Ivanhoe Psychologists

Dr Georgina Swinburne - Director

B.Sc., B.Arts (Hons), Grad.Dip.Clin.Fam.Th., D.Psych. (Clinical Child & Adolescent Specialisation), M.A.C.P.A.

Registration No. PSY0001123983

Dr Swinburne has worked in a range of settings including: The Royal Children’s Hospital Psychology Department; The Royal Children’s Hospital Mental Health Service; and The Austin Hospital Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service. Since completing her doctorate, Dr Swinburne has undertaken further study at the Bouverie Family Centre in Clinical Family Therapy and views parent and family work as an integral part of many therapeutic interventions.

Dr Swinburne has significant experience in assessing and treating anxiety and emotional regulation, mood disorders, behavioural difficulties, high risk behaviours (including suicidal thoughts and self-harm), attachment difficulties and complex trauma, and post traumatic stress disorder.

Dr Swinburne's doctoral thesis was on the effectiveness of treating childhood anxiety with cognitive behavioural therapy (at the Royal Children's Hospital) and hence she has expert knowledge in treating anxiety across the developmental life span. Dr Swinburne uses a cognitive behavioural approach involving parents so everyone can actively work together to support the child. She is particularly experienced in working with generalised anxiety (worries), phobias, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, selective mutism and social anxiety.

Dr Swinburne also has a special interest in working with Biological, Foster and Adoption families around the impact of complex trauma and abuse. Complex trauma often occurs in the context of a disruption to early attachment relationships and hence requires a “relational” therapeutic framework whereby the therapist works with the child and their significant attachment figure. Dr Swinburne was a Senior Clinician at Take Two which is an innovative clinical service for children that have suffered trauma and abuse and are under the care of Child Protection, Department of Human Services, Victoria. Dr Swinburne has gained significant experience in the assessment and treatment of childhood trauma and attachment related difficulties drawing from a number of frameworks and models that include: Trauma and attachment theories (Perry, B., Van der Kolk, B., Bowlby, J.); Systemic, contextual and transgenerational theories; Trauma focused cognitive behavioural therapy (Cohen, J.) as indicated for children that have suffered trauma within the context of a secure attachment base; and Dyadic developmental psychotherapy (Hughes, D.) as indicated for childhood trauma where an attachment disruption is evident.

Dr Alexandra Flowers

BA, PGDipPsych, DPsych(Clinical), MAPS

Registration No. PSY0001818186

Alexandra is a Clinical Psychologist who has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, in both mental health and educational settings. Her experience spans across a variety of presenting concerns, including anxiety, mood disorders, school refusal, behavioural issues, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), attachment, and trauma related disorders. Alexandra works closely with important people in the child or young person’s environment, including parents/carers, teachers and broader school staff (where appropriate), as well as other health professionals. This helps to facilitate an effective support team around the child, which is able to address a wide variety of needs that a child or young person may have.

Alexandra’s previous research experience focuses mainly on infant-parent attachment, as well as psycho-oncology and chronic disease research. Her doctoral thesis undertaken at Deakin University in conjunction with the Mercy Hospital for Women focused on examining the role of maternal mental health, predominately anxiety and depression, on infant-mother attachment and bonding throughout pregnancy and postpartum. For five years Alexandra worked on paediatric psycho-oncology research projects at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute based at The Royal Children’s Hospital, focusing on topics related to bioethics, chronic disease, and family centred care practices. Alexandra has published works from both her research backgrounds, and has a strong interest in translational research.

Alexandra uses an evidence based approach to treatment, which includes comprehensive assessment to guide her formulations and best practice treatments and interventions. She is experienced at using cognitive behavioural, acceptance and commitment, and solution focused therapeutic approaches, and utilises elements of mindfulness and a strengths based approach. Alexandra also has an interest in conducting relevant academic assessments to inform modifications and supports in both educational and everyday settings. Alexandra works systemically and collaboratively with children, young people and their families or carers, and focuses on building engagement and rapport throughout her work.

Elise Thompson

B.Psych (Hons), M.Psych (Clin), MAPS, Assoc MACPA

Registration No. PSY0001950859

Elise is a Psychologist with experience working in a range of public health settings, including the Child and Youth Mental Health Service, the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide. She has worked in individual and group settings with children, adolescents and parents.

Elise has experience and interest in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and also works in a multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental assessment team at a large metropolitan public health service. She also has experience in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children experiencing anxiety and mood disorders, hair pulling, trauma, behavioural difficulties, and sleep difficulties. In addition, she has provided parenting interventions to assist in the management of behavioural problems and family conflict. Elise has conducted research in the area of treatment adherence in children and adolescents with chronic illness, and has a particular interest in working with children and families affected by these issues.

Elise places a strong emphasis on using evidence-based treatment approaches such as cognitive behaviour therapy, solution-focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. She believes in conducting comprehensive assessments in order to formulate the most appropriate treatment plan, and uses a systemic approach by working collaboratively with parents/caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in order to best support children to reach their full potential.

Dr Eliza Hartley

BPsych(Hons), DPsych (Clin)

Registration No. PSY0002028716

Eliza is a psychologist with a range of experience working in various perinatal, child/ adolescent and adult mental health services. She has completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Deakin University. She has a special interest in working with parents and infants and toddler-aged children, with a focus on attachment and bonding in the parent-child relationship. In addition to MCPC, Eliza currently works at a public hospital in which her role focuses on promoting positive child emotional health and development with families where a parent has a mental health condition. Eliza has experience working with children and adolescents at a Child Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS) and young adults at a university who were experiencing mental health difficulties. Eliza has also worked extensively with young adults with Borderline Personality Disorder and people who self-harm or experience thoughts of suicide.

Eliza provides a range of psychological interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, solution-focussed therapy, and the Circle of Security. Eliza has experience in assessing and treating mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, OCD, emerging borderline personality disorder, disordered eating and body image concerns, perfectionism and procrastination, adjustment difficulties, as well as issues in the parent-child attachment relationship.

Eliza uses the ‘gold-standard’ treatment for a particular mental health condition that has a strong evidence-base to ensure excellent clinical care of children and their families. She uses a systemic approach in her work with families in which all members of the family are involved. Eliza believes that working with a child in the context of their family is highly important to managing or overcoming the current difficulties that a family is facing. Eliza strives to create a warm and caring therapeutic environment in which her clients feel safe and valued.

Gabrielle Connell

M.Psych. (Clin.), P.G.Dip.Psych., B.Ed. (Mus), M.A.P.S.

Registration No. PSY0001605222

Gabrielle is a Clinical Psychologist with experience working in a range of settings in the public health sector, including Drummond Street Services, the Berry Street Take Two program and Monashlink Community Health Service as an ATAPS Clinician within the Primary Health Network. Gabrielle also worked as a Clinician with the Tune In Youth Counselling Service, which provided individual trauma focused therapy for children and adolescents affected by the 2009 bushfires. Gabrielle’s most recent role has been Senior Clinical Psychologist in a Perinatal service, within a hospital setting. In her role Gabrielle provided specialised psychological therapy to mothers, fathers and families in the perinatal and infancy stages.

In 2010 Gabrielle worked in a therapeutic and research capacity for Deakin University on the Deakin Family Options study for Beyond Blue, in which she facilitated parent groups, and provided individual therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety and depression. In 2011 Gabrielle worked as a Clinician with Take Two program, which provides individual therapy to children and adolescents in the care of the Child Protection system to assist them to recover from the trauma of family violence, abuse and neglect.

Gabrielle’s areas of special interest include mood related difficulties such as anxiety, depression, social anxiety and panic disorder; relational problems such as bullying, peer relationships, self esteem issues, parenting and attachment; both chronic and single incident trauma related difficulties such as behavioural problems, post traumatic stress disorder and self harm. Gabrielle also has a special interest in working with obsession compulsive disorder.

Gabrielle has experience in a range of therapy and treatment modalities tailored to the individual including Trauma-Focused CBT and Narrative Therapy. Gabrielle has also been trained in the FOCUS (Freedom from Obsessions and Compulsions Using Skills) program which was developed by Dr Paula Barrett and Dr Kris Ojala at Pathways Health and Research Centre in Brisbane for children with OCD. The program teaches specific techniques to help the child develop their tools to cope and defeat OCD. This innovative family approach includes family members and friends who are often accommodating the child’s disorder, resulting in distress for the family, and encourages them to be part of the ‘team’.

To enhance her perinatal work, Gabrielle is also trained in the Newborn Observation program, Circle Of Security parenting program, and the Watch Wait and Wonder intervention, which focuses on building the attachment relationship between parents and their infants.

Gabrielle is also a Board registered Supervisor.

Publications/Presentations

• Bertino, M.D., Connell, G., & Lewis, A. J. (2012). The association between parental personality patterns and internalising and externalising behaviour problems in children and adolescents. Clinical Psychologist, 16, 2, 1-8.
• ISSPD presentation, (2011). Parental Personality Disorder and Child Psychopathology.

Jonathan Rasmussen

B.Arts, BAppSc(Psych)(Hons), M.Psych (Clin.)

Registration No. PSY0001811957

Jonathan works with children, adolescents and young adults who are dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, sleep issues, poor self-esteem, and social and school stress. He is passionate about helping young people build insight into their mental health and understand themselves better through the support of psychological intervention. He has excelled at building rapport with teenagers through an exploration of their interests, collaborative therapeutic techniques, and the use of creative interventions. These have included the use of music, drawing, play, and family-focused interventions. Jonathan is currently preparing a music and mood group therapy program that he will co-facilitate at Headspace in Sunshine, where he provides psychological services to clients aged 12 - 25 . Coupled with his work at Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic, Jonathan is building excellent clinical experience in treating mental health issues that present in adolescence and early adulthood.

He has trained in the use of mindfulness and acceptance-and-commitment therapy, cognitive and behaviour therapy, and incorporates a range of different therapeutic techniques based on his assessment of his client’s needs. He has completed postgraduate theses on the positive application of mindfulness-based therapies for anxiety and depression, and excels at applying these techniques in his work with young people.

Jonathan’s treatment approach stems from an efficient, methodical assessment process and involves deconstructing each client’s problems and actively working with them to find appropriate, effective solutions. He believes in collaborating with parents, families, teachers, and other health professionals - where appropriate - to ensure young clients receive the best assessment and treatment possible. Jonathan makes therapy fun for his clients, and believes treatment should be responsive to both parents’ concerns and children’s interests.

Dr Kelly Nathaniel

B.Sc.(Hons), M.Sc., D.Psych.(Clin.).

Registration No. PSY0001403529

Dr Nathaniel has worked as a Psychologist in a range of settings with children and their families, including the Lower North Shore Child and Family Health Centre (CAMHS) in Sydney. Dr Nathaniel worked for the University of Sydney on a number of child-related research projects which included the assessment of depression, anxiety, and stress in school aged children. Her doctoral thesis examined the impact of neurobiological traits on conduct problems in toddlers, and hence, the interaction of biological and psychological factors is a special interest of hers. Dr Nathaniel has also held a clinical position at Headspace which is a specialist service for adolescents and young adults (12-25 yrs).

Dr Nathaniel has experience in assessing and treating a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and adolescents such as: depression; anxiety and worries; aggressive and oppositional behaviours; developmental difficulties (e.g. autism spectrum disorders); bullying and interpersonal issues; and building confidence and self-esteem. She has a special interest in working with Selective Mutism, Trichotillomania, and the impact of chronic illness.

Dr Nathaniel places a strong emphasis on working collaboratively with young people to build upon their existing strengths to develop effective coping strategies that they can draw on throughout the rest of their lives. She also believes in working with other professionals such as teachers and GPs whenever possible to promote the most comprehensive treatment possible.

Lisa-Marie Bartlett

BMus (MusThy Hons), GradDipPsych, BBehSc (Psych Hons), MPsych (Clin)

Registration No. PSY0001900124

Lisa-Marie is a Psychologist with experience working in a range of settings, including the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, community mental health, and university sector. She has worked with clients across the lifespan, but is particularly passionate about promoting mental health and well-being for children and young people.

Lisa-Marie uses various evidence-based treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness and Solution Focused Therapy. Lisa-Marie has experience and an interest in assessing and treating a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties in young people, such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties, grief and bereavement, and self-esteem. She considers it important to first establish a strong relationship with each young client, and then work collaboratively with them to develop a treatment approach that best suits their needs, preferences and interests. Lisa-Marie believes that involving parents, families, schools and other professionals in psychological treatments is often an essential part of helping her young clients thrive.

Lisa-Marie has also been a Music Therapist for over 10 years. She often draws upon her music therapy skills in her psychology work, and finds it a creative way to engage with young people.

Dr. Michelle Stewart

B.A (Psych), GDipBA, PGDipPsych, DPsych (Clinical), MAPS, MACPA

Registration No. PSY0001821991

Michelle has worked in individual and group settings with children, adolescents, and parents. Michelle has experience assessing and treating a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and adolescents, including developmental difficulties, anxiety, worries, depression, aggressive behaviours, and interpersonal difficulties. Michelle is also committed to working with young people and their families within MCPC speciality clinics for selective mutism, hair pulling, and ASD assessment.

Michelle’s postgraduate research involved an investigation of interpersonal differences between young males and females with ASD to develop a greater understanding of ASD presentations in females. Her doctoral research explored the experience of parenting a child with ASD in the presence of significantly challenging behaviours. Michelle presented her doctoral research at the Asia Pacific Autism Conference in 2015, has published her research, and remains actively engaged in ASD research through her association with Deakin University.

Michelle places emphasis on establishing a strong and collaborative therapeutic relationship with her young clients. She adopts a strengths-based approach that values the capacity, skills, and knowledge of her clients, and she seeks to build upon these existing strengths throughout treatment. She utilises comprehensive assessment and accounts for broader systems when formulating her treatment to suit the unique needs and goals of each client. Her treatment is evidence-based and includes cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness practices, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution focused therapy. Michelle is keen to involve parents, and when appropriate, collaborate with school teachers and other health professionals to maximise treatment outcomes.

Nishma Naran

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

Registration No. PSY0001810518

Nishma is a Clinical Psychologist with experience in a range of settings including public acute mental health, private practice and the community sector. She has supported clients across the lifespan to reach their optimal functioning and manage difficulties such as depression, anxiety, complex trauma and attachment difficulties, social difficulties and emotional dysregulation, grief and loss, and conduct and interpersonal issues, including challenging behavioural presentations such as sexualised behaviour.

Nishma’s treatment approach is guided by the individual needs of the client as determined by a thorough assessment where she works collaboratively with the young client and the system around them, including parents/carers, schools, and other professionals. She practices with a developmental lens which is influenced by theoretical foundations and modalities including attachment theory, synergetic play therapy, dyadic developmental psychotherapy, interpersonal neurobiology, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, family-based intervention, and mindfulness practices.

Nishma is committed to providing a connecting and empowering experience for her clients by establishing a healing therapeutic relationship.

Publication

• Matthews, A. J., Naran, N., & Kirkby, K. C. (2015). Symbolic online exposure for spider fear: Habituation of fear, disgust and physiological arousal and predictors of symptom improvement. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 129-137.

Tamera Clancy

B.Arts (Hons.), M.A., P.G.Dip.Clin.Psych., P.G.Dip.HealthSci.(C.B.T.), P.G.Cert.(Perinatal Psychiatry), M.A.P.S., M.A.C.P.A

Registration No. PSY0001632278

Tamera is a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in infant, child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing. She has been working as a registered psychologist since 2004 in varied settings including the Child and Family Specialty Service (Canterbury District Health Board) in both inpatient and outpatient services and a specialised Anxiety Disorders Unit. Tamera also has extensive experience in maternal mental health, having worked with women, infants and their families during both pregnancy and in the post-partum period in a Mothers and Babies Service.

Tamera is committed to using evidence-based interventions and her treatment approach is guided by each client’s individual needs, with the belief that therapy should be safe, comfortable and fun. Her expertise lies in her ability to establish lasting connections with children and young people to build self-esteem, confidence and a sense of mastery, resulting in successful treatment outcomes. She enjoys working from a strengths-based, systemic approach with a strong developmental perspective, working with parents and teachers to help foster supportive environments enabling children and young people to reach their greatest potential.

Tamera has special interests in infant mental health and the treatment of childhood anxiety (including selective mutism, separation anxiety, social phobia and generalized anxiety); mood related difficulties (including child and adolescent depression); and attachment and relational difficulties.

Publications/Presentations

• Clancy, T. A., Rucklidge, J. J & Owen, D, (2006). Road Crossing Safety in Virtual Reality: A Comparison of Adolescents with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology v35 n2 p203-215
• Clancy, T. A., & Rucklidge, J. J. (June, 2005). Virtual road crossing behavior in adolescents with and without ADHD. International Society of Research on Child and Adolescent Psychology’s 12th Scientific Meeting, New York, USA.
• Farmer, R., Montgomery, A., Whitehead, K., Clancy, T., Woolcock, C., Harris, J., & Rucklidge, J. (November, 2004). Development of a Self‑Report Measure to Assess Sensitivity to Response Consequences. AABT conference, New Orleans, USA.