Shannon Burgess |
Clinical Psychologist

Specialising in identifying entrenched psychological patterns and applying evidence-based strategies to achieve enduring behavioural and emotional change; we don't just "talk", we do the work.

This is for individuals and couples, particularly those engaged with legal or mandated treatment processes.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Shannon Burgess |
Clinical Psychologist

Specialising in identifying entrenched psychological patterns and applying evidence-based strategies to achieve enduring behavioural and emotional change; we don't just "talk", we do the work.

This is for individuals and couples, particularly those engaged with legal or mandated treatment processes.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

I am a Clinical Psychologist

with over 17 years experience working with adults and young people across mental health and criminal justice contexts, including individuals subject to court orders or navigating legal processes, as well as offering couples therapy.

My work is direct, thoughtful, and grounded. I support people to understand the patterns that shape their behaviour, take responsibility where it's required, and develop the psychological capacity to respond differently over time. The focus is not on quick fixes, but on building insight, self-regulation, and practical tools that can be applied beyond therapy.

I work with clients who are willing to engage honestly with themselves and who are prepared to do sustained psychological work. Sessions move at a pace that is appropriate to the individual and the complexity of their circumstances.

All sessions are conducted online.

Who You’ll Be Working With…

While my work is professional and evidence-based, I bring myself to it as a human being. I understand that speaking honestly about trauma, past choices, and the patterns that can lead to legal involvement requires trust and care.

People often describe me as "direct" and compassionate simultaneously, while maintaining focus on our treatment outcomes.

I approach this work with empathy, clarity, and a practical mindset. My extensive experience in private practice where I supported individuals and couples, and working in a forensic context since 2009, has enabled me to support thousands of individuals across a range of complex emotional, relational, and legal challenges. I am comfortable working with material that is nuanced, confronting, and multi layered.

Outside the therapy room, I am dedicated to physical health, wellbeing, and connection to nature in my everyday life. I maintain connection to family and culture, specifically the Indigenous community. All of this allows my work to be grounded and relational. Sessions are focussed, intentional and direct, all the while including moments of reflection, softness, and humour alongside difficult conversations.

You’ll be working with someone who understands the delicacy of this work, knows how to go straight to the heart of the matter, and supports you to safely navigate the process of change.

Who You’ll Be Working With…

I approach this work with empathy, clarity, and a practical mindset. My extensive experience in private practice, and working in a forensic context since 2009 has enabled me to support thousands of individuals through complex emotional, relational, and legal challenges. I am comfortable working with material that is nuanced, confronting, and multi layered.

Outside the therapy room, I am a mother and someone who values physical health, wellbeing, and connection to nature in my everyday life. My work is grounded and relational. Sessions are focussed, intentional and direct, all the while including moments of reflection, softness, and humour alongside difficult conversations.

You’ll be working with someone who understands the delicacy of this work, knows how to go straight to the heart of the matter, and supports you to safely navigate the process of change.

My Experience

I have been a registered clinical psychologist since 2009 and have worked in private practice since 2011. My experience includes:

Forensic contexts and working with clients involved in the justice system
Preparing sentencing reports and Section 14 reports
Treatment of clients under Section 14 treatment plans
Assessment and therapeutic work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, complex PTSD, trauma, family/attachment difficulties, relational challenges, and more
Couples therapy
Training in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

My goal is to help you reclaim your power by understanding and working with your patterns, not by trying to “fix” you.

Therapeutic Approach

I use a range of evidence-based modalities, including:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Schema Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness and somatic practices
DBT strategies
Chair work / parts work
Radical Exposure Tapping (similar to EMDR)

Sessions are collaborative: you bring your lived experience, and I bring clinical tools and insight to illuminate patterns, support change, and help you reclaim your power. We focus on your reactions and choices — not changing other people or situations — with practical, embodied work that shifts stuck emotions and nervous system patterns.

Who I Work With

I provide evidence-based psychological services for adults who are seeking support for mental health, wellbeing, and relationship challenges. This includes:

Individuals who have been mandated under a Section 14 order, or are involved in the criminal justice system, and require therapeutic support
People experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns
Couples looking into. improving communication, connection, and understanding their relationship.

I work with clients in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space, tailoring therapy to meet each person's unique circumstances and goals.

Please note: These services are provided as clinical psychology sessions and are intended for mental health support and mandated interventions. If you are seeking general coaching, personal or spiritual development, or life guidance outside of psychological services, please contact me to inquire about coaching options.

Clients are expected to be motivated to engage in psychological work, willing to explore their patterns, and able to invest in their mental health.

Shannon Burgess |
Clinical Psychologist