Hello from your Psychologist… 

Dr Candice Fenner

Director | Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist | Board Approved Supervisor

Therapy to me is about creating space in our mind away from old and harmful narratives, making space in our body to tolerate and understand feelings, and bringing a sense of spaciousness to our overall life.

I am an authentic, warm and curious therapist who values building deep relationships with my clients. I enjoy guiding the rich process of uncovering each individual’s personal story and how their unique experiences inform their current difficulties - holding space for reflection, growth and healing. As a neuropsychologist I have a deeper understanding of brain-behaviour relationships which allows me to consider broader neurological factors which impact emotional symptoms, as well as integrate interventions uniquely tailored to your difficulties. 

My approach is collaborative and person-centered which means I meet each client where they are currently at in their journey and allow them to guide where we focus our time and treatment. 

I have particular love and interest in working with neurodiversity (specifically autism and ADHD in high-achieving individuals), complex trauma (i.e., attachment trauma and PTSD), anxiety and perfectionism. My aim is to help you understand and connect with yourself, guide you through evidence-based treatment of distressing symptoms and build a healthier and happier version of yourself.

Treatment Modalities

For many individuals, the experience of growth and healing across their therapeutic journey is not accomplished through one particular therapeutic approach, but rather the flexible integration of multiple evidence-based techniques. I typically draw from the following domains:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR) - the use of bilateral stimulation to process traumatic and distressing memories.

  • Schema Therapy - understanding and overcoming aversive childhood experiences, unmet emotional needs, and current maladaptive coping behaviours.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - exploring the interconnection between thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviours and how this may contribute to or maintain distress.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - expanding the capacity to cope with strong emotions and bodily sensations and develop cognitive flexibility.

  • Mind-Body work - breathwork, mindfulness, somatic exercises to build emotion regulation, visualisation and polyvagal theory techniques.

  • Neurocognitive approaches - cognitive rehabilitation techniques, environmental modifications, integration of cognitive compensatory strategies to support therapy (all of which are primarily employed in ADHD management).

When working with neurodiverse individuals, I acknowledge the importance of taking a neuroaffirmative approach and knowing that you are the expert in yourself. For me, this means moving away from the traditional deficit-model and towards strength-based support which seeks to understand and celebrate who you are.

My neuroaffirming care is anti-oppressive, considers broader factors such as social traumas, modifies therapeutic techniques and the overall environment to meet your unique needs.

Neuropsychological Assessments

I am also highly skilled in the provision of neuropsychological assessments and comprehensive cognitive testing for a range of purposes including diagnostic exploration, determining cognitive strengths vs difficulties, gaining  access to support services (such as NDIS or DSP), return-to-work, and for rehabilitation and treatment planning. 

My primary experience and interest lies in the assessment of cognitive function post-brain injury and the diagnostic detection of neurodevelopmental conditions.

Drawing from my many years of experience, I understand the nuanced complexities of ADHD & Autistic presentations within adults, high-masking females, as well as how neurodiversity presents amidst other co-morbid presentations such as complex trauma.

As a board-approved supervisor, I offer supervision and consultation to other psychologists to assist with their expansion into assessment services and review of complex case presentations. 

Qualifications & Registrations

  • AHPRA General Registration (PSY0002175795) with Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology Endorsement

  • Board Approved Supervisor (AHPRA)

  • EMDR trained practitioner

  • Approved Medicare provider (6056374B)

  • Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons), Griffith University

  • Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology & Neuropsychology), University of Queensland

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.”

— Viktor Frankl