SYDNEY CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY - Key Persons


Adam McMahon

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Psychologist

Alyssia Simos

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Psychologist
Training Alyssia completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science majoring in neuroscience at the University of New South Wales, Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at the University of Newcastle and went on to complete a Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Technology Sydney. Alyssia is also currently completing her PhD, where her research focuses on enhancing treatment for individuals experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and nightmares. Alyssia holds general registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and is currently undertaking a clinical psychology registrar program working towards endorsement as a clinical psychologist. Clinical Experience During Alyssia's professional internships, she has supported clients across the lifespan. Alyssia has trained in inpatient and outpatient settings at Westmead Children's Hospital and at The Pain Management and Research Centre at Royal North Shore Hospital. Alyssia has worked with clients one-on-one and facilitated group programs. She has worked with individuals with a broad range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm, complex trauma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, difficulties with emotional regulation, personality disorders, addiction, and chronic pain. Alyssia's approach to therapy is evidence-based and informed by various treatments including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing and Schema Therapy. Interests Alyssia is passionate about working with individuals to help them overcome barriers and achieve their personal goals. She utilises an empathetic, compassionate, and collaborative approach to build a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. Alyssia has a particular interest in anxiety disorders, personality disorders, trauma and chronic pain.

Chloe Leung

Job Titles:
  • Intake Coordinator
Chloe studied Psychology at the University of Sydney and graduated with First Class Honours. For her Honours project, she conducted research on the relationship between attachment styles and moment-to-moment emotion regulation. Chloe works closely with the psychologists at SCP to organise intake for our DBT groups and to triage new client enquiries. She understands the difficulty of seeking support and is warm and empathetic towards clients' concerns. Chloe plans to pursue clinical psychology in the future, and is especially interested in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and trauma-informed approaches. She believes the future of psychology is exciting, as our language and conversations around mental health grow.

Daisy Prowse

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant
Training Daisy completed a Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Honours at the University of Sydney and a Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Technology Sydney. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy. Daisy has trained in outpatient and community health settings, including the Emotional Health Clinic and Research Unit at Cumberland Hospital and The Parenting Place at Community Health Caringbah. She has worked with individuals with a range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorder, complex trauma, bipolar disorders, chronic pain and other health-related concerns. In addition, Daisy has worked with women and families during the perinatal period to provide assistance with perinatal depression and anxiety, and navigating the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood. Clinical Experience Daisy's approach to therapy is informed by a number of evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is passionate about delivering high quality care in a warm and empathic manner, to support individuals in achieving improved psychological and emotional wellbeing. Daisy has a particular interest in emotion regulation, personality disorder, complex trauma, and perinatal mental health.

Dr Cassandra Joslyn

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant

Dr Jeni Ross

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant
  • Senior Clinical Psychologist
Jeni is a senior clinical psychologist with over 20 years' clinical experience in private practice and hospital settings using evidence-based therapeutic interventions to help individuals to manage and overcome a broad range of psychological challenges. Jeni has extensive experience in Australia and internationally working with individuals in high performance corporate and sporting roles to optimise functioning and performance in high pressure environments. Jeni completed her Bachelor of Psychology and Honours degree at The University of Sydney followed by a Doctor of Psychology (Couns) at Macquarie University, Sydney. She has undertaken advanced training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety Disorders, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness. Jeni completed additional cognitive therapy training with Prof. Paul Salkvoskis at the Institute for Psychiatry, London. Jeni holds national registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA), with endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist. She is authorised to provide clinical psychological services under Medicare and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Clinical Psychologists. For many years, Jeni was a Consultant Psychologist in the cognitive behavioural therapy team at The Priory Hospital, London. She ran individual and group sessions for a diverse group of clients including those managing generalised anxiety disorder, depression, social phobia, OCD, and panic disorder. Throughout her years at The Priory, Jeni worked directly under Dr. David Veale, a recognised expert in the treatment of anxiety disorders using CBT. During this time Jeni co-developed a cognitive behavioural therapy inpatient program for the treatment of obsessional anxiety disorders at The Priory. The program was awarded the National Priory Group Award for Clinical Excellence in 2008. In addition to her work at the hospital, Jeni worked several days a week in private practice at The Heath, London and soon afterwards set up her own practice in Islington, London. Jeni has lectured at the Royal Free Hospital, London on anxiety disorders for psychiatrists in training. She presented at the Annual CBT Anxiety Disorders Conference in the UK on the treatment of cognitive distortions using behavioural experiments. In 2009, Jeni formed part of a small multidisciplinary clinical research team to assess the efficacy of CBT for individuals with mild learning difficulties. The project was funded by the UK government. Jeni completed her doctoral clinical training at McKesson International, Sydney where she worked in the crisis management team, Macquarie University Outpatient Clinic and finally, in the CBT department at The Priory. Jeni has a special interest in the application of positive psychology in individual therapy. That is, identifying and building on unique individual strengths to help overcome presenting problems. She is also interested in the brain changes that can occur when self-compassion is used as an adjunct to traditional CBT methods. Jeni is a member of the APS Acceptance and Commitment Therapy interest group.

Dr Mary Cantrill

Job Titles:
  • Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
  • Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
Dr Mary Cantrill is a highly experienced Couple and Family Therapist with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), Master of Couple and Family Therapy, and a PhD in Social Work from the University of New South Wales. With over 20 years of experience, Mary is highly skilled in working with a range of presenting issues that include developmental lifecycle transitions such as, coupling, marriage, affairs, separation and divorce, pregnancy, parental adjustment, blended families, child rearing, mental and physical illness, disability, and grief and loss. Mary is also an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDR) who specialises in private mediation and facilitation post separation, helping couples with custody, property, and financial disputes. Mary brings a wealth of experience to her work, with a background in both government and private health settings, as well as in tertiary education, qualitative research, and allied health supervision. Her dedication to helping couples and families improve their relationships is evident in the way she approaches her work. Mary is passionate about helping clients change the blueprint of their relationships, and works with them to enhance intimacy, develop positive communication strategies, and effectively manage emotional reactivity. With her warm, empathic, and non-judgmental approach, Mary is committed to supporting clients of all ages and backgrounds in creating better lives and healthier relationships. Mary is a full member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT) and is accredited by the Federal Attorney General for mediation services. She offers appointments at Sydney Clinical Psychology on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8am - 3pm.

Dr Melissa Aji

Job Titles:
  • Consulting Clinical Psychologist
Training Melissa completed a Master of Clinical Psychology at the Australian Catholic University and her PhD at the University of Sydney. Outside of the clinic, Melissa is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Black Dog Institute leading a team of researchers in the treatment of anxiety and sleep in young people. She has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences and is a published author. Melissa holds general registration as a Psychologist and is currently undertaking a clinical psychology registrar program towards clinical endorsement. Clinical Experience Melissa has trained in a variety of health settings including Concord Centre for Mental Health, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and a sleep clinic. She has experience supporting clients with depression, anxiety, stress, worry, sleep disturbances, insomnia, relationship and family difficulties and emotional dysregulation. Interests Melissa is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She takes an empathic and collaborative approach to help individuals build a full and meaningful life. Melissa has a particular interest in sleep, depression, anxiety, and difficulties with emotion regulation.

Dr Peter Xie

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Psychiatrist
Peter completed his medical degree at the University of Sydney, where he also went on to complete his Master of Medicine in Psychiatry. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, having completed his training at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and regional settings. Currently, Peter works as a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Early Intervention in Psychiatry service, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He is also a visiting psychiatrist at Dubbo Base Hospital. Peter has a special interest in psychosis and mood disorders, and experience in treating ADHD, post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders. Peter also enjoys teaching and is currently a Clinical Lecturer at the Central Clinical School, RPA. Peter is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. Outside of work, Peter enjoys travelling and a lazy Sundays exploring good food and coffee around Sydney.

Elise Skinner

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Psychologist

Elpiniki Andrew

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Psychologist

Emma Williams

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant
Training Emma obtained her Master of Clinical Psychology degree from the University of Technology, Sydney. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Emma trained in outpatient and research settings, including the Centre for Emotional Health at Macquarie University and The Michael J Cousins Pain Management and Research Centre at Royal North Shore Hospital. She has worked with individuals with a broad range of mental health issues which include depression, anxiety disorders, chronic pain and other health-related disorders, perfectionism, body-focussed repetitive behaviours, relationship issues, complex trauma, adjustment disorders, personality disorders and stress. Clinical Experience Emma's approach to therapy is informed by a number of evidence-based treatment, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Emma is passionate about working with individuals to help overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and live more fulfilling lives. She believes in an empathetic, compassionate and collaborative approach is essential in building a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. Emma has a particular interest in anxiety disorders, emotion regulation difficulties, and chronic pain.

Hannah Bowman

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Psychologist
Training Hannah completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University of Newcastle and went on to complete a Master of Clinical Psychology at Western Sydney University. She holds general registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, and is undertaking a clinical psychology registrar program working towards endorsement as a clinical psychologist. Clinical Experience During Hannah's professional internships, she supported clients across the life span struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, stress, substance use, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, self-harm, trauma and sleep disturbances. Interests Hannah has undertaken training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She values taking a client-centred approach to therapy, and has a particular interest in chronic pain, depression and anxiety.

Ivor Barnard

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant
Training Ivor completed his undergraduate training at the University of Sydney and his postgraduate training at the University of Western Sydney. He has undertaken advanced study in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Ivor holds national registration with AHPRA as a Psychologist, with endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist. He is authorized to provide clinical psychological services under Medicare, and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists. Clinical Experience Ivor received his training at the Centre for Addiction Medicine (CAM, Westmead Hospital), The St John of God Hospital inpatient and outpatient units, and the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS). Since then he has worked in several of St John of God Hospital's inpatient units in the areas of depression, anxiety, and trauma. As well as for Sydney Clinical Psychology, Ivor works for Mosman Private Hospital, where he has facilitated inpatient programs, as well as outpatient depression, anxiety, and drug and alcohol group programs. He has also co-developed and co-facilitates the outpatient DBT day program, as well as providing individual inpatient and outpatient clinical psychological services. Interests Ivor's clinical interests are wide ranging. he works with people with depression, anxiety, relationship and family issues. Ivor has a particular interest in self-harm, suicidality, drugs and alcohol, and personality issues and disorders. Ivor current co-runs our DBT group programme.

Jenn Hawken

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant
Jenn has worked as a clinical psychologist for the past seven years in not-for-profit, private practice, and educational roles. Most recently, Jenn worked at the Kidman Centre UTS, where she designed and delivered psychological workshops for senior students, parents and caregivers, health professionals, and educators in rural and regional communities. Jenn is a genuine, warm, and relatable therapist. She believes that a fundamental first step in working together is building a foundation where you feel listened to, understood, and accepted. Jenn introduces evidence-based skills in a thoughtful and tailored manner, as you work together to help overcome your specific challenges. Jenn sees clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, stress, worry, low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation, trauma and loss, relationship and family difficulties, navigating life challenges, and difficulty managing emotions. Whatever your concern, Jenn's primary goal is to help you feel better in your daily life.

Jessica Statham

Job Titles:
  • Practice Manager
Jessica has worked in high level administrative roles in a variety of fields over the last 15 years, from the corporate sector to the arts sector and the last 6 years in allied health. Her diversity of experience is one of the many strengths she brings to her role at Sydney Clinical Psychology. She is passionate about creating a welcoming and open environment here at the practice and is committed to providing the highest level of support and assistance to all our clients and staff. She is proud to be a part of such a dedicated team of professionals. She has a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Arts Administration), is undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and is an active member of the Australian Association of Practice Managers.

Joel Cowling

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Psychologist
Training Joel completed his Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of New South Wales. He then went on to complete an Honours year and then a Master of Clinical Psychology at the Australian College of Applied Psychology. Joel holds national registration with AHPRA as a Psychologist and is currently undertaking a clinical psychology registrar program towards clinical endorsement. He is authorised to provide psychological services under medicare. Clinical Experience Joel has had several years of experience supporting people through mental health challenges. He began his psychological work as a telephone crisis support worker with Lifeline which involved applied suicide intervention skills training and completion of a mental health first aid certificate. In his Masters training he supported clients with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, addiction, borderline personality disorder, and emotion dysregulation challenges. He has worked with clients both one-on-one and group settings. He has particular experience facilitating family and carer groups for people who have a significant other with Borderline Personality Disorder, providing individual therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder, and facilitating Dialectical Behaviour Therapy groups. Interests Joel is trained in a range of evidence-based therapies. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Joel has a particular interest in chronic pain, personality disorders including borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and emotion dysregulation difficulties.

Luke Wright

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant

Mitchell Proctor

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant
Training Mitch completed a Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Honours and subsequently a Master of Clinical Psychology at Macquarie University. He has undertaken training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Mitch is registered to practice as a Clinical Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and is registered as a Medicare provider. He is also a member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA). Clinical Experience Mitch has worked in a variety of public health and private practice settings to date. He completed his training at the Macquarie University Psychology Clinic, as well as the Centre for Emotional Health Clinic (anxiety specialist clinic) and with NSW Health for Community Mental health team at Blacktown Hospital. He has further worked as the clinical lead for the Liverpool Hospital Gambling Help Service, and has also worked for the Therapy and Recovery Service at Liverpool Hospital and the Pain Management Service at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He has worked with individuals with a range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use concerns (including a specialisation in gambling disorder) as well as complex trauma, personality disorders and chronic pain.

Monica Kleinman

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Psychologist

Olivia Liew

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant

Tony Merritt

Job Titles:
  • Associate
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Consultant
Tony is an Associate Lecturer in the Schools of Psychology at The University of New South Wales and the University of Western Sydney, where he teaches in the Masters of Clinical Psychology programmes. He is also Clinical Associate in the Department of Psychology at The University of New South Wales, Macquarie University and The University of Sydney, and regularly supervises intern and registered clinical psychologists.