Kristen Bayliss

Kristen’s journey to the profession of psychology began growing up in a home where humility and looking out for others were primary values. This, combined with a fascination for what makes people tick and wanting to understand them at a deeper level meant a career in psychology and counselling was inevitable.

Kristen has over 20 years experience in psychological assessment treatment and counselling and is our principal psychologist. The UNSW (BSc) and University of Sydney (MA) graduate has a wealth of experience across a range of therapeutic areas.

Whilst studying, Kristen spent time volunteering at Lifeline. The experience cemented her passion for working with people and left her itching to complete her degrees and get started in the real world.  She developed an humanistic approach, centred around providing empathic listening, warmth and positive regard.

Kristen draws from a range of therapeutic approaches including attachment theory, Psycho-dynamic, Humanistic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She is also qualified in EMDR therapy for trauma and PTSD. She has undertaken extensive training in Couples Therapy with the Gottman Institute (Gottman Method Couples Therapy /GMCT), The Couples Institute and ICEEFT (Emotion Focussed Therapy / EFT).

Kristen has worked in roles across the government and private sectors throughout her career.  Her own private practice was the obvious next step as she had always found herself working most effectively, the more freedom there was to work creatively and authentically according to her values and personal style as well as her training and the available evidence.

Her style of therapy involves providing clients insight and reflection carefully balanced with skills and strategies. Collaboration with clients is paramount, involving them in their choice of therapy and goals to be achieved.

The mother-of-three is skilled at helping people adjust to challenging life stages such as starting a family (including Post-natal Depression), changing careers, losing loved ones (grief and loss), relationship issues and recovery from separation and divorce, work-related stress and depression and recovery from workplace bullying. She has over 20 years experience treating depression, anxiety and trauma - recent trauma as well as childhood and complex - and remains passionate about empowering each and every client to meet their recovery goals.

Kristen's consulting days are Tuesdays Wednesdays and Thursdays. She offers after hours appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. She is offering Couples Intensives and EMDR Intensives (Full day or Two Days) on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays