Hello. My name is Dana.
I am a fully registered clinical psychologist with over twelve years of experience working with adults and young people in a clinical setting.
I use a holistic approach based on a shared understanding of a person’s difficulties and desire for change. I strive to be empathic, warm and sensitive to my client’s emotional needs.
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More than two years ago, my family and I made the exciting decision to join the dynamic Byron Shire community. Since then, I have been dedicated to offering specialised support to those in need, a role that brings me great joy and fulfilment.
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I am here to help you on your unique journey towards healing and growth in the areas of clinical psychology, perinatal psychology and the psychology of eating and body image.
My Mission
I aim to provide an emotionally intimate and nurturing space for healing, growth and change.
Let me share with you my favourite quote…
“Yesterday, I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
― Rumi
Wonder about my clinical psychologist background?
My path to becoming a clinical psychologist was anything but direct. From a young age, I was intrigued by the history and narrative of humans and humankind.
I was awarded a Masters of Clinical Psychology from the University of Melbourne. My research was on intrusive thoughts and the need for control in Anorexia Nervosa, and I worked closely with the Royal Melbourne Hospital Eating Disorders Unit.
After establishing my private practice in Melbourne over ten years ago, my passion for perinatal psychology grew stronger after becoming a mother myself. I have dedicated the last eight years to professional development in this field, making it my specialisation.
I bring over a decade of experience as a clinical psychologist in both the public and private sectors, and I specialise in perinatal psychology and the psychology of eating and body image.
I pride myself on having high ethical standards and am firmly committed to continued professional development, supervision and peer consultation.
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My qualifications:
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International Certification Program in Schema Therapy through the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) (currently completing).
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Center for Perinatal Psychology: Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Intensive Program: Using a Relationship-Based Approach to Perinatal Mood Disturbance.
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Circle of Security Parenting Program: Registered Facilitator for group work for parents. It aims to help caregivers connect with the children by understanding their child’s attachment needs.
What is my approach?
With compassion and thoughtfulness, I strive to understand your current difficulties and how you got here.
I know that at a deep level, we all have a strong desire for things to be different. Together, we will journey towards positive change, align your actions with your core values and help you be the person you aspire to be.
Drawing from the theory and vast evidence on attachment and the psychology of the self, I integrate experiential, emotion-focused and behavioural interventions into our sessions.
My goal is to foster a strong understanding of and connection with yourself and empower you to face challenges in your daily life with less fear and more confidence.
Wonder who I am as a person?
I feel energised by connecting with people individually or in a group.
I am loyal and grateful for my oldest and dearest friendships. By nature, I am sensitive and genuine, which benefits my therapy and the relationships I form with my clients.
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Privately, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, swimming, yoga, and continuing my own journey of personal growth and understanding.
