About Me

I am a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in mental health having worked across a range of public mental health, non-government and private settings, including in senior/leadership roles. I have worked with all age groups (infants through to adults) and have provided training, consultation and supervision to others. I am a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and I hold an endorsement in clinical psychology with the Psychology Board of Australia. I have training and experience with a range of evidence based assessment and treatment approaches informed by various models of understanding, including psychodynamic techniques, attachment theory, Radical Exposure Tapping® (RET), systems thinking and cognitive behavioural therapy. I engage in continual learning and reflection on my practice.

I value the uniqueness of each individual and respect and value working with people from diverse backgrounds, cultural, gender, ethnic, sexual and religious groups. 

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My Approach

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While there are some commonalities in presenting difficulties, the uniqueness of individuals and families means they are experienced differently by each person/family. By taking an individualised approach to understanding your/your child's unique presenting concerns, my aim is to work collaboratively to build a shared understanding of the meaning of the difficulties experienced, including the obstacles and challenges that may maintain those difficulties. This understanding allows us to find a way forward through a mutually agreed therapy approach. Engagement and trust are fundamental elements of any helpful therapy experience and I am committed to helping patients feel comfortable and safe to explore the deeply personal journey of therapy.​​ I approach my work with warmth, curiosity and collaboration.

 

When working with infants, children and adolescents, I work from the premise that all behaviour has meaning. With a thorough assessment and thoughtful reflection in the therapeutic work, solutions generally emerge through this process. Interventions with children and young people may involve the child or young person on their own, or joint sessions with parents/caregivers. The most suitable intervention is determined by a thoughtful assessment and a discussion with family members as to what is most appropriate.

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Parents and infants are generally seen together given the importance of the early infant-parent attachment process, the dependency needs of infants, and to strengthen the relationship between parents and infants. On occasion, parents may be seen on their own without their infant for some of the sessions to address important areas of concern that cannot be managed in a joint session. ​

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Qualifications & Training

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• Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology – Victoria University, 1998

• Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) – Victoria University, 2002

• Radical Exposure Tapping (RET) – Level I (Deactivating the Buttons) and Level II (Advanced Practice) (see https://www.radicalexposure.com/)

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Registration & Professional Memberships

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• Registered Psychologist with AHPRA, with Area of Practice Endorsement in Clinical Psychology

• Member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (MACPA)

• Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)

• Member of the Australian Association of Infant Mental Health (AAIMH) 

• Member of the World Association of Infant Mental Health (WAIMH) 

• Member of Mental Health for the Young and Their Families (MHYF Vic)