Autism Psychologists and Therapists in Doreen

Photo of Jamie Goodison - Jamie Goodison - Firelink Counselling, Counsellor, MC, ACA-L3
Jamie Goodison - Firelink Counselling
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L3
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I offer a warm, affirming space to explore identity, manage anxiety, navigate relationships, and better understand neurodivergence. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on building insight, emotional regulation skills, and self-acceptance. I aim to support clients in creating meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.
I offer a warm, affirming space to explore identity, manage anxiety, navigate relationships, and better understand neurodivergence. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on building insight, emotional regulation skills, and self-acceptance. I aim to support clients in creating meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.
(03) 8400 0535 View (03) 8400 0535
Photo of Michelle Ottey, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Michelle Ottey
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Online Only
I use a collaborative approach to treat a range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety-related disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep disorders, trauma-related disorders, and many more. I am also here to support you through life’s challenges such grief and loss, relationship and marital problems, parenting challenges and living with the impact of chronic health conditions. With expertise in childhood trauma, I bring a strong attachment focus to therapy. I am committed to helping you better understand yourself and how you relate to others, to uncover the patterns that get in the way of your well-being.
I use a collaborative approach to treat a range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety-related disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep disorders, trauma-related disorders, and many more. I am also here to support you through life’s challenges such grief and loss, relationship and marital problems, parenting challenges and living with the impact of chronic health conditions. With expertise in childhood trauma, I bring a strong attachment focus to therapy. I am committed to helping you better understand yourself and how you relate to others, to uncover the patterns that get in the way of your well-being.
(03) 8104 9534 View (03) 8104 9534
Damien Gafforini
Social Worker, AMHSW
Doreen, VIC 3754
I work with children and young people who have behavioural and emotional difficulties and developmental disorders such as ASD and ADHD.
I have 20 years of counselling experience. With degree’s in Psychology, Social Work and Child Psychotherapy. I provide specialised supports for clients who have complex trauma through the use of such tools as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), Neurofeedback, QEEG and trauma therapy. I also provide Couples Counselling.
I work with children and young people who have behavioural and emotional difficulties and developmental disorders such as ASD and ADHD.
I have 20 years of counselling experience. With degree’s in Psychology, Social Work and Child Psychotherapy. I provide specialised supports for clients who have complex trauma through the use of such tools as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), Neurofeedback, QEEG and trauma therapy. I also provide Couples Counselling.
(03) 9068 6002 View (03) 9068 6002
Photo of Alex Keegan - Green Lotus Well-being, Social Worker, AASW
Green Lotus Well-being
Social Worker, AASW
Doreen, VIC 3754
Hi! I'm Alex, I'm an experienced Clinical Social Worker. I am member of the AASW and hold a Bachelor of Social Work and am trained in many different counselling modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Based Modalities and Lego Play.​ I have almost a decade of experience working with community members supporting them to achieve their mental health and well-being goals. At Green Lotus Wellbeing, I specialise in providing compassionate counselling services for anxiety disorders, depression, grief, loss, and infertility. Sessions start at $140 for online and $150 in person.
Hi! I'm Alex, I'm an experienced Clinical Social Worker. I am member of the AASW and hold a Bachelor of Social Work and am trained in many different counselling modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Based Modalities and Lego Play.​ I have almost a decade of experience working with community members supporting them to achieve their mental health and well-being goals. At Green Lotus Wellbeing, I specialise in providing compassionate counselling services for anxiety disorders, depression, grief, loss, and infertility. Sessions start at $140 for online and $150 in person.
(03) 8104 9691 View (03) 8104 9691
Photo of Jezreel Besterwitch, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Jezreel Besterwitch
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Online Only
I've had the privilege of supporting clients from many walks of life across the lifespan. Having lived in rural Tasmania, I understand country town life. I have experience working with childhood trauma, relationships, and grief-and-loss counselling, and I bring a strong attachment focus to therapy. I also have experience supporting people with neurospicy brains; you will find my approach strength-based and neuro-affirming. I like to bring my sense of creativity to each session, as ever-changing life requires finding effective and evidence-based strategies to meet needs.
I've had the privilege of supporting clients from many walks of life across the lifespan. Having lived in rural Tasmania, I understand country town life. I have experience working with childhood trauma, relationships, and grief-and-loss counselling, and I bring a strong attachment focus to therapy. I also have experience supporting people with neurospicy brains; you will find my approach strength-based and neuro-affirming. I like to bring my sense of creativity to each session, as ever-changing life requires finding effective and evidence-based strategies to meet needs.
(03) 8104 9454 View (03) 8104 9454
Photo of Nikoo Chamani - Wonderful Mind Therapy and Counselling Services, Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
Wonderful Mind Therapy and Counselling Services
Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
Doreen, VIC 3754
She is specialized in autism (assessment and support) and trauma.
Theory’s such as attachment have taught me that our peace, sense of well-being and life decisions are all dependent on our psychological needs. These needs are all shaped in the very first days of our lives. All that we needed back then was to be heard, to be loved, and to be worthy. Nikoo is a certified supervisor and provides clinical supervision.
She is specialized in autism (assessment and support) and trauma.
Theory’s such as attachment have taught me that our peace, sense of well-being and life decisions are all dependent on our psychological needs. These needs are all shaped in the very first days of our lives. All that we needed back then was to be heard, to be loved, and to be worthy. Nikoo is a certified supervisor and provides clinical supervision.
(03) 8104 9051 View (03) 8104 9051
Photo of Katia Cannalonga - Potential Pathways Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Potential Pathways Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I have experience working with clients who present with: anxiety, depression, OCD, panic attacks, autism, ADHD, trauma, grief, stress and burn out, self esteem and body image, relationship issues, alcohol and other substance use.
Hi, I'm Katia Cannalonga - a registered Psychologist. I work closely with clients to clarify their goals and empower them with the tools and insights needed to manage symptoms, build resilience, and create lasting change in their mental health and wellbeing. This is achieved through evidence based therapies including, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectic behavioural therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing and emotion-focused therapy.
I have experience working with clients who present with: anxiety, depression, OCD, panic attacks, autism, ADHD, trauma, grief, stress and burn out, self esteem and body image, relationship issues, alcohol and other substance use.
Hi, I'm Katia Cannalonga - a registered Psychologist. I work closely with clients to clarify their goals and empower them with the tools and insights needed to manage symptoms, build resilience, and create lasting change in their mental health and wellbeing. This is achieved through evidence based therapies including, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectic behavioural therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing and emotion-focused therapy.
(03) 7302 8634 View (03) 7302 8634
Photo of Dr Mandana Shaban, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Mandana Shaban
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
With more than 13 years of experience, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, Autism, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties, personality-related concerns.
I offer services in both Farsi/Dari and English.
With more than 13 years of experience, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, Autism, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties, personality-related concerns.
I offer services in both Farsi/Dari and English.
(03) 8104 9301 View (03) 8104 9301
Photo of Lauren Pennacchia, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Lauren Pennacchia
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Lauren is a psychologist who works with adolescents and young adults. Lauren has extensive experience and has worked in hospital settings, a juvenile detention centre and private practice. She has a widespread of knowledge in diagnosis and treatment and aims to bring a warm, empathetic and collaborative approach to therapy. Lauren uses a range of therapeutic frameworks to tailor treatment to each individual. These frameworks include: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Client Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).
Lauren is a psychologist who works with adolescents and young adults. Lauren has extensive experience and has worked in hospital settings, a juvenile detention centre and private practice. She has a widespread of knowledge in diagnosis and treatment and aims to bring a warm, empathetic and collaborative approach to therapy. Lauren uses a range of therapeutic frameworks to tailor treatment to each individual. These frameworks include: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Client Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).
(03) 8400 0027 View (03) 8400 0027
Photo of Natascha Newton, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Natascha Newton
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
I am driven by a genuine passion to make a lasting impact in the lives of my clients. Rise wellbeing's mission is to offer personalised, high-quality supports that truly meet individual needs, while giving back to the community with affordable and accessible services. We believe in the power of evidence-based, person-centred care, creating a safe, supportive space where clients can thrive. As a registered NDIS provider, we’re also able to work with NDIS participants, offering counselling services that empower you to navigate challenges and achieve meaningful outcomes.
I am driven by a genuine passion to make a lasting impact in the lives of my clients. Rise wellbeing's mission is to offer personalised, high-quality supports that truly meet individual needs, while giving back to the community with affordable and accessible services. We believe in the power of evidence-based, person-centred care, creating a safe, supportive space where clients can thrive. As a registered NDIS provider, we’re also able to work with NDIS participants, offering counselling services that empower you to navigate challenges and achieve meaningful outcomes.
(03) 8595 5028 View (03) 8595 5028

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Georgia de Keyzer, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Prov
Georgia de Keyzer
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Prov
Brunswick West, VIC 3055
I am deeply committed to queer and neurodiverse individuals, I support LGBTQIA plus and neurodivergent clients through identity exploration, relationships, trauma, and mental health challenges.
I am a Psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. I have experience in community and private settings, supporting clients with their neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I draw on Cognitive Behavioural and Psychodynamic approaches, tailoring my work to each client’s needs. My style balances practical strategies for daily life with deeper exploration of past experiences and how they shape current patterns, emotions, and relationships.
I am deeply committed to queer and neurodiverse individuals, I support LGBTQIA plus and neurodivergent clients through identity exploration, relationships, trauma, and mental health challenges.
I am a Psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. I have experience in community and private settings, supporting clients with their neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I draw on Cognitive Behavioural and Psychodynamic approaches, tailoring my work to each client’s needs. My style balances practical strategies for daily life with deeper exploration of past experiences and how they shape current patterns, emotions, and relationships.
(03) 7003 2683 View (03) 7003 2683
Photo of Dominique Caesar - Peer Collaborations, Social Worker, AMHSW
Peer Collaborations
Social Worker, AMHSW
Online Only
I'm Dom Caesar (they/them), an autistic and queer social worker.
Sessions are led entirely by you. I prioritise collaboration over clinical jargon, peer-informed practice over hierarchy, and shared humanity over labels. If you're questioning diagnoses, recovering from systemic harm, or just trying to get by in a world that's grinding you down, I'm here for it.
I'm Dom Caesar (they/them), an autistic and queer social worker.
Sessions are led entirely by you. I prioritise collaboration over clinical jargon, peer-informed practice over hierarchy, and shared humanity over labels. If you're questioning diagnoses, recovering from systemic harm, or just trying to get by in a world that's grinding you down, I'm here for it.
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Photo of Kat Aycardo, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Kat Aycardo
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Mitcham, VIC 3132
She has specialized in assessment and intervention for individuals with ASD, ADHD, Specific Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, giftedness, and developmental differences.
Kat provides a range of assessments, including: Cognitive and academic achievement tests, Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnostic assessment, and ADHD diagnostic assessment. She also provides evidence based individual intervention.
She has specialized in assessment and intervention for individuals with ASD, ADHD, Specific Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, giftedness, and developmental differences.
Kat provides a range of assessments, including: Cognitive and academic achievement tests, Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnostic assessment, and ADHD diagnostic assessment. She also provides evidence based individual intervention.
(03) 8203 5767 View (03) 8203 5767
Photo of Vishnu Balaji, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Vishnu Balaji
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Mitcham, VIC 3132
As an Autistic ADHD clinician, Vishnu draws on both her professional expertise and lived experience to connect with her clients in a meaningful and authentic way.
Vishnu brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to her practice. She holds dual Master's degrees in Health Psychology and Addiction Studies and has worked in mental health in various roles in India, Ireland, and now Australia. She provides neuro-affirming assessment and therapeutic services for clients of all ages, with a special focus on supporting children and parents.
As an Autistic ADHD clinician, Vishnu draws on both her professional expertise and lived experience to connect with her clients in a meaningful and authentic way.
Vishnu brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to her practice. She holds dual Master's degrees in Health Psychology and Addiction Studies and has worked in mental health in various roles in India, Ireland, and now Australia. She provides neuro-affirming assessment and therapeutic services for clients of all ages, with a special focus on supporting children and parents.
(03) 8203 5252 View (03) 8203 5252
Photo of Emma Fallon, Social Worker, AMHSW
Emma Fallon
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Preston, VIC 3072
As a genderqueer, ace-spectrum, and neurodivergent person, I am passionate about supporting other members of my community.
If you have had trouble in the past being put into boxes that don’t fit, or are wanting an accepting and flexible therapeutic approach outside of CBT, then I might be the person for you. I want to support people in their journey to discover their authentic selves, and give some mental health tips and tricks along the way.
As a genderqueer, ace-spectrum, and neurodivergent person, I am passionate about supporting other members of my community.
If you have had trouble in the past being put into boxes that don’t fit, or are wanting an accepting and flexible therapeutic approach outside of CBT, then I might be the person for you. I want to support people in their journey to discover their authentic selves, and give some mental health tips and tricks along the way.
0499 412 533 View 0499 412 533
Photo of Alicia Fisher, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Alicia Fisher
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Blackburn, VIC 3130
Much of my work is directed toward Autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties, including tailored psychological assessments and reports for these issues.
It's important to me to bring warmth to my work. I utilise evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I work hard to tailor interventions to each individual, and create a safe & supportive space for clients to better understand themselves and find their best pathway forward.
Much of my work is directed toward Autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties, including tailored psychological assessments and reports for these issues.
It's important to me to bring warmth to my work. I utilise evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I work hard to tailor interventions to each individual, and create a safe & supportive space for clients to better understand themselves and find their best pathway forward.
(03) 7500 5810 View (03) 7500 5810
Photo of Marlee Greer, Counsellor, PACFA
Marlee Greer
Counsellor, PACFA
Online Only
I'm Marlee (she/they) and I provide online therapy across Australia for women, trans, and non-binary adults who are queer or questioning, neurodivergent, and ready to make sense of their burnout, identity, and relationships.
Please note, this counselling service is for adults aged 18 and over.
I'm Marlee (she/they) and I provide online therapy across Australia for women, trans, and non-binary adults who are queer or questioning, neurodivergent, and ready to make sense of their burnout, identity, and relationships.
Please note, this counselling service is for adults aged 18 and over.
(03) 7037 6955 View (03) 7037 6955
Photo of Arzu Aksu Chapman, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Arzu Aksu Chapman
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My ideal client navigates the intricate landscape of neurodivergence—be it ADHD, Autism, or related experiences.
Tailored strategies for ADHD and Autism empower individuals, while couples benefit from a nuanced understanding of neurodivergent dynamics and LGBTQ+ relationship nuances. I offer a therapeutic haven where your uniqueness is not only acknowledged but celebrated, fostering resilience and authentic connection.
My ideal client navigates the intricate landscape of neurodivergence—be it ADHD, Autism, or related experiences.
Tailored strategies for ADHD and Autism empower individuals, while couples benefit from a nuanced understanding of neurodivergent dynamics and LGBTQ+ relationship nuances. I offer a therapeutic haven where your uniqueness is not only acknowledged but celebrated, fostering resilience and authentic connection.
(02) 8403 1928 View (02) 8403 1928
Photo of Nadine Touzeau, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Nadine Touzeau
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Mitcham, VIC 3132
Nadine is a devoted practitioner, specializing in cognitive and diagnostic assessments and intervention for adults and children with learning and emotional difficulties, neurodiversity, ADHD, Autism and anxiety.
Nadine has experience assessing cognitive and educational learning profiles, ADHD and Autism. Her skills include evidence-based interventions for children and adults with; anxiety, depression, behavioral, emotional, neurodivergence and developmental difficulties. Nadine understands the central role family members and teachers play in early development.
Nadine is a devoted practitioner, specializing in cognitive and diagnostic assessments and intervention for adults and children with learning and emotional difficulties, neurodiversity, ADHD, Autism and anxiety.
Nadine has experience assessing cognitive and educational learning profiles, ADHD and Autism. Her skills include evidence-based interventions for children and adults with; anxiety, depression, behavioral, emotional, neurodivergence and developmental difficulties. Nadine understands the central role family members and teachers play in early development.
(03) 8203 5862 View (03) 8203 5862
Photo of Emma McIntosh, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Emma McIntosh
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
Others are neurodivergent or exploring this later in life, often after years of masking and holding themselves to neurotypical expectations.
I offer neuro-affirming, trauma-informed therapy for adults with anxiety (including health anxiety), trauma and complex PTSD, low self-esteem, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, and neurodivergence-related stressors like executive functioning differences or autistic burnout. I also offer autism and ADHD assessments for people aged 16+.
Others are neurodivergent or exploring this later in life, often after years of masking and holding themselves to neurotypical expectations.
I offer neuro-affirming, trauma-informed therapy for adults with anxiety (including health anxiety), trauma and complex PTSD, low self-esteem, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, and neurodivergence-related stressors like executive functioning differences or autistic burnout. I also offer autism and ADHD assessments for people aged 16+.
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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.