Ian Hartley

I’m a registered Clinical Psychologist with over 5 years of experience in hospital and outpatient settings, and I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of mental health challenges. As a psychodynamic psychologist my initial goal is to understand you as a whole person from the moment we first connect. I recognise that your symptoms and challenges are important, but they don’t define you entirely. My ultimate aim is to help you achieve real and lasting psychological change that not only eases your suffering but also enriches your life.

Starting therapy can be a big step, and it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions about it. Whether you’re wanting to see a psychologist because you’re feeling stuck, anxious, isolated, or simply not yourself, I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek help. Perhaps you know that something needs to change, or maybe you’re looking to better understand yourself and your experiences. At the same time, you might be feeling uncertain or even scared about the journey ahead. That’s completely normal and expected.

You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, disconnected from others, or burdened by a sense of not being “good enough.” Perhaps past traumas are still affecting your daily life, making it hard to live fully and meaningfully. Your thoughts might be running away with you, leaving you feeling like you need to withdraw just to find some peace. All these experiences are valid, and they’re a part of what brings you to therapy.

My passion lies in helping people develop a deeper awareness and understanding of the patterns and themes that contribute to their suffering. We live in a society that often values performance and results above all else, which can create a very narrow and stressful way of living. My aim is to explore what exists outside these confines, to find a more balanced, free, and forgiving way of being. I believe in focusing more on “being” rather than constantly “doing and achieving,” and in helping you discover what it truly means to be human.

In our work together, I will first seek to thoroughly understand you and your challenges. Building a strong working relationship is key, with clear goals tailored to discovering and meeting your unmet needs. I strive to provide a supportive environment where time, consistency, and commitment are the foundations of our work. Together, we will aim to increase your sense of self, improve your relationships, and help you live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Reaching out for help is a brave and important step. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I am here to walk with you on this journey. Whether you’re dealing with specific issues or just a general sense of unease, we will work together to navigate your path forward. My goal is to help you find relief from your suffering and to support you in creating a life that feels worth living.

I look forward to getting to know you and working together to help you achieve the changes you’re seeking. Remember, it’s okay to feel unsure or apprehensive – starting therapy is a process, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Ian runs his own independent practice and engages Perth Psychology Collective to provide administrative and other business services to enable him to provide assessment and treatment to his clients.