What test is right for you or your child?

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At Creating Change Psychology and Counselling we cater for a variety of challenges for all ages, accommodating you and your specific circumstances. We pride ourselves on being experts in leading you through the testing journey, providing a calm and warm environment.

Our testing process is comprehensive to ensure you have a clear pathway forward.

Here at Creating Change we address the barriers that may be hindering you in reaching your full potential. We believe in working together with you or your child as well as other professionals to overcome these obstacles.

Why would you need a Psychological Assessment?

  • To identify strengths and weaknesses to guide learning and decision making
  • To measure ability levels in a range of areas
  • To obtain detailed results and recommendations to support education and employment
  • To obtain recommendations to support applications for funding with school, Centrelink or the NDIS

We have 4 Categories of Psychological Tests available

Comprehensive Academic Assessment
Administering cognitive and achievement assessments involves collecting information on performance through standardised tests. The aim of the assessment is to understand cognitive abilities, profile and provide intervention strategies best suited to assist the individual.

The Comprehensive Academic Assessment includes:
A one hour initial assessment to gather background information (if under 14 years, the information will be provided by a parent/carer only).
A two hour cognitive assessment of general intelligence (WISC-IV or WAIS-IV).
A two hour academic achievement test (WIAT – III or D-KEFS).
A two hour neurological assessment of neuropsychological development in children using the (NEPSY-II)
A 15 minute questionnaire assessing behaviour and emotional state completed by the individual, parent/carer and educational representative as appropriate.
Collation of results and comprehensive written report outlining results and recommendations (5 hours).
A one hour comprehensive report feedback session 4 weeks post testing, to discuss the outcomes.
Assessment Total Time Frame:  12 Hours
Diagnostic Assessment
We might investigate Diagnosis such as:
ADHD (recommended <18yrs, have full comprehensive if querying ADHD)
PTSD
Drug Dependence
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety Disorder
Major Depression Disorder and many other presenting issues

The Diagnostic Assessment Includes:
A two hour initial assessment to gather background information (if under 14 years, the information will be provided by a parent/carer only).
Screening questionnaires assessing a range of related symptoms and emotional states completed by the individual and/or parent/carer as appropriate.
A comprehensive written report outlining diagnoses and recommendations (2 hours).
A one hour comprehensive report feedback session 4 weeks post testing, to discuss the outcomes.
Assessment Total Time Frame:  5 Hours (including report preparation)
Intelligence Assessment
The intelligence assessment allows clarity over an individual’s performance for predicting future behaviour and life prospects.

The Intelligence Assessment Includes:
A one hour initial assessment to gather background information (if under 14 years, the information will be provided by a parent/carer only).
A two hour cognitive assessment of general intelligence (WISC-IV or WAIS-IV).
A 15 minute questionnaire assessing behaviour and emotional state completed by the individual, parent/carer and educational representative as appropriate.
Additional screening assessments as required.
Collation of results and comprehensive written report outlining results and recommendations (3 hours).
A one hour comprehensive report feedback session 4 weeks post testing, to discuss the outcomes.
Assessment Total Time Frame:  7 Hours (including report preparation)
Developmental Assessment (0 – 5yrs & 11mths)
A developmental assessment focuses on a child’s developmental functioning such as strengths, needs, language, memory, thinking, gross motor, personal, social and hand eye communication. Early recognition of problematic developmental areas can assist individuals:
with suspected developmental delay, neurodevelopmental or a learning disorder
to make sure they reach their full potential
part of your school readiness assessment – to determine options for school

A Developmental Assessment includes:
A one hour initial assessment to gather background information (if under 14 years, the information will be provided by a parent/carer only).
2 x two hour assessment sessions with both the parent/carer and the child using GRIFFITHS III & VINELAND III.
A two hour assessment session using CARS (if appropriate)
A questionnaire will be sent to the parents/carer and school teacher, to complete and gather information on the individuals behaviour and emotions.
Collation of results and comprehensive written report outlining results and recommendations (5 hours).
A one hour comprehensive report feedback session 5 weeks post testing, to discuss the outcomes.
Assessment Total Time Frame:  11 or 13 Hours (including report preparation)
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What can I expect from an Assessment at Creating Change?

  • Detailed feedback and recommendations from professionally registered and provisionally registered Psychologists
  • A comprehensive report including diagnosis to assist in the application of funding for support, programs or payments
  • Clarifying what you or your child needs
  • Identify and enhance strengths
  • Change in capacity following a traumatic brain injury or brain surgery
  • Targeted interventions and behaviour management plans for teachers, teachers aids and caregivers including routines, homework plans and discipline approaches
  • Direction on the consultation and additional services required such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy etc.

Our team create a calm and safe environment, ensuring you have a comfortable experience with us.

We safeguard that you will leave Creating Change well informed and feeling confident of your future pathway.

Our Child & Adult Testing Therapists

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Paris Gibson

Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
MProfPsych, GradDipPsychAd, BArts (Psych), BHumSc (Human Mov), MAPS

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Paris Gibson

Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
MProfPsych, GradDipPsychAd, BArts (Psych), BHumSc (Human Mov), MAPS

KNOW PARIS

Paris Gibson is a dedicated Psychologist committed to engaging with adults, adolescents, children and their parents, educating them on emotional management techniques to develop healthy coping strategies. Understanding and personable, her approachable nature provides a safe atmosphere for you to explore your barriers and needs. Bringing humour, focus and empowerment to what can be overwhelming issues, Paris devotes herself to you, your story, and your needs. She really takes the time to work through your challenges, focusing on outcomes and goals that are personalised to your situation.

Growing up locally in the area, for Paris, mental health has always stood out as one of the most important parts of a healthy life, and an area that too many people don’t feel fulfilled. Through her own experiences, Paris valued the importance of having someone understand you, and give you the tools you need to manage difficult times. This, along with her interest to explore people and relationships, is what led Paris to the world of Psychology. She has an endless fascination for the mind, and the affect our thoughts and behaviours can have over every part of our life.

Paris’ Experience & Approach

Paris centres her therapy sessions around your goals, providing the guidance and support you need to develop a sustainable, healthier mind. Through her planning approach, Paris is always equipped to make the most of your time together. Her focus is always a collaborative one, and she has a curiosity for learning what is behind your challenges and feelings, and how together you can work towards overcoming them, setting goals for your future.

Paris is inquisitive to find out what your experiences mean to you, taking a client-centred and individualised approach. She evokes openness, making no assumptions, and has a way of ensuring you feel safe and not alone in your struggles.

As an experienced Psychologist at Creating Change, Paris combines a Master of Professional Psychology, Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Human Sciences (Human Movement) degrees, with training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Passion

Paris has a real passion for helping the local community, and particularly likes working with adolescents and young people, setting them up with the tools to cope with life’s challenges. She encourages young people to be the best version of themselves, now and into their future, and focuses on building their confidence.

Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: adolescent challenges, parenting, generalised anxiety, depression, social anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, stress management, emotional regulation, OCD, family and interpersonal issues. 

Known For

Paris’ accomplishments include the completion of her thesis which researched the public’s perceived usefulness and happiness of service dogs, compared to pet dogs. This fascinating study explored the public’s opinions of working dogs, which did raise some concerns over them working excessively. The results found that service dogs actually have happier and more useful lives, than pet dogs. Her valued research given to Guide Dogs Australia, enabling them to inform their practices and education to the general public. 

On a Personal Level

Paris loves being in the kitchen – whether it’s baking, cooking, trying new recipes, or eating. She also enjoys travelling and seeing new places, having new experiences, and meeting new people. 

Paris’ Appointments

Paris is a full time therapist and devoted to our practice. She is available for appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.

Educational Articles/Videos by Paris

Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine

Roy Bennett
Carolyn Profile Photo FINAL 11

Carolyn Innes

Provisional Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
B PsychStudies (Hons), B SocSci, GradDip PsychStudies, DipCommServices (Welfare), MAPS

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Carolyn Innes

Provisional Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
B PsychStudies (Hons), B SocSci, GradDip PsychStudies, DipCommServices (Welfare), MAPS

KNOW CAROLYN

Carolyn Innes is a diverse Provisional Psychologist, passionate about working collaboratively with vulnerable individuals experiencing difficulties in their life. Kind & empathetic, Carolyn ensures she takes the time to listen and understand your needs so you feel heard, and she believes transparency is important for the client-therapist relationship to work.

With a background in social welfare and over 20 years’ experience in child protection, Carolyn is extremely sensitive in her sessions, respecting individual differences and experiences. Her warm and compassionate nature makes you feel at ease when you first meet her.

For 13 years, Carolyn worked on a tri-agency team investigating child abuse matters. This encompassed conducting investigative interviews of young people and providing crisis counselling and support to families and caregivers. This responsibility enabled her to connect very deeply and her interest to provide individualised therapy (rather than crisis and short-term support) continued to grow. Being able to support clients to effectively manage adverse and traumatic experiences became her focus, and she found meaning through returning to university to expand her career within psychology.

Carolyn’s Experience & Approach

Carolyn’s approach to her sessions is very attentive and centred around you and your journey. She brings a relatable & approachable presence into therapy, enabling you to feel comfortable and optimistic about the future. She evokes openness with her friendly manner and has a way of ensuring you feel safe and not alone.

As an experienced Counsellor at Creating Change, Carolyn combines a Bachelor of Social Science with both a Graduate Diploma and a Bachelor in Psychological Studies (Honours), and a Diploma in Community Services (Welfare). She is trauma informed with training in with training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness.

Passion

Carolyn has a real passion for helping families work through their challenges and provides immeasurable support for parents managing children. Her experience has extended to support clients who have suffered childhood traumatic events and safeguard their vulnerabilities.

Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: childhood & adult trauma, depression, anxiety, family and parenting concerns (including behavioural issues, attachment issues, conflict), alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence and aggression, emotional regulation, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, personality disorders, PTSD, stress management, self-harm and body image issues.

Known For

Carolyn’s accomplishments include the completion of her honours’ thesis about young adults with depression. Her research encompassed the impact of stress and rumination (brooding and reflection) on depression severity in young adults, who experienced both clinical symptoms and non-clinical symptoms of depression. The results found that young adults have higher levels of stress and brooding when experiencing non-clinical symptoms of depression, whereas individuals experience higher levels of brooding, reflection and stress when experiencing clinical symptoms of depression.

On a Personal Level

On a personal level, Carolyn likes spending time with her loved ones, and enjoys relaxing with some yoga and reading.

Carolyn’s Appointments

Carolyn is a full time devoted therapist at our practice. She is available for appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and alternate Thursday evenings/Saturdays.

I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail

Maslow AH
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Dr Kylie Hutchings Mangion

Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
B PsychSc (Hons), GradDip PsychSc, DEdu MEdTech, BTeach (PAVE), BLearningDes, MAPS

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Dr Kylie Hutchings Mangion

Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
B PsychSc (Hons), GradDip PsychSc, DEdu MEdTech, BTeach (PAVE), BLearningDes, MAPS

KNOW KYLIE

Dr Kylie Hutchings Mangion is a highly educated Psychologist who takes the time to understand challenges adolescents and adults face, focusing on real solutions to assist you to move forward. Flexible and person centred, Kylie recognises within both personal and professional environments there is room to cultivate knowledge and the ability to understand your choices. Together, she will navigate you through the ‘how’ to take the next step and invest your energy wisely, as she believes this is critical to living a much healthier and happier life.

With a former career in Tertiary Education, training and development for over 30 years, Kylie has focused on instructional development from a cognitive performance perspective, aspiring her to give university students the opportunity to succeed in their chosen fields through academic support and direction. 

Kylie’s individual life experiences shaped her in shifting her career path towards Psychology, expanding her capacity to continue to help others beyond the educational space. She has an innate desire to help individuals gain clarity and accept themselves, building strength to ensure you experience personal growth independently.

Kylie’s Experience & Approach

Kylie’s approach is collaborative centring her sessions around your challenges, and solutions to overcome what’s hindering you. Her own interests have guided her to form a genuine appreciation of people’s distresses, where she can make a real difference in individual’s lives.

Her experience has extended to support those during trying times of Infertility, Organ Donation, Transplants, Chronic Renal Failure, living with Dialysis, Cancer, Anxiety, Depression as well as adolescents faced with making career decisions and navigating university for the first time.
In particular, young adults entering university whilst managing personal relationships and career pressure, carries new levels of stress. Kylie also has experience with older adults and the changes they face moving into later life.

As an experienced Psychologist at Creating Change, Kylie combines a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degrees, with extensive training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, EMDR Therapy and Schema Therapy. Her former education qualifications include a Doctor of Education, Master of Educational Technology, Bachelor of Teaching (PAVE) and Bachelor of Learning Design degrees, certifying her extensive understanding of adolescents and young adult distresses. She is also informed in Imagery Rescripting and CBT for Paediatric OCD.

Passion

Kylie has a real passion in supporting those with Trauma, Anxiety & Stress related concerns. Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: Personality Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Hoarding, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Phobias, PTSD, Mood Disorders including Depression & Bipolar, trauma, Delusional Disorder, Psychosis Disorders, substance and medication induced Psychosis, older adults, adolescent & young adult career & personal challenges. 

Known For

Kylie’s accomplishments include her Doctoral Research on how humans process information, in particular from a mental workload perspective. She explored the range of dimensions learning involves, measured brain activity whilst conducting learning tasks, and discovered that information can be presented differently, depending on how effectively it is processed. Strategies were discovered that reduced mental workload and improved cognitive efficiency and performance.

Her research extends to the focus on the predictors of psychopathological decluttering behaviour including vulnerabilities, sense of coherence, intolerance to uncertainty and OCPD for her Honours Thesis. Kylie has also explored the opposite end of the Hoarding Spectrum and the predictors of decluttering, such as vulnerability factors, Sense of Coherence, Intolerance to Uncertainty and OCPD.


On a Personal Level

On a personal level, Kylie enjoys experiencing different cultures – people, food and travelling with her family.

Dr Kylie’s Appointments

Kylie is a full time devoted therapist at our practice. She is available for appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, alternate Mondays & Saturdays.

Educational Articles By Dr Kylie

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations

Author Unknown
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Rickii Lotsaris

Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
BSci in Psych (Hons), MAPS

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Rickii Lotsaris

Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
BSci in Psych (Hons), MAPS

KNOW RICKII

Rickii Lotsaris is an accomplished Psychologist with a passion for guiding children, adolescents, parents and individuals to find the right balance in their life. Compassionate and understanding, her bubbly nature creates a secure space for you to share your concerns, and explore ways to become the best version of yourself. Creatively, Rickii’s expertise includes working with children for over 8 years in a teaching space, instilling motivation techniques and working with primary and high school age groups on a variety of academic challenges.

Rickii felt from a young age that she always wanted to help people, and she has a real passion to guide individuals to find their own unique life balance. She ensures all her therapy sessions are tailored to your own situation and that she will remain with you right throughout your journey of change. How the mind works, emotions and memory fascinates her, and she is highly empathetic to those that struggle to cope with their emotions. She places a real emphasis on acknowledging her clients, overcoming that struggle and mastering the changes long term. 

Rickii’s Experience & Approach

Taking a collaborative approach, Rickii places a real emphasis on teamwork, ensuring you always have a voice. It is through this collaboration there is an agreement between you and her, where both parties are accountable and feedback is encouraged.

As an experienced Psychologist at Creating Change, Rickii holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours), with extensive training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, Behavioural Activation for depression, time management and social exposure. Her results speak volumes as she actively progresses teenagers through challenging school times, assisting them to maintain motivation and feel proud of their achievements. She spent 4 years as a study motivator using mindfulness techniques and skills to teach students to study smarter, not harder. This encouraged them to feel less stressed and clearer heading into exams. Equally, Rickii has also conducted research across many topics, including; the memory capacity of adults to understand their ability to think critically about asking open-ended questions; and researching police interviewing techniques and case files for a potential wrongful conviction.

Passion

A successful coach of children and teenagers in sporting and dance related endeavours, Rickii collaboratively works with children and their parents to manage the pressure, stress, and expectations that come with extracurricular activities. She also has an extreme appreciation for research within this field and how it informs therapeutic practice. Her passion extends to body image concerns, eating disorders, and general health and wellbeing in adults and children, working with you to develop a positive mindset. Dedicated and attentive in her manner Rickii will give complete focus, taking the time to build rapport to work through your challenges.

Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, body image concerns, eating disorders, sport anxiety & pressure, exam stress, sleep hygiene, OCD, motivation, friendship and relationship challenges, career planning, self-esteem, self-harm, behavioural challenges, anger and learning difficulties.

Known For

Rickii’s accomplishments include the completion of her first-class honours’ thesis on memory for repeated events of domestic violence, where she researched how memory can be improved, so witnesses can appear more credible in court. A victim’s believability in court is hindered when they become confused between each violent event. She discovered first-hand that if the witness can focus on the uniqueness of each event, then they’ll have better memory for that specific event. Her findings proved that when isolating the specific event, memory confusion is avoided. 

On a Personal Level

Rickii is an avid classical ballet dancer, and enjoys swimming and reading in the sun, spending time with family, and trying new restaurants with friends. She identifies herself as a real “foodie”!


Rickii’s Appointments

Rickii is devoted to our practice as a full-time therapist and is exclusively available for appointments on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Educational Articles/Videos by Rickii

We cannot control the wind, but we can adjust the sails and direct the movements of our ship so that it stays on course

Thomas S. Monson
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Lana Jaff

Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
BPsych (Hons), MAPS

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Lana Jaff

Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
BPsych (Hons), MAPS

Lana Jaff is a diverse Psychologist, passionate about the importance of people’s mental health & wellbeing, and how early intervention can really help to overcome and prevent some of life’s challenges.

Genuine and understanding, Lana is extremely client driven, focusing on you and your needs. Her compassionate nature puts you at ease right from the start, as Lana ensures she is always approachable, no matter what your individual circumstances. Her sessions are personally tailored, as you discover together as a team what works best for you and your future.

Lana grew up in the Kurdistan region, and has long had a curiosity to understand the human mind. This curiosity led her to read about Sigmund Frued in her high school years, and further investigate and pursue a professional career in psychology and mental health. Besides English, Lana is fluent in Kurdish (Sorani), and is culturally cognisant to Farsi, and Arabic speaking backgrounds.

Lana’s Experience & Approach

Lana’s approach is one that is attentive, and collaborative. She shares a safe and trustworthy environment in her sessions, so you feel assured and comfortable.

Her experience has extended to coaching young people on their professional and personal lives, based on scientific methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy and positive psychology. Through her coaching she improved habits related to behaviour change, emotional management, as well as finding and leveraging signature strengths.

As an experienced Psychologist at Creating Change, Lana holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree, and has worked closely with university students to maximise their potential by building emotional intelligence and wellbeing management skills, through digital interventions. 

Passion

Lana has a real passion to understand human behaviour, and how to flourish despite adversity. She appreciates working with people of all ages, including children, adolescents & adults. Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: stress management, sleep disorders, anxiety, OCD, depression, behavioural challenges, emotional regulation and anger, trauma, grief & loss, alcohol and drug dependencies, body image issues, self-esteem, and panic disorders.

Known For

Lana’s accomplishments include joining a government advisory committee of community members & professionals, where she raised recommendations on how to better support the mental health of small businesses and business people. Her outlook delivered insights and opinions across a variety of mental health/small business roundtables, as well as delivering recommendations on how the government could best support small businesses to reduce mental health stigma. She encouraged insight to allow small businesses to build capabilities and self manage their mental health; to integrate mental health into their businesses; and to mitigate risks associated with poor mental health.

On a Personal Level

On a personal level, Lana takes time out in nature with activities such as hiking and camping. She also enjoys swimming and yoga.

Lana’s Appointments

Lana is a devoted therapist at our practice and is available for appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

Educational Articles/Videos By Lana

What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.

Glenn Close
Romana FINAL e16732428765211

Romana Ali

Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
MProfPsych BPsych (Hons) MAPS

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Romana FINAL e16732428765211

Romana Ali

Psychologist Bella Vista, Sydney
MProfPsych BPsych (Hons) MAPS

KNOW Romana

Romana Ali is an accomplished Psychologist, passionate about fostering empowerment within individuals so they can maximise their potential, gain confidence in themselves and be the driver of change in their own lives. Encouraging and genuine in nature, Romana believes with the right tools, encouragement, and support, change is achievable for everyone.

Romana felt inspired to pursue a career in psychology from a young age and is an avid promoter of de-stigmatising mental health. Always feeling like she was drawn towards helping people, Romana found growing up that in return, those around her were also drawn to her caring, supportive nature. Mental health is extremely important to Romana and her own experiences have shaped her kind and warm persona. She feels grateful to be in a position where she has access to education to provide much needed support to the community.

Romana’s Experience & Approach

Romana’s therapy approach is one that is collaborative, attentive and client focused. Life is constantly changing and evolving, and she believes so should therapy. Through her bubbly personality, her clients feel understood and heard, free from judgement. Her strength is the ability to match her own interactions with the clients, and adapt to any situation and different interaction styles. She places a focus on ensuring her clients feel safe and comfortable.

As an experienced Psychologist at Creating Change, Romana combines a Master of Professional Psychology with a Bachelor in Psychology (honours) degrees, with training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness.

Passion

Romana enjoys treating all ages from children through to adults, with a particular interest in supporting adolescents and young adults trying to find their way in life. Her experience extends to working with those working through stressful situations such as life transitions, and has a keen interest in how it affects our overall functioning.

Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorders, OCD, Perfectionism, life transitions, interpersonal issues, school/university stress, life stress and workplace issues.

On a Personal Level

On a personal level, Romana enjoys playing soccer and has a true passion for everything sports and fitness. She loves music and dancing, as well as spending quality time with friends and family.

Romana’s Appointments

Romana is a devoted therapist at our practice, and is available for appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Everything can be taken from a man, but the last of the human freedoms: to choose one’s attitudes in any given set of circumstances

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Gretchen De Martin

Senior Psychologist/Clinical Manager
BPsych BArts (Psych), GradDip Management Practice, MAPS

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Gretchen De Martin

Senior Psychologist/Clinical Manager
BPsych BArts (Psych), GradDip Management Practice, MAPS

KNOW GRETCHEN

Gretchen De Martin is a dedicated Psychologist with a passion for assisting individuals impacted by trauma, anxiety, and supporting senior adults through life transitions. Genuine in nature, Gretchen creates a secure space to ensure you feel heard, and her calm character allows clients to feel safe.

Taking an optimistic and inclusive approach, Gretchen is passionate about the inclusion of all individuals, older adults, and children with disabilities and their siblings in society. Working with people at different stages in their life, Gretchen shows a real dedication to learning about you, your challenges and your life experience, whilst showing respect and appreciation for you as an individual. She values the time with her clients to connect and work as a team, enabling you to feel empowered and live a meaningful life.

Gretchen’s Experience & Approach

Since a teenager, Gretchen was driven to become a Psychologist as a result of seeing the impact mental health issues had on those around her. It was at this young age Gretchen made her decision to devote her life to helping people live the best life they can.  Her broad and trusted expertise includes working with clients who are impacted by trauma, vulnerable to social isolation or exclusion, guiding them to find ways to become more engaged with what is important to them within their life and community setting.

As a Psychologist at Creating Change, Gretchen combines a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) with a Bachelor of Psychology degrees, and a Graduate Diploma in Management Practice. Gretchen incorporates Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy and Exposure Therapy into her sessions, and has undergone training in understanding Dementia.

For 5 years, Gretchen worked in case management which included liaising with mental health workers, housing and homelessness, employers, academics and other community and government organisations, to streamline client servicing and effect change for social impact. Over the years she has also taken on managerial and leadership roles within Disability Employment and Personal Support Services and for Break Thru; an organisation offering mental health, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Disability Employment and youth services.

Known For

Gretchen has a real passion for supporting clients impacted by trauma, furthering her training in “Treating PTSD and Complex Trauma”. A registered Griffiths III user (a developmental assessment tool for children aged 0 to 6 years), Gretchen supports families to understand and achieve goals for their child. Here experience extends to working with adults impacted by PTSD and Complex PTSD, children experiencing anxiety, adults experiencing relationship, work or health stressors, understanding and processing grief & loss, and supporting older adults through life’s changes.

Passion

In addition to supporting parents & children with behavioural challenges and the associated impact of this on siblings, Gretchen has a passion for helping trauma impacted clients find safety within themselves. She also supports older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress disorders, grief & loss, parenting stress and adjustment, as well as supporting women with life’s stressors.

On a Personal Level

Outside of work Gretchen enjoys being in the outdoors at the beach or in the bush, bike riding and reading.

Educational Articles & Videos By Gretchen

Live life as if nobody is watching, and express yourself as if everybody is listening

Nelson Mandela
Psychologists & Counselling Bella Vista, Sydney
is rated at 3.9 based on 28 reviews.