About Peter

Peter Charleston.

In his work. Peter focuses on helping people remove their self sabotage and improve their psychology skills and habits to improve their performance in every facet of life. He works with high achievers and those with ambition to help them reach their potential.

Peter’s first book “Closer" was published in 2018, which explains how to become more emotionally connected in relationships, using his original theory of emotional needs. Peter is currently editing his second book, and writing his third.

Peter is regularly invited to speak to organisations on topics related to performance in the workplace, including team engagement, leadership and emotional intelligence, resilience and mental strength in the workplace.

Peter has been a university lecturer and tutor for over ten years, has given expert comments in National newspapers, and has published articles for several major publications.

Peter has severalqualifications and is committed to his ongoing learning and development.  

Peter has launched a new online self development program called Thrive Learning that helps people develop themselves both professionally and personally. This evidence based program is practical, convenient and offers a supportive online community of like-minded people.

Peter Charleston photo

Qualifications & Experience

I have now seen over 2000 individual clients for over 20,000 one on one sessions. I have facilitated hundreds of teambuilding and leadership development sessions for many different organisations, both public and private, small and large.

I have a commitment to lifelong learning and thus to my own professional and personal development. I have many years of being supervised (both group and individual), and regularly attend professional development sessions to keep up to date on developments within the profession.

My formal qualifications include:

  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Melbourne

  • Graduate Diploma of Counselling Psychology (RMIT)

  • Graduate Diploma of Business Administration (Swinburne University)

  • Graduate Diploma in Trauma Counselling and Psychotherapy (Cairnmillar Institute)

  • Diploma in Couple and Relationship Psychotherapy (Cairnmillar Institute)

I have also held several positions in private and public institutions including Staff Psychologist, Manager Corporate Services, Training Consultant, EEO Program Coordinator, and Debriefing Coordinator.

I do what I do to make a positive difference to people’s lives. I have created a theory of emotional needs that helps people heal and connect, and have developed a map of human psychology that I use to help people improve their awareness of themselves.

Peter Charleston running a workshop exercise

Why I Do What I Do

When I was fifteen I had a compulsory visit to my school careers counsellor who told me my personality was suited to being a Psychologist. She said I had compassion for others, by the way I took care of the more vulnerable kids in the classroom and on the playground. At the time I laughed and dismissed the advice, yet it planted a seed that has been growing ever since.

In this complex profession there is always more to learn and put into practice in helping others, and the journey is a very rewarding one. In my work I endeavour to display integrity, loving kindness, professionalism, and to provide actionable strategies tailored for the individual.

I do what I do because it fits so well with my personality and natural abilities, it helps me live my values and helps me continue to learn and develop whilst helping others reach their potential. Psychology is my passion. I am fascinated by how the mind drives behaviour and decision making, and how to improve the mind to be happy and realise your potential.

The Services I Offer & Issues I Cover

As a Coaching Psychologist, I have considerable experience with small business owners, family businesses, CEOs, directors, partners and line managers. I facilitate professional development programs, and have trained employee groups in conflict resolution, teambuilding, leadership, negotiation skills, counselling skills, customer service, managing change, preventing burnout and work-life balance.

My integrated approach covers a wide range of presenting issues, including:

Mental Health

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Personality disorders

  • Panic Disorder

  • Narcissism

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Personal

  • Anger management

  • Assertiveness training

  • Bullying

  • Behaviour Problems

  • Grief and Loss

  • Life transition and adjustment issues

  • Chronic Illness

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Self Esteem

  • Shyness and Social Skills

Relationships

  • Conflict resolution

  • Couples therapy

  • Divorce / separation

  • Relationships

  • Parenting

  • Stepfamilies

  • Loss of Family Members

Addictions

  • Alcohol dependence

  • Drug dependence

  • Gambling

  • Impulsive behaviours

  • Gaming

  • Pornography

Work/Community

  • Work stress

  • Managing Staff

  • Leadership skills

  • Strategy

  • Career Change

  • Motivation

  • Work/life Issues

  • Workplace bullying

  • Fear of Public Speaking

  • Interview and exam preparation

Want a session with me?

If you are ready for change, I would love to work with you.

The average number of sessions a client has is 6-12. Even though clients often get immediate results, it’s important to turn these into new habits, and this takes a few sessions. That is when real change occurs. I typically see people weekly or fortnightly at first, then after about a month or so I shift to monthly sessions.

Get in touch with Peter
headshot in shirt Peter Charleston