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PSYCHOLOGY
Debbie Clark
Registered Psychologist
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
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Master of Psychology (Clinical)
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Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
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Bachelor of Psychological Science
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Registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
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Registered Medicare Provider
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Member of Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
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Associate Member, Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)
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Associate Member, EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)
About
My name is Debbie Clark and I am a Registered Psychologist working with children, adolescents, and adults, with a particular interest in trauma, neurodevelopment, and supporting young people in ways that feel engaging, safe, and developmentally appropriate.
My approach is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and flexible. I draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), with specialist training in using EMDR with children and adolescents.
Rather than expecting every person to fit a particular model of therapy, I adapt the way I work to the individual, their experiences, developmental needs, and what helps them engage. With children and adolescents, this often means moving beyond traditional talk therapy. Sessions may incorporate play, creative and experiential activities, movement, and animal-assisted therapy (AAT), alongside more structured psychological approaches.
Animals are an important part of my practice and the Sisu & Sage environment. Hugo, my Bernese Mountain Dog, Albert, my German Shorthaired Pointer, Obi, my Ragdoll cat, and guinea pigs Poppy and Blossom may be involved in sessions where appropriate. Sometimes this is purposeful therapeutic work around regulation, confidence, relationships, communication or boundaries. At other times, an animal simply helps a young person feel more comfortable, connected and able to engage.
My background in psychological assessment also informs my clinical work, particularly in understanding the interplay between cognitive, developmental, emotional, behavioural and neurodevelopmental factors. I value understanding what sits underneath a person’s difficulties, rather than focusing only on the behaviour or symptoms we can see.
Where helpful, I also work alongside parents, caregivers, schools and other professionals so that what we are working on in therapy can translate into everyday life.
Above all, I aim to provide thoughtful, evidence-based therapy that feels human and responsive to the person in front of me.
Services
Psychological Support
I provide individual therapy for children aged four and above, adolescents, and adults experiencing a range of emotional, behavioural, developmental and relational difficulties.
People may come to therapy for support with:
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Anxiety, worry and fears
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Processing difficult, traumatic or overwhelming life experiences
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Low mood and depression
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Emotional regulation and managing big emotions
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Behavioural difficulties
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Life changes, transitions and adjustment
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Self-esteem and confidence
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Social and relationship difficulties
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Family dynamics
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ADHD and attention-related difficulties
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Autism and other neurodevelopmental differences
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Burnout, compassion fatigue and chronic stress
My approach to therapy is consistent across the lifespan: understanding the person in front of me, what has shaped their experiences, and what will help them engage meaningfully in therapy. What this looks like in practice, however, will naturally differ depending on age, development, individual needs and preferences.
For adults and many adolescents, therapy may involve conversation, reflection and structured therapeutic work. With children and younger adolescents, the same therapeutic goals and evidence-based principles may be approached differently. Children do not always have the words, insight or desire to sit and talk about what is happening for them, and therapy should not depend on their ability to do so. Sessions may therefore involve drawing, play, movement, creative or experiential activities, animal-assisted therapy, or simply talking while doing something together. Where appropriate, this can sit alongside more structured approaches, including EMDR for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma or overwhelming events.
Parents and caregivers can also be an important part of therapy with younger clients. Their involvement is tailored to the child and their circumstances and may include developing a shared understanding of what is happening, identifying practical ways to support them at home, or collaborating with schools and other professionals.
Regardless of age, the aim is the same: to provide therapy that is responsive to the individual, rather than expecting the individual to fit a particular way of doing therapy.
Psychological Assessement
Psychological assessment can provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s strengths, differences, and support needs. Assessment may be helpful when there are questions relating to attention, learning, cognitive functioning, social communication, neurodevelopment, or emotional and behavioural functioning.
Psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults, include:
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ADHD assessments – exploring attention, concentration, impulsivity, executive functioning, and related areas of functioning.
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Autism assessments – exploring social communication, sensory experiences, patterns of behaviour and interests, developmental history, and the individual's broader experience of the world.
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Cognitive assessments – providing an understanding of an individual's cognitive profile, including areas such as verbal reasoning, visual-spatial and problem-solving abilities, working memory, and processing speed. Cognitive assessment can help identify patterns of strengths and difficulties and may contribute to understanding learning, developmental, educational, or functional needs.
Assessment is tailored to the individual and may incorporate clinical interviews, standardised psychological measures, developmental and psychosocial history, behavioural observations, and information from parents, caregivers, schools, workplaces, or other relevant professionals where appropriate.
Following assessment, information from the different components is considered together to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual's presentation. Depending on the referral question, assessment may provide diagnostic clarification, identify cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty, and inform practical recommendations for support, intervention, accommodations, or further assessment.
Current assessment availability
Referrals for ADHD, autism, and cognitive assessments for children and adults are currently being accepted.
Current approximate wait times are:
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ADHD assessments: approximately 2 months
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Autism assessments: approximately 6 months
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Cognitive assessments: approximately 2 months
If you would like to discuss whether an assessment may be appropriate, or would like to join the assessment waitlist, please make contact via the link below.
Workshops
In 2027, Sisu & Sage Psychology will offer psychologist and allied-health led workshops for children, adolescents, parents, caregivers and the broader community.
Workshops explore practical, relevant topics across childhood, adolescence and family life, with a focus on understanding, connection and strategies that can be used in everyday life.
Topics vary throughout the year, with new workshops and dates added regularly.
If you would like more information or to join our mailing list please follow the link below.
Our Approach
Sisu & Sage Psychology
The name Sisu & Sage reflects two complementary ideas. Sisu, a Finnish concept, speaks to quiet strength, grit, resilience, and the capacity to move forward through challenge. Sage reflects wisdom, reflection, and developing a deeper understanding of oneself.
Together, they represent the balance between strength and insight, supporting individuals to make sense of their experiences, while building the confidence and resilience to move forward in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable.
Empathetic Care
Sisu & Sage Psychology is grounded in a commitment to thoughtful, empathetic, and evidence-informed care. Therapy is approached with an understanding that each person’s experiences are shaped by their history, relationships, and environment. The focus is on creating a space that feels respectful, steady, and responsive to individual needs, where meaningful and sustainable change can take place.