Spotlight on Lyndel Abbott - Clinical Psychologist in Crows Nest | Photo Finish Photography | Sydney Portrait Photographer
Lately I have been blessed to have met lots of lovely, aspirational and inspirational women who have all decided to follow their passion, leave the securities of a stable, secure yet unfulfilling job and pursue an exciting career that drew on their previous experiences and would allow them to best manage the work-life balance for their families. The juggle is real, especially if you have kids, and I love hearing all their stories and capturing beautiful photos of them to help promote their business!!
One of these lovely ladies is Lyndel Abbott, owner of Crows Nest Psychology who I have known for a few years due to our kids being friends and she is so down to earth, funny, easy to talk to, smart, witty and very practical. Find out more about Lyndel below:
1.) Where is your business located?
You’ll never guess from our name, but we’re in Crows Nest! (Alexander St to be precise)
2.) What services does your business provide?
We provide clinical and performance psychology services to athletes as well as the general population
3.) When did you start your business?
I started Crows Nest Psychology in 2014 after coming back from maternity leave with my first child
4.) Why did you start the business?
I had trouble finding work that suited the hours and days that I was available since becoming a mum. So – I decided to go all-in and start my own private practice.
5.) Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a mum of 2, and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. I specialize in the mental health of elite athletes. I was the Lead Psychologist for the Australian Olympic Team for Rio 2016, and will be the Paralympic Psychologist for Tokyo 2020. [That’s amazing Lyndel!! Take me with you!! Do they need photographers over there?? :)]
6.) Why should a potential client consider your business over others?
When you’re trying to find a psychologist, it’s important to focus on finding someone you click with. Don’t be scared to call a few psychologists in the area and get a feel for their personalities to find the right one for you.
7.) Who might your business appeal to?
I specialize in working with anxiety, mood, grief and trauma, as well as perfectionism, self-esteem, procrastination and stress management.
8.) What’s your price range? Can you give some examples of products and price for any potential customers?
I generally charge $200/appointment. You can speak with your GP and ask if you’re eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan, which means that Medicare subsidises up to 10 sessions per year (up to $124.50/appointment).
9.) What is your usual turnaround time?
Crows Nest Psychology tries to minimize our waiting list, sometimes you can get in straight away, but in our busier times there may be a more lengthy wait for an appointment. Give us a call and find out what our current waiting list is.
10.) How has your experience with your business been so far? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?
I’ve enjoyed slowly building up my practice to what it is now. I love the feeling of spending my day trying to improve the lives of people in the community – athlete or not.
11.) What are some of the difficult aspects of your job? (e.g. difficult client, keeping up to date with blog/marketing, etc). How did you deal with it?
Although I’m a great psychologist, I’m a terrible business-woman, so I’m still learning about all of that.
12.) What would be your advice to someone thinking of engaging your services?
Therapy isn’t as scary as you think. It’s not nearly as scary as living with poor mental health and not reaching out.
13.) What’s the best client/job you’ve had so far? Can you describe what services you provided, what their feedback was and how it made you feel?
I’ve been lucky enough to work with some high profile elite athletes. But the thing I enjoy most is working with a client who is willing to engage in treatment and implement the strategies I suggest, and seeing watching them grow through the process. There’s nothing more rewarding.
14.) How can people contact you? Visit my website www.crowsnestpsychology.com.au or on 0499790016
