Vanessa O’Connell

We’re excited to now have the lovely Vanessa in our team at With You Allied Health.

She has been an absolute joy to work with thus far, and we can’t wait for you to meet her! 

Vanessa is a General Psychologist (Ed and Dev Psychology Registrar Pending) who previously worked as a secondary school teacher for over 13 years. During this time, she was privileged to support young people through the highs and lows of the tricky developmental period that is adolescence, and this inspired her to pursue a career in psychology. Nearly 8 years later, and now also a mother to three young boys. Vanessa has worked with adults, children, adolescents, and their families across a variety of settings, including young people with complex and severe mental health difficulties and those in crisis. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys reading, watching Australian Rules Football (yes – she grew up in Melbourne), going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.

Individual Support

Vanessa is a warm, kind, and genuine clinician, who values building trust and safety within the therapeutic relationship. As a naturally curious person, she is passionate about developing a deep understanding of her clients.  She enjoys providing support to children, adolescents, and young adults who may be experiencing mood, anxiety, behavioural, learning, disordered eating, trauma, and relational difficulties. Vanessa also has a strong interest in supporting parents and parents to be, and loves fostering a journey where they can discover more about themselves and their children.

Vanessa’s therapeutic approach is informed by attachment, systems, and developmental theories, and she utilises a range of evidence-based treatment modalities to meet the unique individual needs of her clients. Vanessa will be providing support under NDIS, and private referral pathways in order to support you to reach your goals.

Assessment

Vanessa will be providing limited psychoeducational assessments and is experienced in providing insight into individuals strengths and areas of opportunities. Vanessa has experience in the assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Intellectual Developmental Disorder, Giftedness and Specific Learning Disorders (e.g., Dyslexia). She values providing an assessment process that assists her clients to better understand themselves in order for them to be able to feel empowered and better advocate for themselves.