about us
Our Psychologists utilise evidence-based therapeutic interventions that include:
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
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Psychodynamic Therapy
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Behaviour Therapy
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Play Therapy
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Emotion Focused Therapy
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Solution Focused Therapy
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Positive Psychology
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Psychoeducation
Dr Samantha Ward BPsy.Sci M.Psych PhD MAPS
Educational and Developmental Psychologist
Founder & Director
Samantha has a particular interest in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Samantha also has extensive experience across a range of presenting concerns including anxiety disorders, behavioural difficulties, depression, developmental disorders, specific learning disorders, ADHD, family breakdown (separation/divorce) and/or conflict, and social and friendship difficulties.
Samantha adopts a strength based approach in her interventions and when appropriate, utilises a multi-disciplinary approach by forming positive collaborative partnerships with parents, school personnel, paediatricians, general practitioners, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists and by implementing a range of therapeutic supports and interventions within multiple settings including the home, school and community.
Samantha completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of Queensland, completed a Masters in Educational and Developmental Psychology from Queensland University of Technology, and completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Queensland University of Technology.
Research
Samantha's PhD, entitled “Improving Autism Detection: The Role of Practitioner Reported Influences and a Combined Parent-Clinician Informant Screening Instrument”, examined practitioner reported factors that may impact the timing of ASD diagnostic evaluations and continued the development of an early screening measure to detect children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Publications
Ward, S.L., & Gilmore, L. (2010). The Autistic Behavioural Indicators Instrument (ABII): Development and instrument utility in discriminating autistic disorder from speech and language impairment and typical development. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4, 28-42. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2009.07.003
Ward, S.L., Sullivan, K. A., & Gilmore, L. (2016). Practitioner perceptions of the assessment and diagnosis of autism in Australia. Australian Psychologist, 51, 272-279. doi:10.1111/ap.12211
Ward, S.L., Sullivan, K.A., & Gilmore, L. (2016). Agreement between a brief autism observational instrument and established ASD measures. The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 33, 127-138, doi:10.1017/edp.2016.1
Ward, S.L., Sullivan, K.A., & Gilmore, L. (2017). Adapting the Autistic Behavioural Indicators Instrument (ABII) as a parent questionnaire (ABII-PQ). Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 42:4, 385-390. doi: 10.3109/13668250.2016.1252037
Ward, S.L., Sullivan, K.A., & Gilmore, L. (2018). Combining parent and clinician ratings of behavioural indicators of autism spectrum disorder improves diagnostic classification. Early Child Development and Care, 188:6, 748-758, DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2016.1235567
Dr Emily Hines Bsc (Psych) (Hons) D.Psych (Clinical) MAPS
Clinical Psychologist
Emily has a particular interest in the assessment and intervention of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and trauma survivors across the lifespan.
Emily also has clinical expertise in adjustment disorders, eating disorders, developmental disorders, and relationship difficulties.
Emily predominantly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and places a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship as an agent of change. She utilises clinical assessment interviews and standardised self-report assessment measures to provide DSM-5 diagnoses, and monitor treatment gains across the course of therapy.
Emily is qualified to conduct a range of assessments including cognitive, learning, adaptive behaviour and ADHD assessments for children, adolescents and adults.
Emily received her Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) from Queensland University of Technology and obtained her Honours undergraduate degree from the University of Queensland.
Janine Bufalino BSc PGCE MSc (Educational Psychology)
Provisional Psychologist
Janine is a UK-trained Educational Psychologist with over 18 years of experience supporting children, adolescents and families across educational, community and private practice settings. She conducts psychological assessment and evidence based intervention for developmental, learning, emotional and behavioural needs.
Janine has particular interests in anxiety, school refusal, emotional regulation, executive functioning, neurodiversity‑affirming practice, learning difficulties and developmental trauma. She works collaboratively with children, young people, parents and schools, using approaches such as CBT, ACT, play‑based interventions, Solution Focused Therapy and Emotion Coaching. Janine is skilled in cognitive and psychoeducational assessment and provides clear, practical recommendations that support learning, wellbeing and everyday functioning.
Janine completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Health Studies and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of Surrey Roehampton, before completing a Master of Science in Educational Psychology through the University of Essex in partnership with the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in London. Having relocated from the UK in 2025, She is currently completing the Psychology Board of Australia’s 5+1 internship pathway toward Australian general registration.
Because the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) requires overseas-qualified psychologists to complete a period of supervised practice to register in Australia, regardless of prior international experience, Janine is currently completing this requirement. This means clients benefit from her extensive, genuine years of clinical experience, plus the extra layer of local supervision that comes with this pathway.
Sarah Ekdawi BPscyh (Hons) MPsych (Clinical) MAPS
General Psychologist
Sarah is a Clinical Psychology Registrar with a Master of Clinical Psychology. She has extensive experience working across private practice, hospital settings, and neuropsychology clinics, providing psychological assessments and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, behavioural disorders, developmental disorders and disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning difficulties and disorders, trauma, grief and loss. Sarah is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Clinical Psychology Association.
Sarah is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where clients feel heard and empowered. She takes an evidence-based approach, drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients navigate challenges. With a warm and practical style, Sarah ensures each session is tailored to the individual, guiding them toward meaningful and lasting change.
In addition to her clinical work, Sarah has experience in neuropsychological assessment, conducting cognitive and diagnostic evaluations to support clients in better understanding their strengths and challenges. She has also contributed to innovative psychological research, presenting her findings at international conferences. Her background as a crisis supporter and behavioural therapist further reflects her commitment to mental health and well-being.
Sarah is passionate about helping her clients build resilience, develop self-awareness, and achieve their personal goals. She looks forward to supporting you on your journey to greater well-being.