About Gemma
Psychologist
Gemma believes that effective and long-term change requires therapy to be individualised to each client’s personality, strengths, needs and goals. She takes a collaborative approach, drawing from various evidence-based interventions to assist the client to improve their sense of mental well-being.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Professional Registrations:
- Registered Provisional Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) since February 2022
- Member of Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)
- Affiliate Member of Australian Play Therapists Association
Recent Professional Development:
- Autism QLD Live Webinar: Supporting Autistic Adolescents and Adults Seeking Support for Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
- Sue Larkey Live Webinar: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
- QLD ADHD Conference - My Spirited Child
University Education:
- 2021: Masters of Forensic Mental Health
- Thesis: Exploring Demographic Variables and Individual Attitudes that Predict Direct and Indirect Guardianship Behaviour
- 2018: Graduate Diploma in Psychology Advanced
- Thesis: Investigating the Relationship Between Empathy, Aggression, Gender, and Criminal Delinquency in Australian Adults Using Moderated Mediation
- 2014: Bachelor of Social Science (Major: Psychology, Minor: Legal Studies)
- Faculty Commendation of Academic Excellence Award
- Oxford University Press Prize for Highest Achieving Student in Family Law
- Invitation into Golden Key International Honour Society
- Student Mentor
Prior to working with us, Gemma has previous work experience
- in private practice
- in Child Safety residential care
- in a clinical and forensic psychology practice under the supervision of Dr Greta Goldberg, Gemma was responsible for writing reports for Court (Parenting Capacity, Forensic etc), coordinating with various government agencies, training and managing a small team, conducting psychological interviews with a diverse range of clients, administering psychometric assessments inc., neuropsychological, personality, intelligence trauma, risk and parenting capacity assessments.
While Gemma is a fantastic psychologist, she has also:
- Achieved 6th Grade playing the piano
- Lead part in her high school musical "Barnum"
- 2nd Place in the Legacy Public Speaking State Championships. While 1st place won a trip overseas, Gemma won a PIN for her shirt
- When she aged-out of her high school junior debating team (and there was no senior team), she loved arguing so much that she COACHED the team to still be involved - that team won too
Glitter Bombs! (Special Interest Areas):
- Neurodivergence e.g., Autism, ADHD
- Perinatal Issues and traumatic birth
- Education to better understand and accept the differences and strengths of Neurodivergence and strategies to manage common challenges e.g., PDA (Pervasive Drive for Autonomy/"Pathological Demand Avoidance"), school can't
- PTSD
- Substance Use
- Anxiety & Depression
- Interpersonal Relationships
Psychological services for children and teenagers
Gemma is an Affiliate Member of Australian Play Therapists Association.
Our goal is to meet clients where they are at with methods that are best suited to their individual needs. Often with children (and playful teens and adults!) this includes play based therapy (think board games, craft, and movement activities). We would love to hear about your interests and you are welcome to bring your own favourite fidgets, items, or comforts to your session with you.
Gemma is also happy to meet with parents to provide support and education to manage various challenges.
A sneak peak into Gemma's therapy room!
Phoenix Psychology and Support acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.