Hi wonderful human, I’m Maria—a Ballarat-based clinical psychologist. Whether through direct client work, resources, or videos, my aim is to create a space focused on connection and compassion, brought to life through creativity, fun, and a bit of lighthearted mischief. My heart for this space is that it feels like an open invitation: to get curious about your brain, show yourself some real grace, and rediscover the joy, play, and deep connection that help you thrive.

I bring a deeply human, lived-experience approach to my work. As an AuDHDer and trauma survivor (who also happens to be a former naturopath!), I’m a fellow human who’s tried literally every therapy under the sun—the classic, the quirky, and everything in between—to figure out what actually helps us heal. I weave this alongside a strong research-informed lens (because I loooooooove research!).

My hope is to offer a warm, safe, down-to-earth space where we can get curious about your mind, understand how it works, and figure out how you're wired. That way, we can make space to work through the deep, hard places while honoring your unique strengths—finding our way back to real connection, self-compassion, and a lot more lightness, play, and joy.

My clinical practice blends modalities like Deep Brain Reorienting (my absolute favorite!), EMDR, and Schema Therapy with somatic movement and dance. I also have a passion for exploring how food, lifestyle, and the mind-gut connection shape mental health, all through a gentle, attachment-informed lens—because in my opinion, our early years and life experiences really do shape our sense of self.

Outside the clinic, I try to stay active in my community (when I have the capacity—sometimes I just rest!) and am a total animal lover. You’ll usually find me lost in brain research while snuggling with my therapy dogs, Ponyo and Yondu, sipping a hot cup of French Earl Grey tea. Really though, animals, nature, family, friends and all the arts are my ultimate happy place.

My goal is to offer a space where you experience true empathy, presence, and plenty of playfulness—which means I'm never above a little appropriate in-session karaoke as we navigate your path toward healing and joy!