About Dr Karen Ballinger

I have been working as a clinical psychologist since 1998. Initially I specialised in child and adolescent mental health, completing post-graduate and a clinical doctorate in this field. I worked at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre in the child and adolescent mental health service up until 2003 when I had my first child. After enjoying being a stay at home mum for 4 years, I moved into private practice in 2007. Up until that point I had predominantly worked with adults in their roles as parent, care-giver, and teacher, rather than client. It turned out to be an easy transition to move into working with adults as clients. Now, approximately a third of my clients are under 18, and two thirds above, they range in age from 5 to 95. I love working across the age range, typically enjoying the energy and creativity of my younger clients, and the wisdom and experience of my older ones.

Sammy, my Maltese x Shiu Tzu joined my family and then my practice in April 2017. We completed animal assisted training that year, and Sammy became a fully-fledged certified therapy dog. He has been a lovely asset to my work, bringing comfort, and an extra element of fun and cheekiness to the room.

I believe that my clients are the experts in their life. I welcome the opportunity to join their team as a consultant for a period of time. I bring my knowledge and experience, objectivity, and compassion to help clients identify the changes they want to make to improve their life and wellbeing. I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge, tools and strategies to help people live a richer, more meaningful life. Compassion, respect and empowerment are at the core of my work.