“Just because no one can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn't mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.”— Lisa Olivera
About me
As a clinical psychologist, I prioritise empathy and understanding to create a welcoming, non-judgemental space for my clients. With over 25 years of experience, I've worked with people from late adolescence to older adulthood across healthcare settings, hospitals, government agencies — including supporting emergency first responders — and private practice.
I support people facing depression, anxiety, grief, loss, life transitions, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), illness, injury, chronic pain, caregiver strain, work stress and burnout, along with relationship and family difficulties.
Using evidence-based therapies tailored to each person's needs, my goal is to improve their wellbeing and daily life.
Professional experience
I have worked as a registered clinical psychologist across private practice and complex clinical and organisational settings, including hospitals, government agencies and emergency services. This breadth of experience has given me a deep understanding of psychological trauma, critical incidents, and the cumulative toll of high occupational stress.
I have a particular focus on supporting older adults navigating ageing-related challenges, cognitive change and loss of independence. My couples counselling draws on the Gottman Method to help partners improve communication, understand entrenched relationship patterns and rebuild emotional connection. I also work thoughtfully and respectfully with people experiencing grief and loss, and with personality difficulties that affect relationships and daily life.
My approach is compassionate and collaborative. I work alongside my clients to help them reach meaningful goals and build lasting resilience, improved everyday functioning, and a better overall quality of life.
How I work
I don't work from a single script. Depending on what you need, I draw on:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
- Trauma-informed care
- Systems theory
- Clinical hypnosis
- The Gottman Method (couples)
— adapting as we go, rather than fitting you into a single method. See how I can help for the areas I work in.
The Snellgrove Maze Task
I developed the Snellgrove Maze Task (SMT), an internationally recognised neuropsychological screening tool that helps clinicians evaluate cognitive ability in older drivers. More information is at snellgrovemazetask.com, and there is more about cognition and driving on the older adults page.
Where I practise
I see clients in person at OneBodyMind in Rose Park, Adelaide, and by telehealth. You can also find my profile on the OneBodyMind website.