DR. MATTHEW THONG

Dr. Matthew Thong

Registered Psychologist
BA / BSc (Hons.), PhD (Med. – Educational Psychology), M Ed & Dev Psych

Matthew is a registered psychologist who has experience providing cognitive (IQ) and learning ability assessments for children and adolescents, as well as behavioural assessments for ASD and ADHD. He has provided both individual and group therapy for children aged 4-12 to help them deal with anxiety, hyperactivity / impulsivity, friendship issues / social skills and continence / toileting issues. Matthew also has experience as an SRI volunteer running group programs in a state primary school, and is familiar with the school system.

Matthew has a particular interest in educational and learning issues, having taught and researched in a university setting for the past six years. Matthew understands the challenges faced by late adolescents / young adults as they transition from school to independent university life. He is familiar with the complexities of the tertiary educational system and the stresses that come with juggling academic, work and social lives. Moreover, as a Malaysian-born migrant to Australia, Matthew understands the particular challenges faced by international students (and also children, adults and families) who are adapting to a new language and culture. In addition to English, he speaks Bahasa (Malay / Indonesian) and Hokkien Chinese.

Matthew employs an integrated approach to therapy, choosing and adapting the best therapy to tailored to each particular client. He is passionate about treating each client as a unique individual, and helping children in a way that suits their particular temperament and developmental level. Matthew enjoys working with even very young children, adapting therapeutic approaches using games and play routines that they can understand, and supporting parents in reinforcing positive behaviours.

Matthew is flexible in providing long-term support to adult clients who want to explore their emotions and learn more about themselves, or more short-term / focused sessions for clients who need help with problem-solving / decision-making or managing life transitions. He strives to offer a safe space in which the client feels heard and validated, and a sounding board with whom the client can work out complex thoughts and feelings. He believes in letting clients take the lead in improving their own well being by learning to accept and process difficult thoughts and feelings.

Clinical Interests

Therapeutic Modalities

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Attachment theory frameworks
• Play therapy

Matthew is available on Fridays at our Ringwood Office