Dr Corrie Ackland- Principal clinical psychologist

Corrie is the Clinical Director and the principal Clinical Psychologist. Corrie holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Master of Psychology (Clinical) from Western Sydney University, and a PhD from UNSW. She has experience across psychological presentations and has worked in the area of severe anxiety presentations and phobias for more than 10 years. Before opening Sydney Phobia Clinic, Corrie worked for 8 years as Clinical Psychologist at Sydney Obsessive Compulsive and Anxiety Disorders Practice (SOCAD). As such, OCD and related concerns are still a strong area of practice for Corrie. Corrie is a registered supervisor, providing supervision for anxiety and OCD related presentations, as well as to training psychologists. Corrie has a PhD from UNSW in the schools of psychology and aviation. Corrie is the national lead clinical psychologist for Flight Experience Global managing the delivery of fear of flying programmes across Australia.

Availability

Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays

Session types

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

Tiarani Dixon- Clincal psychologist Registrar

Tia is a registered psychologist who holds 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 for endorsement as a clinical psychologist. Tia is also an accredited Cool Kids Anxiety Program provider with experience running the program at the Centre for Emotional Health Clinic, Macquarie University where she also works. She enjoys working with children and adolescents, as well as adults, and has a particular interest in anxiety disorders. She practices from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) framework and draws upon other modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) where needed. Tia is passionate about combining a strong therapeutic relationship, warm and safe environment, and evidence based treatment.

Availability

Tuesdays, Wednesdays

Session types

Phobias, Anxiety disorders, Cool Kids program

Desiree Loveridge- clinical psychologist

Desiree is a kind hearted and professional Clinical Psychologist who aims to help her clients overcome mental health struggles and improve their quality of life and wellbeing. She holds an Honours degree in Psychology from Macquarie University and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of NSW. She is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and holds specialist endorsement under Medicare. Desiree has been practicing as a psychologist since 2001 and has gained in depth knowledge and experience from working with a wide range of clinical presentations. She enjoys working with the adolescent and adult population and she has a particular interest in anxiety disorders and mood disorders. Desiree is committed to using evidence-based treatment approaches and has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).

Availability

Wednesdays, Thursdays

Session types

Phobias, Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders

Claudia LaCaria- Clinical psychologist Registrar

Claudia is a registered psychologist who has completed the Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Technology Sydney. Claudia has experience working at the Centre for Emotional Health Clinic, Macquarie University where she has undergone training in the Cool Kids anxiety-management program and has had specialised training in advanced neurocognitive assessments. Claudia is passionate about working with children and adolescents, as well as adults with anxiety and mood-related presentations using evidence-based treatment 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 registrar

Sophia is a friendly and down-to-earth registered psychologist who holds a Master of Clinical Psychology from Western Sydney University, and a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) from Southern Cross University. Prior to receiving her full qualification, Sophia was Sydney Phobia Clinic's administrative assistant and intake officer, triaging and booking in all of our new clients. Now, Sophia provides therapy to clients experiencing phobias, other anxiety disorders, and OCD. In addition to her role at Sydney Phobia Clinic, Sophia also works at Gordon Private Hospital, a mental health treatment centre that uses a multidisciplinary approach to addressing burnout, anxiety, trauma, addiction, depression, and other psychological challenges.Sophia has a particular interest in using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) to help clients achieve their goals in therapy. 

Availability

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

Session types

Phobias, anxiety disorders, OCD, Fear of Flying

Lauren Barber- Clinical Nurse Specialist

Lauren Barber is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 14 years experience and a strong interest in needle phobia. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing (CSU) and postgraduate qualifications in healthcare leadership and cosmetic dermatology. She currently manages a medical device company, has served on the board for MTAA, participates in various government healthcare initiatives and enjoys mentoring others looking to develop and commercialise their own medical inventions. With her unique skill set and experience she is able to provide clients of Sydney Phobia Clinic with a wrap-around service to further complement their therapy and assist with the clinical aspects of care.

Pailin Culleton- administrative and intake officer

Pai is the Administration Intake Officer supporting Sydney Phobia Clinic. She was too shy to write a bio, but let us just say that she is wonderful! She is the friendly voice over the phone, the patient greeting as you walk in our door, the answer to all your enquiries on the email, as well as the kind and thoughtful carer for all our office pets!

Availability

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays

Session types

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