Principal Clinical Psychologist
B Ec (Ec, BusL), Grad Dip Psych, B Sc (Psych) Hons, M Clin Psych, MAPS
On a holiday to Cairns in 2013, I found myself pondering living and working in such a beautiful place, and relocated here very shortly after. Growing up in Sydney, and living in overseas cities for a few years, I absolutely appreciate and love the lifestyle, climate and pace in Cairns. I am passionate about mental health, having made a conscious decision to return to university in my late 20’s and study Psychology, after a ten-year career in the corporate world. Working previously in Human Resources and Public Relations, I was always conscious that the part of those jobs I enjoyed the most was hearing peoples’ stories and having meaningful dialogues, and I knew I wanted to spend more of my working years engaged in that. I have also had my own personal experiences with psychological therapy, and know the value it has added to my life, relationships and the way I see myself, and felt passionate about being able to work with other people in such a purposeful and significant way.
So, I completed my undergraduate Psychology studies in WA where I was living at the time. And then continued to attain my Psychology Honours degree and Master of Psychology (Clinical) at the University of Wollongong, NSW, where I was a recipient of awards for clinical excellence, academic achievement and postgraduate research. For the last nine years I have worked in private practice as a Clinical Psychologist in both Sydney and Cairns. During my Psychology studies and training I worked as an in-house generalist psychologist within the Illawarra Division of General Practice. I also gained specialist experience supporting parents and children during and post separation and divorce (involving both therapy and reporting for the Family Court), and assisting young children presenting with behavioural difficulties and their families. My Honours and Masters theses both researched these areas, with the Journal of Family Studies publishing my findings on post-separation parenting education.
As a Clinical Psychologist I aim to be warm, approachable and supportive, but also challenge you where necessary. I am very aware that choosing to engage in psychological therapy is a big decision for most people, so my intention as your Psychologist is essentially to partner with you to make progress on the issues you bring to each session and on your overall treatment goals.
Outside of work I am kept very busy with my two young children, never-ending house renovations, and with my husband we love exploring our Far North backyard as a family. I also really enjoy swimming, reading, the odd glass of wine, love a good crime TV series (usually watched in instalments around my children!), and most of all seeing my son and daughter have fun, play together, and give me cuddles.
Contact us if you would like to make an appointment with Lainie.
Lainie’s journal article – Journal of Family Studies
Lainie’s journal article – Full Text