At Laburnum Psychology, we provide comprehensive ADHD assessments for children, adolescents, and adults in Blackburn and across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including Box Hill, Nunawading, Forest Hill, Mitcham, and Burwood. Whether you have been referred by a GP, paediatrician, or another professional, or you have your own reasons to believe ADHD may be affecting you or your child, our experienced psychologists are here to help.
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts one’s ability to pay attention, sustain focus, sit still, and/or control and regulate his/her behaviours and emotions. Symptoms first start in early childhood and can continue to influence an individual’s functioning into adulthood. Common symptoms associated with ADHD may include the following:
There is no one test that assesses ADHD, but rather, the diagnostic process contains various steps to identify symptoms, assess the severity of the problem, and rule out other possibilities. During ADHD testing, our ADHD psychologists will perform the assessment using numerous processes including the following:
The practitioner will ask questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily functioning and your personal, socioemotional, educational, and occupational histories.
The practitioner may ask you to provide relevant records such as school reports, medical evaluations, or previous psychological assessments.
The practitioner may ask you to provide contact information for someone who can speak to your functioning in different settings. This can include parents, former teachers, medical providers, or bosses among others.
You may be asked to complete standardised psychological assessments that examine your cognitive abilities, memory, and executive functioning.
You or someone who knows you well may be asked to complete various questionnaires regarding symptoms related to ADHD or other mental health conditions.
At Laburnum Psychology, we have numerous psychologists who specialise in ADHD. Our ADHD experts can assist with assessments both for children and for adults. An assessment can be highly valuable in providing understanding, direction, and strategy for people who are struggling with the negative impacts of ADHD. It can also be highly useful to assist identifying a persons ADHD based strengths and abilities. Our assessment reports can greatly assist people to discover ways to work to their strengths and also to scaffold the areas that are more challenging. Following our testing process, our psychologists prepare highly individualised and tailored reports outlining strengths, challenges, and useful strategies. An assessment may provide valuable understanding and direction for those struggling with ADHD symptoms in terms of coming to know and understand themselves. An ADHD assessment report can also be highly useful in school settings, to assist educators in optimising a student’s learning experience. For other clients, a structured assessment report can also form part of the basis for other funding applications.
Typically, the assessment process is spread over several hours. An assessment will ordinarily occur over two or more appointments of one to two hours in duration. For children, we will also collect information and input from parents as well. Our ADHD psychologists will then analyse the assessment findings and tailor a written report, including strategies and recommendations.
All assessments are performed utilising standardised testing protocols, in accord with best practice for psychological assessment.
For some, the prospect of undergoing ADHD testing might feel daunting, however we often find that the process is highly affirming and helpful. While we would never wish to invalidate the challenges that can come with a person’s experience of living with ADHD, we are also firmly of the view that ADHD can also be associated with strengths and brilliance. Our goal is to help people find ways to identify their strengths and work to them, and once again, to scaffold and support the areas of struggle.
A child with ADHD will often struggle to maintain attention and focus. This can be evident in a classroom setting, but it will also most likely occur in other settings as well, such as during extra curricular activities or in day to day home life. Some children with ADHD will appear to daydream, or to stare out the window. They may find it difficult to follow instructions or complete simple tasks without getting side tracked.
Some children with ADHD will be inclined to show impulsive traits. They will often act before they think, and be impulsive in the way they express feelings, finding it difficult to contain themselves. Some children will show patterns of repeatedly interrupting you or their teacher, or they may find it difficult to wait their turn. They may also interrupt or take over in games or other activities.
Children with hyperactive traits will most likely find it very difficult to remain still. They are inclined to fidget and squirm, and find it extremely difficult to sit still. They may seem like they are constantly ‘on the go’ and full of energy, never stopping until they are asleep. Children with these patterns find it very difficult to engage in quiet and still activities. They may also be inclined to talk excessively.
Many adults experience ADHD, and many have come through life being undiagnosed. This is especially true for people who experience inattentive type ADHD. Many of the child specific descriptions listed above may feel familiar to adults with ADHD, though as adults they may have learnt to mitigate or manage their symptoms to some degree. It can be very beneficial for adults to undertake an assessment, though it should be noted that if an individual wishes to seek a prescription for medication (stimulant therapies), they will need to undertake an assessment with a prescribing psychiatrist.
For more information on the How to assess ADHD, please click here.
While the ADHD assessment process is mostly quite similar for children and adults, there are some differences. For a formal diagnosis, it is important to be able to demonstrate that a person’s ADHD features have been present since childhood. For an adult assessment, this requires some provision of historic evidence, such as school reports or other historic input. This can be tricky for some people, though there are usually pathways to achieve this.
In the case of children, a key benefit of an ADHD assessment is the provision of a detailed and tailored report, as this can be highly beneficial to guide and inform parents and educators around how best to understand a child’s learning patterns, how to work to their strengths and how to best understand and support their challenges.
In the case of adult ADHD assessment, the while a report may be less relevant for schooling purposes, it may still be highly useful within the context of adult education, or for navigating vocational pathways or even challenges in the workplace. Similar to children, a detailed report can often provide very useful insights around how to structure working habits and environments in order to leverage strengths and scaffold challenges.
It is important to be aware that for people seeking medical intervention for ADHD (i.e. stimulant therapy), they will ultimately need to consult with a psychiatrist who will then determine the appropriateness of medication. This process is done by psychiatrist, and not psychologists. While some psychiatrists may be receptive to usage of a psychology based assessment, they are ordinarily more likely to perform their own style of assessment. In turn, if your primary goal is to access stimulant therapy, it is best to explore your options with a psychiatrist initially. A psychology assessment is still likely to be highly useful, however it is unlikely to be the basis upon which a psychiatrist will prescribe stimulant therapy.
The financial costs of an ADHD assessment are significant. Assessment are costed at our standard hourly rates, so the high cost is in turn reflective of the time and effort that goes into performing the assessments, analysing the data, and then preparing a tailored report. While there is ordinarly a standard set of assessment tools that are utilised, there can be some tailoring to this based on each individuals needs. Consequently, costs can vary slightly depending on the testing process that is used. As a general rule, the complete process is likely to cost approximately $2000 – $2300
It is important to be aware that Medicare does not provide rebates for ADHD assessments. When a person chooses to engage in therapy / counselling with a psychologist, in most cases, if they chose to come with a referral from a General Practitioner, under a ‘Mental Health Care Plan’, this will enable them to claim back a rebate from Medicare, which reduces the out of pocket costs to the client. This typically covers a client for up to ten rebatable sessions per calendar year. It is important to note that this process does not exist for assessments such as ADHD assessments.
For many people with ADHD, they may also be experiencing other conditions such as anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or learning difficulties. This is not uncommon or unusual. When this occurs, it is important that it is identified in the assessment process, as co-occurring conditions can influence how ADHD symptoms present
At Laburnum Psychology, our clients will often express confusion to their psychologist, such as “Do I have ADHD, or am I just experiencing anxiety? Could it be both? If it’s ADHD, is that what is making me anxious? Sometimes I think it may be autism? Is it that, or even both?”
These are the reasons why its important for our assessment process to be thorough and fulsome, in order to get a clear and accurate picture of what is happening for any given person. In the end, we are trying to generate a clear and thorough understanding of each person’s experience. This in turn enables us to tailor strategies that hit the mark – for example, combining strategies for both attention and anxiety if needed, or understanding the way in which the experience of ADHD may itself have been anxiety provoking.
After completing an ADHD assessment, we take the time to explain the results in a clear and supportive way. This take place in a dedicated feedback session, where we are able to explain and interpret the findings, answer any questions you may have, and discuss strategies and recommendations that are tailored to you or your child’s needs.
For example, a parent may come in unsure about what an ADHD diagnosis means for their child’s future. In our feedback sessions we will talk through what the results show, how they relate to everyday functioning, and what supports might be helpful. These discussions might focus on school or learning based adjustments, strategies for home, ways of understanding your child’s patterns, how to work to their strengths, and how to support any challenges. We also provide a detailed written report which explains and summarises findings and recommendations. This is a useful reference to return to and to share with other key personnel such as teachers, doctors, or other health practitioners.
We work to ensure that there is a clear path mapped out, in terms of strategies to optimise coping. This might include school or home based adjustments, counselling, behavioural support, parent coaching, ADHD coaching, potentially liaison with schools. If other issues are identified, such as anxiety or learning concerns, we will also include recommendations for how to address these as well.
Our aim is to ensure that every client leaves with clarity, direction, and a sense of being supported. We are committed to supporting our clients to know themselves more fully, including anchoring to strengths as well as scaffolding for challenges.
At Laburnum Psychology, we offer both in-person and online ADHD assessments. Some people express a preference for an online assessment, perhaps because they live regionally, have health or mobility considerations, or because they prefer the comfort of completing the assessment from home. We will work to accommodate this where feasible though it is not always clinically appropriate to conduct an online assessment. We recommend that you raise this query with one of our assessment specialists to see if it is right for your situation.
Where possible and feasible, online assessments are conducted via secure video platforms and follow the same structured process as our in-clinic assessments, though there are usually some modifications to suit a remote format.
While many components of an ADHD assessment can be completed online, not all assessments are suitable for a fully remote process. For example, some cognitive tests or observational assessments require in-person administration to ensure accuracy and reliability. We will always work to accommodate an online assessment preference where possible, as this can be
Clients often ask, “Is an online assessment just as valid?” This ultimatley depends on the nature of the concerns being assessed. Our primarily concern is to undertake the assessment in a manner that will enable for robust and reliable results, and we will be clear if an online assessment is not possible due to reliability limitations. Once again, we recommend discussing your specific needs with one of our assessment specialists, who can help determine whether an online, in-person, or blended approach is most suitable.
Our top priority is to ensure every assessment is thorough, evidence based, and tailored to the individual, regardless of how it’s delivered.
Work with professionals who don’t just listen but support you through life’s challenges.
Choosing the right psychologist is a key step in getting the support you need. This decision isn’t just about qualifications, it’s also important to choose somebody who has specialist experience with ADHD and finding someone who can understand your needs, and the purpose of the assessment.
At Laburnum Psychology, our team includes clinicians experienced in assessing and supporting ADHD across the lifespan. We have a large team including specialist team leadership and supervision to oversee quality assurance and safeguards. We use evidence-based tools and prioritise a personalised approach to ensure that each assessment is tailored to the individuals own unique situation and needs.
Clients often ask, “How do I know if a psychologist really understands ADHD?” We recommend looking for someone who takes the time to understand your specific needs, but also your broader context. It is important to find someone who will meet you where you are at, who communicates clearly, and offers practical and well-documented strategies.
It can be a big decision to undertake an assessment. If you’re unsure, it can be helpful to make time to discuss your options with one of our Intake staff to see whether it is the right option for you, or to even match you with the right clinician for your needs.
Duncan is a registered psychologist who brings warmth, curiosity, and a genuine interest in understanding each person’s unique experience. He aims to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel comfortable to talk openly and work through challenges at their own pace.
He has experience across private practice, school, and NDIS settings, supporting children, adolescents, and adults with concerns such as anxiety, low mood, behavioural challenges, and learning difficulties. He has a particular interest in working with young people and neurodiverse clients.
Duncan’s approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and he also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He supports clients to build practical skills while also developing insight into patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and beliefs, including how these may have developed over time. His aim is to support meaningful and lasting change through a balance of insight and practical strategies.
Duncan places strong value on a collaborative therapeutic relationship, working with clients to identify meaningful goals and realistic steps toward change. He feels privileged to support people in their journey and is committed to helping clients feel understood, respected, and supported.
Duncan’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Loretta is a thoughtful and compassionate psychologist who is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care. She is deeply guided by values of empathy, respect and collaboration, and takes care to create a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, supported and understood.
Loretta brings with her a strong foundation in working with people to clarify their goals and explore what’s most important to them. Prior to her current role, Loretta worked at Laburnum Psychology supporting new client enquiries, helping individuals reflect on their needs and preferences, and guiding them toward the most suitable therapy options. This experience has fostered a genuine appreciation for the individuality of each person’s story and the importance of tailoring care accordingly.
In her therapeutic work, Loretta draws on well established psychological approaches, while also working flexibly to ensure the process is meaningful and aligned with each client’s hopes and context. She brings warmth, integrity, and a steady commitment to helping people create meaningful change in their lives.
Loretta’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Hi, my name is Gohan! I’m a 3-year-old British Bulldog. Elaine calls me her gentle giant and I’ve been told I have a great personality. I love getting pats and belly rubs — if you give me a good one, I might even drop and roll over! I have a short snout so don’t be frightened when you hear me breathing loudly and making noises. I might take a moment to warm up sometimes, so please don’t be shy — come say hello, let me have a sniff, and give me a pat or two. I’ll be with Elaine on Tuesdays, looking forward to meeting you!
Hi, my name is Gohan and I’m a British Bulldog, about to turn 2 years old! Elaine calls me her gentle giant and I’ve been told I have a great personality. I love getting pats and belly rubs – if you give me a good one, I might even drop and roll over! I also get short bursts of energy when I’m excited, I’ll just need more rest time afterwards. I have a short snout so please don’t be frightened when you hear me breathing loudly and making noises. I’ll be with Elaine on Tuesdays, looking forward to meeting you!
Ruby-Mae Watkins is a compassionate psychologist with specialty training in the field of Educational and Developmental psychology. She is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages navigate their unique challenges and improve their well-being.
With a Master of Educational & Developmental Psychology from Monash University, Ruby-Mae brings a deep commitment to client care. Her professional journey spans working with adults, adolescents, and children, using evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other mindfulness-based interventions. Ruby-Mae is skilled in administering and interpreting a variety of psychological assessments, enabling her to tailor her services to the specific needs of each client.
Ruby-Mae’s experience extends beyond the therapy room. She has served as a Research Associate at the University of Melbourne and a Casual Academic at Deakin University, gaining valuable insights into psychological research and education. Her experience with the Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic) has further enriched her understanding of supporting individuals through anxiety-related challenges.
With a strong passion for enhancing the wellbeing of individuals, particularly children and their caregivers, Ruby-Mae strives to make a meaningful impact through psychological intervention, assessment, and psychoeducation. She is passionate about creating a warm, supportive, and safe space where clients feel heard and understood. She works collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies that foster growth, resilience, and psychological well-being.
Ruby-Mae’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Ruby-Mae is here to guide and support you or your loved one on your pathway toward greater emotional wellbeing and resilience.
Darryne is a compassionate and dedicated clinical psychologist committed to supporting individuals across all stages of life. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Darryne collaborates with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that foster lasting mental health and wellbeing.
Darryne’s professional journey encompasses diverse clinical settings, including non-government organizations, private practice, and primary healthcare. His extensive experience spans urban and rural communities, where he has worked effectively within multidisciplinary teams in both community and inpatient environments.
Darryne employs an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing from a variety of evidence-based frameworks, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and general supportive counselling. This versatility enables him to tailor interventions to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Beyond his clinical practice, Darryne is deeply committed to continuous learning and the ongoing development of his clinical skills and insights. His passion for delivering high-quality, evidence-based psychological assessments and interventions is matched by his dedication to building strong, authentic therapeutic relationships with his clients.
Darryne’s warm and empathetic approach creates a safe and supportive environment, empowering clients to navigate their mental health journeys with confidence and resilience.
Darryne’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Laburnum Psychology will be closed on Tuesday 5 November 2024 for the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday. The Practice will reopen on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 9.00am.
Thank you for your understanding.
In the event of a crisis or emergency, please call 000 or lifeline 13 11 14
Laburnum Psychology will be closed on Friday 27 September 2024 for the Grand Final Public Holiday. The Practice will reopen on Monday 30 September 2024 at 9.00am.
Thank you for your understanding.
In the event of a crisis or emergency, please call 000 or lifeline 13 11 14
Emma approaches her work with great strengths in empathy and compassion. Prior to her work in psychology, she has worked and volunteered all around the world, with vulnerable children and communities, and people in sanctuaries, orphanages and primary schools across Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica. Emma has worked with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, socio-economic groups, and across all ages. She aspires to create a safe space for individuals to explore their story, and with the goal of identifying practical skills and strategies to move towards their goals and find healing, change and personal growth.
Key Interest Areas
Kaitlyn is a dedicated and compassionate psychologist, committed to helping clients achieve lasting transformation through a holistic and integrative approach to therapy. With a calming and gentle presence, she works collaboratively with adults (18 years and older), meeting clients where they are and drawing on their strengths to create meaningful, personalized goals.
Kaitlyn holds a Master of Counselling Psychology, a Master of Behavioural Health, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is deeply committed to providing culturally sensitive, respectful, and individualized care. Her approach focuses on treating the whole person, not just addressing symptoms, fostering emotional and psychological healing through self-awareness, growth, and empowerment.
Kaitlyn’s therapeutic style blends Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Schema Therapy. She incorporates somatic awareness and emotional exploration, encouraging clients to reconnect with their bodies and deepen their self-understanding. By integrating an attachment-based framework, Kaitlyn helps clients explore how early relational experiences shape their emotional world, addressing attachment wounds such as fears of abandonment, self-criticism, and relational difficulties. She also works with the unconscious mind to uncover and address deeply held beliefs, patterns, and unresolved emotional material that may be limiting change or contributing to ongoing struggles.
Through this process-driven and experiential approach, Kaitlyn creates a safe, compassionate space for clients to explore emotional patterns, unconscious processes, and past wounds. By shining a light on these deeper layers of the self, clients are able to heal from hidden emotional hurts, gain greater self-awareness, and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. Kaitlyn’s goal is to guide clients toward emotional balance, healing, and healthier connections, helping them break free from negative cycles and foster lasting transformation.
Kaitlyn believes that true healing comes from integrating both the conscious and unconscious aspects of the self, and she is passionate about helping clients connect to their inner world. Through a combination of deep emotional work, somatic integration, and insight into unconscious patterns, she supports clients in building resilience, self-compassion, and emotional regulation on their path to growth and change.
Kaitlyn’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Olivia completed her psychology training at Melbourne University, having previously lived and studied abroad. She brings significant experience working with children and adolescents, including her work delivering Early Start Denver Model and her past role with Headspace. Oliva recognises the value of working with young people to identify and manage challenges earlier in life, before they become more entrenched patterns. Olivia also values working with adults of all age groups, guiding them to understand the origins of difficulties and the pathways toward positive and lasting change.
Olivia approaches her work drawing on a range of evidence-based strategies and approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Olivia is passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative, and caring space to help her clients work towards their goals and, where appropriate, involving parents, carers, and/or other health professionals to further support her clients’ progress. She approaches her work with warmth and compassion, always seeking to understand her clients’ experiences and perspectives, and to meet them where they’re at.
Olivia’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Kimberley approaches her work in psychology with a strong sense of collaboration, working from a client-centered philosophy. Kimberley encourages and enables clients to reflect on directions and goals, while always offering professional direction where appropriate.
Kimberley has worked with clients across the lifespan, including adolescents through to older people. She brings experience across a range of settings, including private practice, disability services, youth settings, and NDIS work.
Kimberley draws on a range of well-established evidence-based interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and motivational interviewing. Alongside this technical knowledge, she also brings empathy and warmth to her work, always aiming to create a safe and accepting environment from which to work on change.
Kimberley’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Ellysia holds a master’s level qualification in psychology and brings experience from previous roles in private practice and primary schools. Ellysia works across all age groups.
Ellysia is a diligent and driven individual. She approaches her work in psychology combining these attributes alongside her strong values of empathy, care, and compassion. Ellysia holds a strong person-centered philosophy and prides herself on developing a strong rapport with her clients. She values working with clients from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. Ellysia is a strong communicator and combines this with patience and a calm demeanor. These skills and attributes enable Ellysia to create a safe and supportive environment where her clients are enabled to feel comfortable exploring potentially challenging aspects of their lives.
Ellysia brings experience in the delivery of evidence-based interventions and psychoeducation, as well as the provision of assessment services and report preparation for clients and external stakeholders (e.g. NDIS). Where necessary and relevant, she will liaise with other relevant stakeholders, including teachers and other health professionals.
Ellysia’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Hi, my name is Winnie! I am a 5-year-old ‘Westiepoo’ (Scottish west highland terrier crossed with a poodle). I was rescued from a puppy farm and am excited to have been trained to be a therapy dog so I can work alongside my mum, Emma. I love exploring the outdoors, trying new things, and especially love cuddles! I love meeting people of all ages and hope to be able to provide support to you as a co-therapist with Emma. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Jake holds a Master of Clinical Psychology degree. In addition to his formal tertiary qualifications, he continues to pursue a range of further professional development and training.
Jake has been employed in mental health settings for the past eight years and has worked across a range of complimentary roles treating individuals across the lifespan. Jake holds strong values around warmth, commitment to care and growth, and he believes strongly in the value of a collaborative working relationship with his clients.
Jake’s areas of expertise and interest include
Natasha is a well-established psychologist, who brings a depth of experience to her work. She predominantly works with children from the age of eight to late adolescence / early adulthood. Natasha’s passion is supporting individuals to better understand their strengths, and to find ways to communicate and navigate aspects of their life that may be challenging. Natasha holds strong values around neuro-affirming psychology, and enabling her clients to access individualised support and care.
Natasha holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honours and Master’s Degree in Psychology. She also holds endorsement as a Board Approved Supervisor. She has a strong interest in psychological assessment (cognitive, adaptive behaviour, social/emotional, academic) as these enable a greater understanding of each child’s/young person’s learning profile and support needs. With this as context, Natasha works to build communication between the young person and their support networks (e.g., family, school, vocation) to develop their self-confidence and the young person’s ability to advocate for what they need. Outside of psychological assessment, Natasha also works one on one with her clients to identify and implement change goals to support key areas in their life such as supporting self-confidence, self-compassion and self-advocacy.
One of Natasha’s greatest strengths is her capacity to engage her clients into a safe and meaningful process. She brings great warmth and compassion to her work, and meets her clients where they are at.
Natasha’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Jasmine is dedicated to creating a warm and safe environment for all her clients. She ensures to always meet her clients with empathy, to foster a person-to-person connection. She works collaboratively to understand her clients, meet them where they are at, and work together to meet their needs in therapy.
Jasmine is qualified with a Master of Clinical Psychology. Before this, she completed a Bachelor of Psychology and Criminology and Honours in Psychology. Jasmine draws on a range of evidence-based interventions, ensuring that all her work is tailored to her client’s needs, and stage of therapy. Her main therapy modalities include schema therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Jasmine works with adolescents and young adults. She has experience across community and youth mental health services, university mental health clinics and forensic settings.
Jasmine’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Donna brings a depth of experience to her counselling role, specializing in family therapy, relationship counselling and parenting. She provides her services to individuals of all ages. She has worked extensively with children and adolescents, which further informs her works with parents. She has worked across a range of settings, including schools and a variety of community organisations, both in Australia and abroad. Donna works with a broad range of family constellations, in addition to her work with couples, individuals and group work. Donna is trained in Gottman method couples therapy, emotion focused therapy (EFT), shame informed therapy and trauma informed therapy.
Donna brings energy and passion to her role and is committed to creating a safe environment for people to work on family and relationship challenges. Her work with families is invaluable and she has assisted many families on their journey to finding greater peace, connectedness and harmony.
Donna’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Maggie brings great passion to her work in psychology. She brings experience from previous work in a not-for-profit community and the family violence sector. Maggie holds a strong desire to help others overcome personal barriers that undermine wellbeing or prevent them from living a life that they value.
Maggie brings a strong client-centered philosophy to her work, placing great emphasis upon her counselling relationships. She brings a friendly, kind and non-judgmental nature to her work, and possesses a natural capacity for empathy. Maggie values strong and trusting counselling relationships, such that her clients can feel comfortable working in a safe, open and collaborative manner.
Having completed many years of formal training, Maggie strongly values the scientist-practitioner approach to treatment planning and intervention. She is committed to continuous learning and equipping herself with strategies and techniques to inform her work.
Maggie’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Cameron brings empathy, compassion and composure to his work in psychology. He holds a Master of Professional Psychology. Cameron possesses a strong work ethic and a commitment to working in collaboration with his clients. Cameron values open-mindedness and brings great warmth to his work. He is committed to meeting people where they are at and working together to identify goals and effective strategies for change.
Cameron’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Having worked with children, adults, and families, Elaine brings experience from a range of settings. She holds a Master of Criminology degree along with extensive training in psychology, honing her capacity to be thorough and meticulous. She brings great warmth and sincerity to her work, in turn fostering a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients to feel at ease.
Elaine values person-centered and holistic approaches. She is passionate about empowering her clients and enjoys working collaboratively to promote positive change. Being multilingual (conversational Cantonese and Mandarin) further enables her to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. While tailoring treatment to meet her clients’ individual needs, she is committed to incorporating evidence-based strategies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), play therapy and mindfulness-based therapy.
In addition to working with children, adolescents, and parents, Elaine is also experienced in offering therapeutic services to adults. She provides support around a range of mental health issues and is also available to administer cognitive and educational assessments.
Elaine’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Paulene is a highly motivate provisional psychologist who aims to provide exceptional care, drawing on Solution Focussed Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She works collaboratively with her clients to formulate a treatment plan, tailoring strategies for the unique needs of each individual.
Having completed a Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) overseas, Paulene has worked with a range of client groups. She brings experience from private practice, NDIS, and WorkCover settings. She has experience in the provision of assessment, diagnosis and delivery of therapy.
Paulene approaches her work with warmth and compassion, and will work together with you to find the best pathways forward.
Key Interest Areas
Brenda is a bilingual Clinical Psychologist passionate about supporting both adolescents and adults. Having lived in Hong Kong, the UK, and Australia, she brings a rich understanding of cultural diversity to her practice. She offers culturally sensitive care and insight into the unique challenges and strengths of individuals from various backgrounds.
Before joining Laburnum Psychology, Brenda gained valuable experience at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department of Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong, where she provided comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, and community care. Brenda has recently been credentialed by ANZAED (CEDC-MH), recognising her advanced training and expertise in delivering evidence-based treatments for eating disorders.
Brenda’s clinical interests include neurodevelopmental disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. She utilises a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, ACT, DBT, and Schema Therapy. She adopts a client-centred framework and brings warmth and compassion in her work. She enjoys creating a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment that empowers clients to create meaningful and lasting changes.
Brenda’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Dr. Jen Trimpey joins the Laburnum Psychology team bringing a breadth of experience as a seasoned clinician, researcher and presenter. Jen underwent her training in psychology at The University of San Francisco and the University of Colorado, followed by a doctoral internship at Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio where she honed her clinical skills.
Over the early years of her career Jen worked as a therapist in the field of HIV prevention in the LGBTQI+ community in San Francisco. More recently she has worked in New York City focusing on psychological assessment and working with individuals who experience developmental disabilities.
She possesses a strong passion for psychological assessment, and the ways that this can inform and support people who are seeking to understand themselves or their children better.
Jen approaches her work with a strong sense of compassion, warmth and empathy. She holds strong values around respect and equity, most particularly when it comes to the work she has done for marginalized groups and individuals. She approaches her work with kindness and will work collaboratively with you as you find your best pathway forward.
Jen’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Roohi brings a depth of experience to her role as a couples’ therapist at Laburnum Psychology. Beyond her Master of Arts, she is trained in Gottman method couples therapy, family therapy, emotion focused couples therapy (EFT) and emotion focused individual therapy (EFIT). Roohi draws on her clinical trauma training to ensure a trauma informed counselling process.
Roohi is a warm and compassionate individual who brings care and empathy to her work. She draws on her own experiences of life and combines this with a person-centered approach. This greatly assists her clients to feel understood and heard as they venture through counselling.
Roohi brings extensive knowledge of interpersonal and relational communication patterns and underlying emotional needs. She works to support her clients identify underlying self-defeating thoughts and behaviours and help them to successfully resolve intricate interpersonal issues
Roohi’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Tim implements a practical approach into his work and seeks to meet clients where they are at, so as to navigate their challenges and offer ways to solve complex issues collaboratively. Tim puts emphasis on empowering clients to see their worth and take control of the challenges they are facing.
Tim draws upon multifaceted and evidenced-based approaches to meet clients’ needs including dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution focused therapy, schema therapy, and trauma informed therapeutic approaches. Tim offers an understanding and empathetic voice in his work and enjoys working with clients to build their sense of mastery.
Tim has experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across the lifespan. Prior to his work in psychology, Tim worked in the forensic field with individuals exiting the justice system. Furthermore, Tim has a background in elite level sport and the stress and challenges that come with this. Tim offers a lived experience perspective into navigating these challenges alongside balancing the demands of everyday life.
Tim has particular interest and experience working within a dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) framework and runs the DBT programs offered at Laburnum Psychology. This includes individual DBT for complex issues associated with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
Tim’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Susanna brings a depth of experience to her work at Laburnum Psychology. She has worked in counselling roles for twenty five years, across the disciplines of psychology and social work. Susanna brings experience from a breadth of settings, including private practice, hospitals, community health, the mental health network, alcohol and drug addiction network, family violence network, and courts.
Susanna engages in both short and longer-term therapy, such as CBT, psychodynamic, and DBT. She brings a person-centered approach to her work, reflecting the importance of the counselling relationship. Susanna values collaborative work, in an environment where her clients feel safe and supported to explore the issues they bring into therapy.
Key Interest Areas
Madeleine is known for bringing a strong sense of warmth and compassion to her work. She is passionate about creating a safe space for her clients to explore their experiences. She will work collaboratively with you to help you identify your goals, and the steps you can take to find peace and to thrive.
Madeleine utilises a client centered approach, drawing from a range of evidence-based interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Madeleine’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Sarah is a registered psychologist with clinical endorsement, having completed a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology. She works with adults across the lifespan of diverse backgrounds to identify change goals and negotiate the best pathways toward a greater sense of peace in your life.
Sarah blends a strong sense of compassion and empathy, together with a strong value on evidence-based interventions. She will work collaboratively to tailor her interventions to achieve her clients’ therapeutic goals utilising a range of therapy techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), schema therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Sarah’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Alicia works with clients across the lifespan. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience assisting her clients to feel comfortable and supported to embrace their individual differences and create a fulfilling and meaningful future. She is passionate about working with neurodiversity (i.e., autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety (inclusive of obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias), trauma and eating disorders.
Alicia holds the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential (CEDC-MH). This accreditation recognises Alicia’s level of qualification, knowledge, training in the delivery of safe and effective eating disorders treatment.
Alicia prides herself on providing individually tailored therapy whilst ensuring warmth, compassion and empathy. She draws upon a wide variety of evidence-based approaches, inclusive of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT and CBT-E), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, exposure therapy and mindfulness. Alicia is also experienced in conducting cognitive, educational and diagnostic assessments (including ASD and ADHD). She ensures the assessments and recommendations are tailored to the individual.
Alicia’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Mateja is a registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She completed a Professional Doctorate in Clinical and Forensic Psychology and has worked in community mental health and forensic settings.
Mateja focuses on working in a collaborative and non-judgmental way to create a safe space for clients to share their stories and develop goals that they would like to work toward in therapy. She draws upon a range of interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, interpersonal therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Mateja’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Rob is an experienced psychologist, with a Masters in Counselling Psychology and over twenty years experience as a counsellor. Rob brings a breadth of knowledge and insight to his work, and works with adults who may present with a broad range of mental health issues.
Rob is motivated to help his clients achieve their potential drawing on evidence-based therapy approaches appropriate for each unique client. Rob holds strong values around collaborative therapy, drawing on clients’ unique strengths. He supports equity and diversity, and is well able to build strong empathic therapeutic processes. He will work with you to identify your own goals and directions for counselling, creating a safe environment to explore possibilities for change.
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Lisa specializes in working with children and young people, aged four to early twenties. She holds a Master of Education and Developmental Psychology degree and is a board-approved supervisor. She brings considerable expertise in children’s education and development, having worked across many settings, including multidisciplinary teams, private practice, primary schools, community health, outreach, and early intervention environments.
Lisa is experienced in individual and group therapy with children. She approaches her work with a strong value base for assisting children in their development. She works conscientiously to identify early intervention opportunities that assist children onto the best possible developmental pathway. She brings warmth and compassion to her work to create a safe and fun environment where children can feel at ease as they engage in the therapeutic processes. She draws on a range of modalities and principles, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), person-centered counselling, emotion coaching, social learning, play therapy, family therapy, schema therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Lisa also provides developmental, cognitive and educational assessments for children and adolescents.
Lisa acknowledges the importance of supporting parents and families to understand and navigate the needs of the child. Lisa works holistically with families, carers, school staff, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a systemic approach to supporting the child.
Lisa’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Hilary is a highly experienced Psychotherapist and Mental Health Social Worker. She has worked in acute mental health, educational and community settings.
Hilary has a depth of experience working with adults & adolescents facing acute and complex mental health difficulties. She has a keen interest in psychoanalysis and approaches this with deep value of helping in pragmatic and sensible ways. Hilary will work closely with you to identify your goals for change, and to navigate the path. Hilary brings warmth and pragmatism to her work, which is of immense value in helping her clients to feel comfortable and understood.
Key Interest Areas
Josie is a highly experienced member of the Laburnum Psychology team, bringing fourteen years of experience to her work. Josie holds a Doctoral degree in Clinical Neuropsychology and has worked both as a neuropsychologist and a generalist psychologist. In her generalist work, Josie works with clients who experience anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress, adjustment issues, and low self-confidence. Josie values building strong rapport with her clients and will work with you to identify meaningful goals and work toward building positive change in your life. Josie is conscientious to base her interventions in evidence-based therapeutic frameworks, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
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Carissa holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and has published a number of research publications in international peer-reviewed journals. Having achieved a high degree of academic training and clinical research, she now focusses her efforts upon applying these learnings in her work as a psychologist. As a psychologist, Carissa values empathy, authenticity, curiosity and compassion. Carissa has worked with a variety of clients across the lifespan at different settings, such as hospitals, aged care residences, universities and community settings. Having lived in Canada, Singapore and Indonesia, Carissa appreciates the diversity of religions, gender identities and sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds. In addition to creating a safe therapeutic space, Carissa aims to individually tailor and blend evidence-based therapy approaches for each unique individual. Carissa works across all age ranges, which include older adults, adults and adolescents. Carissa also speaks fluent Bahasa Indonesia.
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Tim is a registered clinical and counselling psychologist, and one of the Practice Directors at Laburnum Psychology. With over 25 years of experience supporting clients and supervising fellow psychologists, Tim is passionate about providing a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental space where people can explore change at their own pace.
Tim believes that meaningful change begins with feeling truly understood. He works collaboratively with clients to gently explore patterns, clarify their goals, and find practical, relatable ways to move forward. Drawing on his strong interest in the neurology of change, Tim also helps people understand how they can intentionally support their own growth and wellbeing from a brain-based perspective.
Tim’s approach is warm, supportive, and empowering. He is committed to helping clients build a deeper understanding of themselves, navigate life’s challenges, and cultivate greater peace, resilience, and contentment in their lives.
Tim’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Kylie is a registered clinical psychologist and board approved supervisor with over twenty-five years of experience. Kylie approaches therapy with a strong focus on empathy, understanding and compassion. She aims to assist her clients to build greater insight and understanding of themselves, and work with this to achieve long-term, lasting change. Kylie helps her clients to achieve a stronger and more conscious sense of self, so they can live with greater alignment to their core values and life goals. She works with a wide variety of people to help them understand the impacts of early life experiences, be that trauma or deprivation, or more subtle influences. Kylie will work with you to address and change whatever it is that brings you to therapy, and to find your way to a greater overall sense of peace, wellbeing and satisfaction in your life.
Kylie’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Larissa has twenty-four years counselling experience and has been with Laburnum Psychology for over ten years. She brings a breadth of experience to her clinical work. She works with individuals aged thirteen and above. Larissa’s approach is to develop a safe, warm and trusting relationship and to use an eclectic range of evidence-based psychological approaches matched to each individual’s needs. Her therapy approaches include schema therapy, trauma-informed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, as well as relationship counselling. Larissa has worked in a range of counselling settings including Gambler’s Help, youth sexual assault counselling and generalist counselling.
Larissa’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Elizabeth works with adults from the age of eighteen with a range of mental health issues. Elizabeth particularly enjoys working alongside people seeking to make changes in their lives consistent with their values, needs, preferences, and life stage. Operating within a framework of psychological safety, acceptance, understanding and empathy, Elizabeth is committed to working collaboratively with clients towards an improvement in satisfaction and meaning in life, whatever that may look like for each individual.
Elizabeth incorporates acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with behavioural and compassion-focused approaches.
Elizabeth’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Fina is a Clinical Psychologist who brings a depth of experience working across a very broad range of life issues and clinical presentations. Fina is fluent in both English and Indonesian. Fina always aims to work collaboratively with clients, drawing on their own unique strengths and capacities to achieve change, and find greater peace and contentment in their lives.
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Latha has completed a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. She approaches her work with a strong sense of compassion and a desire to understand the uniqueness of each individual client and the situations they face. Latha utilizes a strong blend of interpersonal skills, empathy and technical ability. Latha’s warm and personable manner helps her clients to feel at ease in their sessions with her.
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Mili holds a Master of Clinical Psychology. She has experience working across a range of settings, including educational institutions (secondary and tertiary) as well as geriatric settings (working with adults aged 65+). Mili brings a strong sense of peace and calmness to her work, as well as her strengths in compassion. She has an excellent capacity to help clients feel safe and at ease in exploring challenging areas of their lives.
Mili’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Simone is an Advanced Certified Individual Schema Therapist and an Accredited Individual Schema Therapy Supervisor with the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST). She completed her Schema Therapy training through the Schema Therapy Institutes of New Jersey and New York City with Wendy Behary and Dr Jeffrey Young. Simone also holds a PhD focused on applying the Schema Therapy model to dark triad personality traits in the workplace.
Simone is a warm, empathic psychologist who prioritises creating a safe, non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic environment. She works collaboratively with her clients to identify their core emotional needs and develop effective strategies for meaningful change. Simone has clinical experience in corrections, community mental health (headspace and drug and alcohol), as well as schools. She has a deep passion for working with clients who have experienced trauma, dissociation, and personality difficulties.
Simone is also a Board Approved Supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia. She provides primary and secondary supervision to psychologists (provisional and registered) and clinical psychology registrars. As an ISST Accredited Schema Therapy Supervisor, she also offers supervision for therapists seeking certification in schema therapy.
Simone’s areas of expertise and interest include:
Sivan is a Clinical Psychologist who brings vast and varied experience to her work. She has a high level of professional experience and expertise. Sivan builds very strong rapport with her clients. She works with integrity and authenticity, and creates a very secure and calming space in which to conduct her sessions. Sivan possesses great strengths in case conceptualization and formulation. She works with adults and adolescents, and is fluent in English and Hebrew.
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