Christina

Dr Christina Tuke Flanders, BSc

Psychologist

I am a seasoned Educational & Developmental Psychologist dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the human experience. My practice is grounded in the belief that true resilience comes from deeply understanding the root causes of our struggles, rather than simply managing symptoms. In my therapeutic work, I offer more than just a listening ear. I utilise innovative psychodynamic techniques—including Art Therapy, Projective Techniques, and Small Figures Therapy—alongside Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). This blend of creative and evidence-based modalities allows us to access and process deep-seated emotions, trauma, and anxiety that words alone may not reach. I work collaboratively with adults and adolescents (16+) to foster self-awareness and healing. Beyond therapy, I bring a unique dual perspective to my diagnostic work, drawing on over two decades of experience as both a psychologist and a teacher. I specialise in comprehensive educational and developmental assessments for ADHD and Specific Learning Disorders. My approach is holistic and thorough; I provide a "wrap-around" service that involves liaising with schools, paediatricians, and psychiatrists to ensure the diagnosis translates into practical, effective support. Whether through deep-diving therapy or rigorous assessment, my goal is to create a compassionate space where you can embrace your inner strengths and move forward with renewed confidence.

About Me

I am an Educational and Developmental Psychologist with a career dedicated to understanding the intricate layers of human development and mental health. My journey did not begin in a clinic, but in the classroom. With a background as a teacher prior to becoming a psychologist, I bring over two decades of experience in education and mental health to my practice. This dual perspective is central to how I work. Whether I am conducting a complex assessment for a learning disorder or guiding a client through deep-seated trauma, I understand the real-world environments—schools, workplaces, and families—that my clients navigate every day. I founded my practice on the belief that one size does not fit all. Over the years, I observed that traditional "talk therapy" was not always enough to reach the core of a person’s suffering. This led me to train in innovative, psychodynamic modalities like Art Therapy, Small Figures, and EMDR. These tools allow me to meet you where you are, bypassing the limitations of language to access deeper healing and understanding. I am passionate about providing a "wrap-around" service. For my assessment clients, this means I don't just hand over a report; I collaborate with schools and medical professionals to ensure the results lead to tangible support. For my therapy clients, it means offering a safe, non-judgmental space where we can tackle the root causes of pain, rather than just managing symptoms. I am a board-approved supervisor and actively mentor the next generation of psychologists, ensuring that I remain at the forefront of best practices in our field.

Approach

Deep Understanding & Creative Pathways to Healing I believe that true healing comes from understanding not just what we are feeling, but why. My approach is rooted in psychodynamic theory, which means we work together to explore the underlying patterns, past experiences, and unconscious processes that shape your current reality. I view therapy as a collaborative journey where we delve deeply into the complexities of your human experience to find meaning and relief. Beyond Just Talk Sometimes, words are not enough to capture the depth of our experiences or the weight of our struggles. That is why I integrate innovative, creative techniques into our sessions. I utilise Art Therapy, Projective Techniques, and Small Figures Therapy to help externalise difficult thoughts and feelings. These tools provide a safe, non-threatening way to look at problems from a new perspective, often unlocking insights that traditional talk therapy might miss. Trauma-Informed Care For clients dealing with the legacy of trauma or deeply ingrained stress responses, I utilise EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing). This is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and heal from distressing memories, allowing you to move forward without being held back by the past. A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space Whether you are navigating anxiety, grief, relationship breakdowns, or a specific learning difference, my goal is to create a space where you feel truly seen and heard. I combine the expertise of a seasoned psychologist with genuine compassion. Together, we will build on your inner strengths, equipping you with the renewed confidence to overcome challenges and live a more authentic, fulfilling life.
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Basic Information

Services


1. THERAPY: I provide evidence-based psychological interventions specifically tailored for adults and adolescents (aged 16+). My approach delves deeply into the human experience, combining compassion with awareness to help you embrace your inner strengths. I utilise innovative psychodynamic techniques—including Art Therapy, Projective Techniques, and Small Figures Therapy—alongside Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). 2. ASSESSMENTS: Drawing on over two decades of experience as both a teacher and a psychologist, I offer comprehensive assessments to identify unique learning profiles, strengths, and weaknesses. I specialise in assessing for ADHD and Specific Learning Disorders (such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia). I pride myself on providing a "wrap-around" service. This involves not just the assessment itself, but liaising with schools, consulting paediatricians, and working with psychiatrists to ensure a holistic understanding of the diagnosis and the best path forward. 3. SUPERVISION: I am approved by the Psychology Board of Australia to provide supervision to psychologists and provisional psychologists. I have a specific focus on mentoring those seeking endorsement within the APS College of Educational & Developmental Psychology.

Services Offered:

  • Art Therapy

    A form of therapy that uses visual art-making (drawing, painting, sculpture) as a means of expression and emotional processing.

    Learn more about Art Therapy
  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • Intellectual Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal testing to evaluate intellectual ability and cognitive functioning, often used for educational planning or diagnosis.

  • Biofeedback

    A technique that uses sensors to show you real-time data about your body's responses (heart rate, muscle tension, breathing) so you can learn to regulate them.

    Learn more about Biofeedback
  • Child / Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy for children and teenagers using age-appropriate methods, such as play, art, or adapted talk therapy, to address emotional and behavioural difficulties.

    Learn more about Child / Adolescent Therapy
  • Mindfulness

    The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.

    Learn more about Mindfulness
  • Psychotherapy

    In-depth therapeutic work that explores patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships to produce lasting psychological change.

    Learn more about Psychotherapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy

    A therapy that explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape current feelings, relationships, and behaviour.

    Learn more about Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Therapy

    Professional treatment for mental health concerns, providing a structured space for insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change.

    Learn more about Therapy
  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

    Learn more about EMDR

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Individuals
  • Organisations

Area of Expertise


Scope of Practice:

  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Grief & Loss

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Learning or Development Difficulties

    Conditions that affect a person's ability to acquire, process, or apply information, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or intellectual disability, impacting education and daily life.

  • Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout
  • Young Adult Issues

    The unique psychological challenges of emerging adulthood (18–25), including identity formation, independence, relationship navigation, and finding direction.

    Learn more about Young Adult Issues

Professional Title:

  • Psychologist

    A professional trained to assess and treat mental health conditions using evidence-based psychological methods.

Qualifications


BSc (Hons) Psychology & English Literature

Bachelor

University of London, Roehampton

Year: 2001

Masters in Education

Masters

University of Chichester

Year: 2010

Postgraduate Certificate in Education

Canterbury Christ Church

Year: 2022

Professional Doctorate in Child, Community and Educational Psychology

Doctorate

Tavistock & Portman NHS Trust

Year: 2010

Registrations


Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Psychologist

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Psychologist

Memberships


Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Graduate Member

Membership: 156014

Service Area


Rathdowne Village Medical Centre

In-person

Carlton North

Melbourne, Victoria

Australia