Dr Joy McKellar
Joy applies an eclectic approach to her therapeutic practice, whereby she spends time working with clients to assess and formulate the factors contributing to their distress and draws on different models of therapy to best meet the needs of the individual in a holistic manner.
Meet Dr Joy McKellar
Joy believes that effective therapy begins with taking the time to truly understand each individual. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, she places great importance on comprehensive assessment and collaborative formulation to develop a clear understanding of each person’s unique experiences, strengths, challenges, and goals. This provides the foundation for therapy that is tailored to their specific needs.
Joy’s therapeutic style is integrative and eclectic, drawing on a range of evidence-based psychological approaches to provide the most appropriate intervention for each person. Depending on a client’s needs, she incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), mindfulness-based approaches, trauma-focused therapies including Trauma-Focused CBT and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), alongside other evidence-based interventions.
She aims to work holistically, recognising the complex interplay between psychological, biological, social, and environmental factors that influence wellbeing. By building a strong therapeutic relationship and adapting her approach to each person, she strives to create a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space in which meaningful and lasting change can occur.
Joy has over 10 years’ experience working as a Clinical Psychologist within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), providing psychological assessment, consultation and therapy across inpatient, outpatient, community, and secure forensic settings, providing interventions in both individual and group formats. Alongside her NHS career, she co-founded an independent private psychology practice and has developed extensive experience working with adults and families struggling with mild to moderate mental health challenges, to severe and enduring mental illness and co-morbidities including addiction and brain injury. Joy is also a provider for the US Airforce and has specialist interest in working with active-duty members and their families.
She also acts as an expert witness for the UK courts, providing independent psychological assessments and reports, with specific expertise in the assessment and treatment of trauma.
Having recently relocated from the UK, Joy will be undertaking work as a provisional psychologist whilst working towards full registration with AHPRA.
Qualifications
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psych.)
- Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Psychology
- Master of Arts with Honours (MA,( Hons)) in Psychology
- HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist (Health and Care Professions Council, UK)
- Registered Provisional Psychologist (AHPRA, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
Areas of interest
Joy has a specialist interest in working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, supporting them to understand the impact of their experiences and move towards meaningful, lasting change. She is passionate about helping people develop greater insight into relationship patterns, navigate challenging interpersonal dynamics, and build healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Joy also has a particular interest in supporting young parents as they adjust to the significant transition into parenthood. She works collaboratively with individuals and couples to navigate the emotional, psychological, and relational challenges that can accompany this stage of life, helping families build strong, healthy foundations during a period of considerable change.
In addition, Joy works from a performance psychology perspective, supporting individuals who wish to enhance their wellbeing, resilience, and performance across personal, academic, sporting, or professional domains.
Therapeutic approaches
Joy’s therapeutic style is integrative and eclectic, drawing on a range of evidence-based psychological approaches to provide the most appropriate intervention for each individual. Depending on a person’s needs, she incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), mindfulness-based approaches, trauma-focused therapies including Trauma-Focused CBT and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), alongside other evidence-based interventions.
Availability
Mondays – in person and via Telehealth.
Contact
E-mail: joy@woodwalk.com.au
Phone: tel: 0458 524 857