Southside Clinical Psychology

OUR TEAM

We are a team of experienced and caring Clinical Psychologists and Psychologists, committed to providing the highest quality psychological assessment and therapy service to our clients. We are registered with the NSW Psychologists Registration Board and are Members of the Australian Psychological Society. We hold Honours Degrees in Psychology, and have attained or are completing additional postgraduate qualifications in Clinical Psychology. We bring to our practice extensive experience working with adults, adolescents, children, couples and families across a broad range of clinical areas. The practice was established by Leanne Clarke in 2000 and has grown rapidly since this time, receiving a high level of support from local GPs, obstetricians and other health professionals.

CLINIC DIRECTOR

LEANNE CLARKE – Clinical Psychologist
B Sc Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin), MAPS

ASSOCIATES

NERIDA PALMER - Clinical Psychologist
B Sc Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin), MAPS

HELEN GUNN – Clinical Psychologist
B A (Hons), M Psych (Clin), RN, RM, MAPS

LEE TAYLOR – Psychologist
B A Psych (Hons), MAPS

KATY VIDLER – Clinical Psychologist
G Dip Psych, B Sc Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin), B A Dip Ed, MAPS  

TANIA TRAPOLINI – Clinical Psychologist
B A Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin) / PhD, MAPS

CAL PATERSON – Clinical Psychologist
B Sc Psych (Hons), D Psych (Clin Psych), MAPS

LOUISE JOHNSON – Clinical Psychologist
B Soc Sc (Hons), M Psych (Clin), D Psych (Clin Psych), B Hlth Sc (Rehab), MAPS

CHRISTINA BROCK AM – Clinical Psychologist
MSc, Grad Dip. Psych, Post Grad Dip Psych, M Psych (Clin), MAPS

TRACY BURRELL – Clinical Psychologist
B Sc Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin), MAPS

EMILY STONE – Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin), AMAPS

PAULA PANASETIS – Clinical Psychologist
B Sc Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin), MAPS

DELYSE HUTCHINSON – Clinical Psychologist
B A/ B Sc  (Hons), M Psych (Clin) / PhD, MAPS

SAMANTHA MAY - Psychologist
B Sc Psych (Hons), AMAPS

JESSICA GRAY – Psychologist
B Sc (Hons), AMAPS

LEANNE CLARKE holds an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of NSW and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. Leanne’s work within the public and private health systems has provided her with considerable experience in the assessment and treatment of adults experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, impulse control problems and relationship difficulties. She has also worked across a range of settings providing clinical assessment, therapy and early intervention services for infants, children, adolescents and families experiencing emotional, behavioural and relational problems.

Leanne has a particular interest in perinatal psychology and has worked within a specialised Karitane day stay unit for families experiencing psychological difficulties associated with pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting. Leanne has invested considerable expertise into the development of the innovative, specialised perinatal psychology and health services provided within Southside Health. She also provides Hypnobirthing^TM (hypnosis for childbirth) classes for expectant parents.

Leanne provides clinical supervision for clinical psychologists and other health practitioners across a range of clinical areas, including general adult psychology, child and family psychology and perinatal psychology.

Leanne has extensive research and evaluation skills and has publications in a range of scientific journals, including The British Journal of Psychiatry, Journal of Affective Disorders, and Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry. She has presented scientific papers at national and international conferences and has conducted many training workshops and seminars, particularly in the areas of perinatal mood disorders, infant mental health, early intervention and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. She is a Member of the Australian Association for Infant Mental Health and the Marcé International Society for Psychiatric Disorders of Childbearing.

NERIDA PALMER holds an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of NSW and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. She is an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and a member of the Australian Association of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (AACBT). Nerida has worked in both public and private health settings, providing psychological services to adults, adolescents and children. Nerida has experience in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, long-standing personality/self-esteem issues and drug and alcohol problems. She has a particular interest in working with adults with depression, anxiety and self-esteem issues, and with adolescents and their families. She enjoys working within brief therapy modalities as well as providing longer-term therapy for more complex issues. In addition to her work at this practice, Nerida works within a community mental health team providing assessment, psychotherapy and consultation for adults with acute or complex mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders. 

HELEN GUNN holds an Honours degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, both from Macquarie University. She is also a Registered Nurse and Midwife. Helen has worked extensively in women’s health care with experience in both the public and private healthcare sectors. She has provided clinical care in a range of settings including community health services, maternity services, gynaecology, gynaecological and breast cancer, as well as working in the management of women’s health care services. Helen has undertaken psychological research in these clinical areas.

LEE TAYLOR holds an Honours degree in Psychology from Macquarie University and is currently completing the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) degree at Macquarie University. Lee has a particular interest in perinatal psychology. She has experience working with distressed women (and their partners) during pregnancy and postnatally. Lee has experience providing specialised interventions for relationship issues, parent-infant relationship issues, adjustment issues in older siblings, and broader family issues. Lee’s doctoral thesis is examining maternal substance use during pregnancy and the first year of infancy, specifically exploring the impact of maternal substance misuse on maternal mental health and the mother-child relationship, during pregnancy and 12 months post-delivery.

Lee has a strong interest in child and family therapy, particularly childhood anxiety and mood disorders. She has experience working within a specialised child and adolescent anxiety unit providing diagnostic assessment, individual and group therapy to anxious children and their parents. She has a strong commitment to research and has worked on a clinical research project investigating the efficacy of a Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment Intervention for anxious children, and has published in a special issue (Childhood Anxiety) of Pediatric Annals.

Lee has worked in a range of industrial and rehabilitation settings, providing psychological assessment and treatment to adults experiencing physical and / or psychological injury in the workplace, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, substance dependence and abuse. In addition, Lee has worked within a specialised Drug and Alcohol Unit treating individuals with alcohol and / or other drug problems. She has conducted many training seminars and workshops, particularly within the areas of critical incident response in the workplace, stress and pain management.

KATY VIDLER holds an Honours degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. Prior to working as a clinical psychologist, Katy worked as a primary school teacher in a variety of public and private school settings. Katy has a special interest in working with children, but enjoys working with all ages. She has a passion for using mindfulness based, somatic methods in her therapy work, and is currently completing the three-year professional training in Hakomi Experiential Psychotherapy, a mindfulness based, body centred psychotherapy. In addition to this she has recently developed and is currently running “Calm Kids”, an experiential skill based group program to assist primary school children experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and other difficulties. Katy also has a keen interest in perinatal work, developmental psychology, and the neuroscience of psychotherapy.

Katy has gained experience working in the area of crisis intervention through her work at Lifeline, and has had a high involvement leading on camps for children and adolescents with underprivileged and traumatic backgrounds, including with refugees. In her clinical training and professional work, Katy has provided clinical assessments and therapy for children, adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, family and relationship issues, adjustment to parenthood issues, post-natal depression and bereavement and loss issues. This has included running group therapy programs for anxious children and their parents. In a hospital setting she has worked with people experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder, and adjustment difficulties following illness, injury, and amputation.

TANIA TRAPOLINI holds an Honours degree in Psychology, as well as a Masters degree and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. Tania has worked in a range of community and hospital settings providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders in children and adults. Tania is also experienced in the risk assessment of child protection matters. She has been involved in many medico-legal and forensic assessments and the preparation of court reports in relation to these matters.

Tania has a particular interest in child and family therapy, and perinatal psychology. In addition to her work at this practice, Tania works as a clinical psychologist in a paediatric mental health research unit. Her doctoral thesis examined the impact of maternal depression on child development and the mother-child relationship. She has attended specialist training in the United States on the analysis and observation of attachment relationships between young children and their caregivers. Tania has presented at a range of national and international conferences, and has publications in a range of scientific journals including: The British Journal of Developmental Psychology; Journal of Affective Disorders; Child: Care, Health and Development. She is a member of the Australasian Human Development Association.

CAL PATERSON holds an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of New South Wales and a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) degree from Macquarie University. Cal has experience working in settings across New South Wales providing clinical assessments and therapy for children, adults, families, and couples, with a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, anger, behaviour problems, and forensic issues. He has interest and experience in a range of clinical approaches, including Cognitive Therapy, Family Therapy, and Behavioural Therapies, and has a strong interest in integrative models of therapy. He also has a particular interest in working with parents of children with complex needs. Cal has presented seminars and workshops at a state and international level on topics including clinical assessment, the integration of cognitive, behavioural, narrative and family therapy techniques; and the use of Cognitive Therapy with parents of children with a disability. Cal’s doctoral research concerned the role that expectations play in successful therapy. Cal is a member of the Australian Association of Cognitive Behaviour therapy, the NSW Association of Psychologists working in Developmental Disabilities and the International Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy integration.

LOUISE JOHNSON holds both a Clinical Masters degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. Louise has worked in a range of settings providing clinical assessments and therapy for adults, couples, and adolescents with a variety of presenting issues including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stress management, anger, and behaviour problems. She also has an interest in childhood anxiety and mood disorders, and has experience conducting group and individual therapy for anxious and depressed children and their parents. Prior to completing her training as a Clinical Psychologist, Louise trained as a Rehabilitation Counselor and for several years worked in both public and private settings assisting people with chronic illness or injury return to productive, fulfilling lives. She has interest and experience in a range of clinical approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Therapies. Louise has presented seminars to other professions to educate them about the benefits of psychological therapy. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (and their Clinical College), and the Australian Association of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

CHRISTINA BROCK AM holds a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University.  Christina has experience in a variety of clinical settings across New South Wales, which includes providing clinical assessments and therapy for adults, children and couples, who present with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, adjustment disorders, acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Christina has a specific and longstanding interest in individuals’ psychological adjustment to physical illness.  Her masters’ thesis explored the construct of positive growth following the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.  Her thesis was presented at the 9th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology in London. In 2001, Christina was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution in setting up a cancer support group for young people with cancer and their carers.

In addition to her work in this practice, Christina works as a Clinical Psychologist in public mental health. She is a Member of the Australian Psychological Association and the Australian Association of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

TRACY BURRELL holds an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of NSW, and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. Tracy brings experience in the treatment of individuals of all ages dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. Her personal practice of yoga and meditation has lead her to incorporate techniques such as mindfulness training with individuals motivated to learn more positive ways of coping. She has worked in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, and substance dependence in hospital settings, as well as with adults coping with chronic patterns of interpersonal difficulty related to early childhood trauma. Tracy has a strong interest in providing assessment and therapy services for toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children and their families. She also has expertise in providing therapy for adolescents experiencing emotional and adjustment issues.

Tracy has clinical and research interest in women’s psychological experience of fertility issues and pregnancy. She recently presented a scientific paper at the Australasian Marcé Society for Psychiatric Disorders of Childbearing. In addition to working at Southside Health, she coordinates a research project, in the School of Public Health at the University of NSW, exploring women’s experience of stress while undergoing Assisted Conception treatment.

EMILY STONE holds an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Sydney and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. Emily has worked in a range of public health and research–psychology settings and has experience in adult, child, adolescent, family, and group work.  She has provided psychological assessment and treatment services for adults experiencing schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma, drug and alcohol problems, relationship and family issues and adjustment issues. She has also worked extensively with children suffering from anxiety and depression, as well as with families to help with child behavioural problems and pervasive developmental disorders.

Emily has undertaken psychological research in the following areas: smoking cessation, drug and alcohol treatment, alcohol and mood disorder treatment, schizophrenia diagnosis and assessment and child anxiety treatment and diagnosis. She has presented research findings at an International conference and has received numerous academic awards and scholarships including the University Medal from Sydney University.

Emily’s areas of interest and expertise include, but are not limited to, anxiety management in adults and children, depression and substance abuse (alcohol and other drugs) treatment, self-esteem and relationship work, and the fostering of general personal improvement and increased life-satisfaction.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.

PAULA PANASETIS holds an Honours degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, both from the University of NSW. Paula has worked as a psychologist across a variety of settings in the public health system, providing assessment and treatment services for adults experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma and depression. She has worked with specific groups such as road trauma survivors, women experiencing difficulties during pregnancy and postnatally, and individuals suffering drug and/or alcohol problems.

Paula has extensive research and evaluation skills and has publications in a range of scientific journals, including Comprehensive Psychiatry, Behaviour Research and Therapy, Journal of Traumatic Stress, Journal of Clinical Psychology and Health Care for Women International. She has co-authored a self-help book for road trauma survivors and was instrumental in developing an educational handbook for mental health disaster response published by NSW Health. Paula has presented at numerous conferences and has conducted many training workshops and in-services, primarily in the areas of trauma and post-traumatic stress, perinatal issues and patient education. She is a Member of the Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Paula is currently on maternity leave.

DELYSE HUTCHINSON holds an Honours degree in Psychology from Monash University and a Masters degree and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. Delyse has worked in a range of settings providing clinical assessment and therapy for children, adolescents and adults experiencing complex emotional, behavioural and relational problems. She has a strong interest in childhood anxiety and mood disorders, and has experience conducting and supervising group and individual therapy for children experiencing anxiety or depression and their parents. Delyse is also interested in the treatment of eating disorders and has worked with adolescents and adults with eating disorders in both public and hospital settings. Delyse’s doctoral thesis examined developmental risk factors for body image and disordered eating problems in adolescent girls. She also has a strong interest in perinatal psychology, particularly the promotion of healthy parent-infant attachment.

In addition to her clinical work, Delyse works as a Research Fellow at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales conducting research on the relationship between parental alcohol abuse, family functioning and child development. She has numerous publications in both national and international scientific journals and has presented scientific papers at a range of conferences. Delyse is a Fellow of the New South Wales Institute of Psychiatry and a member of both the Australian Psychological Society (and their Clinical College) and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY).

SAMANTHA MAY holds an Honours degree in Psychology from the Open University in England, and has completed a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology at Macquarie University. Samantha worked in the correctional service in England, where she gained extensive experience of risk management and crisis intervention, contributed to the development of suicide and self-harm intervention strategies including professional training programmes, and provided assessment and therapy for adults in a prison setting experiencing complex emotional, behavioural, and relational problems.

In Australia Samantha has worked in community and hospital settings, and  has provided assessment and treatment for a range of presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, emotion regulation difficulties, behavioural problems, and relationship difficulties, including parent-infant issues. She has a particular interest in longstanding emotion regulation and personality issues. Samantha has worked with individuals, groups, couples, and families, and has experience of working with a range of therapy approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and relational therapy approaches.

JESSICA GRAY holds an honours degree in Psychology from Northern University in Boston, USA and this year will complete her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (DCP) at the University of Sydney. In Boston, she worked with opiate-dependent people in a methadone maintenance treatment program. In Sydney, Jessica works with children and adolescents, as well as adults and families. She has experience implementing both individual and group therapy and is skilled at working with anxiety and family relational problems. She also has particular expertise and interest in working with survivors of complex trauma and people with drug and alcohol issues. Jessica has valuable experience working with depression in a therapeutic context. She has also incorporated the study of depression in her research into palliative care treatment, by assessing the utility of a depression screener for the terminally ill. She has worked both in hospital and community settings, including a residential treatment facility for drug- and alcohol- dependent women. As well as being trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, her therapeutic approach is integrative and client-centred.