Psychology And Wellbeing Services

PAWS Psychology And Wellbeing Services

Working with children, young people and parents in a supportive and tranquil environment

Meet Robyn

Robyn is a compassionate and experienced psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals from the age of 5 years old with various mental health challenges. Robyn works with clients experiencing anxiety, low mood, emotional dysregulation, grief, social challenges, family changes, and more. Neurodiverse clients with Autism and/or ADHD are supported with neuro-affirming approaches. Robyn offers a warm and open interpersonal style that fosters trust and rapport.

Robyn uses best practice assessment methods to provide provisional diagnoses for Autism and enjoys working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team. She also offers cognitive and ADHD assessment. In addition, Robyn offers coaching sessions for adults with ADHD via telehealth.

With a background in organisational psychology spanning over 20 years, Robyn is equipped to assist clients with practical organisation and planning strategies. Her practice is informed by neuro-affirming principles, ensuring that clients feel understood and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

At her Eltham practice, Robyn incorporates therapy animals, including her Groodle therapy dogs Bella and Teddy, and Ragdoll clinic cat Skye, to provide comfort and companionship during sessions. Clients are welcomed into a serene and tranquil setting surrounded by landscaped gardens, fostering a holistic approach to mental health care.

Qualifications and Professional Background

Robyn brings over 20 years of specific professional development and experience in private practice, primary and secondary schools, corporate level human resources, as well as mental health projects with Government and Headspace. Her transition
from organisational psychology to child and adolescent mental health and adult ADHD coaching, reflects her passion and dedication to supporting individuals and families in their mental health journey.

Robyn is a qualified and registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Registration of Australia (AHPRA), a member of the Australian Psychology Society (APS). She is an Affiliate member of the College of Organisational Psychologists and a member of the special interest group Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and psychology. She is an Associate Member of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA). She holds a B.B.Sc and a Grad.Dip.Ed.Psych.

What has Influenced and Shaped Robyn?

Throughout her life, Robyn has been influenced by significant life events, including the tragic loss of her younger brother Mark to suicide at the age of 20. This tragedy motivated her to advocate for mental health awareness and support for young people and parents. Her experience as a parent and working in schools have also fueled her interest in understanding neurodivergence, particularly ADHD.

Robyn’s therapy focus is on delivering practical support that capitalises on strengths, while equipping individuals with tools and strategies to address their challenges. Her interventions are guided by evidence-based practices and aim to support executive functions such as memory, planning, and organising. Reframing of unhelpful thoughts from associated poor self-esteem, shame or defensiveness can also be included.

Incorporating therapy dogs Bella & Teddy, and clinic ragdoll cat Skye (where appropriate) and her compassionate, engaging style, Robyn creates trusting and therapeutic relationships with her clients, ensuring they feel supported and empowered throughout their journey towards improved mental health and well-being.

What is the Therapy Approach at PAWS?

Modalities Include:

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Solution-Focused Therapy
Positive Psychology
Mindfulness
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) with therapy dogs Bella and Teddy

At PAWS Psychology, Robyn adopts a strengths-based and neurodiverse affirming approach to therapy. Her therapy style is engaging and interactive, incorporating games, play, and crafts, where appropriate. For teens and young adults, Robyn employs mentoring and coaching approaches tailored to their needs. She also provides psychoeducation and incorporates the relevant therapy modalities as required. Additionally, Robyn provides parent support and coaching when requested.