Bernie is trained in Affect State Therapy (AST), a short-term, dynamic psychotherapy developed by Dr Steve Arthey. He is also trained in ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). He participates in fortnightly video supervision of his work with Dr Arthey.

AST is a form of therapy based on attachment theory, recent developments in neuropsychology and knowledge of how change occurs.

He is a clinical psychologist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Registration No. PSY0001121646 since 1998. He is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) and a fellow of the College of Clinical Psychologists (FCCLP).

He has practised clinical psychology since registration and has maintained a private psychotherapy practice since 1998. He has worked in community psychiatric teams in the assessment and treatment of severe mental health conditions.

He has consulted with aged care homes throughout Australia and Asia on psychological aspects of person-centred dementia care. He has published two books: Living with a person with dementia (2025) and Hearing the person with dementia (2011), both published by UK publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishing, and has written numerous articles on dementia care for international peer-reviewed journals

To enquire about psychological treatment with Bernie McCarthy phone 0408 145 819 or email me at berniemccarthy23@gmail.com