About Frances O’Keeffe, psychologist
Ready to find
a way forward?
I’m a Brisbane-based psychologist who aims to help you make sense of your experiences and find a way forward that honours both your strengths and your wellbeing.
For over two decades, I've worked across private practice and embedded roles within Queensland Police, Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and Queensland Ambulance Service. Working alongside frontline professionals has given me a deep appreciation of the demands, culture and responsibilities that shape operational work.
I've seen how prolonged stress, cumulative trauma and demanding workplace environments can quietly take their toll, affecting not only how people feel at work, but also their relationships, health and sense of self.
Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to have all the answers before you begin. Together, we will make sense of what has changed and work towards a future that feels more aligned with who you are and the life you want to build.
let me be the first to tell you:
You’re not broken.
The ways you have learned to cope, adapt and keep moving forward have helped you get to where you are today. Sometimes, though, the demands of life, work and responsibility can catch up with us - and the strategies that once worked no longer feel enough.
Even the strongest people can be affected by the experiences they carry and the environments they operate within.
Therapy is not about fixing what is wrong with you. It is about understanding your experiences, making sense of what has changed, and reconnecting with the strengths, values and parts of yourself that may have been harder to access.
Therapy provides a space to understand the impact of those experiences without judgement - and to find a way forward that honours both who you have been and who you are becoming.
How I work
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How I work |
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Every person brings their own experiences, strengths, values and goals.
I believe the most effective therapy is built on trust, collaboration and evidence. Rather than following a rigid approach, I tailor therapy to your individual needs, drawing on approaches that are supported by research and guided by your goals and values.
I draw on evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy and trauma-informed approaches, including established treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What continues to inspire me is seeing people rediscover their strengths, regain confidence and realise they don't have to carry everything on their own. It is a privilege to walk alongside people as they make sense of difficult experiences and move towards a life that feels more aligned with who they are.
Therapy is a collaborative process.
We are a good fit if —
You are an adult seeking compassionate, evidence-based support.
You appreciate honest, thoughtful feedback - not just reassurance.
You work in a high-responsibility role and value working with a psychologist who understands the culture, responsibilities and unique demands of operational environments and other demanding professions.
You've been feeling anxious, flat or more irritable than usual, and you're ready for things to feel different.
I may not be the right fit if —
You are looking for couples or relationship counselling.
You are seeking support for a child or adolescent (under 18 years of age).
You require medico-legal assessments or reports, ADHD assessments, or other specialised psychological assessments that I do not provide.
Your needs are outside my areas of practice or would be better supported by another service. If that's the case, I'll do my best to help you find the right support.
Therapy with me is —
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Therapy should lead to meaningful change, not just meaningful conversations. Alongside developing a deeper understanding of your experiences, we will focus on practical strategies, new perspectives and achievable steps that support your goals in everyday life.
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The aim of therapy is to help you develop the understanding, confidence and skills to navigate life's challenges independently. While everyone's journey is different, my goal is to support you in creating lasting change rather than fostering ongoing dependence on therapy.
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There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Every person brings a unique story, set of strengths and life experiences. I tailor therapy to your individual needs, drawing on evidence-based approaches that align with your goals, values and circumstances.
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Your privacy is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. I provide a confidential, respectful and non-judgmental space where you can speak openly, knowing your personal information is handled with care and in accordance with professional and legal obligations.
supporting you
01.
When life changes
Life, identity and transitions
02.
When the load becomes too much
Work, responsibility and wellbeing
03.
When experiences stay with us
Trauma, stress and recovery
My Background
01
Education
Masters of Psychology (Clinical)
Honours Majoring in Psychology
Bachelor of Behavioural Science
02
Professional Affiliations
AHPRA registered Psychologist (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
Member AAPI (Australian Association of Psychologists Incorporated)
Executive Coach Certification - Coaching Australia
03
Outside of Work
Outside of work you will often find me enjoying time with family and friends, walking my dog or on the water rowing. Rowing reminds me that calm can be found even in challenging conditions, that endurance is built over time, and that we often achieve more when we don't have to do everything alone.