Our Team

About Me

I am especially interested in working with people whose experiences do not fit neatly into a single diagnosis. This may include complex trauma, dissociation, autism or ADHD, anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm, self-harm, relationship difficulties, shame or longstanding patterns that affect self-worth. I enjoy the careful work of understanding how a person's history, nervous system, relationships and current circumstances fit together, particularly when they have previously felt misunderstood.

My style is warm, perceptive and practical. I aim to offer a space where clients feel heard without being judged or reduced to a label. Together, we develop a clear understanding of what is happening and why. Therapy then focuses on reducing distress, building useful skills and creating changes that make sense for the person's life. I value honest collaboration and welcome feedback about what is and is not helping.

I am adept at finding patterns in emotions and behaviours and if you are consulting with me for a diagnostic assessment, be assured I will consider your symptoms holistically and comprehensively as well as collaboratively. I have expertise in mental health; you have expertise on yourself (or your child). Together we collaborate and bring our shared expertise together.

Area of Interest
I work with a range of presentations across the lifespan: children, adolescences, & adults. I provide assessments, diagnosis, and individual support for:

• Trauma and post-traumatic stress, including complex PTSD
• Dissociation
• Autism and ADHD
• Neurodevelopment assessment & diagnosis including Autism, and ADHD diagnosis
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional overwhelm and emotion regulation
• Self-harm
• Interpersonal and attachment difficulties
• shame, self-criticism and longstanding patterns that affect relationships or self-worth
• I also work with people whose needs do not fit neatly within a single diagnosis and with children and adolescents struggling with self esteem, anxiety, depression and adjustment.

Psychological Assessments

I am available to complete a broad range of psychological assessments. I work collaboratively with clients to ensure the assessment process is clear, respectful and tailored to their individual needs.

Clinical Supervision

As a Board-Approved Supervisor, I can provide clinical supervision to psychologists seeking to develop their skills and confidence in working with complex trauma and dissociative disorders. I also support clinicians to deepen their understanding of complex presentations and develop thoughtful, effective and compassionate therapeutic approaches.

Therapeutic Framework

In terms of approaches, I draw on schema therapy, CBT, DBT skills, ACT, interpersonal therapy and trauma-focused approaches. These may include EMDR, imagery rescripting and resourcing through somatic, ego-state and Comprehensive Resource Model-informed work. I adapt the pace, language and structure of therapy to the individual and work in a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming and person-centred way.

What I value most is helping people replace shame and confusion with understanding. Coping strategies usually developed for a reason. Once that reason is understood, we can work towards safer, more flexible ways of responding. Outside psychology, I enjoy family life, beach walks, painting, and the outdoors.

Publications

Gately, N., Fleming. J., McGinty, N., & Scott, A. (2014). The ‘oldest tricks in the book’ don’t work! Reports of burglary by DUMA detainees in Western Australia. Trends and Issues in Crime & Criminal Justice (No. 489). Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology.

Fleming, J., Gately, N., & Kraemer, S. (2012). Creating HoPE: Mental health in Western Australian maximum security prisons. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 19(1), 60-74.

Gately, N., Fleming, J., Morris, R., & McGregor, C. (2012). Amphetamine users and crime in Western Australia, 1999-2009. Trends and Issues in Crime & Criminal Justice (No. 437). Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology.

Gately, N., Fleming, J., Morris, R., & McGregor, C. (2011). Amphetamine use among detainees at the East Perth Watch House: What is the impact on crime? Canberra: Criminology Research Council.

McGregor, C., Gately, N., & Fleming, J. (2011) Prescription drug use among detainees: prevalence, sources and links to crime. Trends and Issues in Crime & Criminal Justice (No. 423). Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology.

Kraemer, S., Gately, N., & Kessell, J. (2009). HoPE (Health of Prisoner Evaluation): Pilot study of prisoner physical health and psychological wellbeing. Joondalup, WA: Edith Cowan University. Online version available from http://www.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/39773/HoPE-Health-of-Prisoner-EvaluationReport-online-version.pdf (published under maiden name of Kessell).