About Insight

For over 10 years, insight has brought together a team of highly trained and experienced psychologists with diverse interests and specialisations to deliver a wide range of psychological treatment and assessment services to children, adolescents, adults and couples. Insight aims to provide specialist clinical services through our assessment and treatment of a wide range of mental health issues, difficult personality styles and behavioural problems using evidence based practices both individually and in groups. We also deliver well-being services to schools with the view of creating a mentally healthy school environment. Our psychologists exercise professionalism, sensitivity and a client-centered approach to ensure that you feel comfortable and are working towards your goals. Our approach is to ensure that each client feels understood and supported in their therapeutic journey.

Meet Our Team

Dr Elizabeth Terziovski

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Elizabeth is a registered Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, having completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, specialising in Forensic Psychology, at Monash University in 2008. She has had over 10 years experience working with adults, adolescences and more recently couples presenting with a range of clinical and forensic issues.
Elizabeth has a broad range of clinical interests including working with clients who experience mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, trauma related emotional difficulties, self-esteem and identity issues, loss and grief, anger issues and couples work. Elizabeth works collaboratively and creatively with the client to explore and identify alternative ways of responding to situations that occur in our lives and to develop new skills. She particularly focuses on bringing about self-awareness and identifying the client’s values with the view of creating different opportunities and choices in how we live our lives. Elizabeth tailors the treatment to the client, presenting problem and willingness to change. She is recognised for providing in-depth therapy that is based on the fundamental principles of empathy, respect and validation. She combines these fundamental principles with evidence based psychological approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, Exposure Therapy and principles from the Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) to achieve client’s goals.
Prior to establishing insight, Elizabeth developed a broad base of skills in clinical and forensic assessment, having worked in several clinical and forensic settings including Thomas Embling Hospital (Forensicare), Community Forensic Mental Health Service (Forensicare), Monash University Clinical Psychology Centre and the Children’s Court Clinic at the Children’s Court of Victoria. Elizabeth has administered and interpreted a wide range of psychological tests designed to assess personality, psychopathology, risk of violence, intelligence and cognitive functioning. Her skills and experience in conducting assessments have extended to authoring Court reports and giving evidence as an expert witness.
Elizabeth is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and also the College of Clinical Psychologists and College of Forensic Psychologists. She is registered to provide clinical psychology services as a Medicare Service Provider, and is also a registered Service Provider with WorkSafe Victoria and the TAC. Elizabeth also speaks fluent Macedonian.

Ms Alexandra Ehrenberg

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Alexandra is a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She has over 10 years experience in delivering psychological services including individual therapy, family therapy, report writing and providing training and professional development programs.
Being trained in a diverse range of therapeutic frameworks means she is flexible in her approach and tailors the therapeutic process to meet your individual needs. Such therapeutic styles include:
• Acceptance and commitment therapy
• Interactive drawing therapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Solution-focused therapy
• Narrative therapy
Alexandra works primarily with children, adolescents and families. Her passion and expertise focus on adolescent well being; working with young people who have experienced developmental trauma, domestic violence and emerging mental illness. Her aim is to provide a reparative environment to help young people learn about themselves and learn the skills to have a fulfilling life.

Dr Maritza Thompson

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Maritza is a psychologist with the Australian Health Practioners Agency (AHPRA). Maritza’s studies have included a Behavioural Science Degree with double major in psychology from La Trobe University and a postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology from RMIT. Further qualifications include research and teaching within the Department of Psychiatry at Melbourne University with the completion of her PhD in the Department of Psychology, The University of Melbourne. Her PhD focused on The Psychological Impact of Torture and Other Types of Systemic Abuse. Maritza’s broad experience in psychology has included working with refugees, trauma survivors, child sexual assault and adolescent mental health services, student and staff counselling with TAFE NSW and Southern Cross University. She has worked for The Melbourne Clinic outreach program and Essendon Private Hospital in the inpatient and outpatient programs. Maritza is a psychologist with extensive clinical and research training in the area of trauma and cross cultural psychotherapy. She has facilitated educational and psychotherapeutic groups within her work environments. She enjoys working with diverse cultures and is fluent in Spanish. Having a diverse work experience Maritza has assisted people with anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, relationship issues, educational and vocational stressors. She enjoys working from a client centered perspective incorporating cognitive behavioural therapy, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy and schema therapy. These modalities are applied to individual, couples and group therapy.

Shalini Mathew

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Shalini is a Clinical Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, having completed her MSc and MPhil in Clinical Psychology. Shalini’s professional psychology work has widely spanned across all life stages and clientele. She has worked with older and younger adults, adolescents and children, from highly diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Passionate about making a genuine difference to the lives of her clients, she deeply values the Rogerian principles, including therapeutic environment establishment, genuineness, acceptance and empathy. The power of strong therapeutic alliance is an important practice principle for Shalini.

Trained to formulate and tailor-make intervention plans to answer the unique needs of each client, Shalini uses an eclectic method and skills base. She amalgamates multiple preferred therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behaviour therapy, strengths supportive therapy, interpersonal therapies, schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and integrated mindfulness techniques.

Shalini’s experience includes working with socially prevalent clinical conditions, including major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and personality disorders. She has worked extensively too, with neuropsychological conditions, psychological assessments and in neuro-cognitive rehabilitation.

Shalini’s work with children and adolescents has included providing support with neurodevelopmental disorders, learning difficulties and emotional and behaviour problems. She is passionate about being creative in her work with young children, incorporating play and art into therapy. She is trained to administer childhood ability assessments and apply various psychotherapy methods, including behaviour modification support and applied behaviour analysis. She is also proficient with various parent-child management training interventions.

Shalini is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and is registered to provide psychology services as a Medicare service provider.

Shalini will be on Maternity Leave from April 21st 2021

Vikki Tsoukalas

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Vikki is a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and has held a full membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for a cumulative period of 20 years. She completed her Bachelor of Education Degree (Secondary), majoring in Psychology and Post Graduate Diploma at Deakin University in Melbourne from 1992-1997. Vikki has worked in a variety of settings. An area of specialisation includes working with children and young people who are experiencing learning and behavioural difficulties. Her special interests include Learning Difficulties, Anxiety and Social Emotional Development. Vikki enjoys working with children and young people of all ages.

Primarily working with children and adolescents , Vikki is especially familiar with issues likely to emerge across the developmental stages. She provides one on one support to young people as well as within a group setting. Vikki aims to develop supportive relationships in order to empower children and their families and collaboratively developing a range of practical strategies in an engaging, creative and age appropriate manner.

Vikki works closely with young people and their families to address a broad range of challenges including but not limited to; anxiety, depression, challenging behaviours, self esteem, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and navigating friendships and social difficulties. In counselling sessions, Vikki draws on evidence based techniques most suited to the person and the issues presented. Vikki utilises a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness.

With 20 years of experience, Vikki has worked across a range of settings including; the Department of Human Services-Child Protection, Disability Client Services-Behaviour Intervention & Support Team (BIST), as well as the Department of Education and Training-Early Intervention Services. She currently works part time while maintaining her other roles which include: School Psychologist in a secondary setting and an assessor for funding applications for Victoria School systems. Vikki undertakes assessments for the Department of Education, Catholic Education of Melbourne as well as various other Independent Schools. She is well equiped in advocating and applying for students to receive additional supports within the educational system.

Vikki has extensive experience in assessment work and offers comprehensive cognitive and educational assessments as well as assessments of adaptive behavioural and emotional functioning. She has also been involved in the Australian and New Zealand Standardization Projects for; Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition, WPPSI-IV, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition, WISC-V and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-Third Edition, WIAT-III

Mr Maher Hana

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Maher is a psychologist. Maher’s work is built upon over six years of experience and thousands of client interactions around the country, across the public, private and non-for-profit sector. Maher works with young adults, adults, and older adults, presenting with a range of mental health issues including trauma, anxiety and mood related disorders, identity and existential issues, vocational uncertainty, grief and loss, personality disorders, and anger management issues.

Maher’s treatment considers the physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional aspects of life, to establish realistic and helpful responses to stressful situations by building resilience and to help in creating sync and rhythm in one’s life and relationships. Maher uses evidence based psychological approaches such as Trauma Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to achieve client goals. He particularly focuses on how values and attachment styles shape the individual, and how such values can be used to build the foundation of one’s ability to form relationships throughout life.

Prior to joining Insight Psychology, Maher developed a broad base of skills in clinical and organisational assessments, across several clinical settings including St Vincent’s Hospital (Mental Health), The Centre for Heart and Mind (ACU), Max Solutions (Vocational Counselling & Health Services), The Australian Defence Force (Organisational & Clinical), and more recently, The Upfield Soccer Club (Counselling Refugee & Asylum Seekers). Maher has administered and interpreted a wide range of psychological tests designed to assess personality, psychopathology, intelligence, and cognitive functioning. Maher is an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society. He also speaks fluent Chaldean and some Arabic.

Lydia Guerra

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Lydia is a psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) having completed a Graduate Diploma of Psychology at Deakin University followed by the AHPRA approved 4+2 internship program. She has over six years experience delivering psychological intervention in various settings including private practice, primary schools and secondary schools.
Lydia works primarily with children, adolescents and young adults. She has a wide range of knowledge and experience diagnosing and treating young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Lydia’s additional areas of expertise include stress and anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem challenges, friendship difficulties and risk of self-harm and suicide.
Lydia provides support to individual clients as well as groups. She has extensive experience in developing and implementing social skills programs for children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties in communication, friendship development, self-esteem and resilience. Her passion is to ensure all young individuals feel happy and empowered in life to fulfil their potential.
Lydia is a Medicare provider and strives to use best practice guidelines to assess, treat, plan and manage the wellbeing of her clients. She aims to employ evidence-based interventions and strategies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness to provide confidential treatment and support that is tailored and individualised to the client.

Bronwyn Williams

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Bronwyn is a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and has a strong background counselling adults and teenagers. She has worked with highly diverse cultural and social populations in a range of settings, including community health, psychiatric rehabilitation, private practice, family reconciliation, youth and mediation services.

Bronwyn has a flexible approach to counselling which broadly draws upon the biopsychosocial model (BPS). The BPS model is a dynamic model that recognises the complex interactions between biological, psychological and social constructs in health and wellbeing. The model is well placed to integrate a range of therapeutic approaches including strengths based, solution focussed, cognitive and behavioural therapies including, ACT, mindfulness, behavioural activation, motivational interviewing, problem solving, eye movement therapy, nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.

Bronwyn’s approach to therapy is to recognise the unique personal strengths and experiences of the person, develop new skills and collaboratively work on agreed upon solutions.

Bronwyn’s experience includes working with mood and anxiety related conditions, trauma, grief and loss, emotional regulation, adjustment, identity concerns, LGBTQI related issues, workplace conflict, personality disorders, weight and body image concerns, relationships and motivation.

Bronwyn is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and is registered to provide psychology services under Medicare.

Hayden Reid

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Hayden is a psychologist with experience at Lifeline, secondary-schools and private clinical settings. He has more than 10 years of experience working across a variety of settings and with a broad range of mental health issues. Hayden understands that seeing a psychologist for the first time can be a scary experience, which is why he emphasizes the importance of creating a safe therapeutic-space. His approach begins with building rapport and a judgement-free environment. Hayden truly believes in the value of therapy not only for improving mental health, but also for creating a more fulfilling, connected and meaningful life. Hayden is caring, authentic and insightful in his approach. He integrates evidence-based approaches with creating a safe and compassionate space for personal growth.

Hayden works with clients experiencing a range of difficulties, including:

  • ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
  • Mood and motivation
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep
  • Anger/irritability and aggression
  • Stress and burnout
  • Self-esteem and body-image
  • Adjustment to life changes
  • Relationship issues
  • Grief and loss
  • Trauma
  • Alcohol and other substance use

Therapeutic approaches

Depending on his client’s needs and preferences Hayden uses a variety of evidence-based approaches including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Solution Focused Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
  • Mindfulness
  • Strengths-based approaches
  • Compassion-based approaches

Cassandra Dorian

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Cassandra has worked in customer service for over 5 years. She has a Masters in Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing from Melbourne University and is also a certified yoga instructor. She is occasionally an author, a very average surfer and has a particular interest in youth literature and mental health.
Dr Elizabeth Terziovski, Director
Clinical and Forensic Psychologist
Elizabeth is a registered Clinical and Forensic psychologist, having completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, specialising in Forensic Psychology, at Monash University in 2008.

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Ms Alexandra Ehrenberg
Psychologist
Alexandra is a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

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Shalini Mathew
Clinical Psychologist
Shalini is a Clinical Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, having completed her MSc and MPhil in Clinical Psychology.

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Vikki Tsoukalas
Psychologist
Vikki is a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and has held a full membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for…

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Dr Maritza Thompson
Psychologist
Maritza is a psychologist with the Australian Health Practioners Agency (AHPRA).

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Lydia Guerra
Psychologist
Lydia is a psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

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Mr Maher Hana
Psychologist
Maher is a psychologist. Maher’s work is built upon over six years of experience and thousands of client interactions around the country.

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Bronwyn Williams
Psychologist
Bronwyn is a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and has a strong background counselling adults and teenagers.

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Mr Hayden Reid
Psychologist
Hayden is a psychologist with experience at Lifeline, secondary-schools and private clinical settings.

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Cassandra Dorian
Client Relations
Cassandra has a Masters in Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing from Melbourne University and is also a certified yoga instructor.

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FAQ

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists have completed university studies in the science of human behaviour and mental functioning. They have professional training and clinical skills that allow them to help people deal more effectively with life problems and alleviate distress associated with mental health issues. Psychologists are trained to use psychometric testing and clinical interview to gather information, make diagnoses, and plan and implement treatment.

Psychologists do not and cannot prescribe medications.

A therapist is often used interchangeably with psychologist although unlike a psychologist there are no regulatory restrictions on who can be called a therapist. It is important to choose a qualified psychologist and check their credentials in psychology when choosing someone to help you with your mental health needs.

What is the difference between a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist?

Clinical psychologists work to help the client achieve their desired outcome and reduce psychological distress in a clinical setting. This benefits the client in terms of personal growth and support.

Forensic psychologists apply psychology to the criminal or civil justice field. Often, they are appointed by lawyers or the Court to conduct independent assessments to help or educate the court, without necessarily potential benefits to the client. Similarly, clients can seek psychological therapy from a forensic psychologist whether it is court appointed with progress communicated back to the court or self-referred to improve problematic behaviour that has led to criminal or civil proceedings. (e.g., child custody. Forensic psychologists are also trained in different psychological therapies, as are Clinical psychologists.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors who then go on to further study of the mind and how to assess, diagnose and treat mental illness. Some but not all psychiatrists can provide psychotherapy.  They can prescribe medications and they spend a lot of their time with patients on medication management.

Psychologists receive specialist training in psychotherapy, administering psychological tests and can assess and diagnosis mental illness.  Psychologists use therapy to work on alleviating symptoms related to mental health.

Although there are differences in the two field of practice, psychiatrists and psychologists often work together in the treatment of patients.  A psychologist is not able to write prescriptions by may recommend a client be seen by a fellow psychiatrist in order to receive medication.

When should I seek psychological treatment?

People seek psychological treatment for a variety of reasons, and at different stages in their lives. There is no rule or set structure for when someone should speak with a psychologist.

Some of the most common reasons are for treatment of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem or work stress.

Some of the clients at Insight use the treatment sessions as part of their ongoing personal development or skill development. Clients find these sessions help them to manage their mental health so that they can respond better to unpredictable life stressors.

People can attend therapy alone or with their partners (couples counselling).

If you are in an emergency, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Am I eligible for the Medicare rebate?

You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for your psychological treatment if you are an Australian citizen/resident; and you’re experiencing mental health difficulties and problems including but not limited to anxiety, phobias, depression, anger, sleep problems, alcohol problems, work stress, relationship problems, trauma, grief/loss, drug problems; etc. If in doubt, make an appointment to see your GP to discuss your eligibility to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan. Click on the link for more information on Medicare rebates.

What is the Government service “Psychological Strategies’ (formerly known as ATAPS)?

Psychological Strategies (formerly known as ATAPS) is an Australian Government program that was developed to improve the health outcomes of low income and disadvantaged people with mental health issues in the community. Introduced in 2001, Psychological Strategies is part of the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Program, and was developed to deliver short term, goal orientated, focussed psychological strategies to individuals with common mental disorders of mild to moderate severity. It is important that people referred to this program are likely to respond to short term interventions.

 

To be eligible for Psychological strategies people must be unable to access other types of service, such as Medicare, and/or private services. In general, people will be unable to pay for such services. It is up to a persons’ GP to make the decision about eligibility. People may receive a maximum of 12 individual sessions per year. The referring GP may in exceptional circumstances, recommend that the client receive an additional six sessions above those already provided.

Through Psychological Strategies, people are also eligible for up to 12 separate group therapy sessions within one year. Groups should consist of 6-10 clients and group therapy does not count towards the individual mental health sessions in any year.

What should I expect on my first visit?

Our psychologists discuss your presenting issues and obtain a history, explain how treatment works and answer any questions and if time permits help you set goals that you would like to achieve from treatment.

How long is a treatment session?

Sessions run for 50 mins.

What are the available times and days for appointments?

Insight has treatment and assessment appointments Monday to Friday during the day, and some evenings. Contact us for more information.

How many sessions will I need?

After your initial session, we will book you in for three to six appointments to ensure you have a regular place. At your third appointment, you and your psychologist will review your progress and discuss future plans.

The therapeutic process differs depending on the individual and the complexity of the issues presented. It is dependent on factors such as previous treatment, support networks, and coping strategies.

The psychologists at Insight are experienced in providing both long- and short-term treatment and develop specific treatment plans based on your needs.

How much does it cost to see a psychologist?

The cost of a therapy session is $165 to see a Psychologist and $205 to see a Clinical Psychologist. You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, which will significantly reduce your personal cost. See our fees for further information.

Are psychological services covered by my private health fund?

Some funds will provide rebates for psychological services; however, it is advisable to check with your specific fund as to whether your ‘extras cover’ includes psychological services and the amount of repayment. If you are eligible, you can choose to use either your private health insurance or Medicare to pay for psychological services you receive. However, you can only use one form of rebate for each session.

Do we write court reports?

Yes, we can write court reports for TAC, Work Cover claims, Department of Immigration, Department of Human Services, Centrelink, VOCAT and other criminal or civil court proceedings. You can request a psychological or forensic report depending on your needs or those requested by your agent. Court reports do incur a fee and are not funded by Medicare.  We will discuss details with you before proceeding. The fee must be paid in full before receiving the report.

Is my information confidential?

At Insight we adhere by the guidelines of the National Privacy Principles. Every session is private and confidential. That means all information discussed during our psychological therapy stays between you and the psychologist, unless you provide written consent saying otherwise. We care about your privacy and protect your private details.  See our privacy policy for more details. Your psychologist will discuss limits of confidentiality in your first session.

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Contact

    Phone: (03) 9325 4567
    Email: info@insightcfps.com.au

    Address: 361A Buckley Street,
    Essendon VIC 3040

    Covid 19 Precautions

    • If you have a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or flu like symptoms and/or have been recently overseas or been in contact with someone who may have been exposed to coronavirus in the past 2 weeks please contact the clinic before making an appointment.
    • If you have potentially been exposed to coronavirus you should self quarantine for at least 2 weeks to see if you become symptomatic. If you do develop symptoms please contact your GP clinic or local hospital.
    • In the unfortunate case you have or did have coronavirus we ask you do not attend the clinic until you have been medically cleared.
    • Insight Psychology is taking necessary steps to clean common areas and rooms to minimise any spread of the virus.

    Online Bookings

    If you are a new client making your first booking, our reception team will be in contact to confirm your booking

    To make a booking, select the psychologist you would like to see and click on the "Book An Appointment" button, or view their profile to learn more about how they work.

    Book An Appointment

    Covid 19 Precautions

    • If you have a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or flu like symptoms and/or have been recently overseas or been in contact with someone who may have been exposed to coronavirus in the past 2 weeks please contact the clinic before making an appointment.
    • If you have potentially been exposed to coronavirus you should self quarantine for at least 2 weeks to see if you become symptomatic. If you do develop symptoms please contact your GP clinic or local hospital.
    • In the unfortunate case you have or did have coronavirus we ask you do not attend the clinic until you have been medically cleared.
    • Insight Psychology is taking necessary steps to clean common areas and rooms to minimise any spread of the virus.

    Online Bookings

    If you are a new client making your first booking, please complete the New Client Form by clicking on the link below and our reception team will be in contact to confirm your booking

    New Client Form

    To make a booking, select the psychologist you would like to see and click on the "Book An Appointment" button, or view their profile to learn more about how they work.

    Book An Appointment