Practising Within My Scope of Expertise

Choosing the right psychologist involves more than finding someone with the title of clinical psychologist. It is equally important to find a practitioner whose training, experience, and current scope of practice align with your individual needs. Although psychologists in Australia receive broad professional training, most develop specialised expertise throughout their careers. Being transparent about the services I provide—and those I do not—is an important part of ethical practice and helps ensure clients receive the highest standard of care.

My academic training included both an MA and a PhD with a focus on child psychology and court-based child custody assessments. However, this work was completed more than 20 years ago, and my professional career has since evolved in different directions. As a result, I no longer consider child psychology to be an area of current expertise. Rather than offering services outside my present experience, I believe clients are best served by psychologists whose training and day-to-day practice closely match their concerns.

For this reason, I do not currently provide psychological assessment or treatment for infants, children, or adolescents under 16 years of age.

I also recognise that some members of the LGBTQIA+ community may prefer to work with a psychologist who has extensive specialist experience in gender diversity, sexuality, and LGBTQIA+-specific issues. While I strive to provide a respectful, inclusive, affirming, and non-judgemental environment for every client, I may recommend a clinician with dedicated expertise in these areas when this is likely to provide the most appropriate care.

My assessment practice includes ADHD, autism (ASD), and AuDHD assessments for adults aged 18 years and older. I do not accept referrals for clients under 18 years of age. In addition, my autism assessment practice is limited to verbally fluent adults, reflecting the population for which I have specific training and experience.

Sexology is another specialist area that falls outside my current scope of practice. Individuals seeking support with sexual health, psychosexual concerns, intimacy, or relationship difficulties are encouraged to consult a psychologist or therapist with advanced training in sexology.

Recognising professional limits is a fundamental part of competent and ethical psychological practice. If your needs fall outside my current scope of expertise, I will gladly recommend an appropriately qualified psychologist or specialist service. My priority is to ensure that every client receives the assessment, treatment, and support that best meets their individual circumstances.