clients.

My interpersonal style is relaxed, gentle and non-judgemental. I offer a safe, caring and empathic space for you to express what matters most to you. I validate your here-and-now experience, while collaborating with you to bring about positive change.