Kahlia Pettersen
Registered Psychologist & Clinical Psychology Registrar
Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
AHPRA registration number: PSY0002742660
For more information, visit the AHPRA website here.
Qualifications
MClinPsych, BSocSci(Psych)(Hons), BEd(EarlyChildhood)
I draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic, attachment-informed approaches.
Throughout my career, I have facilitated parenting programs, delivered social and emotional skills groups for children and young people, and collaborated closely with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to support positive outcomes.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a broad range of presentations. I also have experience conducting ADHD, autism, and cognitive assessments. I am particularly passionate about supporting families to build resilience, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and empower families with practical strategies to strengthen attachment, navigate parenting challenges, and support their children's emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs at home and school.
Outside of work, I enjoy bush walks, sunshine, coffee, and spending time with my children!
A Little Bit About Me
Hello! I am a Registered Psychologist & Clinical Psychology Registrar with over 15 years experience across education and therapeutic settings. I have worked in private practice, and community settings, providing assessment and evidence-based intervention to children, adolescents, and adults. Before becoming a psychologist, I held roles in teaching, early intervention, and therapy mentoring, bringing a strong developmental and holistic perspective to my clinical practice. I hold a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), and a Master of Clinical Psychology.
I am passionate about supporting people across the lifespan to overcome challenges, build on their strengths, and achieve meaningful, lasting change. I value creating a warm, collaborative, and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals and families feel heard, respected, and empowered. I work from a strengths-based, person-centred approach, tailoring therapy to each person's unique needs.
Areas of Interest
Parenting, attachment, and family relationship challenges
Emotional and behavioural challenges
Autism, ADHD, ODD, and intellectual disability presentations
Anxiety and mood disorders
Personality vulnerabilities
Low self-esteem, identity, relationship, and interpersonal difficulties
School-related anxiety, and social/friendship difficulties
Trauma and complex trauma
ADHD and autism assessments across the lifespan
