Catherine Lacey: Clinical Psychologist

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, low mood or stress, navigating a health diagnosis or a major life change, or carrying the weight of a demanding job, I offer a space where you can make sense of what's happening and find a way forward.

I see adults with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties and low self-esteem. I aim to be warm, open and non-judgemental, so that you feel safe and heard. We'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, talking about what is affecting you most when you feel ready. Therapy with me is collaborative: we'll talk about what you want from our work together, set goals, and review progress regularly, with a focus on meaningful and lasting change.

Support for healthcare workers and high-pressure roles

Much of my career has been spent in hospitals and other healthcare settings, working with both patients and staff. I previously worked in a dedicated staff wellbeing role within the NHS. I understand what it's like to be treated in, or to work in, these environments, and how hard it can be to seek support when you're used to being the one providing it.

"The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet."
— Rachel Naomi Remen

I have supported doctors, nurses, allied health and other healthcare professionals with the cumulative toll of regularly witnessing pain and suffering. I also work with people from a wide range of other professions who are dealing with workplace trauma, bullying, conflict, burnout, stress, and the demands of high-responsibility roles.

Health, life changes and loss

I have a particular interest in helping people through difficult transitions, including relationship changes, loss and bereavement, and adjusting to a physical health condition. I have supported people living with cancer, spinal cord injury, burns, chronic kidney disease and other chronic conditions. I also work with women before, during and after pregnancy, and with fertility, perimenopause, menopause and other areas of women's health.

My approach

My approach is integrative, tailored to each person's needs and goals. I draw on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and mindfulness.

Qualifications and experience

I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with more than a decade of experience across mental and physical health settings in Australia and the United Kingdom, spanning government, private practice and the National Health Service (NHS). I hold a Master of Clinical Psychology and am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK.

Areas of experience and interest

- Anxiety and depression
- Stress and burnout
- Trauma
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Guilt, shame and people-pleasing
- Relationship and interpersonal difficulties
- Grief, loss and bereavement
- Life changes and transitions
- Adjusting to physical health conditions
- Women's health, including pregnancy, fertility and menopause
- Support for healthcare workers, including compassion fatigue
- Workplace trauma, bullying and difficult workplace dynamics

Seeing me

I am currently accepting new clients. I see clients at Goodwood Psychology in Goodwood, close to Unley, Wayville and Hyde Park, and also offer telehealth sessions across South Australia. Medicare rebates are available with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, and private health rebates may apply.

Book an appointment

Address

Suite 13

98-100 Goodwood Rd,
Goodwood, 5034
South Australia