Felix Frain

Provisional Psychologist & Practice Manager

Hello, I’m Felix. I’m a Provisional Psychologist and the Practice Manager at Excel Psychology, and I’ve been a part of the team here for over nine years. I hold a Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Practice, a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology, a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), and I’m currently completing my masters degree.

In my role as a provisional psychologist, I’m experienced in, and enjoy working both individuals and couples who are experiencing:

Relationship difficulties (couples therapy)
Anxiety, panic or phobias
Depression
Interpersonal and relationship concerns
Sleeping difficulties
Stress, burnout and difficulties with motivation

I’m also an LGBTIQAP+ advocate and enjoy working with clients from this community who are seeking support with identity, sexuality and relationship concerns. I take an integrative approach to therapy by utilising cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) through an attachment informed therapeutic lens. I have also completed training in and draw from Gottman Relationship Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) when working with couples. I place a strong emphasis on establishing a collaborative, safe and authentic therapeutic relationship with my clients by bringing warmth, empathy and a therapeutic space free of judgement.

As a practice manager, it’s important to me to ensure that our clients have a positive experience at Excel Psychology, so I like to incorporate our feedback-informed ethos into my role by knowing what does and doesn’t work for both clients and team members. I hope this translates into your experience here, and I’m all ears if there’s anything we can do to improve your therapeutic experience.

When I’m not busy around our practice, I’m usually found in my garden or running around a park with my beautiful greyhound x ridgeback rescue pup (or showing people photos of her).

I look forward to seeing you around our lovely practice.

A psychologist’s advice on how to cope with end of year burnout

As the end of the year approaches many of us begin an exhausted struggle to the finish line. The anticipation for some much needed downtime can start to make the days feel longer, the exhaustion feel somehow heavier, and the energy to be motivated or productive feeling like it needs a low power mode. As the stressors of the year have snowballed, alongside the looming pressures many of us face over the festive season, burnout may begin to tap us on the shoulder.

Our hardwired need for connection: let’s talk about attachment science

When it comes to understanding the way we experience human connection in our lives, from friends to family, attachment science has a lot to say. The science of attachment has developed categories of attachment styles, which are patterns of behaviour that can be observed in the way individuals form bonds with significant others. These are established in early childhood and extend throughout our lives. Our attachment style can contribute to how we experience and process emotions, the way we interact socially, and more broadly, our overall well-being. Attachment involves a deep, enduring connection that aligns with our needs from others, and the way that we communicate these needs, which can influence how we perceive, approach, and navigate our relationships.

The next generation of therapists: getting to know provisional psychologists

When it comes to seeing a psychologist, it’s understandable that you want to find the right fit (check out our blog post about this here), and know that you’re going to receive the professional care that you need. At Excel Psychology, we have psychologists ranging from provisional registration to clinical endorsement, but what does that really mean for you? Let’s take a closer look.

It’s been a lifetime: let’s talk about long term therapy

Mental health care policies vary greatly around the world, with about half of the global population having access to mental health support programs. Here in Australia, our Medicare system means that we’re included in that 50%, with mental health care plans providing government funding to support access to psychological therapy, amongst many other wonderful mental health support programs.

Couples therapy: when is it time to seek help?

A romantic relationship of any kind can be such an enriching part of our lives. The feeling of joy, intimacy, support, totally uninhibited fun and a deep sense of interpersonal connection would just be scratching the surface of all of the good things a relationship can bring. So with all of the wonderful endorphins rushing around at the start of a new relationship, or when things get more serious, perhaps when we feel a sense of security and intimacy or achieve fulfilling milestones in our relationships, it can be hard to understand where things maybe started to go wrong. How can a relationship that once lit up our world become a source of frustration and resentment, and how can we make this better?

The TikTok Doctor: What You Should Know About Social Media Self-Diagnosis

Social media has become such a prevalent part of modern day life which allows us to connect with others like never before. In many ways this has been a hugely beneficial platform, from instant updates from family and friends around the world to incredibly important videos of cute dogs, how-did-I-not-know-that life hacks, and even official government communication during a pandemic. There’s no denying that social media can bring joy, entertainment and meaningful connection. So what’s the catch?

Finding the right fit: which psychologist should I see?

You’ve made the decision to see a psychologist for some support. But who’s the right therapist for you, and can they help you with what you need?