Vanessa O’Connell

Vanessa is a warm and compassionate psychologist who works with people across the lifespan, with a particular focus on children, adolescents, and families navigating complex challenges. Her background includes experience in Child and Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS), private practice, and 14 years as a secondary school teacher, giving her a rare blend of clinical expertise and skills, systemic insight, and real-world understanding. She holds a deep belief in the power of safe, secure relationships, creating a client-led space where individuals feel understood, valued and supported to develop confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.

Vanessa combines professional knowledge with genuine curiosity and kindness, tailoring her approach to the unique needs and goals of each person and family. She values collaboration and flexibility, and she works from an attachment-informed, strengths-based, and trauma-responsive lens, integrating evidence-based modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and Circle of Security principles. As a registered Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) facilitator, she brings expertise in supporting parents and carers to strengthen relationships and foster secure attachments. Vanessa’s style is warm, kind, and creative, combining a deeply human and down-to-earth approach with playful, engaging energy.

What can Vanessa help with?

• Trauma and attachment-related challenges, including experiences of abuse, neglect, and disrupted care

• Anxiety disorders (including OCD and specific phobias)

• Depression and low mood

• Behavioural and emotional challenges

• Self-esteem, identity, and navigating life transitions

• Relationship and friendship challenges

• Grief and loss

• Parenting support 

• School, study, and learning-related difficulties

• Family stress, including parent separation and conflict

Assessment

Vanessa also provides comprehensive psychological assessments to support understanding, planning, and intervention across the lifespan. She has experience in conducting assessments for:

• Cognitive functioning (including giftedness)

• Specific learning disorders (SLD)

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Adaptive functioning

Outside of Work

Vanessa is a mother to three boys and enjoys both the joys and chaos of family life. When not navigating "mum-uber" duties between sports, she loves spending time with her family, being creative, and cheering on her AFL team. Her lived experience as a mother, wife, and teacher enriches her empathy, understanding, and authenticity, helping her connect meaningfully with clients of all ages.