These are the people that make up the team here at Strength Psychology. Read a little bit about us, our passions and qualifications.
Meet the Team
Jesse Diggins
As a psychologist, my passion is to empower others and allow them to flourish. For children, this growth and development often means new learning about how our brains work and how to manage big feelings.
I have worked closely with children and parents to make sense of emotions and challenging behaviour. When we understand the linkages between our thoughts, emotions and behaviours, we are positioned to manage them effectively.
Often it is important to use creative and play-based approaches to enable children to best express themselves. Throughout the process, I also work closely with families and schools, as I believe parents and teachers are truly the biggest influencer's of children.
For adolescents and adults, change occurs through developing therapeutic relationships. These relationships provide a climate that promotes individual growth. In addition to this core philosophy, I draw upon many other therapeutic interventions including Trauma-Informed Practices, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Positive Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I have many years’ experience counselling young people and have been fortunate enough to be recognised at a local and state level for this work.
​My goal with all clients is to provide exceptional service to the many children and adolescents, as well as all members of our community, that require additional support to help them flourish.
Director
Educational and Developmental Psychologist
Availability: Not taking new clients except for brief parent support.
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Educational and Development Psychologist (MPsych (Educational & Developmental), GradDip (Psych), BA)
Clinical Supervisor - Approved by the Psychological Board of Australia
Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Jessica Fitzpatrick
Availability: Taking new referrals for intervention and counselling.
Jessica is passionate about working with children and young people to build their resilience and seeks to empower her clients to achieve positive outcomes in their lives.
Jessica uses a client centred, collaborative approach and integrates a variety of evidence-based treatments to support her clients including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Positive Psychology.
Jessica has previously worked with children, adolescents, and their families with a broad range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, behavioural challenges, and interpersonal issues.
Child & Adolescent Psychologist
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Jessica is a Registered Psychologist.
BSc (Psych), GradDip (Psych), MPsych (Professional)
Kylie Clifford
Provisional Psychologist
Provisional Psychologist
Availability: Taking new referrals for intervention, counselling and behavioural assessments.
Kylie started her psychology journey in 2013 at Deakin University, with the goal to learn more about how we work as human beings. During her initial studies she discovered how intertwined our bodies and minds are, which lead her to pursue further study in nutrition, physical activity and personal training. During her studies she worked in childcare and hospitality.
Over the past 2 years Kylie has pursued post graduate studies in psychology, and worked as a behaviour support practitioner in the NDIS, working with children, adolescents and families. During her time as a behaviour support practitioner, she gained experience working with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Complex Trauma and Behavioural Challenges.
Kylie is currently completing her 6th year psychology internship. Kylie utilises a range of different evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Collaborative and Proactive Solutions.
Kylie believes the most important aspect of therapy is the collaboration and relationship between therapist and client. Kylie aims to combine evidence-based practice, clinical experience and lived experience to tailor my approach to ensure it is person-centred, collaborative, and effective.
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Masters of Professional Psychology
BAppSc (Psych), BHealthSC, BPsych (Hons), MProfPsych
Cert III in Childcare, Cert IV in Fitness
Holly Diggins
Occupational Therapist
Holly is an Occupational Therapist and Early Intervention Professional working with children aged 0-7 years. Holly has particular interest and experience working with children with physical and intellectual disabilities, particularly the prescription of assistive technology for children 0-7.
Holly provides additional reporting on school/kindergarten readiness, motor skills, independence/self-care, positioning/posture, play skills, environmental adaptations, sensory processing, praxis and equipment recommendations.
Holly is also able to complete Occupational Therapy specific visuals/social stories for children 0-7.
Holly is able to complete the following assessments for children:
Sensory Profile 2
Beery VMI
School Function Assessment
Pretend Play Enjoyment Developmental Checklist (PPE-DC)
Symbolic and Imaginative Play Developmental Checklist (SIPDC)
Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System (ABAS-3)
Routines-Based Interview (RBI)
Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
AHPRA registered provider
Charlotte McMaster
Availability: Taking new referrals for assessment and school consultations.
No current availability for intervention and counselling.
Charlotte is a dedicated psychologist committed to fostering personal empowerment and facilitating individual growth for all her clients. She specialises in a person-centered approach, particularly guiding children, and adolescents as they navigate the intricate landscape of their personal development while learning to manage their emotions.
Professionally, Charlotte collaborates closely with both clients and parents, unravelling the complexities of both emotions and behaviours. By establishing connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, she aims to lay the groundwork for effective personal growth. With children, Charlotte often employs creative and play-based techniques, creating a comfortable space for authentic expression. For adolescents, meaningful change emerges through the cultivation of genuine therapeutic relationships.
Charlotte actively engages with parents and teachers, recognising the pivotal roles of families and schools as primary influencers in a child's life. These relationships create an environment conducive to individual growth, complemented by therapeutic interventions such as Trauma-Informed Practices, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches. Additionally, Charlotte has an interest in assessments and identifying developmental issues.
Charlotte will embark on obtaining her endorsement as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist in 2024. Charlotte's overarching goal is to provide exceptional service to children, adolescents, and all community members seeking additional support on their journey to flourishing.
Child and Adolescent Psychologist
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Master of Education Psychology from The University of Melbourne
Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology from Monash University
Bachelor of Arts from The University of Melbourne
Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Member of the Australian Psychology Society.
Natasha Manovski
Availability: Taking new referrals for intervention, counselling and psychological assessments.
Natasha has a Masters in Educational and Developmental Psychology and is skilled in providing both intervention and assessment.
Natasha has worked with children and families in various settings. Natasha has experience working with neurodivergent children and conducted research into neuro-affirming practices.
Child & Adolescent Psychologist
Jodie Cooper
Practice Manager
Jodie joined Strength Psychology after many years of developing and leading businesses within the health and wellness industries. She is also a published author. She values making a difference in peoples lives.
