Autism Psychologists and Therapists in Carnegie

Photo of Sundas Rehman, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Sundas Rehman
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
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.
(03) 7500 5089 View (03) 7500 5089
Photo of Jonathan Shai, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Jonathan Shai
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
My clinical focus, passion and expertise is with neurodivergent youth facing anxiety, social struggles, or identity challenges, often with autism, ADHD, or sensory differences.
As a registered psychologist with over 6 years’ experience, I specialise in empowering neurodivergent youth with autism, ADHD, or anxiety. I offer tailored, neuro-affirming therapy to build resilience, capacity, communication, and self-acceptance, helping clients and families thrive.
My clinical focus, passion and expertise is with neurodivergent youth facing anxiety, social struggles, or identity challenges, often with autism, ADHD, or sensory differences.
As a registered psychologist with over 6 years’ experience, I specialise in empowering neurodivergent youth with autism, ADHD, or anxiety. I offer tailored, neuro-affirming therapy to build resilience, capacity, communication, and self-acceptance, helping clients and families thrive.
(03) 8771 5720 View (03) 8771 5720
Photo of Tania Curlis, Social Worker, AMHSW
Tania Curlis
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
We all feel stuck sometimes, making sense of ongoing grief, loss, or life’s uncertainty. Do you want more time, freedom, to feel heard or to make sense of the 'right' next steps for you? You may want to feel you have work that is more meaningful, happier relationships, or to resolve current or past difficult experiences. It would be a privilege to support you through the challenges and changes you are experiencing in your life, making sense of it together. Therapy is a partnership of courage; a willingness to step into the unknown, to find a more satisfying way of living and understanding life and self.
We all feel stuck sometimes, making sense of ongoing grief, loss, or life’s uncertainty. Do you want more time, freedom, to feel heard or to make sense of the 'right' next steps for you? You may want to feel you have work that is more meaningful, happier relationships, or to resolve current or past difficult experiences. It would be a privilege to support you through the challenges and changes you are experiencing in your life, making sense of it together. Therapy is a partnership of courage; a willingness to step into the unknown, to find a more satisfying way of living and understanding life and self.
(03) 7003 2843 View (03) 7003 2843
Photo of Daniela Petrovic - Soul Village Therapy, Psychotherapist, ACA-L4
Soul Village Therapy
Psychotherapist, ACA-L4
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I provide online therapy for highly sensitive people and for those with trauma and general concerns, in a safe container 1:1 in the form of psychotherapy and holistic counselling. I understand the challenges that come with being a sensitive person in a fast-paced world, and I’m here to support you in finding your own path to peace and self-acceptance. My work is not just about addressing immediate concerns like anxiety, depression, or life transitions, but about empowering you to embrace who you are at your core.​
I provide online therapy for highly sensitive people and for those with trauma and general concerns, in a safe container 1:1 in the form of psychotherapy and holistic counselling. I understand the challenges that come with being a sensitive person in a fast-paced world, and I’m here to support you in finding your own path to peace and self-acceptance. My work is not just about addressing immediate concerns like anxiety, depression, or life transitions, but about empowering you to embrace who you are at your core.​
(03) 8771 4554 View (03) 8771 4554
Photo of Dr Maddy Fernando, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Maddy Fernando
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I help with common challenges like anxiety, low mood, stress, and adjusting to major life changes, as well as more complex concerns including trauma recovery, navigating neurodivergence (i.e ADHD, autism), borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive or compulsive behaviours—focusing on meaningful, lasting change.
I offer a warm, affirming environment where we work toward the changes that matter most to you. I draw on ACT, DBT, CFT, EMDR, and gentle body-based approaches like vagus nerve yoga to support regulation and healing, especially after complex trauma. For children, I adapt these methods into playful, creative activities.
I help with common challenges like anxiety, low mood, stress, and adjusting to major life changes, as well as more complex concerns including trauma recovery, navigating neurodivergence (i.e ADHD, autism), borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive or compulsive behaviours—focusing on meaningful, lasting change.
I offer a warm, affirming environment where we work toward the changes that matter most to you. I draw on ACT, DBT, CFT, EMDR, and gentle body-based approaches like vagus nerve yoga to support regulation and healing, especially after complex trauma. For children, I adapt these methods into playful, creative activities.
0426 415 617 View 0426 415 617
Photo of Dimity Cowell, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Dimity Cowell
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
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.
(03) 7500 5306 View (03) 7500 5306
Photo of Karen Goldschlager, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Karen Goldschlager
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Online Only
I work with adults seeking to cultivate inner safety, empowerment, and healing through curiosity and connection. I have a particular interest in supporting fellow healthcare and frontline workers, as well as those impacted by recent traumatic events. By providing a warm, trauma-informed space (via telehealth), I help clients process high-stress experiences, restore balance, and reclaim personal power.
I work with adults seeking to cultivate inner safety, empowerment, and healing through curiosity and connection. I have a particular interest in supporting fellow healthcare and frontline workers, as well as those impacted by recent traumatic events. By providing a warm, trauma-informed space (via telehealth), I help clients process high-stress experiences, restore balance, and reclaim personal power.
0429 956 578 View 0429 956 578
Photo of Corinne Mescher, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Corinne Mescher
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I have a particular interest in Autism & ADHD and providing neuro-affirming support.
My therapeutic approach is varied and integrative, drawing on several evidence-based models. I utilize EMDR for trauma processing, CBT to help clients address unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and Schema Therapy to assist clients in understanding and changing deeply ingrained, negative emotional and relational patterns.
I have a particular interest in Autism & ADHD and providing neuro-affirming support.
My therapeutic approach is varied and integrative, drawing on several evidence-based models. I utilize EMDR for trauma processing, CBT to help clients address unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and Schema Therapy to assist clients in understanding and changing deeply ingrained, negative emotional and relational patterns.
(03) 9118 9089 View (03) 9118 9089
Photo of Deborah Cameron, Psychotherapist, MC, PACFA
Deborah Cameron
Psychotherapist, MC, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
You may also be neurodivergent—living with ADHD, autism, OCD, or dyslexia—or navigating anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder and feeling misunderstood or exhausted from trying to meet expectations that do not align with who you truly are and needing a safe and confidential place.
Group Supervision for Supervisors and Supervisees: I offer two-hour supervision sessions specifically for supervisor groups and supervisee groups. Sessions are grounded in reflective and ethical practice, offering a secure and nurturing space to explore clinical cases, deepen professional development, and engage with the complexities of therapy.
You may also be neurodivergent—living with ADHD, autism, OCD, or dyslexia—or navigating anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder and feeling misunderstood or exhausted from trying to meet expectations that do not align with who you truly are and needing a safe and confidential place.
Group Supervision for Supervisors and Supervisees: I offer two-hour supervision sessions specifically for supervisor groups and supervisee groups. Sessions are grounded in reflective and ethical practice, offering a secure and nurturing space to explore clinical cases, deepen professional development, and engage with the complexities of therapy.
(03) 7003 2799 View (03) 7003 2799
Photo of Kate Rooney, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Kate Rooney
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Kate, an experienced Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about empowering children, teens and their families to navigate emotional challenges, harness their strengths and develop new skills for a brighter, more resilient future. I have extensive experience in private and public mental health settings and have been privileged to work with children and teens who are struggling with a broad range of emotional, social, behavioural, developmental and/or relational difficulties.
Hi, I'm Kate, an experienced Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about empowering children, teens and their families to navigate emotional challenges, harness their strengths and develop new skills for a brighter, more resilient future. I have extensive experience in private and public mental health settings and have been privileged to work with children and teens who are struggling with a broad range of emotional, social, behavioural, developmental and/or relational difficulties.
0425 154 318 View 0425 154 318
Photo of Natalia Whiteman, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA Endorsed
Natalia Whiteman
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello, I am deeply passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and families through life’s challenges. My professional experience—combined with personal insight as a parent of a child with Autism—has shaped my commitment to working with neurodiverse individuals, including those with Autism and ADHD. I find great fulfilment in providing counselling to children, teens, and their parents, offering compassionate and practical support across a range of concerns. These include behavioural challenges, emotional regulation, grief and loss, learning difficulties, school refusal, anxiety, and mood-related difficulties.
Hello, I am deeply passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and families through life’s challenges. My professional experience—combined with personal insight as a parent of a child with Autism—has shaped my commitment to working with neurodiverse individuals, including those with Autism and ADHD. I find great fulfilment in providing counselling to children, teens, and their parents, offering compassionate and practical support across a range of concerns. These include behavioural challenges, emotional regulation, grief and loss, learning difficulties, school refusal, anxiety, and mood-related difficulties.
(03) 7500 5928 View (03) 7500 5928
Photo of Tori Orit Brand - Brand Counselling Services, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Brand Counselling Services
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Serves Area
I believe that loving yourself is the foundation for healthy, fulfilling relationships with others. Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction, confidence, or self-worth along the way. With over 18 years of experience, I support clients with warmth, empathy, and unconditional understanding, creating a safe space to explore challenges, heal, and grow. Together, we work to help you reconnect with your true self, build self-compassion, and gain the clarity and tools you need to navigate life’s difficulties, and to attain your goals, be they emotional balance, stronger relationships or personal growth.
I believe that loving yourself is the foundation for healthy, fulfilling relationships with others. Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction, confidence, or self-worth along the way. With over 18 years of experience, I support clients with warmth, empathy, and unconditional understanding, creating a safe space to explore challenges, heal, and grow. Together, we work to help you reconnect with your true self, build self-compassion, and gain the clarity and tools you need to navigate life’s difficulties, and to attain your goals, be they emotional balance, stronger relationships or personal growth.
(03) 7500 5808 View (03) 7500 5808
Photo of Sarah Fischer - Behavioural Edge Psychology, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Org. Psych.
Behavioural Edge Psychology
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Org. Psych.
Serves Area
Areas of expertise: high-functioning stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, and burnout in adults; adult ADHD and autism assessments, with a focus on later-life diagnosis and masking in women; trauma and complex PTSD, including childhood, workplace, and relational harm; and workplace psychology, including fitness for work assessments and medicolegal reports.
My approach integrates evidence-based models with trauma-informed care that respects clients' autonomy and builds on their existing resilience. Whether seeking diagnostic clarity, therapeutic support, or workplace assessment, clients receive compassionate and practical guidance. I am also a NDIS, WorkCover, and TAC provider. Medicare rebates available.
Areas of expertise: high-functioning stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, and burnout in adults; adult ADHD and autism assessments, with a focus on later-life diagnosis and masking in women; trauma and complex PTSD, including childhood, workplace, and relational harm; and workplace psychology, including fitness for work assessments and medicolegal reports.
My approach integrates evidence-based models with trauma-informed care that respects clients' autonomy and builds on their existing resilience. Whether seeking diagnostic clarity, therapeutic support, or workplace assessment, clients receive compassionate and practical guidance. I am also a NDIS, WorkCover, and TAC provider. Medicare rebates available.
(03) 8771 4315 View (03) 8771 4315
Photo of Dr Markus Lorbergs, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Markus Lorbergs
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with those seeking deeper self-understanding, healing from past experiences, and meaningful personal growth. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges and want to break free from unhelpful patterns. They seek a safe, supportive space to explore their emotions, build self-awareness, and develop strategies for lasting well-being. Whether they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, they want guidance that’s flexible, holistic, and tailored to their needs—helping them move toward a more fulfilling, balanced life.
I work with those seeking deeper self-understanding, healing from past experiences, and meaningful personal growth. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges and want to break free from unhelpful patterns. They seek a safe, supportive space to explore their emotions, build self-awareness, and develop strategies for lasting well-being. Whether they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, they want guidance that’s flexible, holistic, and tailored to their needs—helping them move toward a more fulfilling, balanced life.
0405 862 256 View 0405 862 256
Photo of Alina Rozenstein, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Alina Rozenstein
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I am a psychologist dedicated to supporting psychological wellbeing across individual, workplace, and community settings. I work with adolescence and adults focusing on promoting mental health, resilience, and personal growth through evidence-based and compassionate care. I have experience working with a wide range of presentations, including anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, stress, interpersonal and self-esteem difficulties, adjustment issues, trauma, and life transitions.
I am a psychologist dedicated to supporting psychological wellbeing across individual, workplace, and community settings. I work with adolescence and adults focusing on promoting mental health, resilience, and personal growth through evidence-based and compassionate care. I have experience working with a wide range of presentations, including anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, stress, interpersonal and self-esteem difficulties, adjustment issues, trauma, and life transitions.
(03) 8771 5710 View (03) 8771 5710
Photo of Lital Fee, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Lital Fee
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Lital is a dedicated and experienced Psychotherapist with a compassionate, client-centred approach to therapy. She provides a safe and supportive space where individuals feel genuinely heard and respected. Lital has extensive experience working with a wide range of mental health challenges, including trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), adult ADHD, anxiety and emotionally dysregulated or challenging behaviours. Her special area of interest is supporting clients with a history to substance misuse and addictions.
Lital is a dedicated and experienced Psychotherapist with a compassionate, client-centred approach to therapy. She provides a safe and supportive space where individuals feel genuinely heard and respected. Lital has extensive experience working with a wide range of mental health challenges, including trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), adult ADHD, anxiety and emotionally dysregulated or challenging behaviours. Her special area of interest is supporting clients with a history to substance misuse and addictions.
(03) 9111 5330 View (03) 9111 5330
Photo of Brigitte Benary, Counsellor
Brigitte Benary
Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Life can feel overwhelming when emotions run deep or your world has shifted in ways you didn’t expect. I support women and individuals navigating grief, trauma, birth loss, identity changes, behavioural challenges, and emotional overwhelm. My approach integrates art therapy, somatic awareness, and transpersonal counselling to gently explore what is held beneath the surface. Working from Murrumbeena, and supporting clients across Carnegie, Hughesdale, Oakleigh, and Bentleigh, I offer a grounded, safe space to reconnect with yourself and move forward with clarity and strength.
Life can feel overwhelming when emotions run deep or your world has shifted in ways you didn’t expect. I support women and individuals navigating grief, trauma, birth loss, identity changes, behavioural challenges, and emotional overwhelm. My approach integrates art therapy, somatic awareness, and transpersonal counselling to gently explore what is held beneath the surface. Working from Murrumbeena, and supporting clients across Carnegie, Hughesdale, Oakleigh, and Bentleigh, I offer a grounded, safe space to reconnect with yourself and move forward with clarity and strength.
(03) 8771 4178 View (03) 8771 4178

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Skye Balci - Atypical Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Atypical Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Hillside, VIC 3037
Also have great experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and learning difficulties.
At our practice, we specialise in supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and adults through challenges related to autism, ADHD, behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, and more. We are committed to providing compassionate, tailored care that respects each individual’s unique needs. Our goal is to help clients navigate life’s transitions, build resilience, and develop the skills they need to thrive. With empathy and understanding, we work together to create positive, lasting change.
Also have great experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and learning difficulties.
At our practice, we specialise in supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and adults through challenges related to autism, ADHD, behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, and more. We are committed to providing compassionate, tailored care that respects each individual’s unique needs. Our goal is to help clients navigate life’s transitions, build resilience, and develop the skills they need to thrive. With empathy and understanding, we work together to create positive, lasting change.
(03) 7302 2582 View (03) 7302 2582
Photo of Christina Kioulafas, Counsellor, PACFA
Christina Kioulafas
Counsellor, PACFA
South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Waitlist for new clients
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?
(03) 7003 2090 View (03) 7003 2090
Photo of Germaine Gergis, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Germaine Gergis
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Essendon North, VIC 3041
Speciality roles include infant mental health & autism spectrum disorders, including providing second opinions.
Germaine utilises a variety of evidence-based interventions and understands that these need to be adapted to suit individuals' needs. These include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure & Response Prevention, Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy & Play Therapy.
Speciality roles include infant mental health & autism spectrum disorders, including providing second opinions.
Germaine utilises a variety of evidence-based interventions and understands that these need to be adapted to suit individuals' needs. These include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure & Response Prevention, Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy & Play Therapy.
(03) 8338 4854 View (03) 8338 4854
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.