BSci(Psych)(Hons), MSci(Psych), MPsych, PhD
I have been a practicing psychologist since 1994. Prior to venturing into the private practice world, I worked in public health institutes (Darling Downs Health) for 17 years.
In my 29+ years of experience, I have worked in both clinical and health areas, in private and public sectors in Australia and overseas, with people across the lifespan and from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. I have also held teaching and supervision roles at university in tertiary education.
I am a board-approved supervisor for psychology and clinical psychology students. I hold an adjunct lecturer role at the University of Southern Queensland and a casual academic role with the University of New England. I am also involved in the teaching and supervision of students in their master’s level program.
I provide therapy for all. I mainly work with adults, particularly with older adults, which was the focus area of my PhD paper that I completed in 2022. Apart from working with varied types of mental health presentations, I also provide therapy for chronic pain and rehabilitation for varied medical and chronic health issues.
I use a range of therapeutic modalities, namely Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), schema therapy, brief solution-focused therapy sessions to assist clients reflect and utilise their own resourcefulness and influence the change that they desire. I also provide assessments for older adults experiencing cognitive decline and screening of people showing neurodivergence traits.
Therapy Approaches:
Specialist Interests:
Assessments:
Present
Past
Present:
Past:
Senior Psychologist at Darling Downs Health (DDH): April 2011 to July 2022
Worked in various departments in Toowoomba and Baillie Henderson Hospitals (GARSS-Geriatric Adult Rehabilitation & Stroke Services (GARSS) including Memory Clinic, Mental Health Services teams: Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Team-CLP, Child and Youth MHS-CYMHS, Adult MHS teams, Mobile Intensive Rehabilitation team-MIRT Allied Health (part of the medical team), and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Screening Clinic-OPSC).
Managerial and Clinical Position: 2009 to 2010
Program Coordinator (Acting)
Rehabilitation Services and Disability Services, Extended Inpatient Service, Queensland Health, covered several periods of relief ranging from 2 weeks to 3 and 4 months as Acting Program Coordinator in the two services specified above.
Psychologist and Probationary Psychologist: 2004 to 2011
Ridley or Medium Secure Unit, Extended Inpatient Service (EIS), DDH. Mobile Intensive Rehabilitation Team (MIRT), Adult Team 1 and Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Acute Mental Health Unit, DDH and St Andrews Private Hospital.
Overseas Experience:
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AND COMPETITIVE GRANTS
Exploring the Impact of Attention Training on Attention Difficulties of Older Adults
Principal Investigator: Mousumi Singh
Associate Investigators: Professor Bob Knight and Associate Professor Gavin Beccaria
Investigation into the relationship between Mindfulness training and PST in adults with severe mental health condition
Principal Investigators: Mousumi Singh, Darling Downs Health (DDH), Dr. Gavin Beccaria: University of Southern Queensland
A mixed method multidisciplinary service improvement in the early detection of delirium at Toowoomba Hospital.
Principal Researcher: Heather Hoey (DDH)
Associate Researchers: Andrew Pearman, Dr Melissa Kaltner, Mousumi Singh, Rebecca Brazier (DDH).
Why did you choose this profession?
I had a keen interest in how the human mind works and I learn more from clients’ experiences.
What is your favourite operation (or procedure or service) and why?
Favourite therapy: Schema Therapy.
Can you name a person / teacher / mentor along the way that taught you something important about your given field?
My PhD supervisors- valued me.
My uncle who is an emeritus professor in his 90s in Psychology and Rehabilitation – he was my role model growing up
Do you have a memorable patient story / work experience or moment you can share?
This is about an elderly patient who died of cancer. I had worked with this person for few months prior to her being admitted to hospice and eventually she passed away there. I was so, so surprised that she told her family members to visit the hospital ward where I was working with her and make sure to deliver the message of her passing on to me! It was the best gift a patient could ever give me.
What are some hobbies and interests outside of work that you enjoy?
Travelling.
