Kerrie Lawler

Seeking support can sometimes feel like a big step. Many people arrive in therapy feeling overwhelmed, uncertain or simply wanting things to feel easier. My aim is to create a supportive space where you feel heard, understood and able to make sense of what is happening.

 

I am a registered psychologist based in Bundall on the Gold Coast. I work with children, adolescents and adults who may be experiencing anxiety, stress, emotional overwhelm, behavioural challenges or difficult life transitions.

​

Before becoming a psychologist, I worked as a primary and early secondary school teacher. I have worked with children of al ages, in different capacities,  my whole working life.  During my time in education, I often found myself thinking about the children who were struggling quietly beneath the surface - those whose behaviour, anxiety or emotional difficulties were affecting their confidence, learning and relationships, as well as those who were definitely heading down the wrong path.  I wondered how I could change that path for them. I began to realise that while teaching allowed me to support students in important ways, I wanted to develop deeper skills to understand and support the emotional and psychological challenges that shape people’s lives. This led me to pursue further study and training in psychology.

​

My background in both education and psychology allows me to bring a practical and compassionate perspective to my work. I understand the academic, social and emotional pressures that children and adolescents face, and I also support adults who are navigating stress, anxiety, high expectations and the complexities of modern life.  Being a parent myself, this perspective helps me understand the real-life pressures many parents and families face when supporting children through emotional or behavioural challenges.

​

In therapy, my approach is warm, collaborative and down-to-earth. I believe therapy works best when people feel safe, respected and genuinely understood. My role is to work together with you to help make sense of what is happening, explore the patterns that may be contributing to difficulties, and develop practical strategies that can support change in everyday life.

​

I aim to create a space where clients feel comfortable to speak openly, without judgment or pressure. Whether working with children, adolescents or adults, I tailor sessions to the individual so that therapy feels relevant, supportive and constructive.

​

My goal is to support clients to feel more confident, better equipped to manage life’s challenges, and able to move forward with greater clarity and self-understanding.

​

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the moments when things begin to shift, when a person gains new insight, develops greater self-understanding, or realises they have more capacity to manage challenges than they previously believed. Those “light bulb” moments of clarity, acceptance and growth are what make this work deeply meaningful to me.​

​

Many people feel unsure about reaching out for support, especially if they have never attended therapy before. It’s common to wonder whether therapy will help, or whether your concerns are “serious enough”. If you’re feeling uncertain, you’re not alone and taking the step to explore support can often be the beginning of meaningful change.