RITCHIE & ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Dr Alicia Carter (PhD) is an Academic, endorsed Health Psychologist and board approved Supervisor. Alicia works in private practice at Ritchie and Associates as well as at Central Queensland University as a teaching scholar. Alicia holds professional registration with AHPRA as an endorsed Health Psychologist and Supervisor. Alicia has completed training across multiple platforms of therapies however is an expert in Compassion Focused Therapy. In 2021, Alicia completed a PhD examining the efficacy of Compassion Focused Therapy as a treatment for Body Weight Shame in people with a BMI greater than 30. Since her PhD, Alicia continues to research and train in Compassion Focused Therapy. She is the Chair of the International Australasia Compassion Focused Therapy supervision group and runs workshops training psychologists to deliver Compassion Focused Therapy.
Alicia has a broad range of interests and uses integrated therapeutic models suitable for both individual and group therapy. Alicia's therapeutic techniques are aimed at treating transdiagnostic challenges such as shame and self-criticism, as well as grief and anger. Alicia also holds specific interest in neurodiversity.
In addition to clinical practice, Alicia continues to research the field of Compassion as well as Health Psychology and Sports Psychology. Specifically, how Compassion Focused Therapy can be used to assist individuals with nutritional, eating, body or health related concerns (body weight shame, lymphedema, and diabetes). Alicia has the capacity to see both adults and adolescents.
Alicia is an Ally and very happy to work with those in the LGBTQIA+ community as well as those who are in polyamorous or open relationships.
Alicia is proficient in working with diverse peoples and cultures.
Alicia's practicing areas include:
Adults & Adolescents (age 12+)
ADHD Adult Treatment
ADHD Adult assessment
Anxiety Disorders (including general experiences of anxiety, panic attacks, health)
Body related challenges (including body dysmorphia, obesity and body weight shame)
Bullying
Complex trauma
Chronic pain
Depression
Emotional regulation challenges
Eating challenges (including distorted eating behaviours)
Grief & loss
Health Psychologist
Health / Lifestyle management and challenges (including chronic health conditions such as diabetes)
Life stage transitions
Parenting Support
Polyamory
Post Trauma/ Stress Syndromes eg PTSD
Relationship struggles
Recovering from narcissistic abuse
Stress
Sleeping challenges
Substance Use (alcohol, tobacco, other drugs)
Women's heath (including peri & post-natal depression, puberty, perimenopause & menopause)
Workplace challenges
Holly is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Applied Psychology. She has a passion for neuropsychology and endocrinology (the impact of hormones on brain health) and has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Her collaborative approach to working with clients ensures that every individual receives personalised, science-based care that provides the best opportunity for positive change.
Holly has worked with clients using a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Beyond her work, Holly loves to spend time hiking with her dog, going free diving, and indulging in a warm chai latte.
Job Titles:
- Forensic Psychologist
- Specialist
Ian Ritchie has worked as a psychologist for many years, most of them in Far North Queensland. Ian is a specialist forensic psychologist who has experience working in the criminal, family law and child welfare jurisdictions. He works in providing expert assessments, specific counselling and psychological treatment for people who have forensic issues. Ian also works with relationships, lifespan developmental issues, parenting, child and adolescence issues, cognitive assessments of children, and workplace issues. He is an experienced mediator.
Jo holds general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Jo has experience working with adults, children, adolescents and families. Jo also has experience providing services to defence members and their families, understanding the unique challenges which can be associated with having served in the defence force. Jo has an interest in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship, and workplace difficulties.
Marie was drawn to the study of psychology in order to understand the ‘why' of human behaviour. Marie's approach stems from the belief that our behaviour whether deemed ‘good' or ‘bad' has a purpose. She takes a wholistic approach to the individual, by exploring expectations of ourselves, others and the world around us in the context of the familial, social and cultural systems we live in.
The approaches Marie works with include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), schema therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).