Psychologist SA West Lakes

Psychologist SA – West Lakes

About Rae Starkey

At Psychologist SA in West Lakes, you’ll find compassionate, professional support from Clinical Psychologist Rae Starkey, who has been practising since 2010. Rae brings warmth, clarity, and depth to her therapeutic work, guiding clients through life’s challenges with empathy and evidence-based care. Her personal and professional experiences blend to offer a thoughtful, human approach—tailored to suit every individual and their specific needs.

Rae’s extensive background spans individual therapy for adolescents and adults, as well as couples counselling, with a special focus on anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and recovery from narcissistic abuse. She provides a safe, supportive space for healing and self-discovery, regardless of your background, beliefs, or identity.

Her academic journey began in the UK, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology (Honours), followed by a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. She later completed a Master of Psychology (Clinical) in Australia at Charles Sturt University, further enriching her clinical insight and cross-cultural awareness.

Services Offered

Individual Therapy

Rae offers one-on-one sessions for a broad range of concerns, including:

• All forms of anxiety: Social anxiety, OCD, health anxiety, phobias, death anxiety

• Trauma and PTSD, including specialised support for survivors of narcissistic relationships

• Chronic pain, with a particular focus on pelvic pain, based on her lived experience and professional involvement in the Adelaide Pelvic Pain Network

Clients are supported with evidence-based approaches, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the most researched and effective form of psychological treatment for a wide array of mental health conditions. In addition, Rae integrates:

• Trauma-Focused CBT

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• Emotion-Focused Therapy

• Motivational Interviewing

• Graded Exposure and Response Prevention

• Family Systems Therapy

Each method is carefully chosen to suit the individual’s needs and therapeutic goals, ensuring a collaborative and empowering experience.

Couples Therapy

Rae is deeply passionate about helping couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. With advanced training in both Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1, 2, and 3) and Emotion-Focused Therapy, she helps couples of all backgrounds—including LGBTQIA+ partners—navigate communication issues, emotional disconnection, conflict resolution, and more.

Rae firmly believes that while love can be truly grand, it requires conscious effort from both people. Her grandfather’s words, “Ain’t love grand,” echo in her therapeutic philosophy—reminding clients that meaningful, happy relationships are achievable through insight, empathy, and commitment.

Trauma-Informed Care

As a survivor of narcissistic abuse herself, Rae offers a unique and empathetic approach for individuals recovering from emotionally harmful relationships. Her trauma-informed care is grounded in personal understanding, as well as clinical training, helping clients rebuild trust in themselves and others.

Additional Information

Rae creates a space where clients are invited to be active participants in their therapeutic process. She believes in working with her clients, not on them. From identifying meaningful goals to implementing strategies, every step is collaborative. Through therapy, Rae helps people:

• Develop emotional resilience

• Improve their relationships

• Learn lifelong coping skills

• Gain insight into their values and personality

• Enhance overall psychological well-being

She is not only a clinical psychologist—she is a guide, a partner in growth, and a dedicated advocate for her clients’ well-being.

Psychologist SA – West Lakes offers a place where science meets compassion, and therapy becomes a journey toward a richer, more fulfilling life.