Hi, I am David Chong, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with over 38 years experience.

I treat all areas of human challenges and suffering – providing therapy in relation to life’s existential challenges (including depression and anxiety), trauma, addictions, sexuality, unexplained physical symptoms (with a psychological component) and cross cultural issues.

My multidimensional clinical thinking and awareness, compassion, sense of humour and directness creates an inspiring and thought provoking therapeutic process and a safe environment to express and experience emotions.

My own background – having Chinese parents and being raised in Brazil – has made me very comfortable working with people with unconventional and/or complex histories.

Psychotherapy requires courage and can be challenging. I will be there providing support and helping you heal and grow.

Contact me

Clinical Supervision & Training

I have a strong commitment to ongoing study and research to inform my work and better support my clients.

Clinical Supervision

I provide Clinical Supervision for clinicians in psychology or social work who are interested in developing their psychotherapeutic skills.

I’m a registered supervisor in all levels of psychology accreditation at the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) and across both Clinical and Counselling within the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

If you are interested in my clinical supervision services, please contact me.

Training

I have a strong study and research mind and am continuously studying and attending training to improve my work and support of my clients.

I’ve completed undertaken training across several areas including zen based psychotherapies, psychoanalysis, family therapy, phenomenological approaches, psychodrama, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, positive psychology, Morita Therapy and mindfulness theories.

Currently, I’m completing my teaching qualifications in Intensive Short Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) at [NAME OF BOSTON SCHOOL/FACILITY]

I regularly attend conferences and provide lectures locally and globally. I’ve previously guest lectured for the University of Phonm Pehn in Cambodia, Miazaki University in Japan, Friends international in both Cambodia and Laos and OXFAM, and at the City University of Hong Kong for their Psychology Doctorate program.

As well as English, I’m psychotherapeutically fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

In 2019 I was awarded the Order of Australia Medal – OAM for my services to the Brazilian Community as a psychologist.

Qualifications & Affiliations

  • ISTDP (Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) ISTDP Institute USA (2014 – 2017)
  • ISTDP Teacher Training – Under Patricia Coughlin – Boston 2018 until present
  • Masters in Education/Counselling Psychology – La Trobe University (1994 – 1998)
  • Psychodrama Practitioner – Australian College of Psychodrama and Psychodrama of Melbourne (1992 – 2004)
  • Bachelor in Psychology – Post Graduate in Clinical Psychology and Licentiate in Psychology, FUMEC  – MG, Brazil (1981 – 1985)
  • Advanced Trauma and Incidence Debriefing – Rob Gordon – 2001
  • Melbourne Playback Theatre (Feb 1999 – March 2002)
  • Family and Organisational Mediation (intro, intermediate and advance) (1998 ad 1999) Relationships Australia
  • Intensive training in Problematic Drug and Alcohol use and Mental Illness – Wollongong University (1997)
  • Boston University Models of Psychiatric Recovery (1997) – Prahran Mission
  • Diploma in Ericksonian Hypnosis (1995)
  • Train the Trainer (1992)
  • Cert IV Workplace training and assessment – Holmesglen college of TAFE (2004)
  • Consultancy and Organisational Dynamics – AISA (1993)
  • Couples Counselling and Family Therapy – Bouverie Family Therapy Centre (1991 – 1992)
  • Cross Cultural Family Therapy – Catholic Family Welfare Bureau (1990)
  • Advanced Debriefing – Rob Gordon (2001)
  • MBTI Accreditation – Australian Psychological Press (2005)
  • 360 Lominger Voices – LND International (2005)
  • Supervisor Training – Michael Carrol (2008-2010)
  • Full Member AHPRA – Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Agency ( Clinical Specialty)
  • Accredited AHPRA Supervisor – All levels
  • Full Member APS – Australian Psychological Society  – Clinical and Counselling Specialist College
  • Accredited Supervisor Clinical and Counselling Specialist College
  • IEDTA International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association
  • Portfolio Coordinator of Health and Social Services – Brazilian Citizens Council of Victoria – CCBV

Contact me

To make an appointment, please call 0413 423 595 during business hours and leave a message with your name, contact number and best time time to get back to you. 

When contacting you, I will spend around 15 minutes talking with you to ascertain if I am the best fit for you and if not, I will make suggestions of colleagues that I think would.

I run a one person practice and tailor the service to the specific person or couple I see. The first session will be an up to 2 hour appointment and I have found that an 80 min session has given considerable better outcomes than the conventional 50 min session.

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Location

My practice is located in East Melbourne:
Suite 03/228 Clarendon Street, East Melbourne 3002 Victoria Australia.