Sunshine Coast Psychologist
The Ridges, Peregian Springs Sunshine Coast, QLD
Phone: 07 5471 2179 Email: jay@appliedpsychology.com.au
About Jay Beckley
Current Role
I am a registered psychologist based in Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast, and I support clients through video telehealth across Australia.
My practice primarily focuses on supporting adults navigating substance use difficulties, and chronic pain with the associated underlying mental health concerns. I also provide mental skills development for amateur and elite triathletes.
Jay Beckley - Registered Psychologist
Master of Educational Psychology (Hons)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology)
Bachelor of Health Science
Background and Experience
My journey in mental healthcare began in 2006 in New Zealand. While completing undergraduate degrees in Therapeutic Recreation and Psychology, I worked as a support worker in community mental health. This early front-line experience gave me a practical understanding of how mental health difficulties affect people in everyday life, reinforced the importance of individualised and collaborative support, and has continued to shape the way I work as a psychologist.
Over 20 years, I have worked across a diverse range of settings, including 16 years in clinical roles across:
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Community mental health and specialist AOD services.
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Forensic mental health and correctional facilities.
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Schools and tertiary education institutions.
My work is informed not only by the foundation I developed early in my career and the clinical experience that followed, but also by the deeper understanding I gained through research into how stress, environment and systems can influence mental health.
I have co-authored peer-reviewed research examining clinical safety and interventions within acute mental health services. This background contributes to the broader perspective I bring to understanding a person’s needs, not only their symptoms, but also the circumstances and systems around them.
Following on from this, during my Master’s research investigated stress and wellbeing among New Zealand secondary school teachers, with a particular focus on role overload and role responsibility. This strengthened my understanding of how sustained demands, competing responsibilities and stressful environments can affect mental and physical wellbeing.
My clinical experience and research help bring that perspective into assessment, treatment planning and the practical strategies we develop together.
Publications & Research
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Beckley, J. (2011). The Wellbeing of New Zealand Teachers: The Relationship Between Health, Stress, Job Demands and Teacher Efficacy. Master's Thesis, Massey University.
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Tyrer, S., Beckley, J., et al. (2012). Factors affecting the practice of seclusion in an acute mental health service in Southland, New Zealand. The Psychiatrist, Cambridge University Press.
Outside of Work
I’m usually exploring Queensland by bike in the way of training for my next triathlon. Having competed in events ranging from sprint distance to full Ironman. I have a personal appreciation for the discipline, routine, and mental resilience required for endurance sport. This "lived experience" in the world of Ironman informs my work with athletes, helping them bridge the gap between physical training and mental performance.
