Dr Patrice Friars

Clinical Psychologist & Board Approved Supervisor
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)

Pronouns: She/her

Patrice Friars, Clinical Psychologist at Inner Melbourne Clinical Psychology

Three beliefs that colour the way I work with my clients:

I believe…

That important shifts happen when we feel heard and understood by someone, and when we learn to listen and be kind to ourselves.

I believe…

My role as a therapist is not to give my clients answers, but to guide them to find their own answers.

I believe…

That change is a windy road, with ups, downs, forward and backward steps.

Get to know me

My secret talent:
Improvisation, whether it is in the therapy room, while cooking, travelling or making social plans.

What’s it like to be in a room with me?
I aim to create a calm, non-judgemental and affirming space, where understanding develops over time. I like to work as a team, where my client is the expert in their own life and has valuable insights and contributions to make. I endeavour to provide guidance in a warm and supportive manner.

What’s my non-negotiable when it comes to taking care of my own mental health?
Daily walks, time out for myself and spending time with people who give me energy.

My life motto:
Embrace all that life produces, while also being kind to yourself.

My background and experience

I am originally from Ireland, and have worked and studied in Western Australia and Victoria. I love all that Melbourne has to offer in terms of food, art, music and nature. I have worked as a Clinical Psychologist for over 21 years, the majority of which has been in private practice. Prior to that I worked with Centrelink originally as a Disability Support Officer and then as a psychologist, assisting people who were long-term unemployed or with disabilities or illnesses to enter the workforce and access other supports. I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and my research topic was assisting parents of children and adolescents with ADHD and other behavioural disorders.

I have experience supporting LGBTQIA+ clients and I also provide neuroaffirming care.

I can help you with:

Want to know more about how Patrice can help? Read her article on ADHD.

My therapeutic approaches

Depending on my client’s needs and preferences I use a variety of evidence-based approaches including: