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

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/






























18/11/2025

Clinical Psychologist for NDIS Participants: Capacity Building Psychology Explained
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Capacity building psychology strengthens a person’s functional capacity so they can participate more fully in daily life. This post explains how NDIS funded capacity building differs from mainstream psychological treatment and outlines the conditions a clinical psychologist can support under the NDIS.

Read further: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/clinical-psychologist-for-ndis-participants-understanding-capacity-building-psychology/

16/11/2025

What is Radical Acceptance?
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

When we argue with reality, suffering expands. Radical acceptance is the skill of acknowledging what is true now, then acting on what helps. It is not approval. It is the foundation for change.

In DBT and ACT, acceptance reduces unnecessary struggle and supports values guided action. Try this sequence: notice resistance, state the facts, breathe, allow emotions, ask what is effective.

New article: What Is Radical Acceptance, including origins and evidence.
Read more and contact for appointments: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/contact/


15/11/2025

Regular walking and psychological health
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

You do not need a perfect program or ten thousand steps to support your mental health.

Even a short daily walk can
• settle the nervous system
• reduce stress and emotional tension
• clear mental fog
• reconnect you with your surroundings and your values

Research suggests that even modest regular physical activity can lower the risk of depression and support emotional wellbeing (2, 4). Time in nature adds further benefits for mood and stress reduction (1, 3). Full reference list is available on the Hennessy Clinical Psychology website.

Think of each walk as an act of self respect rather than a test of fitness. Start with what is realistic, notice how you feel before and after, and build from there.

If walking is difficult or unsafe for you, similar gentle movement or supported outings can offer many of the same benefits. Talk with your health team about what is possible in your situation.

Hennessy Clinical Psychology
Varsity Lakes and Telehealth

Read further: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/regular-walking-and-psychological-health/

14/11/2025

Acceptance Versus Change
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Acceptance and change may appear to be opposites, yet they work together to promote growth. When we stop fighting what is, distress reduces and space opens for calm, values-based change.

Read further: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/acceptance-versus-change/




11/11/2025

The irony of attachment
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

In Buddhist psychology, attachment means clinging, grasping for permanence in a changing world. Clinical Psychologist David Hennessy explains how awareness, compassion, and non-clinging create steadiness in life.

Read further: https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/the-irony-of-attachment/

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

Website

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