Luke McDonald
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Luke is a Registered Psychologist and the Director of Leading Psychology.
Luke is passionate about helping people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives and seeking to overcome them.
He believes that seeking help is not an indication of weakness, but a sign of strength and wisdom. A key focus of his therapeutic approach with clients is to tailor the treatment to the client’s specific issue to maximise results.
Luke has worked at the Department of Justice facilitating group intervention programs, at Lifeline Australia assisting people at risk of suicide, in private practice and in various sporting clubs (VFL). He has a keen interest in depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, anger, relationships and sports psychology & performance.
Luke is part of the AFL Players Association mental health network, helping both past and present AFL players and their families manage their mental health difficulties.
Luke sees adolescents and adults.
Qualifications:
Registered Psychologist – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Registration Number PSY0002022949)
Board Approved Supervisor – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Bachelor of Exercise Science and Human Movement – Victoria University
Bachelor of Psychological Studies – Victoria University
Graduate Diploma of Psychology – Deakin University
Master of Professional Psychology – Monash University
Olivia Burton
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I am a provisionally registered psychologist currently completing my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. Prior to this, I completed my PhD at Flinders University, where I conducted research in cognitive psychology. My doctoral work has provided me with insights into the way people think, and the way people understand their own thinking, which I am now applying in my clinical practice. In particular, my goal is to equip my clients with the tools to better understand their thoughts and behaviour so that they can more effectively manage life’s challenges.
I work from a trauma-informed approach and I have experience in delivering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Schema Therapy. I have previously worked as a primary school psychologist with children presenting with autism and/or ADHD, anxiety, and trauma-related stress.
At the moment, I am interested in working with adults and adolescents (15+) who are experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. I am also particularly interested working with adults and adolescents with ADHD to help build new insights into thinking and behaviour, and collaborate on ways to expand their repertoire of coping tools.
I am new to Victoria so I have been enjoying exploring Melbourne and all the surrounding cities/suburbs (welcoming any banh-mi and/or coffee recommendations!).
Charlotte Ford
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I am a Provisional Psychologist currently completing my Master of Clinical Psychology, with experience supporting clients across the lifespan. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. I tailor evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy, to meet each person’s unique needs, drawing on my background in research on parenting, child development, and sexual health.
I have a particular interest in working with clients who have experienced adversity, and I am dedicated to exploring attachment patterns and the somatic impacts of trauma on the body. I am also keen to help clients build effective communication skills, which I believe are fundamental to creating healthy relationships and promoting emotional well-being.
Creating a warm, collaborative space where clients feel understood and comfortable is essential to my practice. I take a holistic, trauma-informed approach, empowering clients to gain deeper insight into themselves and confidently manage life’s challenges.
Outside of work, I enjoy bushwalking, attending local music events, and exploring op-shops.
Natasha Trika
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Hi, I’m Natasha, a recent graduate of Monash University with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). I’m deeply passionate about helping others, whether through administrative support or direct client engagement. My background in customer service has equipped me to handle a variety of situations, always ensuring that each client feels safe, understood, and valued in our practice.
In my current role, I continually learn from the psychologists in our practice, gaining valuable clinical insights and expanding my understanding of different therapeutic approaches. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the nuances of therapy, and I aspire to further my psychology studies to make an even greater impact on people’s lives. I believe that a warm, empathetic, and understanding approach is key to creating a space where clients feel empowered to share their stories and find healing.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my dog, playing computer games, cooking, reading, and going op-shopping.
