”Finish each day before you begin the next, and interpose a solid wall of sleep between the two.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882).
“…make sleep your friend” is a motto intended to motivate change in an individual’s thoughts and behaviors about sleep, especially if insomnia has become a chronic problem. Many clients with insomnia keep ‘trying’ to sleep instead of letting go of the struggle, to embrace and welcome sleep, as you would a friend.
The author of this motto is Geoff Brearley, an Australian registered psychologist with a clinical interest in sleep disorders, and in particular, insomnia. He completed his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Anthropology at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), then a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology Honours through Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst, New South Wales. He returned to USQ to complete his Postgraduate Diploma of Professional Psychology. He has worked as a counsellor with refugees from culturally diverse backgrounds, and in the employment services sector. Geoff has also worked in a separate, private general psychology practice with other colleagues. He enjoys working with adult clients from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, and seeks to utilise each client’s strengths and values in interventions, using evidence-based cognitive, mindfulness and motivational approaches.
Geoff received training in CBT-I at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA. He regularly attends continuing professional development training workshops and conferences in the US and Australia, about updates and new research in behavioral treatments for sleep disorders (including CBT-I), and other sleep topics. Geoff is a Member of the Australasian Sleep Association and the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (USA).
Geoff is passionate about the importance of sleep, and established Bayside Sleep Health in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Wynnum to help anyone in the area (and beyond) regain good sleep health and “…make sleep your friend”.
Bayside Sleep Health provides:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the primary recommended treatment;
- Sleep program for new parents;
- Sleep health presentations to business and community groups; and
- General psychology services.
To make an appointment, please contact us here.