Dr Jim Huntley is a psychologist in general practice, though specialising in two main clinical fields.

1. Adult neuropsychological assessment and brain injury rehabilitation

Since 1995 I have been Psychologist, and then Senior Psychologist at the Brain Injury Unit, St John of God Hospital in Goulburn (now the Southern Area Brain Injury Service of the Southern Area Local Health Service, NSW Health).

I have also been Visiting Psychologist to a range of Northern Territory organisations, including Royal Darwin and Palmerston Regional Hospitals, TIO, Office of Disability and Office of Corrections, and NT Public Guardian, among others.

With a particular love of Australian rural landscapes and lifestyles, I regularly travel to rural and remote locations to see people in their own communities. From the Far South Coast and Snow Country of NSW, to Alice Springs and the Central Desert of NT/South Australia APY Lands, to Darwin, Katherine, Tiwi and Arnhem Communities – I have developed a comprehensive yet transportable repertoire of culturally sensitive batteries to provide a thorough assessment of intellectual, cognitive, behavioural, and mental health function for people from the diversity of cultural populations, including those of non-English speaking backgrounds.

Brain injury can change lives, not just of the individual who has been injured, but their family members, friends, and work colleagues too. The complex nature of change can range from subtle cognitive problems to profound challenges of intellectual function and behaviour. Comprehensive assessment following injury allows for a solid appreciation of the range of challenges a person faces, and their families face, after injury and trauma.

Find out more about Neuropsychological Assessments.

2. Disaster Psychology and Trauma

As a firefighter with NSW RFS since 1995, and Captain of a rural Brigade in the RFS Southern Tablelands Zone since 2015, I have been at the pointy end of countless fire emergencies. Being caught up in natural disasters and emergencies can be at best daunting, and at worst a life-shattering experience. When impacted by a disaster or emergency situation, it is very important to understand the swirl of reactions and emotions that can occur. This matters not just at the time, but well after a crisis has passed – sometimes even many years afterward.

Psychological intervention aims to allow a person to comprehensively understand the responses to traumatic events. Usually, only a minority of people will have reactions that may be seen as a problem after such an event. Most will successfully utilise their own resources to manage the aftermath effectively. In such cases, psychological intervention seeks to enhance that effectiveness with knowledge and practical strategies around self-care and care in the community.

In General Practice…

I see people with the full range of clinical problems and challenges. These can include depression, anxiety and stress, relationship difficulties, behavioural control problems, mental health challenges, problems with the law, pain management, bullying in the workplace, and post-traumatic experience.

People with cognitive change arising from circumstances such as trauma, stroke, disease processes, substance use, general ageing, or other factors are often referred for assessment of cognitive and functional abilities. I work closely with the person’s medical practitioner and specialists, allied health professionals, legal professionals, and relevant parties such as the workplace or insurers, to provide understanding and education around problems and abilities, and best understand approaches that work for the person and their supportive others.

Next Steps:

• Please feel most welcome to explore this website and how I may be able to help.
• Review Client Rights & Responsibilities about expectations and obligations.
• Contact me about your needs, and discuss how we can progress.

I look forward to meeting you.