Our Clinical Team

Our clinic was founded by Dr Gayle Maloney, a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Associate Clinical Professor at Yale OCD Research Clinic. Dr Maloney has provided treatment to OCD sufferers and their families in Perth for over 20 years. She was awarded a prestigious Fulbright award fellowship to establish an ongoing international research collaboration between the Perth OCD Clinic and Yale University School of Medicine.

After working at the Yale OCD Research Clinic, she returned to Perth in 2015 and opened a dedicated OCD Clinic to provide a vital service to the Western Australian community. In doing so, she brought together a team of independently practising clinical psychologists who share a commitment to providing exceptional psychological care to OCD sufferers using evidence-based practice.

Gayle was previously the director of the Psychological Wellness Centre, a group private practice known for providing treatment across a wide range of psychological issues. She has gained considerable psychological experience working at public and private psychiatric hospitals, as well as community organisations.

Gayle is trained in a variety of psychological approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), mindfulness based strategies, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Gayle is also able to incorporate her additional training in schema therapy and imagery rescripting techniques, where clinically indicated, to work with treatment resistant OCD. She has held research and teaching positions at national and international universities, and has published OCD research in peer-reviewed journals.

Gayle has also presented her research at national and international OCD conferences and symposiums. She earned her doctorate by focusing on research that investigated the causal factors leading to the development of clinical perfectionism and how it relates to the development of psychological disorders, including OCD.

Gayle has attended advanced OCD specialist training at the Behaviour Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) in the United States, provided by the International OCD Foundation. As such, she is passionate about providing supervision, professional development training and workshops on OCD to other mental health clinicians.

She is a professional member of the International OCD Foundation, the Australian Psychological Society and is a founding member of the Australian Clinical Psychological Association.

Areas of special interest and experience:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Clinical perfectionism
• Perinatal OCD
• Treatment-resistant OCD
• Imagery rescripting as an adjunct psychological strategy for treatment resistant OCD
• Treatment of co-occurring psychological issues/disorders
• Supervision, professional development and workshops on OCD

Chin-Ngee (pronounced "Chinny") is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with adults and adolescents (16+) in mental health across public hospitals, tertiary education, and rehabilitation settings. She holds dual Master’s degrees in Organisational Psychology (UWA) and Clinical Psychology (Murdoch).

Chin-Ngee uses evidence-based therapy for OCD i.e., Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relaxation and Mindfulness practices, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Her special interest lies in treatment-resistant OCD with psychological themes relating to trauma and attachment-based difficulties. Chin-Ngee provides a non-judgemental space for clients and supports them to recognise and change negative core beliefs and understand how underlying psychological issues can lead to patterns of relationship difficulties, work stress, neglect and ultimately poor mental health. She works collaboratively with clients to achieve balance in their lives and build better relationships and connections with community.

A caring, compassionate and empathic therapist, Chin-Ngee retains an objective and individualised approach to treatment in meeting client goals, whether they are short or longer-term. Conscientious, skilled, and bilingual (Mandarin); Chin-Ngee applies an eclectic approach from her extensive knowledge of adjunct evidence-based therapies, where clinically indicated for co-occurring issues including: Schema Therapy, Imagery Rescripting, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Areas of special interest and experience:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Clinical Perfectionism
• Treatment-resistant OCD
• Anxiety Disorders
• Complex Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Sexual assault
• Childhood abuse and neglect
• Eating Disorders
• Sexuality and LGBTIQ issues
• Adjustment Issues
• Study / Work / Stress issues
• Grief and bereavement
• Self-Esteem and Relationship issues

Sarra is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with adults and adolescents in Australia and the United Kingdom. She holds a Masters of Clinical Psychology and PhD from the University of Western Australia (UWA).

Sarra uses evidence-based approaches for OCD, including Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) treatment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness strategies. Sarra is also able to incorporate her extensive experience in the use of Schema Therapy, where clinically indicated, to assist clients with additional co-occurring psychological conditions and in working with complex presentations.

Sarra has considerable experience in working across a wide range of public and private health settings with adults. Upon returning to Australia, Sarra has also become particularly skilled in working in youth mental health. Sarra really enjoys working with young people (aged 15-25 years) and seeks to provide youth-friendly approaches that are flexible and aimed at engagement. Sarra is an attuned and encouraging therapist who aims at engaging and supporting people in their recovery.

In addition to her clinical experience, Sarra has held research and teaching roles at leading international tertiary research and training institutions. Sarra worked in a Research Clinical Psychology position at the Institute of Psychiatry, London, where she specifically investigated anxiety disorders and the design of new cognitive-behavioural anxiety disorder treatments. Sarra has also worked at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital, London.

Sarra has published numerous research articles in peer-reviewed journals and has a strong history of delivering clinical research presentations at national and international conferences. Furthermore, she is skilled in presenting professional training workshops to mental health clinicians.

Areas of special interest and expertise:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Childhood trauma
• Personality Disorders
• Schema Therapy
• Imagery Rescripting as an adjunct treatment for OCD
• The impact of shame and development of self-acceptance

Marilyn has worked as a clinical psychologist since 2008 and has considerable experience working across both public and private mental health settings. She holds a Masters of Clinical Psychology and a PhD from the University of Western Australia (UWA). Her PhD thesis was designed to enhance our understanding of how anxiety interacts with, and affects how people process and understand information in their environment.

Marilyn is committed to using evidence based treatment approaches for OCD, including Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Metacognitive therapy. Marilyn enjoys working with adults and older adolescents (18+). She has a gentle, empathic and compassionate nature and works collaboratively with her clients to assist them to approach their fears and reach their goals in a secure and supportive environment. Marilyn has a special interest in the treatment of all OCD subtypes. She is also able to incorporate her extensive experience in the treatment of eating and body image disorders to assist clients with appearance related OCD and repetitive behaviours and co-occurring body image and eating difficulties. Where clinically indicated Marilyn is able to incorporate acceptance, mindfulness and imagery techniques to assist those clients whose conditions struggle to respond to more traditional therapeutic approaches.

Marilyn is experienced in training mental health professionals in the application of cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of a variety of mental health problems and has previously held a teaching role at UWA. She has also been involved in the development of a range of mental health resources for use by mental health clinicians and consumers.

Areas of special interest:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (all subtypes)
• Body Focussed Repetitive Behaviours (BFRB’s)
• Trichotillomania (hair pulling)
• Dermatillomania / excoriation disorder (skin picking)
• Imagery rescripting as an adjunct treatment for OCD
• Eating Disorders
• Body Image Disturbance
• Perfectionism
• Low Self-esteem
• Anxiety disorders including generalised anxiety disorder and worry, social anxiety & panic attacks
• Depression and depressive illnesses
• Stress management

Mary is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents (16+) and adults in public and private health and education settings. Mary earned her Clinical Psychology Master’s degree from Curtin University and a Diploma of Education majoring in School Psychology from UWA. She has had published peer-reviewed research on the relationship between perfectionism and rumination in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Mary uses evidence-based therapy for OCD i.e., Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relaxation and Mindfulness practices and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). When required, she is also able to incorporate her extensive experience in the treatment of trauma (PTSD and complex trauma following sexual violence), rumination (overthinking), and perfectionism. In addition, Mary has also worked in a residential rehabilitation setting for people who have experienced Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). She has coordinated groups in various settings, including Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills groups.

Mary has extensive knowledge of adjunct evidence-based therapies, where clinically indicated for co-occurring issues including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Exposure Therapy (especially Imaginal and In Vivo), DBT, Imagery Rescripting (ImRs), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Mary is a warm and attuned therapist focussed on building a strong alliance with clients by creating a nurturing, safe and productive space. She collaboratively works with her clients to explore, with curiosity, their concerns discovering what is keeping them stuck and then develop their goals and provide treatment to match.

Mary is a Psychology Board approved supervisor for endorsement and registration and has worked with her many supervisees using Strengths Based and Reflective Supervision models of practice.

Areas of special interest include

• OCD
• PTSD/Complex Trauma
• Perfectionism and Rumination
• Anxiety Disorders (GAD, SAD, phobias, Panic etc)
• Depressive Disorders
• Adjustment issues
• Stress Management
• Self Esteem
• Eating Disorders and Body dysmorphia
• Sleep problems

Rebecca is a Clinical Psychologist who enjoys working with adults. Rebecca completed a Postgraduate Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology at Curtin University with a thesis focused on OCD. Since that time, she has retained a strong interest in the treatment of OCD and related difficulties.

Rebecca has developed considerable experience since 2010 in both public and private health sector. She worked as a Clinical Psychologist at Hollywood hospital for seven years, both within inpatient and day patient settings. Rebecca’s experience at Hollywood allowed her to work extensively with people experiencing a wide range of mood and anxiety presentations. She was also involved in group therapy, facilitating programs addressing trauma, eating disorders and substance use issues.

Rebecca is trained in a variety of evidence-based psychological approaches, including Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and mindfulness/relaxation strategies.

Rebecca has a compassionate and empathic manner and values building a strong therapeutic alliance with clients in order to support them to face challenges and reach their treatments goals.

Areas of special interest and experience:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Mood disorders
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Schema Therapy
• Stress management
• Low self-esteem

Michelle is a clinical psychologist who has developed extensive experience in working with adults who experience OCD, anxiety, and trauma related issues.

Michelle completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Master of Psychology (Clinical) degrees at Curtin University in Perth. She was awarded a scholarship from the National Health and Medical Research Council to complete further post graduate studies in Mental Health Science at The University of Melbourne. Since 2005 Michelle has developed a diverse range of clinical experience through positions in various community mental health clinics, not-for-profit organisations, hospital and private practice settings.

Michelle uses evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches for treating OCD, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP treatment) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Where clinically indicated, Michelle is also able to incorporate her additional training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, EMDR and Schema Therapy to treat co-occurring issues or treatment-resistant OCD. Michelle is also a qualified yoga teacher. Where appropriate, knowledge of meditation and breath work also informs her psychology practice.

Michelle recognises that every person is different and tailors’ therapy to meet a person’s individual needs. She works in a collaborative, genuine and non-judgemental way to provide therapeutic techniques that equip people with the knowledge and skills needed to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Areas of special interest and experience:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Anxiety (generalised anxiety disorder, panic, health anxiety, social anxiety)
• Trauma and Stressor-related disorders (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, acute stress disorder, adjustment disorders)
• Depressive disorders (major depressive disorder, dysthymia)
• Self-esteem

Ailsa is a Clinical Psychologist who has in depth knowledge and experience working with children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with a broad range of presentations. Ailsa obtained a Bachelor of Psychology (Science) with first class honours from Curtin University. She holds a Master of Clinical Psychology from Edith Cowan University.

Ailsa is a warm, empathic clinical psychologist who takes a holistic, client centred approach to therapy and works collaboratively with young people and their families. Ailsa is committed to providing evidence-based therapies for the treatment of OCD including, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as Mindfulness and Relaxation strategies.

Ailsa is also particularly skilled in the psychological treatment of children and adolescents with a wide range of co-occurring presentations, including Autism, Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), Specific Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability. When clinically indicated for co-occurring difficulties, Ailsa is also able to draw upon her experience in Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), Social Skills Training, Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT). Please note that Ailsa does not provide diagnostic assessments for Autism and learning difficulties at this clinic.

Ailsa is a registered member of AusPATH, APS and ACPA. She holds current registration as an endorsed Clinical Psychologist with AHPRA.

Areas of special interest and experience:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Anxiety Disorders
• AD/HD
• Autism
• Specific learning disability (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)
• Transgender health care
• School/Study stress
• Emotional/Behavioural Challenges
• Parenting issues

Maria is a registered Senior Clinical Psychologist who has developed extensive experience over the past 14 years working with adults and adolescents in a diverse range of public and private mental health settings. During this time, Maria has enjoyed working in a range of roles as a clinician, assessor, consultant and advocate of change.

Maria holds dual postgraduate Master's degrees in Clinical Psychology from the University of Western Australia (UWA). Maria’s therapy framework for providing treatment for people suffering from OCD includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based strategies. Furthermore, Maria is particularly skilled in working with complex patient presentations and individuals with histories of trauma and attachment problems. Therefore, where clinically indicated in assisting people suffering from treatment-resistant OCD, she is able to incorporate her additional training in attachment, psychodynamic, and emotion focused therapy frameworks.

Maria takes a respectful, interested, person-centered, non-judgemental approach with her patients. She appreciates that they are experts at their own life and experiences, and enjoys being a support and an advocate for her patients towards a better life. Maria believes that people’s problems do not simply occur in a vacuum and that the context and environment must also be understood.

Maria is accredited as a clinical supervisor through the Psychology Board of Australia and provides supervision to clinical psychologist registrars.

Maria's areas of special interest and experience:

Areas of special interest and expertise:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Treatment Resistant OCD
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
• Complex Trauma and Developmental Arrest
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Health and Somatic Anxiety
• Eating Disorders; Binge eating
• Stress management
• Depression
• Personality Disorders
• Imagery rescripting as an adjunct for treatment-resistant OCD
• Nutrition focused psychological education regarding the role of diet for anxiety and mood disorders.

Bec is a Clinical Psychologist with broad experience that encompasses working with older children (aged 10+) and their families, adolescents, young adults, and adult populations. She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science with 1st Class Honours, a Vice Chancellors Award for Excellence, and a Master of Clinical Psychology from Murdoch University.

Bec is a warm natured, accepting and client centred clinician. Bec works closely with clients and their specific individual needs to optimise treatment outcomes. She adopts an evidence-based approach to treat OCD and all subtypes working with clients aged 10+ years. Bec utilises Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Mindfulness and Relaxation orientated Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) approaches.

Bec brings humour and joy to her sessions allowing her to connect and attune to her clients. She is passionate about building a strong therapeutic alliance and her treatment is trauma informed, attachment orientated, and strengths focused.

Bec has special interests and expertise in treating clients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, anxiety, stress and worry symptoms. She is experienced in treating co-occurring depression, self-harm behaviours, and self-esteem issues. Bec also has a special interest in providing support for clients experiencing adjustment and life transition difficulties, grief and loss, perinatal concerns, parental stress, and women's health issues.

Areas of special interest and expertise:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) all subtypes
• Anxiety
• Stress and worry
• Depression
• Self-harm behaviours
• Self-esteem issues
• Adjustment and life transition difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Perinatal concerns
• Parental stress
• Women's health issues

We are fortunate to have Dr Christopher Pittenger, one of the world's recognised leading experts in OCD research, as our Senior Research Consultant at the Perth OCD Clinic. Dr Pittenger is the Director of the Yale OCD Research Clinic and a tenured Professor in the Yale Department of Psychiatry.

Dr Pittenger earned his MD and PhD from Columbia University, where his graduate work was done with Nobel Prize recipient Eric Kandel. Dr Pittenger has published over 150 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters. His research and clinical work has been acknowledged by a number of prestigious and honorific awards. Dr Pittenger is also a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation.

Dr Maloney and Dr Pittenger have worked together since 2015 at Yale University. Their international research collaboration continues, with a focus on the development, testing and publication of adjunct psychological strategies for treatment resistant OCD.

Please note that Dr Pittenger is based in the United States and is not available to provide clinical consultations for patients at the Perth OCD Clinic.