Registered Psychologist
BA(Hons), DPsych(Forensic)
Paula has been practising as a registered psychologist since 2004. She brings to DS Psychology Group extensive clinical experience in a variety of clinical settings, including psychiatric, legal and in private practice. Paula’s working background has involved being a senior clinician at the Melbourne Magistrates Court conducting assessments and providing support and counselling to vulnerable and at-risk clients. In addition Paula has provided assessment and treatment for both adolescents and adults on a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, anger and substance use. More recently, Paula has been working as a consultant psychologist, engaged in private practice counselling a diverse range of adults on issues such as sleeping difficulties, stress, adjustment issues, substance use, trauma and relationships. She has also been involved with the Children’s Court Clinic and other government agencies completing family assessments on young people who present at risk, or may be at risk from others. Paula is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) and the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and the Law (ANZAPPL). Paula has the ability to work with males and females and adolescents who present with complex needs, risk issues, anger and offending behaviour and trauma concerns. More recently she has also developed an interest in working with post-natal depression and is particularly sensitive and nurturing to the needs of these clients.
Paula is committed to providing a highly individualised, empathic and supportive relationship with her clients. She believes that a therapeutic relationship should be collaborative and provide individuals with a safe space to develop greater self-awareness, and nurture positive change. Paula seeks to empower individuals by developing an understanding of their strengths and positive attributes. Paula has a highly flexible approach to meet the needs of each client. She is able to provide short-term, problem-focused interventions, manage acute situations and highly distressed clients or facilitate change for more chronic and/or long-term issues.
Clinical Specialties
Adolescents
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Friendship issues
- Substance Use
- Trauma (including PTSD, sexual abuse, bullying)
- Offending behaviour
- Self-injurious/Risk-taking behavior
Adults
- Depression
- Anxiety (Social Phobia, OCD, Panic Disorder, Generalised Anxiety)
- Anger
- Ante-natal/Post-natal Counselling
- Life transitions/Adjustment Problems (work loss, injury)
- Relationship conflict and separation
- Substance Use
- Trauma (including PTSD, sexual abuse)
- Offending behaviour
- Self-injurious/Risk-taking behavior
Therapy Specialities
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Schema Therapy
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Mindfulness Training
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Client Groups
- Adults
- Adolescents (13+)
Paula offers day appointments Saturday Mornings at our Ringwood Office