Optimus Psychology

About Optimus Psychology

Our Philosophy

At Optimus Psychology, we believe that every individual has the potential to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. We strive to empower our clients to overcome challenges and achieve their goals through a collaborative and strengths-based approach.

Our Aim

We aim to consider the individual as a whole and, in doing so, may incorporate a range of techniques and practices to help you explore your inner strengths and resources and create a more balanced and meaningful life. We will help you develop greater self-awareness, deal with challenges more effectively, enhance your decision making and problem-solving skills, and improve your overall wellbeing and performance. We will help to shift your focus from what's wrong, to what's strong.

Empowering Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

Our Founder

Kate Meyer is a registered psychologist and veteran with twenty-five years’ experience working primarily with the Australian Defence Force. She has provided psychological support to individuals in various locations - including the Antarctic, and on-board warships in the Middle East, United States, and Southeast Asia - and understands firsthand that navigating life's challenges will not always be smooth sailing.

Kate is also an accredited meditation teacher, organisational coach, and Strengths Profile practitioner. She is interested in the development of good mental health, wellbeing, and resilience, and she has a special interest in the health and wellbeing of veterans. As the founder of Optimus Psychology, Kate adopts a solution-focused and strengths-based approach to promote positive self-growth and help others achieve their goals and reach their true potential.

Kate's Strengths: Optimism, Resilience, Humour, Growth, and Persistence

Education and Qualifications

Master of Organisational Psychology

Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing

Accredited Strengths Profile Practitioner

Level Two Certification in Organisational Coaching

Level Two Accreditation as a Meditation Teacher

Finding Clarity and Balance

Individual Sessions

At Optimus Psychology, we offer individual sessions tailored to your unique needs. We use evidence-based approaches to help teach you practical skills and strategies to navigate through life's challenges with greater confidence and clarity. Together, we will work towards achieving your personal goals and enhancing your overall health and wellbeing.

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Group Workshops

Individual Sessions

At Optimus Psychology, we offer a range of workshops and presentations which can be tailored to your team's unique requirements - from one hour to one day workshops.

Simply contact us to discuss your needs.

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Meditation Workshop - Book Now!

Half-Day Mini Retreat - Book Now!

Are you curious about meditation but don't know where to start? Then why not check out our next Mediation for Beginners Workshop?

This three-hour workshop is designed to introduce beginner students to a variety of simple meditation and mindfulness techniques which can be used in almost any situation - anytime, anywhere!

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Half-Day Mini Retreat - Book Now!

This half-day mini retreat is designed specifically for veterans and emergency service workers seeking space to reconnect, re-energise, and restore their sense of wellbeing. Drawing upon the principles of positive psychology, mindfulness, meditation, self-reflection, and the healing qualities of nature, this retreat offers a nurturing environment for small groups to pause, process, and replenish.

The retreat provides a supportive atmosphere where participants can explore practical strategies to enhance resilience, build inner resources, and foster a sense of community with others who share similar experiences.

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Meditation for Beginners

Workshop Details

Course Aims

This three-hour workshop is designed to introduce beginner students to a variety of simple meditation and mindfulness techniques which can be used in almost any situation - anytime, anywhere!

During the workshop, you will be taught the following:

-What meditation is and is not

-Key attitudes and behaviours required to meditate effectively

-A variety of meditation techniques to help you relax your body and calm your mind

By the end of the workshop, you will develop:

-Improved understanding of what meditation is

-Increased confidence to meditate in almost any situation

-Improved ability to relax your body and calm your mind

Pre-requisites

-This workshop is designed for total beginners, so no previous experience is necessary!

What to Bring

-Journal/notebook and pen for note taking and self-reflection

-Water bottle and snacks

-Meditation cushion/stool and blanket

-A positive and curious mindset

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Resources

Profiles and Surveys

Character Strengths

Character Strengths are the positive parts of your personality that impact how you think, feel and behave. Scientists have identified 24 character strengths that you have the capacity to express. By taking the VIA Character Strengths Survey, you will discover your unique character strengths profile. Knowing and applying your highest character strengths is the key to you being your best self. Click on the link to take this free survey and discover your character strengths now!

Strengths profile

Knowing your strengths helps you to focus on the tasks you do well and enjoy, and the benefits are backed by research. It won't just benefit you, but the people, teams, and organisations you work with. You can discover your top three realised strengths, three unrealised strengths, two learned behaviours and one weakness using the Strengths Profile Free Starter Profile. Use it to start your strengths journey, gain self-awareness of what you love to do and support any job applications. Click on the link to get your Free Starter Profile now!

Personal Values

To know your personal values, you first need to understand what they are. Values can be simply described as those things which are important to us. For example, family, health, security, freedom, trust, etc. Your values have shaped you into the person who you are today and can be a strong motivation for us to act as we naturally strive to live in harmony with our values as much as possible. However, defining your own values is not always as easy as it seems. And even if you are able to define them, you may not always know which ones are the most important to you. If you are interested in discovering your own personal values, you might like to take the free personal values test. Take the Personal Values Assessment to discover your core values now!

Guided Meditations

Are you curious about meditation, but not sure where to start? If so, you can check out some of our meditations for free on Insight Timer, such as the one below:

https://insig.ht/UO2dEQPBONb?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share

Or, if you'd like to learn more about meditation, then please make sure you book now for our Meditation for Beginners Workshop!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at admin@optimuspsychology.com.au if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How much does it normally cost to see a psychologist?

The fees that psychologists charge can vary and depend on the type of work being offered, as well as the setting in which they work. The recommended fee by the Australian Psychological Society for a standard 45 - 60-minute session is $311.00 for the 2024-2025 financial year. At Optimus Psychology, our costs are $225 for an initial consultation and $200 for follow-up consultations.

Do I need a referral?

You do not need a referral from a GP or psychiatrist to make an appointment with Optimus Psychology.

Am I entitled to a rebate?

If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate for psychology services. Contact your private health insurance provider to find out if you are eligible.

What is the main difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?

Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, psychology and counselling are not the same. A counsellor may have completed training ranging anywhere from a three-day course up to a Master's level qualification. In comparison, psychology requires more formal education with the completion of a minimum of six years training. In Australia, the practice of psychology is heavily regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA), while the practice of counselling is not.

What is the main difference between a psychologist and a life coach?

Because the life coaching industry in Australia is currently unregulated, anyone can set themselves up as a professional life coach - without any qualifications, skills, experience, or aptitude for the role. On the other hand, psychologists have a requirement to complete a minimum of six years of training, and are accountable to professional bodies such as AHPRA. Psychologists are bound by strict rules and guidelines around issues such as ethics in practice, professional supervision, and maintaining currency with their skills and learning.

What is positive psychology?

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that shifts the focus from what is clinically wrong with someone, to the promotion of wellbeing and the creation of a satisfying life filled with meaning, pleasure, engagement, positive relationships and accomplishment. Positive psychology is not about putting on a happy face all the time. Life can be hard, and disappointments and challenges are inevitable. However, scientific research has shown that there are some strategies and skills that allow people to navigate the challenges of life more effectively and enjoy life, despite the upsets.

What is strengths-based coaching?

Strengths-based coaching is a coaching approach that focuses on identifying and developing an individual’s strengths, rather than solely addressing their weaknesses. It is rooted in the belief that individuals are more likely to thrive, grow, and achieve their goals when they build upon their existing strengths.

What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)?

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term goal-focused and evidence-based therapeutic approach, which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices. SFBT helps clients change by constructing solutions, rather than focusing on problems. In the most basic sense, SFBT is a hope friendly, positive emotion eliciting, future-oriented vehicle for formulating, motivating, achieving, and sustaining desired behavioural change.

Why should I learn meditation?

Meditation has been shown to offer many benefits. Although it’s well known as a technique to reduce stress and anxiety, research shows that it may also help enhance your mood, improve self-awareness, promote healthy sleep patterns, decrease blood pressure, and boost cognitive skills.

What is your cancellation and refund policy for workshops?

To confirm your booking for a workshop, full payment is required at the time of booking. Your payment becomes non-refundable five (5) business days prior to the workshop starting. If you cancel your booking five (5) clear business days before the workshop starts, we will give you a full refund, less a $25 administration fee. All cancellations must be notified in writing.

Please note, we reserve the right to cancel a workshop if a minimum number of participants have not registered one week prior to the workshop date. In the event a workshop is cancelled by the organisation, you will be offered either a full refund or the option of being transferred to an alternative workshop date.

What is your cancellation policy for appointment bookings?

In order to provide the best service to clients, please note there are fees for cancellations and missed appointments. Cancellation fees are charged because the appointment time has been set aside for you and cannot always be filled by someone else at short notice. In accordance with recommendations by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), fees for cancellation of appointments are as follows:

0-24 hours' notice 100% of fee required

24-48 hours' notice 50% of fee required

As a courtesy we may send you an SMS reminder for your booked appointment. This may occur up to three (3) days before your scheduled appointment. However, this is a courtesy service only and should we experience staff shortages or technical difficulties this will not occur. As such, it remains your responsibility to attend your session, and the absence of an SMS reminder will not lead to cancellation fees being waived.

Optimus Psychology reserves the right to reschedule appointments without compensation, if it is deemed necessary due to staff illness or other unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.