Skip to main content
michellerdavey

Experience

I am a registered clinical psychologist providing evidence-based psychological care to adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties.

My approach is thoughtful, practical, and collaborative. I place strong emphasis on understanding what is maintaining distress and working together to develop strategies that are realistic, meaningful, and aligned with your values and circumstances.

I work extensively with anxiety and low mood, as well as adjustment to major
life stressors. Alongside this, I have specialist experience in psycho-oncology, supporting people and families as they navigate the psychological impact of cancer across diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and advanced illness.

All appointments are currently offered via secure telehealth.

Psycho-oncology focus

I have a longstanding commitment to psycho-oncology and the psychological care of people affected by cancer. My experience spans public and private oncology settings across Australia and New Zealand.

Cancer can disrupt every aspect of life, including identity, relationships, work, and sense of safety in the body. Psychological support in this context is not about positive thinking. It is about helping people make sense of what they are facing, manage uncertainty, and find steadier ways of coping in the midst of very real challenges.

My Journey

I completed my clinical psychology training in New Zealand and relocated to Sydney in 2015. In 2021, my family and I moved to the Southern Highlands, which we now call home.

While I am based in regional New South Wales, my clinical work is delivered via telehealth, allowing me to support people across Australia.

The Cancer Journey

Cancer brings unique psychological challenges. Research consistently shows that a significant proportion of people affected by cancer experience clinically meaningful distress at some point (Carlson, 2012).

As a clinical psychologist with specialist training in psycho-oncology, I support individuals and families with a wide range of concerns, including:

  • Adjusting to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing uncertainty
  • Anxiety, worry, and fear of recurrence or progression
  • Low mood and depression
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Coping with treatment side effects
  • Changes in identity, self-esteem, and body image
  • Relationship and communication challenges
  • Decision-making and navigating medical care
  • Pain, fatigue, and cumulative stress
  • End-of-life concerns
  • Loss, grief, and bereavement
  • Dealing with loss, grief, and bereavement

Support is always tailored to the individual and the stage of illness or recovery they are navigating.