Therapy for adults, children & young people.
Vanessa is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy, to support an individuals journey of growth and healing. “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
— Brene Brown.
Vanessa’s therapeutic approach
Vanessa’s clinical work, spanning 26 years, has involved working with a range of psychological and behavioural concerns with adults, children and young people, and families. She has worked clinically in hospital inpatient and outpatient settings, community and private clinics, outreach services and in schools addressing a range of presenting issues including, depression, anxiety, addiction issues, adjustment challenges and parenting. Using a collaborative client-centred approach to therapy, to create a safe and trusting therapeutic space, she is able to provide a short-term solutions-focused approach or an in-depth exploration of challenges to facilitate positive change, and increase knowledge and understanding. Vanessa draws upon an integrated theoretical model, adapting the therapy to suit the person and their circumstances, and utilises a number of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Working together to create a safe, supportive space to promote your wellness.
Areas of expertise
Anxiety
Adjustment Issues
Depression
Womens Issues
Parenting and Behaviour Management
Menopause
Alcohol and other drug addictions
Begin your journey with Vanessa, Accepting new appointments and clients now.
About Vanessa
Psychology
Vanessa first registered as a psychologist in 1997. She is very experienced, to date having completed more than 10 000+ hours of direct client therapy with children, young people, adults and families with varying psychological presentations.
Vanessa commenced working in community based organisations providing therapy for adults with drug and alcohol addictions. The complexity of addiction led to working for many years with families with a specific focus on improving outcomes for children. During this time Vanessa was part of a research team at the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University, Brisbane, developing a parenting program for families facing multiple challenges. This program won the Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Social Prevention Programs in 2011. Vanessa co-authored several journal articles of research results relating to family functioning and parenting that have been published in national and international peer reviewed journals.
In addition to working with hundreds of families, Vanessa has trained hundreds of allied health workers throughout Australia to provide therapeutic interventions to complex families. She has also worked with children in Out of Home Care and in Primary and High School settings conducting cognitive and behavioural assessments and providing therapeutic interventions for children with a range of diagnostic presentations.
She has managed a dual diagnosis service for adults with co-morbid Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs difficulties. She has worked in private practice and outreach settings with a range of adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and adjustment difficulties, and has been a Senior Manager for the design and commissioning of Mental Health Services in the Far North Coast of NSW from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie.
Qualifications and Education
Registered Psychologist with AHPRA
Master of Clinical Psychology (Post registration)
Master of Business Administration
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
Bachelor of Behavioural Science
APHRA: PSY0001409316
Registered NDIS Provider
Contact Vanessa
For quick enquires regarding services, fees or general questions
Otherwise to schedule an appointment, please refer to the link at the top of the page