Catherine is a clinical psychologist who trained in the UK, but has been working in Australia for the past 24 years (in Melbourne prior to her recent move to Adelaide).  She has worked in many different settings including public adult and aged mental health services.  In her public mental health roles, Catherine found it rewarding to work with people with complex mental health conditions such as psychosis, personality disorders, trauma related conditions, as well as anxiety, OCD and depression.  Since she moved into private practice about 5 years ago, Catherine has continued to enjoy working with these clients and has been able to expand her interest and experience in working with eating disorders.  Catherine feels grateful and honoured to work in such a diverse field as that of human experience.  Her specific areas of interest do change and expand over time and at the moment she is particularly interested in the impact of perfectionism on stress, anxiety and mood and also the area of women’s health issues across the lifespan.

Whilst Catherine’s clinical training was primarily in CBT and she still likes to focus on cognition, behaviour and emotions, Catherine is finding that more recent training in ACT is proving very helpful for many people.  She has found that being present and aware is so vital and that any therapeutic approach needs to be infused with an easy and accessible dose of mindfulness.  Catherine often uses other therapeutic modalities and is strongly informed by positive psychology, DBT and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.  Catherine believes that no one size fits all when it comes to therapy.  Our brains all work in unique ways and it is the psychologist’s job to try to understand this and find a therapeutic approach that fits.  Catherine understands that it can be scary meeting with a new psychologist for the first time and does her best to create a warm, accepting and nonjudgemental space, which at times can also be appropriately light hearted.

On the weekends, Catherine likes to try to practice what she preaches and enjoys trying to stay healthy through fun exercise and cooking tasty food.  She also tries to schedule in adequate rest time – preferably on a beach in warm and sunny weather (which Adelaide seems perfect for!).

BlueSky Psychology Level 10, 108 King William Street, Adelaide South Australia 5000. Phone 08 8212 3944