Sensational Kids’ psychologists counsel and support children, adolescents, adults and families. Our psychologists work to develop resilience and skills enabling clients to address issues such as anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, depression, family issues, grief and loss, parenting and self esteem. Their approaches vary with individuals and might include play-based therapies with children, and empowering and supporting parents to enhance family functioning.
Psychologists
Caroline - Assessing Psychologist
MEd&DevPsych/PhD, BPsychSc (Hons), GradDipPsychSc, BArts(CrimJustAdm)
Dr Caroline is a registered psychologist who offers assessments for learning difficulties, ADHD, and autism in children and young people. She has a particular interest in understanding the full picture — not just what a child finds challenging, but the strengths they bring and the reasons behind what families are noticing at home and school. Caroline takes a collaborative approach, making sure parents feel genuinely informed and involved throughout the assessment process.
Caroline completed a PhD at Monash University investigating how ADHD assessments can better identify co-occurring conditions and distinguish between diagnoses that can look similar — a question that matters enormously for ensuring children receive the right support. As part of that work, she developed 72 consensus-based recommendations for clinicians: Practical Guide for Differential Diagnosis in ADHD Assessment: A Resource for Clinicians. She has also worked with the Sydney Cognitive Development Centre and the Tasmanian Autism Diagnostic Service, and brings a strong research foundation to everything she does.
In addition to assessments, Caroline offers Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) consultation for parents and teachers. Drawing on Ross Greene’s belief that kids do well if they can, she works with parents and teachers to understand the skills a child is still developing and problems that continue to remain unsolved. Children are then brought into the process, working together with the adults in their lives to find solutions that are realistic and work for everyone.
Caroline is available for appointments at our Cheltenham clinic.
Vanessa - Assessing Psychologist
Vanessa is a registered psychologist with a deep commitment to supporting the wellbeing and developmental needs of children, adolescents, and their families. She holds a Master of Educational Psychology from the University of Melbourne and has worked across clinic and school settings, providing counselling, assessments, and parent support. Vanessa’s approach is guided by the belief that behaviour is a form of communication and that meaningful change begins with understanding a child’s unique strengths, needs, and experiences.
Vanessa works with children and young people presenting with a range of presentations including anxiety, emotion regulation challenges, low mood and self‑esteem, behaviours that can feel confusing or difficult to manage, and neurodivergent needs. Vanessa also partners closely with parents and caregivers, offering support that strengthens connection, co-regulation, and resilience within the family system.
Vanessa’s therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and strengths-oriented. Vanessa works from a neurodiversity- affirming framework and draws on Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and play-based approaches. She values working systemically with families and schools to create environments that support children to thrive both emotionally and developmentally.
Vanessa is based at our Kensington clinic and is available to conduct assessments on Thursdays and Fridays.
Kayla Brooke - Assessing Psychologist
Kayla Brooke is an experienced Registered Psychologist who conducts assessments including Psycho-Educational, Autism, ADHD and Cognitive assessments. Kayla is based primarily at our Kensington clinic but is available to service our Cheltenham clients also.