Dr Corrie Ackland

Principal Clinical Psychologist

Corrie is the Clinical Director and Principal Clinical Psychologist at Sydney Phobia Clinic. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Master of Clinical Psychology from Western Sydney University, along with a PhD from UNSW, jointly awarded through the Schools of Psychology and Aviation.

With over a decade of experience, Corrie has worked extensively with severe anxiety presentations and specific phobias. Prior to founding Sydney Phobia Clinic, she spent eight years at the Sydney Obsessive Compulsive and Anxiety Disorders Practice (SOCAD), where she developed a strong clinical focus on OCD and related conditions — an area she continues to support through both treatment and supervision.

Corrie is also the national lead clinical psychologist for Flight Experience Global, overseeing the delivery of fear of flying programs across Australia. In addition to her core work in phobias and anxiety, she has advanced training in sports and exercise psychology as well as CBT-i (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia). Corrie is a registered supervisor and provides clinical supervision for psychologists working with anxiety, OCD, and related presentations.

Availability

Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays

Session types

Phobias, Anxiety disorders, OCD related disorders, Fear of Flying, Clinical Supervision

Tiarani Dixon

Clinical Psychologist

Tiarani (Tia) is a registered psychologist with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. She is currently completing the Clinical Psychology Registrar Program as part of her pathway to endorsement as a clinical psychologist.

Tia is an accredited Cool Kids Anxiety Program provider and has experience delivering the program at the Centre for Emotional Health Clinic at Macquarie University, where she also continues to work. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults, with a particular interest in anxiety-related conditions.

Tia’s approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while also drawing on techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) where appropriate. She is committed to creating a warm, supportive environment that combines strong therapeutic connection with structured, evidence-based care.

Availability

Tuesdays, Wednesdays

Session types

Phobias, Anxiety disorders, Cool Kids program

Desiree Loveridge

Clinical Psychologist

Desiree is a warm and highly experienced Clinical Psychologist committed to helping clients improve their wellbeing and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence. She holds an Honours degree in Psychology from Macquarie University and a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of New South Wales.

Registered with AHPRA and endorsed under Medicare, Desiree has been practising since 2001 and brings over two decades of experience working with adolescents and adults across a broad range of psychological concerns. She has a particular interest in anxiety and mood disorders and takes a compassionate, evidence-based approach to care.

Desiree’s practice is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while also integrating techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to suit individual needs.

Availability

Wednesdays, Thursdays

Session types

Phobias, Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders

Claudia LaCaria

Clinical Psychologist

Claudia is a Clinical Psychologist with a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Technology Sydney. She has gained valuable experience at the Centre for Emotional Health Clinic at Macquarie University, where she received training in the Cool Kids anxiety-management program and advanced neurocognitive assessments.

Claudia is passionate about working with children and adolescents, as well as adults experiencing anxiety and mood-related concerns. She is committed to delivering structured, evidence-based care using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-integrated CBT (MiCBT).

Availability

Thursdays, Fridays

Session types

Phobias, Anxiety Disorders, Cool Kids program

Sophia Barry

Clinical Psychologist

Sophia is a warm and down-to-earth Clinical Psychologist who holds a Master of Clinical Psychology from Western Sydney University and a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) from Southern Cross University.

Before becoming a psychologist, Sophia was part of the Sydney Phobia Clinic team in an administrative and intake role, where she supported clients from their very first contact. She now provides therapy for individuals experiencing specific phobias, anxiety disorders, and OCD.

In addition to her work at the clinic, Sophia also works at Gordon Private Hospital — a multidisciplinary mental health centre supporting clients with burnout, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and mood-related conditions. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), helping clients build practical skills and make meaningful progress toward their goals.

Availability

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

Session types

Phobias, anxiety disorders, OCD, Fear of Flying

Lauren Barber

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Lauren is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 14 years of experience and a strong interest in needle phobia. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing from Charles Sturt University, along with postgraduate qualifications in healthcare leadership and cosmetic dermatology.

In addition to her clinical background, Lauren manages a medical device company, has served on the board of the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), and contributes to a range of government healthcare initiatives. She also mentors others looking to develop and commercialise medical innovations.

At Sydney Phobia Clinic, Lauren brings a unique combination of medical knowledge and industry insight, providing clients with wrap-around support that complements psychological therapy and enhances the overall treatment experience.

Pailin Culleton

Administrative and Intake Officer

Pailin (Pai) is the first point of contact at Sydney Phobia Clinic — the friendly voice on the phone, the warm welcome at the door, and the prompt reply in your inbox. She plays a key role in supporting our clients from their very first enquiry, helping to coordinate bookings, answer questions, and ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

While Pai was too modest to write her own bio, we can confidently say she’s the heart of the clinic — calm, caring, and always ready to help (including looking after our beloved office pets!).

Availability

upon request- email to enquire.

Session types

Medication administration assistance, Needle exposure, Appointment attendance, Medical procedure preparation and/or debrief