Kathy Cleland

       Principal Psychologist, MAPS, MAAP, LOAPAC,

       BSc (Psych) (Hons), GC Psych (Forensic), MEdNeuro.

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• Kathy is MindScope's Principal Psychologist and Clinical Director. Her neuroaffirming lens, and extensive experience in neurodivergence, frame MindScope's approach.

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• Kathy was an early proponent of the neurodiversity-affirming paradigm and is a passionate activist for this human rights movement.

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• Kathy began her career as an early childhood educator and, after starting her own family, worked with adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities. After relocating to Brisbane in the late '90s, she broadened her experience through roles in business, homelessness support, and as a First Responder with Queensland Ambulance Service. Kathy’s interest in how we process information, think, behave, and function led her to return to university to study psychology. After completing her studies, she took on the role of Associate Supervisor for Honours students conducting suicide prevention research and remains passionate about supporting meaningful, socially impactful research.

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• Kathy's areas of expertise include AuDHD, complex trauma, dissociation, plurality, and suicidality, and she is highly skilled at working where these areas intersect.

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• Kathy has advanced training in crisis care and suicide prevention. She engages in a relational approach, which is person-centred, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming.

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• Kathy provides neuroaffirming Autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments. She tailors comprehensive assessments to the unique needs of each client, and utilises the most current and neuroaffirming Autism and ADHD assessment tools available. She is dedicated to helping people and their families access support that improves their lives and well-being, in a way that respects and supports the unique way their brain works.

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• In her spare time, Kathy enjoys bushwalking, online forums, artwork, theatre, and coffee with friends.