Child Psychologist Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Jane Dobson

Clinical Psychologist
M. Psych (Clinical), Grad. Dip. Psych, B. Ed, Dip. Tchg
Registration PSY0001586152
MAPS

Lisa Connell

Clinical Psychologist
M. Psych (Clinical), Grad. Dip. Psych, B. Arts (Psych), B. Com

Registration PSY0001964870
MAPS

Lisa Connell is a Clinical Psychologist who works with adults, families, adolescents and children experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological issues including anxiety, depression, stress (work and study), and relationship issues.

Lisa is client centred, and collaborative in her approach. She believes in the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship, to create a caring, supportive and non-judgmental environment. Lisa’s approach is largely grounded within a cognitive behavioural therapy framework, however she also incorporates other evidence based approaches such as acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness.

Lisa has experience with both adults and children in in-patient and out-patient hospital settings, and private organisations. Previous experience in corporate roles offers valuable understanding for parents experiencing issues such as work life balance and juggling parenthood. Lisa is passionate about supporting mothers in enjoying parenthood without losing sight of their own personal values and goals.

Belinda Jones

Clinical Psychologist
M. Psych (Clinical), FCCLP, FCSEP

Registration PSY0001313092
MAPS

Belinda Jones is a very experienced Clinical Psychologist who works with children, adolescents and their parents helping them manage significant stress, including parental separation, grief and loss, and traumatic events.

Belinda is a Clinical Psychologist who has been registered for over twenty years. She has worked across the Health, NGO and School sectors before moving into private practice a little over ten years ago. Belinda works to create a safe therapeutic space that can include assisting a child or young person directly, working with parents to develop effective and supportive strategies for their child and working with family systems. She works with a range of client presentations, including anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioural difficulties and complex trauma. She works from a holistic standpoint, taking into account the factors that have brought a child or young person into psychological intervention well as the child's unique and individual experience.

Belinda connects authentically with children and young people in developmentally appropriate interventions that include utilising play, creativity, movement, and stories as well as child specific adaptations of cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and narrative therapy. She also has particular experience and training around the neurobiology of stress and trauma and works to assist children, young people and their parents to manage the impacts of significant stress, including parental separation, grief and loss, and traumatic events.

Belinda aims to be a valuable resource for families, working together with them to build their connections and skills and move confidently and authentically in their lives.

Vikki Biggs

Clinical Psychologist
M. Psych (Clinical), B. Arts (Psych) (Hons)

Registration PSY0001378970
MAPS

Vikki Biggs is a very experienced Clinical Psychologist who exclusively provides assessment services. She specialises in cognitive, developmental and educational assessments.

Vikki Biggs is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Board of Psychology.   She is also a Member of the Australian Psychological Society.  She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from University of New South Wales and Macquarie University.  Since completing her Master’s degree Vikki has worked with infants, children and adolescents with a range of complex medical issues, developmental conditions and learning difficulties.

Until recently, Vikki worked in the public health care system at the Royal Hospital for Women in the Growth and Development Clinic conducting developmental assessments on extremely premature infants.  Concurrently, she has been in private practice almost 20 years focussing on the assessment of children and adolescents with a range of mental health conditions, behavioural concerns, learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities and other developmental disorders. She specialises in cognitive, educational and developmental assessments as well as evaluations of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD). 

Vikki has published numerous papers in both Australian journals and international publications. 

Stephanie O’Hare

Clinical Neuropsychologist
M. Clin. Neuro. B. Sc (Hons)

Registration PSY0001626147

Stephanie O’Hare is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who provides assessment services. Stephanie is extensively experienced in conducting cognitive, developmental and educational assessments including ADHD and ASD.

Stephanie is registered as a Clinical Neuropsychologist with the Australian Board of Psychology. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Neuropsychology from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Science, Psychology with Honours from Macquarie University. Since completing her master’s degree, she has worked with children and adolescents with a range of developmental and acquired conditions. Stephanie works in the public health care system, with a permanent appointment at the Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in the South West Sydney Local Area Health Service. Stephanie has extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment for children and adolescents with a range of mental health conditions, behavioural concerns, learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities and other developmental disorders (e.g. ADHD). Stephanie specialises in the assessment of autism spectrum disorder and she is trained in the ADOS and ADIR.

Previously, Stephanie worked in the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital and for the Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre in Brisbane. During this time, she worked on an intervention study which targeted cognitive and physical rehabilitation for children and adolescents who had an acquired brain injury or cerebral palsy. She has presented this research at multiple international and national conferences, as well as, published research papers.

Corinne Restuccia

Clinical Psychologist
M. Psych (Clinical), B. Psych (Hons)

Registration PSY0001284091

MAPS

Corinne is a Clinical Psychologist who specialises in the treatment of young children from aged 3 to 11 years. She is particularly interested in helping children with anxiety, emotion coping and control ASD and ADHD. She also has wide experience with other issues with the younger children.

Corinne is an enthusiastic and warm Clinical Psychologist. She is passionate about working collaboratively with families to help develop meaningful goals and individualised solutions to their challenges. She emphasises the importance of the parent-child relationship in her work and recognises families as experts in their own lives and uses evidence-based strategies to enhance well-being.

Corinne has more than 14 years experience assessing and treating a range of developmental, psychological and behavioural difficulties in clinical and research settings in Australia.  She has previously worked with children within private and public schools in the United Kingdom.  Corinne has experience and a strong interest in working with issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, challenging behaviour, emotion regulation, social skills, developmental delays, learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorder. Corinne has specialist skills working with severe anxiety including selective mutism, emotion regulation in preschoolers, and with ASD.

Corinne utilises cognitive behaviour therapy, emotion coaching, parent-child Interaction therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy approaches when working with children and families. She is very experienced in the use of diagnostic and developmental measures such as the Griffiths Scales of Child Development-3rd Edition (GIII), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Edition (ADOS-2) and a range of cognitive and learning assessment tools.

Olivia Mort

Clinical Psychologist
M. Psych (Clinical), B. Psych (Hons), B. AppSc

Registration PSY0002261186

MAPS

Olivia is focused on the needs of her clients, she builds strong therapeutic relationships and then works with her clients to improve their wellbeing and happiness.

Olivia is a dedicated clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families in a range of settings (hospitals, educational settings, private practices, not-for-profit organisations and internal clinics). She creates a supportive and nurturing environment to facilitate meaningful connections and lasting change. Olivia is passionate about helping clients navigate developmental complexities and emotions, equipping them with coping tools to thrive and build resilience.

With a strong foundation in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural approaches, Olivia tailors her therapeutic interventions to meet each client's unique needs. She thrives in managing anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, anger, ADHD symptoms, parental separation, behavioural challenges, and is skilled in play-based therapy. Olivia also offers comprehensive support for parents, empowering them with effective strategies to foster a positive and structured home environment.

Committed to ongoing professional development, Olivia stays updated on the latest research and therapeutic techniques to provide the highest standard of care. She has experience conducting and reporting on psychological assessments, including cognitive functioning, vocational, and neurodevelopmental assessments.

Taylor Hathway

Psychologist
M. Psych (Clinical), B. Psych (Hons)

Registration PSY0002477887

MAPS

Taylor is a psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and their families to help manage difficulties with stress, anxiety, low mood and conduct difficulties. She is an accredited provider of the Macquarie University “Cool Kids” Anxiety Program. Additionally, Taylor specialises in sleep issues.

Taylor is a psychologist who provides assessment services and works with children, adolescents, and their families to help manage difficulties with stress, anxiety, low mood and conduct difficulties. Taylor takes a collaborative, person-centred approach when working with families and emphasises the important role parents play in treatment, no matter the age of their child.

Taylor completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Macquarie University and completed a Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Technology Sydney. She holds general registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Taylor has worked with children, adolescents, and families to help address a broad range of difficulties using evidence-based techniques. In particularly, Taylor has gained an interest in treating children and teens with all types of anxiety. Taylor is accredited by Macquarie University’s Centre for Emotional Health to deliver the Cool Kids Anxiety Program. Taylor is additionally very interested in treating young clients with sleep issues and teenagers who suffer from insomnia.

Finally Taylor is experienced in conducting psychometric assessments with children and adolescents.

Belinda Gold

Psychotherapist and Counsellor
M. Medicine in Trauma Informed Psychotherapy (current), Grad. Dip. Counselling, B. Arts (Education)

Registration PACFA 26565

Belinda’s experience as a school counsellor gives her a unique perspective into the challenges her clients and their parents face. She uses this experience and her knowledge of the educational system to provide help for parents and their children.

Belinda wholeheartedly and passionately advocates for her young clients and their parents who are struggling with challenges, she helps them navigate solutions and a practical way forward in the mental health space.

Belinda has 20 years of clinical experience with families with a range of mental health concerns in both the communal and education sectors. For the past 10 years, Belinda has worked as a school counsellor in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. She transfers these experiences to her private work by merging her insights into the educational system as well as the broader family system.

She has a particular interest in empowering parents to become their child’s expert in managing anxiety through psychoeducation and implementing systems and strategies that can be applied in the home environment.

Belinda strives to create a calm, safe, genuine, accepting, and connected space for people to explore their vulnerabilities and struggles, without judgement. She adopts a collaborative and holistic approach and tailors her interventions to meet individual needs and when required communicates with schools, medical professionals and relevant practitioners.

Her experience draws upon her studies, years of experience, as well as her own trials and tribulations parenting.

Melissa Gentle

Clinical Psychologist
M. Psych (Clinical), Grad. Dip. Psych, B. Arts (Psych).

Registration PSY0001379611

MAPS

Melissa is an experienced clinical psychologist who has a keen interest in working with parents of young children to provide an environment in which their child can thrive. She is passionate about working collaboratively with parents to understand the influence of temperament (especially those who are highly sensitive) when identifying and responding to a child’s needs, creating positive behaviour changes through connection and building skills to strengthen emotional intelligence.

Melissa is a warm and empathic clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field with individuals across the lifespan. Melissa has a particular interest in anxiety disorders, child development and parenting through a lens of attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology.

 Melissa has worked extensively in public community health settings, private practice and the private school system providing individual and group interventions. She specialises in working with children, teenagers and adults with anxiety disorders (e.g. separation, generalised, panic, social, phobias), obsessive-compulsive disorder and improving emotion regulation.  She is also experienced in treating depression, toileting issues, adjustment to stressful life events and self-esteem.

 Melissa’s evidence-based, therapeutic approach is primarily attachment focused and relational. She also has extensive experience using cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and draws upon concepts from dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and schema therapy to tailor treatment to best fit each individual and family.

Melissa is dedicated to professional development and has undertaken training with Dr Dan Hughes, an expert in attachment and family therapy. She is an accredited ‘Circle of Security Parenting’ trainer for families with children aged 0-5 years and an accredited facilitator of the ‘Tuning into Teens’ program to assist family communication with parents of children aged 10-18 years. Additionally, she has published and presented her research about treatment for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Dr Lee Sutton

Developmental Paediatrician
MBBS, FRACP, PhD

Registration

Dr Sutton is going to be undertaking developmental and paediatric assessments in the Lighthouse Psychology Developmental Assessment Clinic. She is interested in the under 6-years age group and she will be working in collaboration with Vikki Biggs and Corinne Restuccia as is appropriate.

Dr Lee Sutton has worked as a specialist in developmental paediatrics for 30 years. She graduated from the University of Queensland, and did her paediatric training in the UK and at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children (now Westmead Children’s Hospital). She was the director of the Royal Hospital for Women Growth and Development Clinic (preterm baby follow-up) for 26 years. She also had a busy private general paediatric and developmental/behavioural paediatric practice in Randwick for 20 years.

Dr Sutton has been a strong advocate for her patients and their families. Her philosophy has always been that patient care involves a team approach with parents, as well as all professionals and educators involved in a child’s care.

Radha Mahtani

Psychologist
M. Prof. Psych, M. Couns, Grad. Dip. Psych, Dip. Ed, Grad. Dip. Couns, B. Sci (Psych)

Registration PSY0002353204

Radha Mahtani is a psychologist who draws on her extensive experience as a school counsellor in an international setting to be able to deliver practical clinical solutions to her clients and their families.

Radha is a psychologist with extensive international experience (Hong Kong). She has worked in schools as a school counsellor for over 10 years. She has a deep understanding of delivering comprehensive mental health services to diverse populations.

Her primary interest lies in working with children and adolescents, and she adopts a collaborative approach to ensure optimal outcomes for her clients. Radha has a wealth of experience in dealing with a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, transition, ADHD management, and adjustment difficulties.

Radha is committed to using evidence-based therapeutic approaches to ensure she provides effective therapy. Her therapeutic approach is predominantly grounded in Cognitive Therapy, with a strong focus on cognitive-behavioural principles. She places great emphasis on understanding and challenging dysfunctional thought patterns, as she believes this directly influences emotions and behaviours.

Radha prioritizes building a strong therapeutic rapport, recognizing it as the cornerstone of effective therapy, and aims to establish a supportive and trusting environment early in the therapeutic process. Her therapy sessions encourage individuals to engage in safe and non-judgmental self-reflection, exploring alternative perspectives on problems, and acquiring practical coping skills and strategies to effectively manage future difficulties.

Brittany Ryan

Psychologist
M. Psych, Grad. Dip. Psych, B. Arts (Psych).

Registration PSY0002764955

Brittany Ryan is a psychologist who has extensive experience in both the clinical treatment of her clients as well as being able to perform a wide range of psychometric assessments. She is warm and empathic and she establishes strong clinical connections with all her clients.

Brittany Ryan is a dedicated and compassionate psychologist from New Zealand. With a diverse background in mental health, developmental settings, and medical pediatrics, Brittany's unwavering commitment to the well-being of her clients shines through in her psychology practice. Brittany has worked in NGOs, the public health system, and charitable trusts as well as private practice. She specialises in a wide range of client presentations, including depression, ADHD management, eating difficulties, trauma, anxiety disorders, and medical anxiety, especially in the context of chronic pain.

Brittany is experienced and able to complete developmental and psychometric assessments with children and adolescents, including cognitive functioning and adaptive living, ASD, and neurodevelopmental assessments.

Brittany's true passion lies in working with children and adolescents, where her expertise is complemented by her warm and empathetic nature. Brittany utilises an integrative approach to therapy which acknowledges the individual needs of clients. Brittany's approach is grounded in evidence-based techniques, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavior therapy, whilst also drawing from concepts from acceptance and commitment therapy whilst ensuring that her clients receive the most effective and up-to-date interventions available.

Brittany works collaboratively with family members and caregivers, general practitioners, allied health professionals, and schools to gain a holistic understanding of the client which best informs her treatment.  With Brittany as your psychologist, you can trust in her dedication to supporting each client on their journey towards improved mental health and well-being and to building strong therapeutic relationships.

Chloe Harrington

Psychologist
M. Psych (Clinical), B. Psych Science, B. Psych Science (Hons)

Registration PSY0002601251

MAPS

Chloe is a Psychologist who is passionate about assisting children, parents, and families on their journey toward mental well-being and creating positive change.

Chloe is a warm and compassionate clinician with over three years of experience working in mental health care across a range of settings, including private practice, university-based settings, and inpatient hospital facilities. Chloe has worked across the lifespan, and treated a range of presentations including depression, anxiety, stress, perfectionism, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, emotion-regulation difficulties and conduct/behavioural issues. 

Chloe’s practice draws from evidence-based psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and schema therapy. Chloe is committed to pursuing a collaborative approach with clients, helping them navigate mental health challenges that may impede their daily lives, in order to achieve optimal outcomes for children and parents alike. Recognising the pivotal role of the parent-child relationship, Chloe acknowledges parents as the experts in their families. Chloe utilises her knowledge, skills, and person-centred approach to support her clients’ overall emotional and psychological well-being, ensuring a supportive and empowering therapeutic experience.

Chloe completed her clinical training with the University of Technology Sydney and the University of New South Wales, and wrote a thesis on adapting cognitive behavioural therapy for children and adolescents with mild to moderate intellectual disability. This research underscores Chloe’s commitment to expanding the accessibility of effective mental health interventions for all populations.

Nikita Samiotis

Psychologist
B. Psych Science (Hons)

Registration PSY0002599499

MAPS

Nikita is a dedicated and highly empathetic psychologist who specialises in providing quality mental health care to children and adolescents. She is deeply committed to supporting young minds and prioritises creating an environment that fosters emotional well-being and resilience. Her experience, in the past, supporting clients funded via the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a point of differentiation.

 Nikita has a wealth of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults of various backgrounds and circumstances. She approaches each case with sensitivity and adaptability. She tailors her interventions to meet the unique needs of every individual. With many years of experience, her work with participants on the NDIS has required her to teach and communicate effectively with individuals of varying ages and cognitive abilities, ensuring that each client and their support network receive tailored and easy-to-understand guidance and direction. 

 Nikita believes that building a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to facilitating meaningful progress. She places the child or adolescent at the centre of the service and works to create a trusting and collaborative atmosphere with both the individual and their support team. Nikita provides a supportive environment for children, adolescents, and families to overcome challenges and thrive. She uses a versatile array of therapeutic modalities, from CBT and DBT to play therapy, and is skilled in interventions for managing crises and suicidal ideation. Additionally, her proficiency in various psychological assessments ensures a comprehensive understanding of each client’s needs. 

With a particular interest in adolescents and young adults, Nikita is committed to providing effective support during the critical transitional phases of life. Her formal qualifications underpin her clinical experience, expertise, and dedication to delivering evidence-based, compassionate, and empathetic care.

Abi Rodin

Psychologist
M. Science (Child and Adolescent Mental Health), B. Science (Psych), Grad. Cert. (Children’s and Young Peoples Psychological Wellbeing Practice).

Registration PSY0002619919

MAPS

Abi is a psychologist who specialises in child and adolescent mental health. Abi prioritises compassion and warmth to build strong rapport with children, adolescents, and their families to support them through their unique journeys and to facilitate growth and emotional well-being. 

 Abi completed her training in the UK where she obtained a specialised master’s degree in child and adolescent mental health. Abi has experience working with a wide range of cultures and life span stages, within schools, public hospitals, community-based services, and private practice settings. She works with a range of presentations including separation anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, general worries, panic disorder, low mood, ADHD, ASD, trauma, sleep difficulties, OCD, emotional regulation, bereavement and loss, bullying, grief, and self-esteem issues. 

As a clinician, Abi values creating an accepting and non-judgmental therapeutic space where clients feel safe to unpack their difficulties. Abi works with her clients to develop a mutual understanding of their journey and goals, to build a strong therapeutic alliance and deliver a meaningful intervention. Abi believes in the importance of working as a team with families, schools, and surrounding systems involved in the child or adolescents’ life, promoting growth outside of the therapy room walls. 

Abi’s clinical practice is grounded in a range of evidence-based approaches which are tailored towards her client’s individual needs, strengths, values, and goals. These include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness techniques, play therapy, narrative therapy, and attachment-based therapy. 

Jade Shubitz

Psychologist
M. Psych (Clinical), B. Psych (Hons)

Registration PSY0002599292

MAPS

Jade has an interest and experience in treating young clients with eating disorders. She also has expertise in a very wide range of other presentations. She is warm and engaging clinician who is committed to getting the best out of her clients and their families.

Jade is a warm and nurturing psychologist who creates a safe space where individuals can freely explore and express their emotions. Jade supports her young clients and their families through challenges, empowering them to find practical solutions and navigate their path toward mental well-being. With a gentle and empathetic approach, Jade guides children and adolescents on their journey of self-discovery and personal growth, recognising their bravery in seeking help.

Jade is deeply committed to helping young people overcome a wide range of challenges. Specialising in enhanced cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT-E) for adolescents with eating disorders, she also supports individuals dealing with issues such as mood difficulties, anxiety disorders, stress, emotion regulation problems, self-esteem issues, and friendship challenges.

In addition to her work with young clients, Jade collaborates closely with parents to enhance their children's well-being. Certified in Triple P parenting interventions, Jade empowers parents with strategies and insights to support their child’s socio-emotional development and effectively manage anxiety.

Jade’s therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, primarily cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). She values creativity and play as powerful tools to make sessions meaningful and enjoyable. Additionally, she integrates elements from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to tailor her support to each individual’s needs.

Jade has worked in child and youth mental health in community settings and inpatient and outpatient hospital services. She currently works part-time as a school psychologist and has also been a Lifeline telephone crisis supporter, providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Additionally, Jade has contributed to research on severe bullying and school refusal, offering valuable support to teenagers and their families.