ABOUT Katharine

Dr Katharine Hodgkinson, Clinical Psychologist has over 20 years’ experience in client care, research and education and has provided services for Northern Haematology and Oncology Group (NHOG) at Sydney Adventist Hospital for the last eight years. Katharine works closely with her colleague Kerry Wagland, Consulting Psychologist at NHOG to offer a range of targeted psychological interventions to support the comprehensive care team of those affected by a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones at all points across the care continuum.

Our clinical psychologists, Katharine and Kerry provide research-based interventions based on current best-practice research evidence that supports the effectiveness of interventions that use Cognitive Behaviour Therapies (CBT), mindfulness and other therapeutic techniques. Strategies involve non-drug treatments and are goal-focused and spaced according to your needs. Interventions may assist with managing common concerns such as depression/low mood; anxiety/stress and living with uncertainty; communication and care decision-making; managing pain, fatigue and sleep difficulties; living with adjustment and grief, and managing changes to intimacy and sexuality. Our Clinical Psychologists are keen to support those receiving care, as well as carers, families and loved ones affected by a diagnosis.

Katharine has a long standing interest in the care of those affected by a cancer diagnosis and the research evidence for enhancing adjustment post cancer. Katharine has published numerous research papers and several book chapters, and co-edited the book “Psychosocial Care of Cancer Patients. A Health Professional’s Guide to What to Say and Do” (Hodgkinson K and Gilchrist J, Ausmed Publications, 2008).  More recently  she co-authored chapters on psychosocial concerns and communication skills for health professionals in the 2015 Melanoma Institute Australia’s text: Melanoma Essentials – A Concise Guide (2015). Katharine’s PhD identified predictors of distress and unmet supportive care needs in cancer survivors and their partners, and resulted in the development of two measures to assess unmet needs in cancer survivors and their partners that has been used in research studies around the world. Katharine has ongoing involvement in educational activities with both patients and health professionals, and has a special interest in addressing intimacy concerns, a neglected area of health care.

In addition to Katharine’s work with NHOG, Katharine also leads a team of Clinical and Consulting Psychologists and Dietitian at Headway Health. Headway Health has a particular interest in the care of those affected by cancer and other health concerns, but also offers an Intimacy Clinic and a General Practice psychology service. Headway Health’s clinicians are all experienced Medicare providers and will work closely with other members of the health care team to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to supporting your care; WorkCover services are also offered.

Headway Health’s clinicians provide services at Crows Nest, Frenchs Forest, North Sydney and Greenwich and tele-health consultations as well as with the team at NHOG at Wahroonga. The Nutrition and Cancer Clinic at Headway Health is provided by an Accredited Practicing Dietitian at Headway Health’s Frenchs Forest rooms.

For more information about other services and clinic locations, please phone Karen at Headway Health on 02 9453 3027, email info@headwayhealth.com.au or visit the Headway Health website.

• Adjusting to changes in health and lifestyle
• Coping with treatment and enhancing quality of life
• Managing stress/worries, anxiety and uncertainty
• Managing the impact of low mood, depression, pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance
• Communicating with others (including children in our lives)
• Enhancing intimacy and alterations to body image
• Genetic cancer/health risks and decision making
• Living with change, loss and grief
• Navigating life after cancer and living a life true to one’s values