Alicia

Alicia Merlino

Psychologist

verified by TherapyRoute

I support adolescents and adults to make sense of their experiences and understand how past patterns and relationships can continue to influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in the present. I believe meaningful and lasting change develops through building insight, emotional awareness, self-compassion, and supported practice of new ways of responding. I aim to provide a warm, respectful, and non-judgmental space where you can safely explore difficult emotions, life experiences, and relational patterns at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I place strong value on developing a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship, recognising that change often occurs when people feel understood and supported. I work from a strengths-based perspective, helping clients recognise and build on their existing capacities, values, and coping strategies.

About Me

I’m a registered psychologist who works with adolescents and adults, offering a calm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space to explore whatever has brought you to therapy. I understand that starting therapy, or opening up about certain experiences, can feel anxiety-provoking and can take time. I work at a pace that feels right for you, with a strong emphasis on safety, trust, and the therapeutic relationship. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you feel ready, and I won’t push you into a particular approach or outcome. My work is informed by an attachment-focused and trauma-aware perspective. I value getting to know each person as a whole, including their strengths, values, and the ways they’ve learned to cope. While therapy often involves exploring challenges, I also aim to help you reconnect with what you do well and develop a more compassionate understanding of yourself.

Approach

My approach to therapy is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to each individual. I help clients identify patterns in thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships that may be contributing to ongoing difficulties. I draw on evidence-based approaches including Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and strengths-based frameworks to support both insight and the development of practical skills. I place strong emphasis on psychoeducation, helping clients understand how stress, trauma, and emotions affect the brain and nervous system, and why particular strategies can be helpful. Therapy is paced to suit each person, with attention to small but meaningful shifts such as increased self-compassion, improved boundaries, or greater confidence in prioritising personal needs.
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Basic Information

Services


I work with adolescents and adults experiencing a broad range of emotional and psychological difficulties. This includes anxiety and chronic stress, depression and low mood, trauma including childhood and developmental trauma, self-harm and suicidal ideation, grief and loss, relationship and attachment difficulties, family and family-of-origin issues, identity and self-esteem concerns, emotional regulation difficulties, life transitions, and work or study-related stress.

Services Offered:

  • ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
  • CBT
  • Schema Therapy
  • Child Protection
  • Coaching
  • Consultation
  • Counselling
  • Corporate Workshops
  • Individual Therapy

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Individuals
  • Organisations
  • Parents

Area of Expertise


Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse
  • Anxiety
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Trauma
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Depression
  • Stress / Burnout
  • Family Issues
  • Grief, Loss & Bereavement

Professional Title:

  • Psychologist

Qualifications


Master of Forensic Mental Health

Griffith University

Year: 2020

Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health

NSW Institute of Psychiatry

Year: 2015

Registrations


Psychology Board of Australia (via AHPRA)

Psychologist (Psych)

Registration: PSY0001049535

Verify License

Memberships


Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Associate Member

Service Areas


Birchtree Centre

In-person & Online

Sydney, New South Wales 2037

Australia

In-person & Online

Sydney, New South Wales 2022

Australia