Child & Teen Psychological Assessment | Sydney

Karen is a dedicated Provisional Psychologist, passionate about navigating life’s challenges together with her clients, helping you to feel confident to tackle any difficulties you may face. Warm & compassionate, Karen ensures you feel heard within the therapy room, and provides a calm environment where you feel safe to share your story.

Karen was drawn to the world of psychology by an aspiration to not only help people, but more importantly work alongside you to build your skills. Her goal is for you to feel equipped to cope with your problems and face life with confidence. With a background of over 25 years’ experience in corporate food manufacturing, Karen draws on strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills to ensure you receive a thorough assessment and tailored treatment plan.

KAREN’s Experience & Approach

Karen provides a friendly atmosphere in her sessions, which is led by the client, ensuring you feel heard and the time to share your challenges. She prides herself on providing evidence-based strategies that are tailored to your specific needs, supporting you to find avenues for personal growth.

Karen’s research for her Master’s degree investigated the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in alleviating depression symptoms and improving quality of life among individuals diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The results found that CBT reduced symptoms of depression, improving an individual’s quality of life.

As an experienced Provisional Psychologist at Creating Change, Karen combines a Master of Professional Psychology, a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science (Advanced), a Graduate Diploma of Psychology, a Diploma of Counselling, and an MBA. Her training includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy – Eating Disorders (CBT-E), Maudsley Family Therapy, and providing a range of assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.

Known For

Karen is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED), National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC), and the Australian Menopause Society (AMS).

Her accomplishments include the completion of her honours’ thesis which investigated contributing factors to “baby-brain” (brain fog, memory disturbances, forgetfulness) during pregnancy. Working memory in particular is one area of cognitive functioning most often self-reported by pregnant women to be perceived to deteriorate during pregnancy. The study specifically investigated if self-reported anxiety symptoms are associated with changes to working memory performance during pregnancy. The results found that being anxious whilst pregnant did not affect working memory accuracy compared to a control group.

Passion

Karen has a real passion for helping adolescents, adults, and families cope with life’s unexpected challenges. She has a particular interest in supporting females with peri-menopause and menopausal symptoms, and has assisted teenagers and young adults with body image and self-esteem issues, as well treating eating disorders. Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment disorders, ADHD, trauma, eating disorders, body image disorders, teenage changes, workplace and relationships issues, family breakdowns and mental health changes during menopause.

On a Personal Level

On a personal level, Karen likes to spend time with family and friends, and she helps to puppy raise guide dogs for NSW Guide Dogs.

KAREN’S APPOINTMENTS

Karens is a full time devoted therapist at our practice. She is available for appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and alternate Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Maybe everyone can live beyond what they are capable of – Markus Zusak

Camilla Pihl is a dedicated Provisional Psychologist with a passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges as they surface. Empathetic and understanding, her compassionate approach makes you feel seen and heard, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for you to share your concerns. Camilla values her attentiveness, believing it takes courage to share personal matters, and that everyone in life can benefit from therapy.

Growing up in Norway and moving to Sydney to pursue psychology, Camilla had to rebuild her life and connections, shaping the person and psychologist she is today. There’s always been a deep passion to help others, and she is of the belief that seeking support and someone to talk to is important in life. Creating trust and being that ‘someone’ you can rely on is central to her sessions, as she tailors therapy to your specific needs and circumstances.

Camilla’s Experience & Approach

Taking a client-focused and holistic approach, Camilla acknowledges your feelings and personal situation to work together at your own pace. Building rapport and adapting to your personal needs, Camilla believes active listening and validation are key factors in creating a strong therapeutic relationship. Throughout her sessions, Camilla will help you gain insight into your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. She will assist you in developing problem-solving skills and coping strategies according to your needs, and work together to set personalised, realistic, and achievable goals.

Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: eating disorders, self-esteem and body image concerns, family and relationship challenges, anxiety, stress, depression and interpersonal issues.

As an experienced Provisional Psychologist at Creating Change, Camilla is currently pursuing a Master of Clinical Psychology, and combines this with a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degrees.

Known For

Camilla’s accomplishments include working with children, adolescents and adults across a wide range of mental health concerns and disabilities, where she supported clients to work towards their goals. Her travels led her to experience living in Zimbabwe with homeless teenagers and children who required schooling support, where she gained insight into the mental, physical and financial challenges people faced. This strengthened her desire to help those in need and provide them with the knowledge and skills to cope with life’s challenges.

Passion

Camilla has a passion for working with couples, families, adults, adolescents and children, and believes that with the right tools and support, anyone can overcome their concerns and become the best version of themselves.

On a Personal Level

On a personal level Camilla enjoys hiking and sports-related activities, and has been active in volleyball and rock-climbing. She enjoys quality time with her loved ones, and is a big animal lover (who is always willing to help stray pets), as well as travelling, experiencing new places, food, culture and live music.

Camilla’s Appointments

Camilla is a devoted therapist at our practice and is available for appointments on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall

Nelson Mandela

Paris Gibson is a dedicated Psychologist committed to engaging with adults, adolescents, children and their parents, educating them on emotional management techniques to develop healthy coping strategies. Understanding and personable, her approachable nature provides a safe atmosphere for you to explore your barriers and needs. Bringing humour, focus and empowerment to what can be overwhelming issues, Paris devotes herself to you, your story, and your needs. She really takes the time to work through your challenges, focusing on outcomes and goals that are personalised to your situation.

Growing up locally in the area, for Paris, mental health has always stood out as one of the most important parts of a healthy life, and an area that too many people don’t feel fulfilled. Through her own experiences, Paris valued the importance of having someone understand you, and give you the tools you need to manage difficult times. This, along with her interest to explore people and relationships, is what led Paris to the world of Psychology. She has an endless fascination for the mind, and the affect our thoughts and behaviours can have over every part of our life.

Paris’ Experience & Approach

Paris centres her therapy sessions around your goals, providing the guidance and support you need to develop a sustainable, healthier mind. Through her planning approach, Paris is always equipped to make the most of your time together. Her focus is always a collaborative one, and she has a curiosity for learning what is behind your challenges and feelings, and how together you can work towards overcoming them, setting goals for your future.

Paris is inquisitive to find out what your experiences mean to you, taking a client-centred and individualised approach. She evokes openness, making no assumptions, and has a way of ensuring you feel safe and not alone in your struggles.

Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: adolescent challenges, parenting, generalised anxiety, depression, social anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, stress management, emotional regulation, OCD, family and interpersonal issues. 

As an experienced Psychologist at Creating Change, Paris combines a Master of Professional Psychology, Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Human Sciences (Human Movement) degrees, with training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Known For

Paris’ accomplishments include the completion of her thesis which researched the public’s perceived usefulness and happiness of service dogs, compared to pet dogs. This fascinating study explored the public’s opinions of working dogs, which did raise some concerns over them working excessively. The results found that service dogs actually have happier and more useful lives, than pet dogs. Her valued research given to Guide Dogs Australia, enabling them to inform their practices and education to the general public. 

Paris is also an integral part of the Creating Change Clinical Leadership Team.

Passion

Paris has a real passion for helping the local community, and particularly likes working with adolescents and young people, setting them up with the tools to cope with life’s challenges. She encourages young people to be the best version of themselves, now and into their future, and focuses on building their confidence.

On a Personal Level

Paris loves being in the kitchen – whether it’s baking, cooking, trying new recipes, or eating. She also enjoys travelling and seeing new places, having new experiences, and meeting new people. 

Paris’ Appointments

Paris is a full time therapist and devoted to our practice. She is available for appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.

Educational Articles/Videos by Paris

Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine

Roy Bennett

Rebecca (Bec) is a spirited Provisional Psychologist driven by a passion for helping people discover and unlock their potential to achieve positive transformations in their life. From a fitness professional to a passionate psychologist, her journey has shifted from physical health to mental health, and she enjoys the link between the two. Honest and warm, she is committed to work on mindset changes in her sessions so people can plan the life they desire.

Originally from Sydney, Rebecca grew up deeply immersed in sports from a young age. Her tenure in the fitness industry showcased firsthand the mental health benefits that physical activity can bring upon us. Supportive through your therapy journey, Rebecca brings a touch of humour in her sessions to help you feel at ease. Her fascination for human behaviour has led her to believe everyone has their own unique story and perspective on life, and that this should be voiced and listened to.

REBECCA’s Experience & Approach

Rebecca approaches her therapy sessions with an open mind, seeing the world in shades of grey rather than black and white. Her supportive, yet firm style encourages her clients to want to work on and overcome their challenges and not feel constrained or held back in life. She creates an atmosphere so her clients feel as if they are chatting with a good friend, fostering comfort and vulnerability. The space is open and non-judgmental, and somewhere that her clients feel heard and understood.

Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: teenage challenges, sport performance, low self-esteem, anxiety, body image, motivation, depression, phobias and empowering young women.

As an experienced Provisional Psychologist at Creating Change Psychology, Rebecca combines a Master of Professional Psychology with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degrees. Her training extends to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), using its methods to address mental health concerns by identifying negative thought patterns. Her expertise allows her to target issues including anxiety and low self-esteem, guiding clients toward healthier thinking. She includes mindfulness in her sessions adding depth to her approach, aiding stress management and emotional awareness.

Known For

Rebecca’s expertise surrounds sport performance, She thrives on working with individuals motivated to make positive changes and put in the effort to transform their lives.

Passion

Having spent over ten years in the fitness industry, Rebecca advocates for the mental health benefits of physical activity. Her personal journey of breaking free from self-imposed constraints inspired her to pursue the path of psychology, driven by a desire to empower others to believe in themselves.

On a Personal Level

Outside of her professional life, Rebecca enjoys exercising and playing netball. Her love for dogs is evident, and she has a keen interest in travelling, World War II and the Holocaust, reflecting her diverse range of personal passions.

REBECCA’S APPOINTMENTS

Bec is a devoted full time therapist at our practice and is available for appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.

Roy T. Bennett

Rickii Lotsaris is an accomplished Psychologist with a passion for guiding children, adolescents, parents and individuals to find the right balance in their life. Compassionate and understanding, her bubbly nature creates a secure space for you to share your concerns, and explore ways to become the best version of yourself. Creatively, Rickii’s expertise includes working with children for over 10 years in a teaching space, instilling motivation techniques and working with primary and high school age groups on a variety of academic challenges.

Rickii felt from a young age that she always wanted to help people, and she has a real passion to guide individuals to find their own unique life balance. She ensures all her therapy sessions are tailored to your own situation and that she will remain with you right throughout your journey of change. How the mind works, emotions and memory fascinates her, and she is highly empathetic to those that struggle to cope with their emotions. She places a real emphasis on acknowledging her clients, overcoming that struggle and mastering the changes long term. 

Rickii’s Experience & Approach

Taking a collaborative approach, Rickii places a real emphasis on teamwork, ensuring you always have a voice. It is through this collaboration there is an agreement between you and her, where both parties are accountable and feedback is encouraged.

Her level of expertise is evident in the broad range of presentations she treats: depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, sport anxiety & pressure, exam stress, sleep hygiene, motivation, friendship and relationship challenges, self-esteem and self-harm.

As an experienced Psychologist at Creating Change, Rickii holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours), with extensive training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Behavioural Activation, time management, study strategies and social exposure. Her results speak volumes as she actively progresses teenagers through challenging school times, assisting them to maintain motivation and feel proud of their effort and achievements. She spent 4 years as a study motivator using mindfulness techniques and skills to teach students to study smarter, not harder. This encouraged them to feel less stressed and clearer heading into exams.

Known For

Rickii’s accomplishments include the completion of her first-class honours’ thesis on memory for repeated events of domestic violence, where she researched how memory can be improved, so witnesses can appear more credible in court. She discovered that if the witness can focus on the uniqueness of each event, then they’ll have better memory for that specific event.

Rickii is also an integral part of the Creating Change Clinical Leadership Team.

Passion

A successful coach of children and teenagers in dance related endeavours, Rickii collaboratively works with children and their parents to manage the pressure, stress, and expectations that come with extracurricular activities. She also has an extreme appreciation for research within this field and how it informs therapeutic practice. Dedicated and attentive in her manner Rickii will give complete focus, taking the time to build rapport to work through your challenges.

On a Personal Level

Rickii is an avid dancer, and enjoys reading in the sun, spending time with family, and trying new restaurants with friends. She identifies herself as a real “foodie”!

Rickii’s Appointments

Rickii is a devoted therapist at our practice and is available for appointments on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Educational Articles/Videos by Rickii

We cannot control the wind, but we can adjust the sails and direct the movements of our ship so that it stays on course

Thomas S. Monson

Gretchen De Martin is a dedicated Psychologist with a passion for assisting individuals impacted by trauma, anxiety, and supporting senior adults through life transitions. Genuine in nature, Gretchen creates a secure space to ensure you feel heard, and her calm character allows clients to feel safe.

Taking an optimistic and inclusive approach, Gretchen is passionate about the inclusion of all individuals, older adults, and children with disabilities and their siblings in society. Working with people at different stages in their life, Gretchen shows a real dedication to learning about you, your challenges and your life experience, whilst showing respect and appreciation for you as an individual. She values the time with her clients to connect and work as a team, enabling you to feel empowered and live a meaningful life.

Gretchen’s Experience & Approach

Since a teenager, Gretchen was driven to become a Psychologist as a result of seeing the impact mental health issues had on those around her. It was at this young age Gretchen made her decision to devote her life to helping people live the best life they can.  Her broad and trusted expertise includes working with clients who are impacted by trauma, vulnerable to social isolation or exclusion, guiding them to find ways to become more engaged with what is important to them within their life and community setting.

As a Psychologist at Creating Change, Gretchen combines a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) with a Bachelor of Psychology degrees, and a Graduate Diploma in Management Practice. Gretchen incorporates Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy and Exposure Therapy into her sessions, and has undergone training in understanding Dementia.

For 5 years, Gretchen worked in case management which included liaising with mental health workers, housing and homelessness, employers, academics and other community and government organisations, to streamline client servicing and effect change for social impact. Over the years she has also taken on managerial and leadership roles within Disability Employment and Personal Support Services and for Break Thru; an organisation offering mental health, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Disability Employment and youth services.

Known For

Gretchen has a real passion for supporting clients impacted by trauma, furthering her training in “Treating PTSD and Complex Trauma”. A registered Griffiths III user (a developmental assessment tool for children aged 0 to 6 years), Gretchen supports families to understand and achieve goals for their child. Here experience extends to working with adults impacted by PTSD and Complex PTSD, children experiencing anxiety, adults experiencing relationship, work or health stressors, understanding and processing grief & loss, and supporting older adults through life’s changes.

She is also loves offering supervision to other psychologists, empowering them clinically to have greater vision, as a Board Approved Supervisor.

Passion

In addition to supporting parents & children with behavioural challenges and the associated impact of this on siblings, Gretchen has a passion for helping trauma impacted clients find safety within themselves. She also supports older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress disorders, grief & loss, parenting stress and adjustment, as well as supporting women with life’s stressors.

On a Personal Level

Outside of work Gretchen enjoys being in the outdoors at the beach or in the bush, bike riding and reading.

Educational Articles & Videos By Gretchen

Live life as if nobody is watching, and express yourself as if everybody is listening

Nelson Mandela