I am a clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, and clinical neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience working within the District Health Boards (DHB), forensic settings, primary care, educational setting, and in private practice in New Zealand and Australia. I obtained registration as a psychologist in Australia, Canada (Alberta) and New Zealand.
I completed my postgraduate training in the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. I obtained my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines. I have also completed a Master’s degree in Applied Forensic Psychology (University of Leicester, UK), Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology (Massey University), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychiatry (University of Auckland). In addition, I have a medical degree (UERM, Philippines) and a Master of Public Health, Major in Health Economics and Program Evaluation (University of Melbourne).
I have specialist training in the assessment and treatment of individuals with complex presentations due to cognitive problems (e.g. dementia, acquired brain injury, intellectual disability, FASD, etc.), mental health (e.g. depression, anxiety problems, schizophrenia, PTSD, etc.), psychological and emotional issues (e.g.. problems coping with stresses, extensive history of trauma, etc.), and neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e. ASD, ADHD), substance use, personality and offending issues. I have undertaken a variety of forensic psychological assessments and have served as an expert witness at the Youth, District, Family, High Court and Court of Appeal in New Zealand and at the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts in Victoria, Australia.
In NZ, my private practice work mainly involves conducting forensic psychological assessments for the Court. I see clients who are mainly referred by other health professionals (e.g. psychiatrists, other psychologists, etc.), lawyers, the courts and ACC. I also run training workshops locally and internationally and provide clinical supervision. I travel regularly to NZ to maintain my private practice.
In Australia where I currently reside, I am a Principal Psychologist at the Community Forensic Mental Health Service, Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare) in Melbourne, Australia. I am also a Lecturer/Supervisor at the Cairnmillar Institute in Melbourne, Australia.
I have been involved with Corrections Victoria where I developed a suite of offence-specific and offence-related programs for offenders with cognitive impairment. I also provide consultation to the Forensic Disability Services (FDS). I see clients for individual therapy under the Medicare System. I am currently connected with TheTalkShop Little Collins St office in Melbourne and Cairmillar Institute North Melbourne Clinic. I underwent extensive training in various treatment modalities (e.g. Cognitive and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, Schema Therapy, etc.) and various types of psychological assessments (i.e. personality, neuropsychological, mental health, etc.). I am an APHRA board-approved supervisor.
I have presented in local and international conferences and have written chapters in specialty books and journal articles in peer reviewed journals in my subspecialty areas. I have run training workshops (e.g. adapted DBT, sex offender treatment program, risk assessment, ADHD assessments, etc.) locally and internationally. I am passionate with mentoring and supervising psychologists and conducting research in my area of specialties.
In my spare time, I love travelling and gardening. I enjoy spending time in our hobby farm and aim to develop a more sustainable and fully off-the-grid lifestyle.
