Kirsty Sloan is a Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Oceanside Clinical Psychology

Kirsty works primarily in the provision of psychological assessment and treatment of Children, Adolescents and Families and Perinatal presentations. Kirsty is also available to see young adults. Kirsty is passionate about working with clients with Perinatal Concerns (Antenatal and Post Natal, Pre-pregnancy, Transition to Parenthood, Perinatal Grief and Loss, Birth Trauma).

Kirsty is a registered Psychologist with endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist by the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency (AHPRA) and Medicare. Kirsty is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the APS Clinical College. 

Kirsty completed her Psychology studies at Griffith University obtaining both her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours, First Class) and her Master of Clinical Psychology degrees there. Kirsty achieved exceptional academic success and was awarded the University Medal for Psychology for the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree. 

Kirsty has a broad range of clinical experience, with expertise in helping children and young people with Mental Health, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Kirsty has over 10 years experience working in a number of different settings including private practice, the public health sector, and a number of child based non government organisations. Kirsty has previously worked in private practice at The North Coast Centre for Clinical Psychology (Ballina) between 2009 - 2016, as well as  being employed by Connections UnitingCare, Melbourne IVF and the Abused Child Trust.

Kirsty is particularly passionate about using psychological treatments to empower and support young people, and assist them to increase emotional resilience, improve their quality of life and to provide coping tools and skills to help children and young people cope with psychological difficulties, life transitions and adjustment demands. 

Kirsty utilises a treatment approach from a variety of psychological theories, primarily using Emotionally Focused Therapy (Individuals (EFiT)), Interpersonal Neurobiology Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Kirsty works within a strengths based, attachment, and relational approach. Kirsty is committed to creating a warm, safe, nurturing and supportive therapeutic connection and environment for you and your family. Kirsty uses a tailored approach to suit individuals needs. Kirsty is highly committed to establishing and building a strong therapeutic relationship, which is essential to and designed to enhance the therapeutic outcome. 

Kirsty is dedicated to using evidence based approaches in her work, and particularly enjoys working with children, adolescents and families experiencing difficulties related to anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, behaviour and sleep difficulties, emotional resilience, self esteem and social skills, trauma and abuse, and parenting and family relationship issues. Kirsty works with individual clients, parents and families.

Kirsty is also available to conduct workshops and professional development for groups, schools, day cares and organisations regarding issues of child development, parenting, perinatal psychology  and child and adolescent psychology.

Kirsty’s main area of research interest has been focused on looking at how parents and families cope when they have a baby born prematurely or a baby in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or Special Care Unit. Kirsty has worked at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and the Mater Mothers Hospital as part of this work. Her research in this area has helped hospitals develop better resources and programs to help support parents and families during this often difficult time.

Kirsty regularly attends conferences, and workshops to ensure she stays up to date with the latest developments and treatment approaches.

In her free time Kirsty can be found relaxing at the beach, skiing, travelling and engrossed in a good book.