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Qualifications

Registered Clinical Psychologist

Member Australian Psychological Association (MAPS)

Fellow of the College of Clinical Psychology (FCCLP)

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Master of Clinical Psychology

(The University of Queensland)

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Bachelor of Psychology with 1st Class Honours

(Griffith University)

Prior to being a clinical psychologist in Varsity Lakes, David has worked in a range of mental health and physical health settings, including: inpatient acute psychiatric and psychiatric residential, acute medical health psychology, community mental health case management, and private practice as a registered clinical psychologist. David also spent eight years with Lifeline across counselling, supervision, and training roles. David is experienced in working psychotherapeutically in the areas of:

NDIS Psychologist Varisty Lakes, Gold Coast


Recent Articles

David the Psychologist balancing on a mountain peak under a clear blue sky, symbolising mindfulness, perspective, and balance when responding to the inner critic.
Relationships

Why Are Our Inner Voices So Mean and Critical?

Most of us would never speak to a friend the way our inner voice sometimes speaks to us. Yet many people quietly live with harsh and critical self-talk. In this post, Clinical Psychologist David Hennessy explores why our inner dialogue becomes so judgmental and how we can transform it. Drawing on the latest evidence from compassion-focused, acceptance-based, and mindfulness approaches, this article explains how self-criticism often begins as protection and how to build a calmer, kinder inner voice.

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October 11, 2025 No Comments
David the Psychologist, bald and wearing a colourful paisley shirt with a bead bracelet on his right wrist featuring one red bead and one green bead, seated thoughtfully and reflecting on human kindness and relationships.
Relationships

Why are we Kind to Strangers and Mean to Loved Ones?

We’re often kinder to strangers than to loved ones. Evidence shows this comes from attachment, emotion regulation, and learned patterns, not lack of care. Understanding these dynamics helps us respond with awareness, compassion, and respect while distinguishing them from domestic or family violence.

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October 8, 2025 No Comments
Thoughts are not facts | David the Psychologist smiling with arms outstretched in front of a mural showing a superhero version of himself.
Acceptance & Commitment

Thoughts Are Just Our Minds Making Meaning

Thoughts are invented within our minds. They help us make meaning through comparisons, ideas, fantasies, and possibilities, but they are not to be taken as unquestioned facts or truths. By observing them with caution and care, we create space to act in ways that align with our values rather than being swept along by fear, desire, habit, or old patterns.

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October 3, 2025 No Comments
Values-based choices | David the Psychologist, bald and smiling in a colourful paisley shirt, holding an apple in one hand and a book in the other, with the sun setting over the ocean. Subtle text reads: David the Psychologist @hennessyclinicalpsychology.
Acceptance & Commitment

It’s Not the Apple

Apples are healthy, but the most important part is not the apple. Real wellbeing comes from values based choices woven into daily life. Preparing food, moving our body, resting well, and connecting with others are simple but powerful actions. Just schedule the basics, do them, repeat, and discover the consistency that supports lasting health

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October 3, 2025 No Comments

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Gold Coast & Tweed

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This in not a crisis service. For crisis assistance please call:

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