Dr Joanne Dennison
Clinical Psychologist & Counselling Psychologist
About Joanne
Joanne works with adults seeking support for a wide range of concerns — from anxiety, depression and stress to relationship issues and life transitions. She has extensive experience supporting clients with more complex presentations, including PTSD and complex trauma, and addictions. She brings warmth and compassion to her work, and sees a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation of effective therapy.
In addition to her clinical training, Joanne's experience in entrepreneurship, leadership and executive advisory roles enhances her ability to support professionals navigating high-pressure jobs — while maintaining a focus on the full range of their psychological needs.
Areas of focus
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Entrepreneurs, executives and high-performing professionals in high-pressure roles
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Relationship issues and life transitions
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Anxiety, depression and stress
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Substance use issues (including addictions)
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PTSD and complex trauma
Therapeutic approach
Joanne places a high priority on the therapeutic relationship, and encourages clients to use the first sessions to gauge whether the fit feels right — the relationship between you and your psychologist is one of the strongest predictors of a good outcome.
Joanne focuses on the underlying drivers of her clients' difficulties — addressing issues at their source, not just managing symptoms. This often involves exploring early life experiences, core beliefs and internal drives to understand how they shape present-day patterns and ways of engaging. She works collaboratively with clients to build deep insight, resolve issues at their core, and support meaningful, lasting change.
Joanne adopts a process-oriented psychotherapeutic approach and tailors treatment to each individual. She has completed training in the following evidence-based modalities and emerging therapies:
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Schema Therapy
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Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Gottman couples therapy
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Motivational Interviewing
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Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
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Flash Technique
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Mindfulness-based approaches
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Havening
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Circle of Security (attachment-based parenting approach)
Joanne has also completed training in various evidence-based approaches to parenting (including the development of healthy attachment), and has undergone training in facilitating Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (PAT). Her formal training and experience as a couples therapist inform individual therapy with clients who are encountering relationship challenges; her current practice is focused exclusively on individual clients.
Qualifications & experience
Joanne holds a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and a Master of Arts (Hons) in Psychology, completed over seven years of full-time study across the UK, New Zealand and Australia.
Joanne's professional background includes coordinating state-wide treatment programs, supervising other psychologists, and serving on the APS Counselling College National Executive (2013–2019), including as state Chair and Chair Elect (Victoria).
Beyond psychology, Joanne was the founder and CEO of a venture-capital-backed tech start-up. She has also served in executive advisory roles, with training through the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and various leadership programs.
Registrations & memberships
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AHPRA registration: PSY0001655284 — endorsed Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychologist; board-approved supervisor
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Member, Australian Psychological Society (APS)
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Fellow, APS College of Clinical Psychologists and APS College of Counselling Psychologists
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Trained practitioner, Internal Family Systems (IFS) - Level 1
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Member, Golden Key International Honour Society (for academic excellence)
Fees & rebates
Medicare rebates may be available with a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan issued by a GP. Private health rebates may also be available depending on your health insurance policy.