If you would like to book an appointment online, please follow the links below to schedule an appointment with your preferred psychologist.
This booking service is available for both new and existing clients of Esteem Psychology.
Please note that we will contact you via the mobile or email address you provide in order to confirm your appointment.
Your booking is not final until the psychologist has contacted you to confirm your selected time.
BA (Psych), MA Psych (Clin), MAPS
Liz Ditton is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience in clinical practice. Liz has worked extensively with both adults and children with a wide range of presenting difficulties, both in the public and private sectors. Most recently, Liz has worked as the Service Manager for the largest generalist psychology service within Hunter New England Local Health District, and she returns to Esteem Psychology with a broad understanding of the psychological needs of the local community.
Liz has expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, and Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT). She has also trained in a range of other therapies, including Positive Psychology, Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, etc.
Liz has many years of experience working with children and adolescents in areas such as mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bullying, adjustment difficulties, HSC stress, behavioural difficulties and interpersonal relationship difficulties. Liz’s background in Community Health and private practice has also provided her with expertise in working with adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, workplace stress, trauma, grief and bereavement, and a vast range of other presenting issues.
Liz has a personal interest in occupational burnout prevention and management, and has conducted research and training in this area.
Please note that Liz is not currently accepting referrals for children and adolescents.
BSc (Psych), MA Psych (Clin)
Brendon Knott is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience working with a broad range of complex psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, trauma, grief, adjustment and interpersonal issues, chronic health issues and many others. Brendon works from a functional contextual perspective, using mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioural therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Brendon is also an experienced trainer and lecturer. He has lectured at Macquarie University, and currently presents lectures on ACT and Functional Contextual Therapies to both undergraduate and postgraduate Psychology students at the University of Newcastle. Brendon is locally recognised as an expert in ACT, and provides advanced training workshops to Psychologists and other health professionals in Newcastle, Sydney and rural New South Wales. Brendon also provides clinical supervision to Psychologists, and these services are currently available upon request.
Please note that Brendon does not accept referrals for children and adolescents.
BSc (Psych), MA Psych (Clin), MAPS
Ailie O’Flaherty is a Clinical Psychologist with over 16 years’ experience in clinical practice. Ailie has worked in a wide range of health settings involving adults, adolescents and children. The presenting issues of clients have included depression, anxiety, eating disorders, school refusal, sexual identity issues, behavioural disorders, trauma, workplace stress and relationship issues. Her private practice has involved collaboration with various organisations including Victims of Crime, return to work providers, EAP, school counsellors as well as individuals referred by General Practitioners.
Ailie has expertise in a number of evidence based therapies including Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She has also trained in a range of other evidence based therapies, including Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness, etc.
After an extended maternity leave break, Ailie is returning to private practice and is providing a limited number of after-hours appointments.
Dr Tom Bellamy is a Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and adults. His recent work has focused on adult mental health, including specialist training and the provision of intensive treatment for adults with Borderline Personality Disorder and eating disorders. Tom has extensive experience working with adults with a range of clinical issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar affective disorder and PTSD.
His work with children/adolescents and their families has included behavioural difficulties, anxiety, depressed mood, developmental difficulties, and adjustment to change. Tom’s expertise in therapeutic techniques includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Conversational Model for Borderline Personality Disorder; and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy–Enhanced (CBT-E) for eating disorders.
Dr Tom Bellamy is a Clinical Psychologist with over 7 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and adults. His recent work has focused on adult mental health, including specialist training and the provision of intensive treatment for adults with Borderline Personality Disorder and eating disorders. Tom has extensive experience working with adults with a range of clinical issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar affective disorder and PTSD.
His work with children/adolescents and their families has included behavioural difficulties, anxiety, depressed mood, developmental difficulties, and adjustment to change. Tom’s expertise in therapeutic techniques includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Conversational Model for Borderline Personality Disorder; and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy–Enhanced (CBT-E) for eating disorders.
BA (Hons), MPsych (Clinical), MAPS, MCCLP
Stephen is a registered clinical psychologist who has 25 years’ experience working with a range of young adults and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds. He has worked in both public and private settings and spent many years working within the University Counselling Service at The University of Newcastle.
Stephen has a keen interest in helping his clients develop strategies to build psychological resilience essential for coping with the difficult times in life. He has experience working with a broad range of presentations and issues, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, men’s issues, adjustment and life transition issues, particularly relating to the life of a university student.
Stephen utilizes a range of evidence-based approaches, incorporating strategies from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches (MBSR, MiCBT).
Stephen welcomes a collaborative engagement with his clients helping them develop the strategies they need in order to live a fulfilled and value-driven life, leading to meaningful change in their daily lives.