About Amanda
I am a Clinical Psychologist with an open-minded and down-to-earth style. I consider it a privilege to hear personal stories and help people move from merely surviving to truly thriving.
I have been working for the government health department and in private practice for 17 years. After fulfilling a long-term dream this year of relocating from Perth to the beautiful South West of WA, I now work solely in private practice.
Prior to my career as a Clinical Psychologist, I gained direct experience of human development from working in child care centres and this has been valuable in understanding how early experiences can shape our adult selves. I also developed an appreciation for the role of cultural factors in identity through working with people of different nationalities on cruiseships in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Another formative experience was treating clients as old as 97 while working for government aged care departments, which showed me that no matter your age, it's not too late to deal with old wounds and improve self-esteem.
At the University of Western Australia, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Psychology, I was fascinated by not only psychology but also by medical subjects like anatomy, physiology, and human movement. This interest in physical health has continued throughout my work in public hospitals, where I’ve helped people dealing with medical conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, and immune disorders.
The connection between physical and mental health remains a central focus in my training in experiential and body-focused therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) and Schema Therapy. These powerful approaches help people address the heart of their issues. Other therapies, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), help regulate the nervous system and draw on the mind-body connection. A regular Mindfulness Meditation practice has been part of my life for 3 decades and I enjoy teaching this valuable skill to clients, particularly those who have struggled with meditation in the past.
When I’m not at the clinic, I enjoy growing vegetables, practising yoga, and taking long walks in nature as often as I can.