Olivia Yaksich

Olivia Yaksich is a General Psychologist completing the Clinical Registrar program to gain endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist in 2024. She has a particular interest in childhood stressors and the ongoing impact on a child’s development and beyond. This focus informs both psychological assessment and therapeutic approach. In her practice, Olivia collaborates closely with esteemed Paediatricians, Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists. 

In consulting at the Child Development Network, Olivia primarily provides psychological assessment services for individuals aged 6 to 25 years for diagnostic clarification and to support families and teachers to better understand their child’s needs. She also provides young adult assessments to support the transition following school and into adulthood. Olivia utilises a comprehensive and individualised assessment approach to understand the child’s strengths and weaknesses, and in recommending further strategies and support for both the home and school environment. 

The following are common reasons for referrals that Olivia’s assessments can be tailored for:

• ·       Diagnosis query of ADHD due to hyperactivity, distractibility or memory recall difficulties
• ·       Social and emotional wellbeing concerns
• ·       Impact of executive functioning on learning and functioning in school
• ·       Cognitive functioning assessment, including intellectual impairment or giftedness.
• ·       Confirmation of Specific Learning Disorder due to persistent difficulties in academic areas
• ·       Psychopathology concerns including OCD, Defiance, Depression, or PTSD
• ·       NDIS review assessments, including psychosocial concerns and adaptive functioning

Olivia also provides therapeutic services for adolescents and utilises a warm and compassionate approach. As well as a respectful and collaborative approach to understanding the impact earlier stressors may have on the individual’s current wellbeing and goals. She has experience supporting individuals who at times in their life have experienced anxiety, depression, personality vulnerabilities, complex trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and adjustment difficulties. Olivia draws on a range of evidence-based frameworks in therapy to encourage and support clients to work towards greater independence and emotional wellness in their everyday lives. Treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

With her clinical training, compassionate and respectful approach, Olivia stands as a dedicated professional in the field of Clinical Psychology offering valuable support and guidance to her patients.