Autism Psychologists and Therapists in Ashburton
Welcome to Internal Sunshine, where we embrace a holistic approach to your well-being, valuing every facet of who you are – your mind, body, soul, and social connections. Here, we understand that your spiritual beliefs, values, and sense of purpose are integral parts of your journey. Our therapy is grounded in anti-racism, affirming principles, and deep respect for your experiences and resilience. We're also committed to a neuroaffirming practice in therapy, which means we recognize and celebrate the diverse ways individuals process and engage with the world.
Welcome to Internal Sunshine, where we embrace a holistic approach to your well-being, valuing every facet of who you are – your mind, body, soul, and social connections. Here, we understand that your spiritual beliefs, values, and sense of purpose are integral parts of your journey. Our therapy is grounded in anti-racism, affirming principles, and deep respect for your experiences and resilience. We're also committed to a neuroaffirming practice in therapy, which means we recognize and celebrate the diverse ways individuals process and engage with the world.
Therapy is a highly individual experience that should centre your needs and your level of comfort. Uma provides a warm and empathetic approach to therapy, with an appreciation for what your unique strengths and insights can bring to therapy. Uma has lived experience as a person with ADHD, as well as experience building community within environmental and youth advocacy spaces. Uma works primarily within values-based modalities such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, but can also provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Therapy is a highly individual experience that should centre your needs and your level of comfort. Uma provides a warm and empathetic approach to therapy, with an appreciation for what your unique strengths and insights can bring to therapy. Uma has lived experience as a person with ADHD, as well as experience building community within environmental and youth advocacy spaces. Uma works primarily within values-based modalities such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, but can also provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.
I offer compassionate, confidential counselling, with evidence-based therapy tailored to your needs.
I provide a calm, supportive space where you can explore what’s going on, feel heard, and work toward meaningful change — whether you're struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, relationships, or life transitions.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. I draw on evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, Schema therapy and trauma-informed practice, and I work in a way that’s respectful, practical and focused on your strengths.
I offer compassionate, confidential counselling, with evidence-based therapy tailored to your needs.
I provide a calm, supportive space where you can explore what’s going on, feel heard, and work toward meaningful change — whether you're struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, relationships, or life transitions.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. I draw on evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, Schema therapy and trauma-informed practice, and I work in a way that’s respectful, practical and focused on your strengths.
Dimity is a warm and collaborative psychologist who is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She has worked across community organisations, public mental health, and schools, and brings a gentle, neuro-affirming approach to all her therapeutic work. Dimity is experienced in supporting young people with trauma histories, low mood, anxiety, school refusal, eating and feeding challenges, and a wide range of behavioural and emotional differences.
Dimity is a warm and collaborative psychologist who is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She has worked across community organisations, public mental health, and schools, and brings a gentle, neuro-affirming approach to all her therapeutic work. Dimity is experienced in supporting young people with trauma histories, low mood, anxiety, school refusal, eating and feeding challenges, and a wide range of behavioural and emotional differences.
Reaching out takes courage. I'm an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with 25 years' experience. I am also an international martial arts instructor. Mental Health Social Workers are trained in many of the same evidence-based therapies as a psychologist. In addition, a social work lens helps understand you within your whole context: relationships, family, culture and circumstances. My care is neuro-affirming and trauma-informed, for individuals, couples, and families, including neurodivergence, trauma, and mood. Telehealth Australia-wide and in Hawthorn; Medicare, NDIS, and WorkSafe registered. I'd be glad to work alongside you.
Reaching out takes courage. I'm an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with 25 years' experience. I am also an international martial arts instructor. Mental Health Social Workers are trained in many of the same evidence-based therapies as a psychologist. In addition, a social work lens helps understand you within your whole context: relationships, family, culture and circumstances. My care is neuro-affirming and trauma-informed, for individuals, couples, and families, including neurodivergence, trauma, and mood. Telehealth Australia-wide and in Hawthorn; Medicare, NDIS, and WorkSafe registered. I'd be glad to work alongside you.
Feeling overwhelmed by life? I am a warm, skilled and experienced counsellor, who will support you through life's challenges, I can help you deal with a broad range of concerns, supporting you to examine your core beliefs and understanding of issues affecting you. Adjusting thoughts, feelings and behaviours through evidence-based counselling techniques creates opportunities for authentic growth and long-lasting change. I will support you in adopting and maintaining effective approaches to any difficulties that your'e experiencing, creating a renewed sense of optimism and well-being.
Feeling overwhelmed by life? I am a warm, skilled and experienced counsellor, who will support you through life's challenges, I can help you deal with a broad range of concerns, supporting you to examine your core beliefs and understanding of issues affecting you. Adjusting thoughts, feelings and behaviours through evidence-based counselling techniques creates opportunities for authentic growth and long-lasting change. I will support you in adopting and maintaining effective approaches to any difficulties that your'e experiencing, creating a renewed sense of optimism and well-being.
Hello, I’m Sue. I am a Counsellor, Art Therapist, and established Bright Black Art Therapy & Counselling in 2018. You might be considering therapy with long experience of feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Although you have tried many things, it’s not working as well as you would like. I offer a person-centred style, towards understanding YOU and your experiences. Together we use a range of therapeutic methods and choose what is most helpful for you. Therapy plans can include development and practicing new ways for you to work with your most challenging experiences, so they feel like less of a barrier to do what matters most to you.
Hello, I’m Sue. I am a Counsellor, Art Therapist, and established Bright Black Art Therapy & Counselling in 2018. You might be considering therapy with long experience of feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Although you have tried many things, it’s not working as well as you would like. I offer a person-centred style, towards understanding YOU and your experiences. Together we use a range of therapeutic methods and choose what is most helpful for you. Therapy plans can include development and practicing new ways for you to work with your most challenging experiences, so they feel like less of a barrier to do what matters most to you.
In my experience in elite sports, education settings and private practice I have worked with individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD and ASD.
My name is Dean Constantineas and I am a registered psychologist with training and experience in both sport and clinical psychology. I am passionate about normalising working to improve community mental health. I love to work with my clients on a process of learning about what is stopping them from living their best life and aim to help them discover ways to flourish.
In my experience in elite sports, education settings and private practice I have worked with individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD and ASD.
My name is Dean Constantineas and I am a registered psychologist with training and experience in both sport and clinical psychology. I am passionate about normalising working to improve community mental health. I love to work with my clients on a process of learning about what is stopping them from living their best life and aim to help them discover ways to flourish.
Hi, I’m Andrea. I really value the opportunity to support people when life feels difficult, confusing or overwhelming.
People often come to therapy when they feel stuck, burnt out, anxious or unsure about what to do next. I aim to provide a space where you can speak openly, better understand what is happening for you, and work towards changes that feel realistic and meaningful.
I won’t pretend that therapy makes difficult things disappear. Instead, I believe my role is to help you make sense of them, identify what matters to you, and find a way forward that feels right for you.
Hi, I’m Andrea. I really value the opportunity to support people when life feels difficult, confusing or overwhelming.
People often come to therapy when they feel stuck, burnt out, anxious or unsure about what to do next. I aim to provide a space where you can speak openly, better understand what is happening for you, and work towards changes that feel realistic and meaningful.
I won’t pretend that therapy makes difficult things disappear. Instead, I believe my role is to help you make sense of them, identify what matters to you, and find a way forward that feels right for you.
I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger management, phobias, stage of life changes, life stress, Autism Spectrum Disorder and PTSD.
With 20 years’ experience working in psychology, I have supported many community members on their mental health journeys and helped a wide range of people, including adults and children. I am a relationship based professional and I pride myself on being able to establish engaging relationships with my clients and their carers, in a safe and calming space. I work with women and men, and specialise in being able to connect with men and young people.
I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger management, phobias, stage of life changes, life stress, Autism Spectrum Disorder and PTSD.
With 20 years’ experience working in psychology, I have supported many community members on their mental health journeys and helped a wide range of people, including adults and children. I am a relationship based professional and I pride myself on being able to establish engaging relationships with my clients and their carers, in a safe and calming space. I work with women and men, and specialise in being able to connect with men and young people.
EMDR & Play Therapy sessions can be really impactful way of helping you connect with your child to work through inner feelings, and process what might be challenging in your relationship. It is often really tough for children to express what's going on for them using words, and this is often why they find ways to communicate with us through their behaviour. This can feel scary and overwhelming for us as caregivers, who may just be needing things to become a little easier at home.
I also offer EMDR to children and adolescents - allowing young people to safely process their internal needs and worries meaningfully.
EMDR & Play Therapy sessions can be really impactful way of helping you connect with your child to work through inner feelings, and process what might be challenging in your relationship. It is often really tough for children to express what's going on for them using words, and this is often why they find ways to communicate with us through their behaviour. This can feel scary and overwhelming for us as caregivers, who may just be needing things to become a little easier at home.
I also offer EMDR to children and adolescents - allowing young people to safely process their internal needs and worries meaningfully.
I hold accreditation with practicing EMDR and have completed formal training in administering Autism and ADHD assessments.
Hi, I'm Charlotte, a Registered Psychologist and founder of Soulful Growth Psychology based in Camberwell, VIC and online. I am passionate about supporting people aged 14-55yrs with a variety of mental health concerns. I enjoy working with anxiety disorders, depression, trauma disorders and perinatal mental health (conception-2yr post birth). I’m passionate about trauma-informed care and ensuring I’m meeting the individual care needs of each person who walks through my door!
I hold accreditation with practicing EMDR and have completed formal training in administering Autism and ADHD assessments.
Hi, I'm Charlotte, a Registered Psychologist and founder of Soulful Growth Psychology based in Camberwell, VIC and online. I am passionate about supporting people aged 14-55yrs with a variety of mental health concerns. I enjoy working with anxiety disorders, depression, trauma disorders and perinatal mental health (conception-2yr post birth). I’m passionate about trauma-informed care and ensuring I’m meeting the individual care needs of each person who walks through my door!
More Therapists Nearby
I offer a warm, inclusive, and evidence-based approach, with a special passion for working alongside neurodivergent clients—including adolescents and adults—and tailoring support to each person’s goals and needs.
In addition to my training in clinical psychology, I draw on my research on the mental health and lived experiences of Autistic women and my own lived experience as a late-diagnosed Autistic woman. Before becoming a clinical psychologist, I worked in corporate communications for 15 years.
I offer a warm, inclusive, and evidence-based approach, with a special passion for working alongside neurodivergent clients—including adolescents and adults—and tailoring support to each person’s goals and needs.
In addition to my training in clinical psychology, I draw on my research on the mental health and lived experiences of Autistic women and my own lived experience as a late-diagnosed Autistic woman. Before becoming a clinical psychologist, I worked in corporate communications for 15 years.
Stephanie has extensive experience working with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as their families and support networks. Her clinical interests include neurodivergence, chronic illnesses, disabilities (including genetic conditions), gender identity/gender questioning/transgender clients, and general mental health concerns.
Stephanie has extensive experience working with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as their families and support networks. Her clinical interests include neurodivergence, chronic illnesses, disabilities (including genetic conditions), gender identity/gender questioning/transgender clients, and general mental health concerns.
I have experience working with : Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD), Trauma and trauma related disorders e
My therapeutic approach is both guided by research, and tailored to the individual. Throughout therapy I take into account each person’s unique values, strengths and challenges, so that I can adapt interventions to the needs of each specific person. I like to approach each session with warmth, openness, enthusiasm and empathy. I believe that this is important in developing a strong therapeutic alliance between the client and therapist, built on trust.
I have experience working with : Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD), Trauma and trauma related disorders e
My therapeutic approach is both guided by research, and tailored to the individual. Throughout therapy I take into account each person’s unique values, strengths and challenges, so that I can adapt interventions to the needs of each specific person. I like to approach each session with warmth, openness, enthusiasm and empathy. I believe that this is important in developing a strong therapeutic alliance between the client and therapist, built on trust.
Autism & ADHD is a specialty.
Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel like there are always challenges that stop you from a balanced life? Or maybe you are struggling with the same patterns and trauma that just won't go away? Modern life can be so complicated, there is so much happening in the world it can be hard to find our own place in it. People are struggling in this global climate. Counselling can help you to connect to yourself. So often we think about connection to others, but how can we do that when we feel a sense of unrest and disconnection to our true self?
Autism & ADHD is a specialty.
Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel like there are always challenges that stop you from a balanced life? Or maybe you are struggling with the same patterns and trauma that just won't go away? Modern life can be so complicated, there is so much happening in the world it can be hard to find our own place in it. People are struggling in this global climate. Counselling can help you to connect to yourself. So often we think about connection to others, but how can we do that when we feel a sense of unrest and disconnection to our true self?
I specialise in providing trauma focussed therapy (EMDR & Internal Family Systems (IFS) for adults, children and young people and am passionate about working with people who are neurodiverse & those coming to terms with childhood trauma or the trauma of being neurodiverse in today’s society. I honour each person’s unique way of being & love working with adolescents & children, fostering healing that builds self-trust, connection & authentic self-expression, developing life long skills, so you can reconnect with yourself, process trauma and feel fully alive again. Our space is safe, respectful, and centered on you.
I specialise in providing trauma focussed therapy (EMDR & Internal Family Systems (IFS) for adults, children and young people and am passionate about working with people who are neurodiverse & those coming to terms with childhood trauma or the trauma of being neurodiverse in today’s society. I honour each person’s unique way of being & love working with adolescents & children, fostering healing that builds self-trust, connection & authentic self-expression, developing life long skills, so you can reconnect with yourself, process trauma and feel fully alive again. Our space is safe, respectful, and centered on you.
Paediatric and adult clinical neuropsychologist specialising in the assessment and management of Autism and ADHD.
Neuropsychological assessments, interventions and ongoing support for those experiencing difficulties in attention, executive functioning, learning, memory and social communication.
Paediatric and adult clinical neuropsychologist specialising in the assessment and management of Autism and ADHD.
Neuropsychological assessments, interventions and ongoing support for those experiencing difficulties in attention, executive functioning, learning, memory and social communication.
This suits the introvert and neurodivergent person.
You’re the one who’s always been “too sensitive,” “too deep,” or “too much.” You’ve carried everyone else’s emotions while quietly neglecting your own. Now you feel tired, unseen, and ready for change.
You want to heal the wounds that keep replaying — the trauma, anxiety, or self-doubt that’s dimmed your light. You crave peace, authenticity, and real connection — not quick fixes, but lasting healing that feels like coming home to yourself.
Deep down, you just want to feel safe in your own skin again — calm, grounded, and whole.
This suits the introvert and neurodivergent person.
You’re the one who’s always been “too sensitive,” “too deep,” or “too much.” You’ve carried everyone else’s emotions while quietly neglecting your own. Now you feel tired, unseen, and ready for change.
You want to heal the wounds that keep replaying — the trauma, anxiety, or self-doubt that’s dimmed your light. You crave peace, authenticity, and real connection — not quick fixes, but lasting healing that feels like coming home to yourself.
Deep down, you just want to feel safe in your own skin again — calm, grounded, and whole.
We are here to help with the following: anxiety, depression, low mood, panic, stress, low confidence, PTSD, intrusive thoughts, grief/loss, relationship or family difficulties, emotional expression challenges, health concerns, sleep issues, work/life balance struggles, and strategies for Autism or ADHD.
We are deeply committed to understanding the complexities of the life of each and everyone of our clients. We take a person-centred and neuro-affirming approach to our therapy. We work with children aged from 7 years, adolescents and adults of all ages.
We are here to help with the following: anxiety, depression, low mood, panic, stress, low confidence, PTSD, intrusive thoughts, grief/loss, relationship or family difficulties, emotional expression challenges, health concerns, sleep issues, work/life balance struggles, and strategies for Autism or ADHD.
We are deeply committed to understanding the complexities of the life of each and everyone of our clients. We take a person-centred and neuro-affirming approach to our therapy. We work with children aged from 7 years, adolescents and adults of all ages.
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Ashburton
- Burwood
- Camberwell
- Carnegie
- Chadstone
- Glen Huntly
- Glen Iris
- Hughesdale
- Malvern East
- Mount Waverley
- Murrumbeena
- Oakleigh
- Surrey Hills
Autism Therapists
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.