About

About

Meet Your Psychologist

Dr Shivani Vij

Psychologist · PhD · Board-Approved Supervisor
Dr Shivani Vij is an experienced registered psychologist with more than a decade of work acrossclinical practice, education and academic research. She provides psychological therapy andcomprehensive assessment across the lifespan, working with adults, adolescents and childrenacross a broad range of psychological, relational and neurodevelopmental presentations.
Shivani holds a Master’s in Education, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a PhD inEmotional Development in Children and Adolescents. Her combined background inpsychology, education and developmental research contributes to a nuanced understanding of psychological functioning across different stages of life, including the interaction between emotional development, relationships, neurodevelopment, learning, environment and everyday demands.
Before private practice, Shivani worked as a Professor of Psychology overseas and was actively involved in psychological research and academic writing. She has authored peer-reviewed journal articles and books and co-authored an adaptation of Educational Psychology with Anita Woolfolk, published by Pearson. This academic foundation continues to inform her commitment to clinically rigorous, thoughtful and research-informed psychological care.
Clinical Approach

Individualised, Collaborative & Formulation-Informed

Rather than applying a standard intervention to a diagnosis, Shivani considers each person’s presenting concerns in the context of their history, psychological functioning, relationships, environment, strengths, neurotype and current circumstances.
Her work is grounded in person-centred and humanistic principles, with an emphasis on empathy, respect and the therapeutic relationship. She also works from a trauma-informed, strengths-based and neuroaffirming perspective, recognising the importance of identity, culture, communication style, sensory needs and lived experience.

Depending on the clinical presentation and treatment needs, intervention may draw on evidence-based approaches including:

CBT Acceptance & Commitment Therapy DBT-Informed Interventions Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused CBT Collaborative Problem Solving AutPlay Therapy Polyvagal-Informed Strategies

“

I don't treat diagnoses with off-the-shelf plans. I tailor every step around the real human sitting across from me.

Dr Shivani Vij
Across The Lifespan

Therapy Tailored to Every Stage

Shivani works with clients across adulthood, adolescence and childhood, with treatment tailored to developmental stage, clinical presentation and individual goals.

  • Adults

Anxiety and mood difficulties

Trauma and adjustment

Relationship and interpersonal concerns

Workplace stress

Executive-functioning difficulties

Neurodivergence

Perinatal mental health

Significant life transitions

  • Adolescents & Children

Emotional and behavioural concerns

Developmental and neurodevelopmental needs

School-related distress

Peer and social difficulties

Parent consultation, where clinically appropriate

Collaboration with the systems around the young person

Neuroaffirming Practice

Supporting Autistic People & ADHDers Across Every Age

A significant area of Shivani’s practice involves supporting autistic people and ADHDers across childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Her neuroaffirming approach recognises neurological differences without viewing the person’s neurotype itself as something that requires correction.

Clinical work instead focuses on understanding the individual’s strengths, needs and experiences while providing support for difficulties that may affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, executive functioning, participation or everyday life.

Executive Functioning

Support with planning, task initiation, motivation and organisation.

Emotional Regulation

Understanding and working with big feelings, overwhelm and shutdown.

Sensory & Burnout

Addressing sensory-related overwhelm, masking and autistic or ADHD-related burnout.

Identity & Adjustment

Self-understanding, identity and adjustment following diagnosis.

Self-Advocacy

Building confidence and language to advocate for one's own needs.

Participation

Support within educational, occupational and family environments.

Assessment & Supervision

More Than a Decade of Assessment Experience

Shivani has more than a decade of experience in psychological and diagnostic assessment and provides comprehensive assessments for ADHD, autism, cognitive functioning and Specific Learning Disorders.

Her approach to assessment extends beyond test scores or diagnostic classification. Findings are integrated with developmental and clinical history, behavioural observations, relevant informant information and the individual’s functioning across everyday settings.

Assessment reports are designed to provide a clear clinical understanding of the person’s profile together with practical, individualised recommendations that may inform support at home, school, university, work or within ongoing treatment.

Professional Supervision

As a Board-Approved Supervisor, Shivani provides clinical supervision to psychologists. Her supervision work draws on her clinical, assessment, developmental and academic experience, with a focus on formulation, clinical reasoning, ethical practice and the thoughtful integration of evidence into psychological care.

Tam O'Hehir

Practice Administration

Tammy provides administrative support at For You Psychology and assists clients with enquiries, appointments, referrals, and general practice matters. She brings a warm, approachable, and responsive manner to supporting clients throughout their contact with the practice.
Getting Started

Ready to Begin?

You may contact the practice directly, or attend following a referral from a GP, psychiatrist, paediatrician, insurer or other health professional.

Contact For You Psychology