Ivanhoe

Kelly is a clinical psychologist who has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a range of private and public health settings, including Headspace and the university sector. She completed her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Sydney University, and her postgraduate research examined the impact of neurobiological traits on behavioural difficulties during early childhood. Kelly has been based at the Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic since 2012.

Kelly has experience working with a range of emotional and behavioural presentations such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, grief and loss, oppositional behaviours, neurodiversity (including Autism and ADHD), interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem and body image concerns, school related stress, chronic illness, trauma and attachment difficulties, and high-risk behaviours (including self-harm and suicidal thoughts). Kelly is involved in the selective mutism and hair pulling specialist clinics offered at MCPC. She also has a strong interest in working with young people who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community and has liaised with services such as the Royal Children’s Hospital Gender Clinic.

Kelly is trained in several evidence-based treatment approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). She believes in conducting comprehensive assessments to guide the treatment needs of each individual client. Kelly strives to work from a strengths-based approach and her work is heavily influenced by theoretical frameworks and modalities such as, internal family systems, polyvagal theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, narrative therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, and attachment theory. 

Kelly is committed to providing a safe, warm, and engaging therapeutic environment for young people and their families. She takes time to explore the unique interests of her clients and encourages the use of creative forms of expression, such as art and writing. Kelly also values working collaboratively with the system around young people, including their parents/carers, school, and other health professionals to help them reach their full potential.