About Me

Dr Jack Menges

I started Far North Psychology & EMDR to make trauma-informed psychological support more accessible across Far North Queensland. I am a registered Psychologist based in the Tablelands, having lived in FNQ since 2010. I have a special interest in trauma (CPTSD and PTSD), addiction, neurodivergence and dissociative disorders. I have over 14 years’ experience working in the mental health and social work fields, including significant experience working in remote areas and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I have published peer-reviewed articles and presented at conferences on topics including intergenerational trauma, trauma recovery, and the benefits of mindfulness. I previously taught psychology at James Cook University in Cairns, including as both a lecturer and subject coordinator.

Therapeutic Approach and Experience

I primarily work using a combination of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), parts-work (structural dissociation therapy), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and sensorimotor psychotherapy. I am a registered member of the EMDRAA and have completed advanced training in EMDR to allow for work with more complex presentations including dissociative disorders. I have also completed specific training in integration work with psychedelic experiences and transpersonal psychology (as a therapeutic approach to harm minimisation). Additionally, I have trained in polyvagal theory, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and schema therapy.

I have experience working with the following presentations:

Dissociative disorders
CPTSD
Addiction
Personality disorders
PTSD
Neurodivergence
Intergenerational trauma
Anxiety disorders
Mood disorders
Relational difficulties
Parenting issues
Forensic presentations
Grief
Adjustment disorders

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology) – James Cook University

Master of Professional Psychology – Southern Cross University

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) – James Cook University

Bachelor of Psychological Science – University of South Australia

Graduate Certificate in Community Services Practice - Statutory Child Protection

Graduate Certificate in Community Services Practice - Client Assessment and Case Management

Specific Training

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Basic and Advanced Training
Foundations of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy – Wild Mind Institute
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Trauma
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Certification
Complexity to Clarity: Structural Dissociation training
Parts-work formulation: Structural Dissociation training
Schema Therapy: Model, methods and techniques
Elements of Psychedelic Integration
Complex Trauma Certification Training
Certified SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) facilitator
Trained in the ‘Safer Together’ domestic violence intervention model

Professional Memberships

Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists
Member of the EMDR Association of Australia
Registered with the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute

Research Publications

Menges, J. R., Caltabiano, M., & Clough, A. (2025). A community driven evaluation of the Reset model: A trauma-informed program for Indigenous men. Australian Aboriginal Studies Journal [Manuscript under peer review].

Menges, J. R., Caltabiano, M., Clough, A., & White, T. (2024). Ending the cycle: The effects of a trauma-informed program operating in a remote Indigenous community. Australian Aboriginal Studies Journal, (1), 29-45. Buy a copy here.

Menges, J. R., Caltabiano, M., Clough, A., & White, T. (2023). Which way from here? An exploration of local perspectives on strengths, needs, and goals in the Aurukun community. Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, 4(4). Read for free here.

Menges, J. R., Caltabiano, M., & Clough, A. (2023). What works for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men? A systematic review of the literature. Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, 4(2). Read for free here.

Menges, J.R. &Caltabiano, M.L. (2019). The Effect of Mindfulness on Academic Self-Efficacy: A Randomised Controlled Trial. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counseling, 4(31), 170-186. Read for free here.

Conference/Forum Presentations

2023 Queensland Health End of Year Psychology Forum (Cairns): A novel approach to social and emotional wellbeing for Indigenous males - strengthening identity and social connection

2023 Australian Psychological Society North Queensland Conference (Cairns): Warriors Helping Warriors: RESET, a trauma-informed model for Indigenous men

2022 Indigenous Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Symposium – Keynote Speaker (Cairns): Warriors Helping Warriors: RESET, a trauma informed model for Indigenous men