Will seeing a psychologist help me?

Q: Will seeing a psychologist help me?

If you are experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, depression, sleeping difficulties, low self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, having trouble breaking bad habits, procrastination, low motivation, or poor body image: seeing a psychologist will help you to develop important skills to overcome or better manage these difficulties. If you have a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (such as generalised anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder), a depressive disorder, an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), chronic pain, complex trauma, childhood trauma, a personality disorder, or an eating disorder such as bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: seeing a psychologist will help you develop a greater understanding of your disorder and to gain skills to better manage your symptoms with the overall aim of helping you to enhance your quality of life and functioning. Your psychologist will work in consultation with your GP and/or psychiatrist. If you are a parent of child or adolescent who is struggling or is experiencing mental health or behavioural difficulties; seeing a psychologist for parenting support, parent/child therapy or adolescent therapy will help improve communication skills within the family and aim to assist in reducing any unhelpful behaviours occurring at home.

Q: Will seeing a psychologist help me?

If you are experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, depression, sleeping difficulties, low self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, having trouble breaking bad habits, procrastination, low motivation, or poor body image: seeing a psychologist will help you to develop important skills to overcome or better manage these difficulties. If you have a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (such as generalised anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder), a depressive disorder, an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), chronic pain, complex trauma, childhood trauma, a personality disorder, or an eating disorder such as bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: seeing a psychologist will help you develop a greater understanding of your disorder and to gain skills to better manage your symptoms with the overall aim of helping you to enhance your quality of life and functioning. Your psychologist will work in consultation with your GP and/or psychiatrist. If you are a parent of child or adolescent who is struggling or is experiencing mental health or behavioural difficulties; seeing a psychologist for parenting support, parent/child therapy or adolescent therapy will help improve communication skills within the family and aim to assist in reducing any unhelpful behaviours occurring at home.

Jenny Lee

Jenny Lee | Clinical Psychology Registrar

Jenny is a warm and compassionate therapist, who has a passion for helping individuals feel supported and confident throughout their journey. Throughout her clinical training, Jenny has garnered a range of experience by working within both public health and private practice settings. She has experience supporting individuals with a range of presentations, including anxiety, mood, OCD, and adjustment-related disorders.

Jenny implements evidence-based interventions by using a range of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Schema-informed therapy.

Jenny has completed her clinical training at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She is currently undertaking the registrar program for endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.

Andrew Essen

Andrew Essen | Clinical Psychologist

Andrew (he/him) is a warm and personable clinical psychologist committed to fostering a safe and collaborative therapeutic space for all individuals. Andrew has experience working with clients across the lifespan in both public health and private practice settings, and endeavours to provide individually tailored treatment to help deliver recovery and growth. Andrew has experience supporting individuals with a range of presentations, including but not limited to mood, anxiety, OCD, and trauma-related difficulties. Andrew also provides support for individuals experiencing difficulties navigating various life stressors, including interpersonal relationships, work or university commitments, and significant life changes. Andrew has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals and individuals experiencing PTSD-related difficulties.

In practice, Andrew implements a range of evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema-informed Therapy. Andrew also provides trauma-informed and trauma-focused treatment including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE).

Andrew completed his clinical training at Macquarie University and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Dr Alison Young

Dr Alison Young | Clinical Psychologist

Alison is a warm and supportive therapist who is passionate about encouraging people in their development of a healthy identity and purpose in life. She has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Alison is an individual, couple and family therapist. She has experience working with children, adolescents and adults with a range of difficulties, including anxiety (e.g., social anxiety, panic disorder, generalised anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder), depression, and trauma (e.g., PTSD). She has an interest in assisting families and couples who are facing adjustment difficulties related to major life events, including major illnesses and life stage transitions, using Family Systems Therapy and Schema Therapy. Alison has had extensive experience working with children, adolescents and families within Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick and Westmead) both as a clinician and a researcher. She completed her clinical training and PhD at the University of Sydney. Her PhD research was focused on communication within families with a hereditary cancer predisposition. Alison has presented her research at national and international conferences and is a published author.

Please note that Alison is not currently open for new client referrals.

Alice Ross

Alice Ross | Clinical Psychology Registrar

Alice is a Clinical Psychology Registrar with a warm and genuine nature. During sessions, Alice prioritises a calm and safe setting, allowing individuals to explore their values, goals, and needs.

Alice mainly works in the areas of anxiety disorders, trauma, low self-esteem, as well as neurodivergence. Alice applies aspects of evidence-based treatments to best suit an individual’s needs, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema Therapy.

Alice’s clinical experience has included working with individuals, groups, and children and families, in specialist university clinics and hospitals.

Alice completed her undergraduate studies in psychology at the University of Sydney and a Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Technology Sydney. She has conducted research in the areas of social-emotional development, empathy, and autism spectrum disorder.

Alice holds registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and an associate member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA).

Please note that Alice is not currently available for new client referrals.

Dr Alice Norton

Dr Alice Norton | Clinical Psychologist & Board Approved Supervisor

Alice is an experienced clinical psychologist with particular interest in anxiety disorders, complex trauma, attachment, and youth mental health. She utilises a trauma-informed approach to therapy with a focus on Schema Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Alice has over ten years’ experience working with adults and adolescents across a range of hospital, university, community, and private settings. Alice now primarily works as a Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor at the University of Sydney in the Master of Clinical Psychology program. She is a Board Approved Supervisor for provisional, registrar, and experienced psychologists. Alice continues to undertake research to further understand the nature and treatment of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and complex trauma. She has presented at national and international psychology conferences and published broadly in peer-reviewed academic journals. Alice completed both her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and her PhD at the University of Sydney, and is a member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA).

Subodha Wimalaweera

Subodha Wimalaweera | Clinical Psychologist – Child, Adolescent & Perinatal Mental Health

Subodha is a warm, friendly and compassionate experienced clinical psychologist and clinical supervisor. She is passionate about working with children and adolescents and young adults from diverse backgrounds. Subodha has extensive clinical and research experience in family-based therapy and working with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioural difficulties (e.g. anxiety, ADHD, oppositional behaviour) and has previously worked as a senior clinical psychologist and clinic manager at the UNSW Child Behaviour Research Clinic. Subodha also has extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders (such as Autism Spectrum Disorders) and those impacted by chronic illnesses, and has an emerging interest and experience in the perinatal space. Subodha has over 14 years’ clinical experience working in a range of public and private settings including university research clinics, non-profit paediatric organisations, community health, and hospital settings. Subodha has a strong commitment to providing evidence-based treatment and uses a trauma-informed approach.

Subodha completed her clinical education at the University of New South Wales and has had training in different treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy (ITP) and Family Therapy. Subodha is client-centred in her approach and assists clients to make positive changes in their lives by assisting them to recognise their strengths and actively engaging them in decision-making and goal-setting. In addition to her work at Foresight Psychology, she also works at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

Subodha is also an experienced Board Approved Clinical Supervisor.

Dr Erika Penney

Dr Erika Penney | Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Psychology Supervisor

Erika founded Foresight Psychology in 2016 with a vision to create an inclusive practice for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. In her clinical work, Erika utilises trauma-informed therapies, Schema Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and has undertaken advanced training in these areas. Erika also works as a Lecturer and Supervisor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the Master of Clinical Psychology program. With nearly a decade’s experience working in mental health clinics and public health systems, Erika is now focussing her skills in a teaching and supervision role, helping to support young therapists to become highly skilled trauma-informed clinical psychologists. She is a Board Approved Supervisor for provisional, registrar, and experienced psychologists. Due to these teaching roles, Erika is not able to accept new client referrals at this time.

Erika studied at the University of Sydney and is a member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA) and Australian Psychological Society (APS). She is one of the founding members of the Australian Telepsychology Collaboration (ATC), and is involved in other post-graduate education collaborations, particularly the NSW-ACT Psychology Placement Consortium (NAPC).

Erika acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which our clinic stands. She is an ally of the First Nations people, as well as of those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Erika values inclusivity, collaboration, and learning from the stories and perspectives of others.

Please note that Erika is not currently open for new client referrals.

Dr Erin Kelly

Dr Erin Kelly | Clinical Psychologist

Erin is a compassionate therapist committed to delivering evidence-based psychological treatment for adults, tailored to each individual. She has over ten years’ experience in private practice and research settings in a range of presentations, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, and the overlap between these problems. Erin works collaboratively with her clients, drawing from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-based approaches. She is currently combining her clinical work with research, leading a program of work in school-based prevention of substance use and mental health problems at the University of Sydney. Erin has over 20 peer-reviewed publications in mental health and substance use, and has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences.

Please note that Erin is not currently available for new client referrals.

Nina Gibney

Nina Gibney | Clinical Psychologist

Nina is a therapist who endeavours to take an evidence-based, holistic, and whole person approach to mental health care and wellbeing. Nina believes that for most individuals, there is something they could benefit from exploring and being supported through in a collaborative and open manner. Nina aims to create space for this journey by drawing on a range of therapeutic modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy. Nina has experience working in hospitals and community mental health settings and is familiar with, and passionate about, utilising a recovery-oriented and strengths-based framework.

Nina completed her clinical training at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Nina has worked alongside a range of diverse individuals with varying presentations including those experiencing depression, anxiety, complex trauma, personality vulnerabilities and broader mood disorders. Additionally, Nina has an emerging interest in working with couples to explore relationship strengths and difficulties.

Katie Dobinson

Katie Dobinson | Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Supervisor

Katie is a warm and empathic therapist who is passionate about supporting people to develop greater self-understanding and growth. Katie has experience supporting individuals through a range of presentations, including anxiety, depression, OCD, emotion regulation difficulties, relationship challenges, eating disorders, and trauma.

Katie is committed to a collaborative, flexible approach drawing from her training in various modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Systemic Family Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Katie completed her clinical training at The University of Sydney and holds registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Katie is focused on providing a safe space for LGBTQAI+ and culturally diverse communities. She has extensive experience working with individuals across the lifespan throughout a range of health settings, including hospitals and within the community.

Katie also supervises psychologists and clinical psychology registrars.

Kelly Brown

Kelly Brown | Clinical Psychologist

Kelly is a warm and caring therapist who creates a safe and supportive space for her clients to explore difficult experiences and emotions, gain greater self-awareness and focus on healing and growth. Kelly works with people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities using a trauma-informed, client-centred approach. Kelly has a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Sydney and is trained in evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT).

Kelly has experience working in hospital, community and university healthcare settings and helping people with a broad range of issues including anxiety, panic, depression, obsessional thinking and emotional dysregulation. In addition to her work at Foresight, Kelly also works for NSW Health. Kelly is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is an associate member of the Australian Clinical Psychologists Association (ACPA) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Dr Andreea Heriseanu

Dr Andreea Heriseanu | Principal Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Supervisor

Andreea is an empathic and friendly therapist who is committed to providing effective psychological treatment to adults, children and adolescents. Andreea’s experience spans a range of hospital and community health settings, where she has worked with chronic health conditions, anxiety and depressive disorders, and family functioning difficulties. Andreea has a particular interest in co-occurring mental and physical health concerns, eating and weight difficulties, anxiety and depression. She uses the following therapeutic modalities: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), and Schema Therapy.

Andreea has completed both her clinical training and a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Sydney. Her research examined eating patterns and thinking skills in individuals with higher body weight. She is also currently developing, researching and applying digital mental health treatments for persons with chronic health conditions. Andreea has presented her research at national and international conferences and is a published author.

Please note that Andreea is on extended leave.

Dr Amy Burton

Dr Amy Burton | Principal Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Supervisor

Amy is a friendly and warm clinical psychologist and clinical supervisor who is dedicated to ensuring the best evidence-based psychological care to adults and adolescents of diverse backgrounds. Amy works with her clients and supervisees to create a safe and comfortable environment, where they feel heard, supported, and motivated to address their concerns and meet their personal goals. Amy has experience working with a range of presentations including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, eating disorders, procrastination, self-harm, poor emotional regulation, and significant life stress. She has worked with families, groups and individuals across different clinical settings including community mental health, university, and hospital settings. Amy has a particular interest in working with anxiety with both young people and adults.

In addition to her work at Foresight, Amy has a keen interest in clinical research having recently completed a PhD and professional doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Sydney. Amy also works as the clinical lead at headspace Camperdown and is lecturing in Clinical Psychology at University of Technology Sydney.

Please note that Amy is not currently open for new client referrals.

Dr Therese English

Dr Therese English | Clinical Psychologist

Therese is a warm and empathic clinical psychologist who strives to ensure her clients feel safe and comfortable in a therapeutic setting. She adopts a collaborative, open approach to therapy, and works with clients to establish which type of treatment best suits their needs. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based care to children, adolescents, adults and families, and has been trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Behavioural Family Intervention (BFI). Therese has experience working in hospital, community health and specialist university settings, and has treated individuals across a variety of ages presenting with anxiety and mood disorders, behaviour and emotion regulation difficulties, and chronic illness. Therese completed her Master of Clinical Psychology training at University of NSW (UNSW).

Therese has a special interest in working with children and families, and has also completed a PhD at UNSW in child clinical psychology. Her thesis examined parent-child relationships that occur in the context of childhood conduct problems. Her research also involved administering and evaluating a new treatment program for families of children with severe externalising behaviour. Therese has a family-oriented approach to working with children, and is passionate about supporting children, adolescents and their parents to manage any difficulties (e.g., emotional, social, developmental, behavioural) the young person experiences.

Will seeing a psychologist help me? - Foresight Psychology

Will seeing a psychologist help me?

Will seeing a psychologist help me?

Written by Andreea Heriseanu

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