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.
Fee Increase
Please note that from the 1st of December 2025, our follow up appointment fee has increased by $25. All other fees remain the same.
Rooms Closed
Our rooms are closed from the 18th of December to the 5th of January for holidays.
