Bellarine Psychology

26/09/2025

Today’s AFL Grand Final is more than a game — it’s a celebration of the years of dedication, resilience, and personal growth that bring athletes to the biggest stage.

In life, we are constantly reminded that outcomes matter — but what matters even more is the journey. The setbacks faced, the courage to keep going, the discipline to prepare day after day, and the relationships that sustain people along the way.

These qualities are not only what define great athletes, but also what help people in all walks of life to grow and thrive.

As the game unfolds today, we acknowledge the depth of effort and character that underpins performance — and we celebrate the human side of sport that endures beyond the scoreboard.

20/09/2025

Dane Barclay – Limited Availability for New Clients

Dane Barclay has re-opened his books at Bellarine Psychology, with limited availability for new sport and performance psychology clients.

With over 15 years of experience in high-performance psychology, Dane has worked with people performing at the highest levels — including AFL players, Olympians, professional golfers, musicians, surgeons, and business leaders.

His approach is grounded in a paradigm that flips the traditional performance lens on its head: rather than fighting against difficult emotions, Dane supports clients to recognise and work with them, so they can perform with clarity, presence, and purpose when it matters most.

Services include:
✨ Individual consultations in sport and performance psychology
✨ Workshops and talks on mindset, resilience, and thriving under pressure
✨ Tailored programs to support sporting clubs, schools, and organisations in fostering strong performance cultures

📺 To get a sense of his approach, you can view his TEDx Talk: Get Comfortable With Your Discomfort

Do you recall those moments that you were so nervous or under pressure that you could not perform? Athletes and in fact any high performing person goes throu...

10/09/2025

WORLD SU***DE PREVENTION DAY: Today, 10 September, our thoughts are with the children and young people in our Wombat's Wish community impacted by the su***de of a parent or carer. 💙

This year we continue the message 'We all have a role to play' by ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’. At Wombat's Wish, we are committed to doing this through providing specialised support to parentally bereaved children across Victoria, many of whom are grieving a parent who has taken their own life.

Our work means that children and young people do not have to go through their grief alone. That they get to explore their memories and difficult feelings with the help of a team of highly qualified and caring mental health professionals, with no stigma or judgement. That they get to meet other children and their families who are also walking this uniquely difficult path and build friendships for life.

Our work means that grieving children and young people get to participate in activities that build their resilience and develop their coping skills, to ensure that their futures remain bright, hopeful and full of promise.

Our work means that the surviving parent or carer can build a community of support and understanding and access resources for their own self-care.

If you are a carer or professional support for a child in Victoria impacted by parental su***de, you are welcome to reach out via referral. We are always here to help.

10/09/2025

🌍 From the Arctic Circle to a 100 km ultramarathon — Dane Barclay returns to work in Ocean Grove 🏡

After time away hiking in the Arctic Circle 🥾❄️, and travelling to Sweden for the European Masters Laser regatta ⛵🇸🇪 (catching up with the Australian team’s coach and old sailing mates), Dane Barclay is back with open books at Bellarine Psychology.

This weekend, he’ll be putting his own philosophy of “getting comfortable with discomfort” into practice by running a 100 km ultramarathon 🏃‍♂️💯km. And once he has recovered (wink! 😉), Dane will again be opening availability for a limited number of new sport and performance psychology clients.

With over 15 years in high performance psychology 🎓, Dane has worked with people performing at the highest levels — from AFL players 🏉, Olympians 🥇, and tour professionals 🏌️‍♂️ to musicians 🎶, opera singers 🎭, surgeons 🩺, and leaders 👩‍💼 — supporting them to bring their best when it matters most.

✨ Dane supports and educate local communities and sporting clubs 🤝. On offer:

🎤 Workshops and talks on performance mindset, resilience, and thriving under pressure

🗣️ Community Q&A sessions for athletes, parents, and coaches

📘 Tailored programs to support clubs and groups who want to foster strong performance cultures

📺 Get a sense of his approach: TEDx Talk – Get Comfortable With Your Discomfort
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OFmJUqswKg

📩 To enquire about individual sessions or workshops, contact Bellarine Psychology – Ocean Grove on (03) 5216 3999 or visit bellarinepsychology.com.au

Do you recall those moments that you were so nervous or under pressure that you could not perform? Athletes and in fact any high performing person goes throu...

09/09/2025

Last week I attended the neurodivergent clinicians symposium in Melbourne- there were plenty of clever people to learn from but the shopping was pretty awesome too and making good use of them at school today. Particularly loving my new emotional support pup Raffy

05/09/2025

We’re Hiring – Receptionist (Part-Time) Based in Ocean Grove

We’re looking for a friendly, organised and reliable Receptionist to join our team in Ocean Grove.

~15 hours per week across 4 days, variable to assist with busy periods and leave coverage

What you’ll do:
- Welcome clients in person and over the phone with professionalism and empathy
- Manage appointments, cancellations and client enquiries
- Keep client records accurate and up to date in our practice software
- Support clinicians and the Operations Manager with admin tasks

About you:
- Warm, empathetic and a great communicator
- 1+ years in a customer service role (allied health experience a bonus!)
- Tech-savvy and willing to learn new systems
- A true team player

📧 To apply, send your resume and a short cover email to Steph at operationsmanager@bellarine-psychology.com.au
🗓️ Applications close 14 September 2025

02/09/2025

We love the idea of glimmers - those tiny, joyful moments that remind us we are connected and okay. A smile, a deep breath, sunlight on your face, the view of the ocean on the way to work… little sparks that can shift a whole day. Keep an eye out for your glimmers today - sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference.

Glimmers signal to our nervous system that we are safe✨️ //

31/08/2025

🎥 Finals season spotlight

At Bellarine Psychology, we’re excited to share a TED Talk from our own Performance Psychologist, Dane Barclay, delivered in New Zealand.

Dane unpacks what makes you tick and how to refocus on what really counts in pressure moments. These same strategies have helped elite athletes perform when it matters most — from clutch premiership wins to career-defining performances.

With finals season upon us across so many sports, there’s no better time to tune in.

Do you recall those moments that you were so nervous or under pressure that you could not perform? Athletes and in fact any high performing person goes throu...

28/08/2025

This Speech Pathology Week, we’re celebrating our speech pathologist, Claire Garlepp.

This year’s theme, Impact Through Communication, highlights the vital role speech pathologists play in helping people connect, build confidence, and thrive.

Claire does this every day—supporting children and families with practical strategies, compassion, and a focus on making communication work in real life.

Thanks, Claire, for the impact you create through communication and being such an important part of the team here and

26/08/2025

✨ Why We All Will Be Talking About Taylor’s Engagement ✨
(A psychology perspective)

The Parasocial Connection
We feel like we “know” Taylor.
Even though she doesn’t know us, our brains form a parasocial bond — a one-sided relationship that still feels real and emotional. M

Parasocial relationships can:
✔️ Boost belonging
✔️ Spark joy when good things happen
✔️ Provide comfort in tough times
It’s normal, and it shows how deeply wired humans are for connection.

We may not all marry an NFL player…
But investing in our own relationships — with partners, friends, and ourselves — is what truly enriches our mental wellbeing.

23/08/2025

☀️ A little late for mid-year, but the sunshine turned on just in time for our team catch-up today! The photo isn’t perfect (too much chatting and laughing going on), but it was so lovely to hang out together and meet some of the partners and kids too. Feeling very lucky to work with such great people in such a beautiful spot Flying Brick Cider Co

10/08/2025

Professional development + a stunning Daylesford weekend

Spent the weekend with the APS Clinical Psychologists learning from some brilliant minds — updates from the Psychology Board, fresh ideas in trauma-informed practice, schema therapy insights, and even a yoga/movement session for client care (and our own self-care!).

Loved connecting with colleagues from near and far — including surprise catch-ups with local Bellarine Psychologists Lucy Goode and Daniella De Fazio . Such a reminder of how strong and connected our psychology community is.