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Clinical experience:

Maala has consulted at a private psychiatric hospital in the north shore for almost 6 years amongst reputable, world-known, pioneers in the treatment and research of eating disorders as the senior clinical psychologist in an inpatient unit.

She brings with her a variety of experience from different levels of psychology. She has worked with the Department of Juvenile Justice in counselling young female offenders, crisis intervention, liaison with external agencies, to improve the mental health of this often misunderstood population, to cease patterns of offending. Similarly she has worked with the Salvation Army, where she was involved with case managing, advocating and counselling of 12-18 year old adolescents at risk of alcohol/drug abuse and homelessness, as the coordinator of the program called Helping Young People Achieve. She coordinated small to very large group programs and activities for clients, offered immediate crisis intervention, liaised with many external community agencies and conducted budgeting for program needs and expenses. 

She has worked closely with the managing director of Napoleon Perdis in an organisational consulting role to review recruitment and selection strategies, provide new employment policy and procedures, recommend suitable psychometric/behavioural instruments, and conduct exit interview and competency testing. She has also been positioned as a learning and development consultant with McKesson Asia-Pacific, where she trained other professionals to conduct in-depth assessment and formulate management plans for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, psychosis, sexual assault and drug and alcohol abuse. 

She has a strong commitment to volunteer and give back to charities.  She has been involved with the Australian Psychological Society as a committee member for the Sydney Branch, the ‘Big Sister Little Sister’ program, as a member of the executive advisory board, Lifeline and supports organisations, such as, the Cancer Council. More recently she is co-chair of the private practitioners special interest group with Australian, New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED)

Treatment Approaches:

Maala works with a psychodynamic framework. She is trained in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing and Schema Therapy.

Special Interest:

Maala has a special interest in eating disorders and also likes to work with expectant or new mothers, who may be finding the adjustment to motherhood difficult, including depression and anxiety in the perinatal period. 

"Healing begins when we gently explore the patterns that have shaped us, allowing space for understanding and compassion, so we can rewrite our story with care and courage" Dr Maala Lal

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Clinical Experience:

Sienna has worked at Sydney Psychology Group since it first opened in 2021. While completing her Master’s program, Sienna gained experience supporting university students at the UQ Counselling Clinic. Additionally, she trained at Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane in the Paediatric Outpatient ward.

Sienna has worked for the Department of Education in NSW as a School Psychologist and currently works as a Psychologist in Education Queensland in Brisbane. This role has taught her the importance of the early years and has built her experience in working with children and their families. She has developed skills in being creative and flexible in her approaches and working collaboratively within the school and community teams.

Treatment Approaches:

Sienna has experience providing evidence-based psychological interventions across the age range to children, adolescents, and adults, working from a person-centred approach.

She uses an integrative approach, incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy frameworks. Her work is influenced by attachment and psychodynamic theories. Sienna has worked with a range of presentations, including but not limited to eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, difficulties with self-worth, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, Borderline Personality Disorder, attachment difficulties, and parenting challenges.

Special Interests:

Sienna enjoys working from a neuro-affirming approach with clients with ADHD. She also particularly enjoys working with young adults.

“The way I often start sessions is saying ‘Where would you like to start?’, while this can initially be daunting for clients, I think it is important that they feel that it is their space and they feel empowered in the session. I also enjoy helping clients build a better understanding of themselves and discover new ways to improve their lives.” Sienna Hinton

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Clinical Experience:

Kara has extensive clinical experience in primary and secondary schools and has worked in schools catering for students with complex mental health and learning needs. Kara’s work in schools has included supporting students’ mental health, learning and behaviour. She has experience in risk assessment, safety planning, psychometric assessments and implementing evidence-based interventions to individuals and groups. She has experience supporting school counsellors and psychologists with supervision, training and professional learning.

Kara joined Sydney Psychology Group in 2021. She works with individuals across the lifespan on a range of presentations including anxiety, depression, stress, phobias, ADHD, grief and loss, self-esteem, divorce and separation, social skills, learning difficulties, school refusal, suicide ideation, self-harm, crisis management, anger management, perfectionism and executive functioning. Kara also offers psychometric assessments including cognitive, achievement, behaviour and learning assessments. Kara has experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds including women, children, adolescents and the LBGTQIA community.

Treatment Approach:

Kara’s therapeutic approach is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), a well-established, evidence-based method that involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to emotional distress. CBT is a collaborative and goal- oriented approach allowing clients to gain understanding of how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviours.

In addition to CBT techniques Kara also incorporates aspects of interpersonal therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, feedback informed treatment, solution focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Special Interest:

Kara enjoys working with clients to overcome challenges, build resilience, achieve goals and enhance overall wellbeing. Kara works with clients with various presentations across the lifespan.

"Client outcomes are deeply influenced by the strength of the therapeutic alliance, which is why fostering a genuine connection is my primary goal in therapy. I take an empathetic, compassionate approach grounded in mutual respect and trust to create a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth." Kara Binstadt

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Clinical Experience:

Hayley has 16 years of clinical experience. She has worked previously as an Accredited Practicing Dietitian specialising in the medical nutrition therapy for eating disorders and mental health nutrition. She has provided health coaching in both private and government run programs, and run group and corporate education sessions. For the past four years as a psychologist, Hayley has been committed to providing evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs.

Treatment Approach:

Her therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), CBT-Enhanced for eating disorders, Family Based Treatment (FBT) for anorexia nervosa, Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM), Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Inference-based cognitive Behavioural Therapy for OCD (I-CBT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and Motivational Interviewing.

Special interest:

Hayley is a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician and has extensive experience supporting individuals with eating disorders, subclinical disordered eating, emotional eating, body dysmorphia, and body image concerns.

She has a special interest in trauma including PTSD, complex PTSD, and adverse attachment experiences. She supports clients in understanding and processing past difficulties, fostering deeper and lasting healing.

Hayley uses a trauma and attachment informed approach for eating disorders across the diagnostic range, low self-worth, perfectionism, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, autism, and interpersonal difficulties. Hayley provides inclusive and affirming care for individuals who identify as neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+. She is passionate about creating a safe place for individuals of all genders, neurotypes, shapes, sizes, abilities, and cultures.

“Everyone deserves support to alleviate their suffering, regardless of the size of their challenges. Recovery and healing is possible.” Hayley Liew

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Clinical Experience:

When she’s not at SPG, Taylah works part-time at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick. She has a range of experience in areas including paediatric and adult hospitals, and child and adolescent community mental health.

Treatment Approach:

Taylah approaches her work with individuals from an attachment based, trauma informed lens. She is authentic, accepting and non-judgemental, focusing on creating a safe space for you to explore, gain self-awareness and become empowered to make meaningful change. She enjoys working with concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationships and attachment, grief, ADHD, eating disorders, health related trauma and anxiety, and bipolar.

Taylah is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema therapy, attachment and relational therapy, play therapy and behavioural therapy. She is also trained in evidence-based parenting programs and CBT for eating disorders.

Special interest:

Her special interest is young people and families with complex social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, undertaking extensive training to bring a deeper understanding about attachment and how to build connections between parent and child.

“Just as a garden thrives with care and attention, we flourish when nurtured with kindness, rest, and understanding. My priority is creating a space where you begin to plant those seeds to grow.” Taylah Johnston

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Clinical Experience:

She currently divides her time between private practice and public mental health services. Throughout her career, she has taken on senior roles in community mental health services and also held the position of mental health lead for a large corporate organisation.

Treatment Approach:

Maryka strives to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges and develop skills for lasting change. Her therapeutic approach is characterised by warmth, empathy, and a strong focus on building meaningful connections with clients.

Taking an individualised and goal-oriented approach, she draws upon evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness techniques.

Special interest:

Maryka is passionate about supporting adults of all ages, particularly those experiencing depression, anxiety, workplace or occupational stress, life transitions, and trauma.

"In a supportive space, healing becomes possible and change becomes achievable." Maryka Zawadeckyj

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Clinical Experience:

In addition to her role at SPG, Deana works part time with the Alcohol and Drug Service at St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst. Here, she supports patients with severe substance use disorders admitted to the Gorman Unit for medically supervised inpatient detox. 

Deana has also gained valuable experience working with children and adolescents through her time at headspace and enjoys working collaboratively with secondary schools to ensure the best care for students.

In private practice, Deana has supported individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety and depression, relationship and interpersonal difficulties, work-related stress, substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and borderline personality disorder.She believes in the power of a strong therapeutic alliance, where she aims to work collaboratively with clients to explore their concerns in a safe and confidential environment. She is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness and aims to reduce the stigma surrounding seeking help for psychological challenges.

Treatment Approach:

Deana’s uses therapeutic approaches such CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT and Mindfulness. She plans to expand her expertise by completing training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 2025.

Special Interest:

Deana has a special interest in anxiety disorders including panic disorder, relationship difficulties and work-related stress.

As a SIRA-approved psychologist, she provides psychological services to eligible individuals under Workcover or Compulsory Third Party (CTP) claims.

"Lou Holtz said 'Its not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it', and my goal is to help my clients lighten that load and carry it together when needed" Deana Arbelaez

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Clinical Experience:

Cassandra has provided a variety of evidence-based practice across private and public institutions working with children, adolescents and adults. Cassandra has previous experience with a variety of presentations including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, borderline personality disorder, trauma, low self-esteem, neurodevelopmental disorders (autism; ADHD), sleep difficulties, perfectionism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Treatment Approach:

Cassandra works in a client-centred approach, working flexibly to meet the individual’s needs. With a warm, calm, and welcoming demeanour, Cassandra aims to provide a safe environment where her clients feel validated and reassured. Her approach revolves around the belief that to truly thrive, we must address the whole person, utilising a holistic approach to overall wellbeing.

She is guided by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness based practice. She has undergone and completed further training in ACT, in areas such as (but not limited to) anxiety and depression. Cassandra is dedicated to continuously acquiring and implementing up to date techniques and insights into practice to achieve optimal results for her clients.

Special Interest:

Cassandra has a special interest in trauma and attachment issues, helping individuals explore and process past challenges to uncover patterns and promote healing.

“To heal from our emotions, we must allow ourselves to fully feel our emotions” – Cassandra Svircevic

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Clinical Experience:

Victoria is passionate about improving individual relationships to food and supporting those recovering from an eating disorder. Victoria has experience in both inpatient and community based public and private eating disorder treatment settings. Victoria also draws from experience working in a multidisciplinary team with primary care services earlier in her career.

Treatment Approach:

Victoria is equipped to provide medical nutritional therapy for eating disorders, including treatment for binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and ARFID. Victoria uses a personalised, evidence based approach to help build healthy habits and develop skills needed to nourish body and mind in a sustainable holistic way. Victoria works through a focus in intuitive eating through the RAVES model, as well as balanced nutrition and compassionate self care using motivational interviewing and HAES approaches.

Special interest:

Victoria is passionate about creating long term changes to promote health and overall wellbeing. Victoria seeks to empower individuals to take control of their health and overcome struggles with disordered eating. She has a particular interest in supporting the many comordidities coexisting with eating disorders, ranging from gastrointestinal, neurological, hormonal and allergies or intolerances.

“Eating should be much simpler than we think, I strive to take the pressure and many mixed messages around nutrition away and help people feel energised and nourished once again.” Victoria Andrews*