Dr Kathleen de Boer

Clinical Psychologist
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours – Graduate Entry) and Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)

Pronouns: She/her

Kathleen de Boer psychologist

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

I believe…

That being vulnerable can be scary but also one of the bravest and most fulfilling things we can be.

I believe…

That learning to name your experiences and feelings can be incredibly empowering.

I believe…

That there are no bad parts, only parts that want to be seen, heard and nurtured.

Get to know me

My secret talent:
I can play the violin and particularly enjoy playing Irish music.

What’s it like to be in a room with me?
I am a warm and friendly psychologist. I am non-judgemental and respectful in my approach, with past clients and friends reporting that they feel safe and grounded in my presence. I am passionate about empowering people and supporting individuals to live authentic and connected lives.

What’s my non-negotiable when it comes to taking care of my own mental health?
Compassion is a priority.

My life motto:
Never stop learning.

My background and experience

I have been practicing psychology for six years and have experience in the private and community sector, as well as inpatient settings. I have a special interest in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, particularly complex trauma. I am dedicated to being trauma-informed in my approach, being transparent, providing choice, being collaborative and fostering empowerment. I also have a special interest in working with those experiencing eating and body image issues. I come from a non-diet approach, am weight inclusive and am aligned with the Health at Every Size (HAES) principles.

I have a strong research background; I completed my PhD that evaluated a treatment for women who have experienced complex trauma and work in eating disorder research. My experience and knowledge in these areas ensures I am delivering treatment from an evidence-based framework.

I am a LGBTQIA+ aware and affirmative clinician.

melbourne psychologists

I can help you with:

  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Complex trauma
  • Eating disorders and body image issues
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Relationship difficulties and communication skills
  • Distress intolerance and emotional difficulties
  • Low self-esteem
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Perfectionism
  • Self-development, well-being and self-care
  • Women’s health issues
  • Adjustment issues
  • Identity issues, sexuality and sexual development

My therapeutic approaches

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

  • Dialectal Behaviour Therapy principles
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Enhanced-Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles
  • Schema Therapy principles
  • Internal Family Systems therapy principles
  • Strengths-based approaches
  • Compassion-based approaches
  • Trauma informed Practice