Dr Veronica Johnston Psychologist

Veronica is a psychologist who brings empathy, practicality, and light-heartedness to all that she does. Veronica has sixteen years of experience working with children, adolescents and families, and holds a Bachelor of Education and a Doctorate of Psychology (Clinical). Veronica has worked as a pastoral care and curriculum leader in the education sector with experience from Preparatory level to Year 12, and has more recently held tertiary education teaching positions at Deakin University. In the mental health sector she has worked in not-for-profit organisations, hospitals, schools, private practices, and government child protection organisations. She has also published academic research in the areas of child interviewing and child temperament. Veronica has a particular passion for early intervention and the construction of solid support networks around children and adolescents. As a passionate advocate for mental health and well-being as well as nurturing strong therapeutic connections, Veronica cultivates open communication, shared understanding, and common goals. She also believes it is important to help her clients develop self-belief, compassion, and independence. Evidence-based assessment tools inform targeted and meaningful psychological intervention with a focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients become capable of understanding and managing challenging emotions, acknowledging and reframing unhelpful thinking patterns, and altering unhelpful behaviours.