Psychologist Dean Janover says he sees lots of clients who have hit rock bottom. When he does, he’s quick to listen to their stories without judgement.

Janover says his job is a process of educating clients about their conditions, the nature of mental health and the nature of mental illness. He also focuses clients on strategies they can engage in to start turning their lives around.

“At the same time as listening, I'm trying to put together as much a formulation as possible about what's happening to the client, so I can present back to them and figure out what might be the best thing we could do next,” he says.

Janover, co-owner of Prahran Psychology Clinic, says the bulk of clients he treats present with anxiety or depression but he sees others who have goals such as self-improvement or self-actualisation. He also services sporting bodies such as the AFL Players Association, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and Victoria Police.