Hello! I'm Valeria.

I’m a registered psychologist based on the Mid North Coast of NSW. I work with young people in my local practice and provide online sessions for adults throughout Australia.
​
​who am I? Born in Chile and grew up in Melbourne, I'm fluent in both English and Spanish. I have a deep love for nature and the outdoors, bodywork, music, and writing. I'm curiously passionate about traditional and ancestral approaches to healing and culture and have traveled to many beautiful and sacred places in my own personal development.
why psychology? We all face complex and sometimes overwhelming challenges. In my practice, I offer support through a range of issues including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, loss, relationship difficulties, life transitions, workplace or academic stress, and behaviours of concern. My work is to provide a space for connection, compassionate understanding, and meaningful personal growth.

Training.

Master of Professional Psychology, Charles Sturt University
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), Deakin University
Bachelor of Psychological Science​, Deakin University
Diploma of Transpersonal Counselling, The Phoenix Institute
Diploma of Shiatsu & Oriental Therapies, Australian Shiatsu College

Memberships.

​Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - General Registration
Australian Psychological Society (APS) 
Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) 

Published Research.

Evans, S., Villegas, V., Dowding, C., Druitt, M., O'Hara, R., & Mikocka-Walus, A. (2022).
Treatment use and satisfaction in Australian women with endometriosis: a mixed methods
study. Internal Medicine Journal, 52(12), 2096–2106.
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https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.15494 ​

Clinical Skills & Competencies.

  • Psychological assessment and formulation
  • Delivery of evidence-based therapies (CBT, ACT, SFBT)
  • Client-centred care and strong therapeutic rapport
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration and communication
  • Ethical decision-making and professional conduct
  • Report writing and clinical documentation
  • Risk assessment and safety planning
  • Crisis intervention and external referral pathways
  • Advocacy, particularly for children and young people
  • Adherence to privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent principles
  • Practice in accordance with Psychology Board registration standards, guidelines, the APS Code of Ethics, and the National Law

Areas of special interest. 

A grateful generalist able to support a range of issues, these are some of my special interests:
  • Women's health 
  • Chronic illness
  • Adolescent mental health
  • Psychedelic assisted therapies in legal contexts (integration & harm minimisation)