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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 and Accredited EMDR Practitioner 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 15 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. 

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​What is an Accredited EMDR Practitioner?

EMDR is a powerful clinical intervention and can cause harm if used improperly. Becoming an Accredited EMDR Practitioner with the EMDR Association of Australian (EMDRAA) requires additional training, supervision and direct observation of the clinician's use of EMDR by an EMDR Consultant. The consultant must certify that the clinician is applying EMDR techniques properly according to approved protocols before Accreditation can be granted. As per the EMDRAA website: "EMDR Europe considers Accreditation to be of extreme importance. In the acquisition and development of skill and knowledge an EMDR clinician moves from being an EMDR novice to hopefully achieving a high level of EMDR proficiency and expertise" (https://emdraa.org/accreditation-faq).​

Headshot of Dr Menges

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 an Accredited Practitioner with the EMDRAA and have completed additional 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.​

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I have experience working with the following presentations:

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  • 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

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Master of Professional Psychology – Southern Cross University

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Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) – James Cook University

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Bachelor of Psychological Science – University of South Australia

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Graduate Certificate in Community Services Practice - Statutory Child Protection

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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​

  • Befriending Parts - Preparation for Complex Trauma and Dissociation

  • 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

  • Accredited Practitioner with the EMDR Association of Australia

  • Registered with the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute

  • General Registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

A picture of a Far North Queensland Beach

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].

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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

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

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

Encircled Spiral Pattern

© 2025 Far North Psychology & EMDR

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