who we areOur Team
Dr Maala Lal (PhD)
Clinical Psychologist & FounderWorks with Adults | Available Thursdays
Maala has completed her PhD in eating disorders through the University of Sydney, in particular working to create links between Australia and India. She worked with hospitals and schools in India undertaking original research to complete her thesis titled ‘Cultural and developmental factors relating to eating disorder pathology in Indian and Australian females’. She has completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology.
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Clinical experience:
Maala has consulted at a private psychiatric hospital in the north shore for almost 6 years amongst reputable, world-known, pioneers in the treatment and research of eating disorders as the senior clinical psychologist in an inpatient unit.
She brings with her a variety of experience from different levels of psychology. She has worked with the Department of Juvenile Justice in counselling young female offenders, crisis intervention, liaison with external agencies, to improve the mental health of this often misunderstood population, to cease patterns of offending. Similarly she has worked with the Salvation Army, where she was involved with case managing, advocating and counselling of 12-18 year old adolescents at risk of alcohol/drug abuse and homelessness, as the coordinator of the program called Helping Young People Achieve. She coordinated small to very large group programs and activities for clients, offered immediate crisis intervention, liaised with many external community agencies and conducted budgeting for program needs and expenses.
She has worked closely with the managing director of Napoleon Perdis in an organisational consulting role to review recruitment and selection strategies, provide new employment policy and procedures, recommend suitable psychometric/behavioural instruments, and conduct exit interview and competency testing. She has also been positioned as a learning and development consultant with McKesson Asia-Pacific, where she trained other professionals to conduct in-depth assessment and formulate management plans for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, psychosis, sexual assault and drug and alcohol abuse.
She has a strong commitment to volunteer and give back to charities. She has been involved with the Australian Psychological Society as a committee member for the Sydney Branch, the ‘Big Sister Little Sister’ program, as a member of the executive advisory board, Lifeline and supports organisations, such as, the Cancer Council. More recently she is co-chair of the private practitioners special interest group with Australian, New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED)
Treatment Approaches:
Maala works with a psychodynamic framework. She is trained in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing and Schema Therapy.
Special Interest:
Maala has a special interest in eating disorders and also likes to work with expectant or new mothers, who may be finding the adjustment to motherhood difficult, including depression and anxiety in the perinatal period.
"Healing begins when we gently explore the patterns that have shaped us, allowing space for understanding and compassion, so we can rewrite our story with care and courage" Dr Maala Lal
Sienna Hinton
Clinical PsychologistWorks with Adolescents (+15) and Adults | Available Thursdays and Fridays via Telehealth
Sienna (M.Psych.Clin) is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. She completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at The University of Queensland and then a Master of Clinical Psychology at Queensland University of Technology. She completed her Clinical Registrar training in 2023.
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Clinical Experience:
Sienna has worked at Sydney Psychology Group since it first opened in 2021. While completing her Master’s program, Sienna gained experience supporting university students at the UQ Counselling Clinic. Additionally, she trained at Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane in the Paediatric Outpatient ward.
Sienna has worked for the Department of Education in NSW as a School Psychologist and currently works as a Psychologist in Education Queensland in Brisbane. This role has taught her the importance of the early years and has built her experience in working with children and their families. She has developed skills in being creative and flexible in her approaches and working collaboratively within the school and community teams.
Treatment Approaches:
Sienna has experience providing evidence-based psychological interventions across the age range to children, adolescents, and adults, working from a person-centred approach.
She uses an integrative approach, incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy frameworks. Her work is influenced by attachment and psychodynamic theories. Sienna has worked with a range of presentations, including but not limited to eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, difficulties with self-worth, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, Borderline Personality Disorder, attachment difficulties, and parenting challenges.
Special Interests:
Sienna enjoys working from a neuro-affirming approach with clients with ADHD. She also particularly enjoys working with young adults.
“The way I often start sessions is saying ‘Where would you like to start?’, while this can initially be daunting for clients, I think it is important that they feel that it is their space and they feel empowered in the session. I also enjoy helping clients build a better understanding of themselves and discover new ways to improve their lives.” Sienna Hinton
Kara Binstadt
PsychologistWorks with Children (6+), Adolescents and Adults | Available Wednesdays and Fortnightly Fridays
Kara has a bachelor’s in secondary education and a master’s in professional psychology from the University of Wollongong and a graduate diploma in psychology from Charles Sturt University. She is a registered psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and is an AHPRA Board-approved supervisor.
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Clinical Experience:
Kara has extensive clinical experience in primary and secondary schools and has worked in schools catering for students with complex mental health and learning needs. Kara’s work in schools has included supporting students’ mental health, learning and behaviour. She has experience in risk assessment, safety planning, psychometric assessments and implementing evidence-based interventions to individuals and groups. She has experience supporting school counsellors and psychologists with supervision, training and professional learning.
Kara joined Sydney Psychology Group in 2021. She works with individuals across the lifespan on a range of presentations including anxiety, depression, stress, phobias, ADHD, grief and loss, self-esteem, divorce and separation, social skills, learning difficulties, school refusal, suicide ideation, self-harm, crisis management, anger management, perfectionism and executive functioning. Kara also offers psychometric assessments including cognitive, achievement, behaviour and learning assessments. Kara has experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds including women, children, adolescents and the LBGTQIA community.
Treatment Approach:
Kara’s therapeutic approach is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), a well-established, evidence-based method that involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to emotional distress. CBT is a collaborative and goal- oriented approach allowing clients to gain understanding of how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviours.
In addition to CBT techniques Kara also incorporates aspects of interpersonal therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, feedback informed treatment, solution focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.
Special Interest:
Kara enjoys working with clients to overcome challenges, build resilience, achieve goals and enhance overall wellbeing. Kara works with clients with various presentations across the lifespan.
"Client outcomes are deeply influenced by the strength of the therapeutic alliance, which is why fostering a genuine connection is my primary goal in therapy. I take an empathetic, compassionate approach grounded in mutual respect and trust to create a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth." Kara Binstadt
Hayley Liew
PsychologistWorks with Adolescents (14+), Adults and Younger Adolescents (11+) for Family Based Treatment (FBT) for Anorexia | Available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Hayley has completed Masters level degrees in both dietetics and psychology. She has completed Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Psychology with distinction, Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics, Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and Master of Professional Psychology.
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Clinical Experience:
Hayley has 16 years of clinical experience. She has worked previously as an Accredited Practicing Dietitian specialising in the medical nutrition therapy for eating disorders and mental health nutrition. She has provided health coaching in both private and government run programs, and run group and corporate education sessions. For the past four years as a psychologist, Hayley has been committed to providing evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs.
Treatment Approach:
Her therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), CBT-Enhanced for eating disorders, Family Based Treatment (FBT) for anorexia nervosa, Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM), Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Inference-based cognitive Behavioural Therapy for OCD (I-CBT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and Motivational Interviewing.
Special interest:
Hayley is a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician and has extensive experience supporting individuals with eating disorders, subclinical disordered eating, emotional eating, body dysmorphia, and body image concerns.
Hayley is an EMDRAA accredited EMDR practitioner. She has a special interest in trauma including PTSD, complex PTSD, and adverse attachment experiences. She supports clients in understanding and processing past difficulties, fostering deeper and lasting healing.
Hayley uses a trauma and attachment informed approach for eating disorders across the diagnostic range, low self-worth, perfectionism, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, autism, and interpersonal difficulties. Hayley provides inclusive and affirming care for individuals who identify as neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+. She is passionate about creating a safe place for individuals of all genders, neurotypes, shapes, sizes, abilities, and cultures.
“Everyone deserves support to alleviate their suffering, regardless of the size of their challenges. Recovery and healing is possible.” Hayley Liew
Taylah Johnston
Clinical PsychologistWorks with Children (4+) and Their Families, Children (6+), Adolescents and Adults | Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Taylah has a Master of Clinical Psychology Degree from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. She is a member of the Australia Psychological Society (APS).
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Clinical Experience:
When she’s not at SPG, Taylah works part-time at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick. She has a range of experience in areas including paediatric and adult hospitals, and child and adolescent community mental health.
Treatment Approach:
Taylah approaches her work with individuals from an attachment based, trauma informed lens. She is authentic, accepting and non-judgemental, focusing on creating a safe space for you to explore, gain self-awareness and become empowered to make meaningful change. She enjoys working with concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationships and attachment, grief, ADHD, eating disorders, health related trauma and anxiety, and bipolar.
Taylah is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema therapy, attachment and relational therapy, play therapy and behavioural therapy. She is also trained in evidence-based parenting programs and CBT for eating disorders.
Special interest:
Her special interest is young people and families with complex social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, undertaking extensive training to bring a deeper understanding about attachment and how to build connections between parent and child.
“Just as a garden thrives with care and attention, we flourish when nurtured with kindness, rest, and understanding. My priority is creating a space where you begin to plant those seeds to grow.” Taylah Johnston
Maryka Zawadeckyj
PsychologistWorks with Adults | Available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
Maryka is a registered psychologist with a decade of experience in mental health care. She has completed a Bachelor of Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Psychology and is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists.
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Clinical Experience:
Maryka currently divides her time between private practice and public mental health services. Throughout her career, she has worked in various roles within community mental health services, not-for-profits, and corporate organisations.
Treatment Approach:
Maryka strives to provide a safe and compassionate space for emotional processing and growth. Her therapeutic approach is characterised by warmth, empathy, and a strong focus on building meaningful connections with clients.
She adopts a client-led and goal-oriented approach to therapy, whilst drawing upon evidence based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness.
Special interest:
Maryka is passionate about supporting adults of all ages, particularly those experiencing depression, anxiety, workplace or occupational stress, life transitions, and trauma. Maryka is a SIRA-approved psychologist for WorkCover and CTP claims.
"In a supportive space, healing becomes possible and change becomes achievable." Maryka Zawadeckyj
Gia Aggarwal
Senior Clinical Counsellor/Family TherapistWorks with Children (6+), Adolescents and Families | Available Mondays
Gia holds a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP). Gia has been a registered counsellor with PACFA since 2012 and is committed to ongoing professional development to ensure she provides evidence-based, compassionate care.
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Clinical Experience:
Over the past decade, Gia has supported children, young people, adults, and families across a range of settings. her experience includes working in domestic and family violence services, child protection, and, for the past five years, within a school environment.
Drawing on her five years working within a school environment, Gia has a strong understanding of the everyday challenges children and adolescents face. She supports young people experiencing anxiety, school-related stress, friendship and social difficulties, low self-esteem, and challenges with emotional regulation, as well as those adjusting to family changes such as separation or divorce. Gia uses age-appropriate, engaging approaches to help children and young people build the language and tools to understand their emotions, strengthen their confidence, and develop practical coping strategies they can carry into everyday life. She works closely with families to ensure children feel supported both in and outside of the therapy room, creating a warm and safe environment where young clients feel comfortable to open up and grow.
Working across these diverse settings has given Gia a deep understanding of the challenges people face at different stages of life. Whether someone is navigating anxiety, family difficulties, significant life changes, or the impact of trauma, Gia strives to create a space where they feel safe, understood, and supported.
Treatment Approach:
No two people are the same, so Gia believes therapy should be tailored to the individual. She works collaboratively with clients to understand their goals and draw on evidence-based approaches that best meet their needs such as, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Above all, Gia aims to build a genuine therapeutic relationship where clients feel comfortable, respected, and empowered to make meaningful and lasting change.
Special Interest:
Gia has a particular passion for working with children and young people, helping them develop emotional awareness, resilience, and practical coping strategies.
Alongside professional training and over 15 years of counselling experience, Gia brings lived experience of navigating chronic illness. This personal journey has given her a deeper understanding of the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges that accompany long-term health conditions. These include grief, identity changes, uncertainty, medical trauma, relationship impacts, and the ongoing adjustment to living with a condition others may not always see or understand. She also has experience supporting adults experiencing alopecia areata, MS, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, diabetes and chronic fatigue. Combined with her clinical expertise, this enables her to provide compassionate, informed and evidence-based support to individuals living with chronic illness. Gia creates a space where they can be heard without judgement and supported to move towards the life they want to live.
"I believe that healing begins when we feel truly heard. My hope is to provide a warm, supportive space where you can explore life's challenges, discover your strengths, and move forward with greater confidence and hope." Gia Aggarwal
Vanessa Bailey
Clinical PsychologistWorks with Adults | Available Thursdays and Fridays
Vanessa (M.Psych.Clin) is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. She completed a Bachelor of Science (Honors in Psychology) and a Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Newcastle, NSW. Vanessa is also an AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor, providing education and guidance to psychologists in training.
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Clinical Experience:
Vanessa has worked with clients throughout the lifespan; in a range of public and private health settings. Most notably, Vanessa worked for many years at a private mental health hospital, facilitating group therapy for patients with mood and anxiety disorders.
In addition, Vanessa has worked in a private practice setting for over 10 years, providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment to individual adult clients. During this time Vanessa worked largely with mood and anxiety presentations as well as perinatal mental health (pre-natal and post-natal anxiety and depression).
Treatment Approach:
Vanessa works predominantly within a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework. In general, CBT involves identifying unhelpful patterns in thinking and behaviour and attempting to reshape these through shifting perspective and learning to engage with people and the world in a more helpful way.
ACT focuses on making space for uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while simultaneously taking committed action towards a more meaningful life. Her approach to therapy is idiographic; working collaboratively with her clients to meet their therapeutic goals. Vanessa prides herself on being warm, compassionate, and easy to talk to.
Special Interests:
Vanessa’s clients are most commonly looking to improve their mood, reduce stress, reduce anxious thoughts, or manage interpersonal challenges. Vanessa works with a range of presenting issues, most commonly mood and anxiety disorders. She is also particularly passionate about working with new mothers who may be finding the transition into motherhood challenging.
"Uncomfortable emotions are an inevitable part of life; there is no way around them, only through. I believe that meaningful change begins with insight and the courage to understand yourself more deeply. My role is not to direct your life, but to walk beside you with compassion and curiosity, supporting you as you find your own way forward" - Vanessa Bailey
Kimberley Levick
PsychologistWorks with Adolescents (14+) and Adults (18-65 years old) | Available Mondays and Tuesdays
Kimberley is a registered psychologist with a Masters of Professional Psychology completed at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne.
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Clinical Experience:
Kimberley divides her time between private practice and working in schools across Sydney conducting assessments and counselling. Through Kimberley’s school-based work, she has developed a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by young people including learning, behavioural, social, and emotional difficulties. Kimberley has conducted comprehensive cognitive, educational, and behavioural assessments to support learning needs and inform tailored intervention plans. In addition, Kimberley has provided counselling to help young people manage anxiety, low mood, social skills difficulties, and adjustment to change. Kimberley has also worked in private practice supporting adolescents and adults with a range of mental health challenges including ADHD, trauma, chronic pain, postpartum depression/anxiety, sleep issues, anxiety, burnout and depression. Early in her career she worked in the forensic disability space supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, trauma and behavioural challenges.
Treatment Approach:
Kimberley is a compassionate psychologist who fosters a supportive, safe, and non-judgemental space for her clients. She partners with individuals to explore their core emotional needs and build strategies that promote lasting, meaningful change. She works with individuals of 14 years of ages plus with a wide range of presenting concerns. Kimberley takes a collaborative, client-focused approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Special Interest:
Kimberley has a special interest in health anxiety, burnout, ADHD, Autism, depression and attachment issues.
“Your story is still being written, therapy can help you write the next chapter with compassion and new insights” – Kimberley Levick
Dr Victoria Andrews
Accredited Practicing DietitianWorks Primarily with Adolescents and Young People and Enjoys Working with Individuals Across the Life Span | Available Saturdays
Victoria is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) who has completed a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Physiology and Nutrition/Metabolism), Master of Nutrition and Dietetics and Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Sydney.
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Clinical Experience:
Victoria is passionate about improving individual relationships to food and supporting those recovering from an eating disorder. Victoria has experience in both inpatient and community based public and private eating disorder treatment settings. Victoria also draws from experience working in a multidisciplinary team with primary care services earlier in her career.
Treatment Approach:
Victoria is equipped to provide medical nutritional therapy for eating disorders, including treatment for binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and ARFID. Victoria uses a personalised, evidence based approach to help build healthy habits and develop skills needed to nourish body and mind in a sustainable holistic way. Victoria works through a focus in intuitive eating through the RAVES model, as well as balanced nutrition and compassionate self care using motivational interviewing and HAES approaches.
Special interest:
Victoria is passionate about creating long term changes to promote health and overall wellbeing. Victoria seeks to empower individuals to take control of their health and overcome struggles with disordered eating. She has a particular interest in supporting the many comordidities coexisting with eating disorders, ranging from gastrointestinal, neurological, hormonal and allergies or intolerances.
"Eating should be much simpler than we think, I strive to take the pressure and many mixed messages around nutrition away and help people feel energised and nourished once again.” Victoria Andrews
