Brianna Donnelly

BPsycSci (Hons1), MPsych (Couns)

Availability: Tuesdays & Fridays (Kenmore)

Languages: English

Brianna completed her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Queensland.

She is recognized as a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician by The Australian and New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders (ANZAED) and the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC). Her expertise encompasses the treatment and diagnosis of eating disorders and other mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and grief. Brianna has a passion for working with young children, adolescents, families, and diverse populations, including queer, trans/gender diverse individuals, and neurodiverse individuals.

With a rich background in working with neurodiversity and disability, Brianna's journey began during her undergraduate degree, where she engaged in both volunteer and part-time positions. Her professional roles have extended to challenging environments, including those with heavy trauma and neurodiverse backgrounds, even with very young children as young as four. Brianna understands the pivotal role of the family in personal development, education, and potential cultivation, and therefore holds high the values that contribute to a healthy and stable family dynamic. Brianna is trained in delivering Maudsley Family Based Treatment (FBT) for Anorexia Nervosa and is an Accredited Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) facilitator.

Brianna takes a person-centered, strength-based approach to client care. Her sensitivity to context (culture, gender, sexual orientation, and SES) and environment (family, work, social support) allows her to effectively address mental health concerns in a diverse clientele. Brianna is guided by the philosophy of cultural humility, fostering an ongoing process of self-exploration and self-critique. She embraces a neuro-affirming and gender-affirming approach, viewing differences as strengths rather than disorders. Grounded in Health At Every Size (HAES), Brianna practices from a weight-neutral stance, recognizing the importance of addressing imbalances in various aspects of an individual's life.

In her practice, Brianna draws from a diverse range of therapeutic techniques and modalities. For individuals, she utilizes approaches such as CBT, CBT-E, ACT, Schema Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. When working with families, Brianna applies a non-judgmental stance and integrates various family therapy models, including Structural, Narrative, Systemic, Functional, and Bowenian family therapies.

Brianna's holistic and compassionate approach aims to empower individuals and families, fostering positive growth and resilience in the face of life's challenges.