top of page

About me....

I am passionate about supporting others. This means creating an atmosphere where people feel free of judgment, experience being listened to and can learn something new about themselves, their relationships and the stories they've held. I understand personal difficulties as rooted in the individual's life experiences, past and present, and as important signs of resilience in the face of visible and sometimes invisible dangers. To live is to struggle. 

I assist parents and families, who hit road blocks on their parenting journey, from infancy to teenagers; adolescents navigating problems such as peer conflict, concerning eating patterns, academic pressure and identity; adults in managing life and all its complex difficulties, and the elderly as they transition through the lifespan. Couples can access counselling to explore their relationship dynamics, resolve conflict, and support their connection.

Owing my broad professional experience, extensive professional development in strength-based approaches such as attachment theory and psychodynamic practice, I support individuals from all walks of life, no matter their diagnostic label. In particular, I value and feel grateful to be working with individuals who experience psychosis and associated symptoms, and who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

549_edited.jpg

If you like to know even more - here is my Resume!

Professional Profile

AHPRA-registered Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience providing evidence-based psychological assessment, therapy, consultation, supervision, and professional training across private practice, government, education, and community sectors.

Specialist expertise includes attachment theory, developmental trauma, family systems, perinatal mental health, parenting capacity, child protection, and complex mental health presentations. Experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, older adults, and families presenting with trauma, attachment difficulties, personality disorders, substance use, and complex psychosocial needs.

Recognised for delivering high-quality professional development, consultation, and training to multidisciplinary teams, government agencies, universities, and allied health professionals.

Core Competencies

  • Psychological assessment and formulation

  • Evidence-based psychotherapy

  • Trauma-informed practice

  • Attachment-based interventions

  • Dynamic Maturational Model (DMM)

  • Parenting capacity assessment

  • Child protection and family systems

  • EMDR

  • Schema Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Perinatal mental health

  • Clinical supervision

  • Professional development and training

  • Consultation to multidisciplinary teams

  • Workshop facilitation

  • Risk assessment and management

Current Role

Clinical Psychologist – Private Practice

December 2021 – Present

Provide psychological assessment and evidence-based therapeutic interventions for:

  • Adults

  • Adolescents

  • Couples

  • Parents

  • Older adults

Services include psychological assessment, formulation, psychotherapy, attachment-informed interventions, trauma treatment, liaising with stakeholders, and professional development workshops.

2024 – Present

Founder and proprietor of a multidisciplinary allied health practice in Denmark. The Thalia Centre offers services in audiology, midwifery, counselling, chiropractic, Bowen therapy and clinical psychology.

Clinical Psychologist Registrar

Masters & Co Psychology

February 2024 – July 2024

Provided psychological assessment and treatment within a psychology practice under registrar program requirements.

Youth Futures CARE School

March 2023 – January 2024

Provided:

  • Psychological assessment

  • Individual therapy

  • Consultation to teaching staff

  • Professional development training

  • Family and stakeholder liaison

  • Collaboration with external stakeholders supporting young people with complex needs

Founder, Trainer and Consultant

Attachment Based Training

2019 ongoing​

Face-to-face and online professional training in attachment-based assessment and intervention for psychologists, counsellors, social workers and allied health practitioners.

District Psychologist

Department of Communities – Child Protection and Family Support

November 2016 – December 2021

Provided specialist psychological services across child protection and family services.

Key responsibilities included:

  • Psychological assessments of children, adults and family systems

  • Psychometric assessment and interpretation

  • Dyadic attachment assessments

  • Clinical formulation

  • Evidence-based interventions

  • Risk assessment

  • Consultation to caseworkers and team leaders

  • Parenting assessments

  • Development of behavioural and emotional intervention plans

  • Delivery of trauma-informed and attachment-based professional development

  • Resource development

  • Interagency collaboration

  • Presentations at conferences, workshops and continuing professional development events

Tertiary Guest Lecturer

University of Notre Dame Australia

2021

Delivered guest lectures on the attachment-based assessment framework according to the Dynamic Maturational Model of Attachment (DMM)

Psychologist

Mums Matter Perinatal Telehealth

February – June 2021

Provided assessment and psychological treatment for women experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties.

Psychologist

Palmerston Association

March 2016 – November 2016

Supported families experiencing:

  • Mental illness

  • Substance use

  • Domestic violence

  • Parenting difficulties

  • Poor child developmental outcomes

  • Financial hardship

Responsibilities included assessment, psychotherapy, trauma-focused interventions, outcome monitoring and clinical reporting.

Drug and Alcohol Counsellor/Educator

Palmerston Association

March 2015 – November 2016

Provided evidence-based counselling for individuals experiencing alcohol and substance dependence.

Clinical interventions included:

  • Trauma-informed care

  • Mental health assessment

  • Stakeholder liaison

  • Clinical documentation

Worked extensively with clients presenting with PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Psychology Tutor

The University of Western Australia (Albany Campus)

2014 – 2018

Tutored undergraduate psychology units including:

  • Mind and Brain

  • Behaviour in Context

  • Statistical Research Methods

  • Atypical Development

Education

Master of Clinical Psychology
Charles Sturt University
Completed 2023

Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) – Second Class Honours Division I
Edith Cowan University
2014

Honours Thesis:
The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Emotional Regulation

Bachelor of Science
Double Major in Psychology and Counselling
Edith Cowan University
2011–2013

Diploma of Professional Counselling
Australian Institute of Professional Counselling
2002–2003

Professional Development

Highlights include:

  • AHPRA Approved Supervisor Training (2024)

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents and Adults (2023)

  • Harmful Sexual Behaviour in Children and Young People (2021)

  • COPE Basic Skills in Perinatal Mental Health (2021)

  • Maternal Mental Health Intensive Course (2021)

  • Attachment and Psychopathology - Dynamic Maturational Model (DMM) 

  • Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) 

  • Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) 

  • Toddler Care Index (TCI)

  • Circle of Security Facilitator

  • Parenting Capacity Assessment

  • Parents Under Pressure Accredited Therapist

  • EMDR Levels I & II

  • Schema Therapy (I & II)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

  • Trauma-Informed Counselling

  • Culturally Secure Counselling (Dr Tracy Westerman)

  • SMART Recovery Training

  • Ongoing supervision in psychodynamic theory and practice 

Psychology Tutor

The University of Western Australia (Albany Campus)

2014 – 2018

Tutored undergraduate psychology units including:

  • Mind and Brain

  • Behaviour in Context

  • Statistical Research Methods

  • Atypical Development

Awards and Recognition

  • Executive Dean's Award for Academic Excellence – Charles Sturt University (2021)

  • Rural Health West CPD Scholarship (2020)

  • Student Nomination for Excellence in Teaching – The University of Western Australia (2017)

  • Student Guild Award for Outstanding Commitment to Students and Excellence in Teaching – Edith Cowan University (2014)

Professional Memberships

  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

  • Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. (AAPi)

Let's Connect

Thanks for submitting!

connectmepsychology@gmail.com
Denmark, Western Australia
Phone: 0478633993

© 2024 by Jessica Heller-Bhatt. All Rights Reserved.

    bottom of page