Psychology Blog for Psychologists & Provisional Psychologists

Welcome to my psychology blog — a collection of evidence-based articles written for psychologists, provisional psychologists, and allied health professionals.

Here, I share practical clinical insights, training-focused guidance, and thoughtful reflections on assessment, diagnosis, therapy, and working as a psychologist. You’ll also find content to support National Psychology Exam preparation, early-career development, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.

Many of the articles on this page are drawn from my work as a psychologist, trainer, and supervisor, as well as my experience supporting thousands of psychologists through training, assessment, and professional development. My aim is to offer content that is grounded in research, informed by real-world practice, and genuinely useful in day-to-day clinical work.

New articles are added regularly. You can explore the full archive above or use the category filters to find content relevant to your stage of practice or area of interest.

Clinical Tips

This category focuses on practical clinical guidance for psychologists working across assessment and therapy. The content is grounded in evidence-based practice and real-world clinical experience, with a strong focus on what actually helps in the therapy room.

Topics span diagnostic nuance, formulation, differential diagnosis, therapy approaches, and the clinical judgement required to navigate complex and overlapping presentations.

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Clinical Tips Working as a Psychologist Early Career & Provisionals

What the New Psychology Code of Ethics Means for Documentation and Consent

Over the past few weeks, I have been watching the reaction to the updated Psychology...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Are You Missing the Signs of Autism in Adults?

Subtle signs of autism, internalised traits, and the indicators every psychologist should know If you...

Clinical Tips

Treatment Planning in Psychology: How to Work with Complex Presentations

Treatment planning is one of those clinical skills that looks tidy in textbooks but gets...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Autism and Anxiety: Understanding the Overlap

Autism and anxiety often show up together—and sometimes, they look almost identical on the surface....

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Treatment Planning for AuDHD Clients: Moving Beyond the Manualised Model

Treatment planning can feel straightforward on paper—especially if you’re following a structured, manualised model. But...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Recognising Autistic Burnout and Differentiating It from Depression

Autistic burnout is still widely misunderstood—even among clinicians. It’s not the same as depression, although...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

What is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria? And How is it Linked to ADHD?

Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). It’s a term that’s gained traction online, often used to describe an...

Clinical Tips

What Makes a Good Assessment Report in Psychology? A Psychologist’s Guide to Reports That Don’t Suck

Writing Effective Assessment Reports: A Guide for Psychologists Let’s be honest: most psychologists didn’t get...

Clinical Tips

Understanding the Factors That Contribute to Suicidal Behaviour

Suicidal behaviour is a complex and sensitive topic that affects individuals, families, and communities. Understanding...

Clinical Tips

Beyond CBT: Adapting Therapy for Neurodivergent Clients

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is often the go-to intervention for anxiety, depression, and other mental...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

5 Autism & ADHD Assessment Barriers and Clinician Solutions

We talk often about the importance of accurate diagnosis for Autism and ADHD. But what’s...

Clinical Tips Early Career & Provisionals

5 Case Formulation Mistakes: How Psychologists Can Fix Them

Case formulation is one of the most powerful tools we have as psychologists. A strong...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Structured Clinical Interviews in Autism: Are ADOS & MIGDAS Enough?

Structured clinical interviews have long been a cornerstone of autism assessment. Tools like the ADOS...

Clinical Tips

Suicide Risk Assessment: What It Is and Why It Matters

As psychologists, we often sit with clients in their most vulnerable moments. And sometimes, that...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

What Psychologists Should Know Before Choosing an ADHD Assessment Screener

When it comes to assessing ADHD—particularly in adults or individuals with internalised presentations—many psychologists rely...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Why Accurate Autism and ADHD Assessments Are an Ethical Issue

Accurate assessment of autism and ADHD is critical. These assessments ensure individuals receive the support,...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

ADHD or Autism? How to Differentiate Between the Two in Clinical Assessments

ADHD vs Autism: Clinical Assessment Differentiation Strategies Why ADHD and Autism Are Frequently Confused in...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

The Importance of a Holistic Approach in ADHD and Autism Diagnosis

Why Traditional Methods Fall Short For years, ADHD and autism assessments relied primarily on standardized...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

What Makes a Good ADHD Assessment?

Why a Comprehensive ADHD Assessment Matters ADHD is a neurotype that presents uniquely across individuals...

Clinical Tips

What Every Psychologist Needs to Know About Psychopharmacology

As psychologists, understanding the basics of psychopharmacology is not only beneficial but essential to our...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Understanding the MIGDAS: A Strength-Based Approach to Autism Assessment

What is the MIGDAS? The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS) is...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Is Emetophobia Linked to Autism?

Emetophobia is an intense and persistent fear of vomiting that extends far beyond a simple...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Supporting Late-Identified Autistic and ADHD Clients

Being late-identified as autistic and/or having ADHD comes with a unique set of challenges and...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

ADHD: Is It Really a Deficit of Attention?

What are the attentional regulation differences experienced by those with ADHD? When most people think...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Autism and ADHD: Understanding the Paradox

In recent years, the conversation around neurodiversity has grown, bringing increased recognition to autism and...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Understanding Camouflaging: Why Internalised Autism Is So Often Missed

Despite growing awareness of autism, internalised presentations continue to be widely misunderstood and frequently missed....

Clinical Tips

Is Deep Breathing Reinforcing Your Client’s Anxiety?

Today, I want to address the limitations of teaching deep breathing or emotional regulation as...

Clinical Tips

Tips for Effective Case Formulations for Psychologists

Case formulation is a key part of our work as psychologists, allowing us to get...

Clinical Tips

Treating Insomnia: Effective Strategies for Psychologists

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects many of our clients. It is characterised...

Clinical Tips

8 Steps to Overcome Therapy Roadblocks

When a client’s progress stalls, here’s what therapists can do. Therapy is a dynamic and...

Clinical Tips

Behavioural Activation for Depression: Are You Using it Correctly?

Behavioural activation is a structured, evidence-based intervention designed to help individuals overcome depression by increasing...

Clinical Tips

Differential Diagnosis: What Is It and Why Is It important?

As psychologists, we often encounter clients who present with overlapping symptoms—mood swings, anxiety, impulsivity, irritability,...

Clinical Tips

The Truth About Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): It’s Not Just Thought Challenging

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered the first-line treatment for most psychological conditions. Despite its...

Clinical Tips

Elements of A Good Initial Therapy Session

The initial therapy session is one of the most essential stages of psychological treatment. It...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity Affirming Practice: A Guide for Psychologists

When I first started exploring Neurodiversity Affirming Practice, it genuinely changed how I saw my...

Clinical Tips

Effective Goal Setting Strategies in Therapy

Goal Setting in Therapy: Why It Matters and How to Do It Effectively Do you...

Clinical Tips

Key Risk Factors for Suicide Every Psychologist Should Know

Suicide prevention is an essential skill for all mental health professionals. As a provisional psychologist,...

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National Psychology Exam

This section focuses on the National Psychology Exam, with articles designed to support provisional psychologists preparing for registration. You’ll find practical guidance on study strategies, exam structure, common pitfalls, and how to approach NPE preparation in a way that builds both confidence and clinical judgement.

Content in this category draws on my experience supporting provisional psychologists through the NPE and focuses on the underlying competencies, skills, and reasoning the exam assesses, alongside discussion of curriculum and exam changes where relevant.

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National Psychology Exam

Your 2026 National Psychology Exam Study Checklist

Preparing for the National Psychology Exam can feel overwhelming, especially with the updated curriculum coming...

National Psychology Exam

How to Pass the National Psychology Exam Without Burning Out

Updated: Dec 13, 2025 Preparing for the National Psychology Exam (NPE) can feel like a...

National Psychology Exam

Top 5 Misconceptions About the National Psychology Exam

If you’re preparing for the National Psychology Exam (NPE), chances are you’ve heard a few...

National Psychology Exam

From Content to Confidence: How to Know You’re Ready to Sit the National Psychology Exam

If you’re preparing to sit the National Psychology Exam (NPE), you’ve probably spent countless hours...

National Psychology Exam

National Psychology Exam Curriculum Is Changing: What Provisional Psychologists Need to Know

If you’re a provisional psychologist preparing to sit the National Psychology Exam (NPE), you’ve probably...

National Psychology Exam

A Quick-Start Guide to Passing the Ethics Domain on the NPE

When most provisional psychologists prepare for the National Psychology Exam (NPE), they tend to focus...

National Psychology Exam

How to Decode Vignette-Based Ethics Questions on the National Psychology Exam

How to Answer Vignette-Based Ethics Questions on the NPE One of the most underestimated parts...

National Psychology Exam

Beyond the Books: What Provisional Psychologists Miss When Studying for the NPE

When provisional psychologists ask me how to prepare for the National Psychology Exam (NPE), they’re...

National Psychology Exam

Essential Multiple-Choice Strategies for the National Psychology Exam

Preparing for the National Psychology Exam (NPE) isn’t just about knowing the content—it’s also about...

National Psychology Exam

National Psychology Exam Study Timeline: 12, 6 & 3-Month Prep Plans

When to Start Preparing for the National Psychology Exam The National Psychology Exam (NPE) is...

National Psychology Exam

Breaking Down the National Psychology Exam: What’s Actually in the Exam?

The National Psychology Exam (NPE) is a key requirement for provisional psychologists in Australia, assessing...

National Psychology Exam

How to Pass the National Psychology Exam on Your First Attempt

The National Psychology Exam (NPE) is a key milestone for provisional psychologists in Australia. It...

National Psychology Exam

Failing the National Psychology Exam: What to Do Next

Failing the National Psychology Exam (NPE) can be emotionally challenging, and as a provisional psychologist,...

National Psychology Exam

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Preparing for the National Psychology Exam

Preparing for the National Psychology Exam (NPE) is no small task. It’s designed to evaluate...

National Psychology Exam

The Importance of Ethics in the National Psychology Exam: What You Need to Know

Ethics plays a foundational role in psychology, ensuring we, as practitioners, safeguard the welfare of...

National Psychology Exam

National Psychology Exam Resources by Amanda Moses Psychology

I’ve been developing free and paid resources for the National Psychology Exam (NPE) for a...

National Psychology Exam

The National Psychology Exam: A summary of the Candidate Manual

The National Psychology Exam (NPE) is a critical requirement for provisional psychologists in Australia, assessing...

National Psychology Exam

National Psychology Exam: Why Strategy Matters as Much as Study

As a provisional psychologist preparing for the National Psychology Exam (NPE), it’s completely normal to...

National Psychology Exam

Tackling the National Psychology Exam: A Guide for Provisional Psychologists

Becoming a fully registered psychologist in Australia involves several key milestones, one of which is...

National Psychology Exam

Failed the National Psychology Exam? Read This

A Letter to Those Who Have Failed the National Psychology Exam There’s something that isn’t...

National Psychology Exam

Top Tips for Preparing for the National Psychology Exam

When I started developing my National Psychology Exam Preparation Course, I approached it as if...

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Neurodiversity

This section focuses on neurodiversity-affirming perspectives on autism, ADHD, and related neurotypes, with articles covering assessment, diagnosis, lived experience, and clinical practice.

Articles in this category are informed by current research, clinical expertise, and my ongoing work in autism and ADHD assessment and training. They are designed to support evidence-based, respectful, and affirming clinical practice.

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Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Are You Missing the Signs of Autism in Adults?

Subtle signs of autism, internalised traits, and the indicators every psychologist should know If you...

Neurodiversity

Working With Clients Who Self-Diagnose: A Guide for Psychologists

Not every client who walks into your practice is seeking a formal diagnostic assessment. Some...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Autism and Anxiety: Understanding the Overlap

Autism and anxiety often show up together—and sometimes, they look almost identical on the surface....

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Treatment Planning for AuDHD Clients: Moving Beyond the Manualised Model

Treatment planning can feel straightforward on paper—especially if you’re following a structured, manualised model. But...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Recognising Autistic Burnout and Differentiating It from Depression

Autistic burnout is still widely misunderstood—even among clinicians. It’s not the same as depression, although...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

What is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria? And How is it Linked to ADHD?

Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). It’s a term that’s gained traction online, often used to describe an...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

5 Autism & ADHD Assessment Barriers and Clinician Solutions

We talk often about the importance of accurate diagnosis for Autism and ADHD. But what’s...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Structured Clinical Interviews in Autism: Are ADOS & MIGDAS Enough?

Structured clinical interviews have long been a cornerstone of autism assessment. Tools like the ADOS...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

What Psychologists Should Know Before Choosing an ADHD Assessment Screener

When it comes to assessing ADHD—particularly in adults or individuals with internalised presentations—many psychologists rely...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Why Accurate Autism and ADHD Assessments Are an Ethical Issue

Accurate assessment of autism and ADHD is critical. These assessments ensure individuals receive the support,...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

ADHD or Autism? How to Differentiate Between the Two in Clinical Assessments

ADHD vs Autism: Clinical Assessment Differentiation Strategies Why ADHD and Autism Are Frequently Confused in...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

The Importance of a Holistic Approach in ADHD and Autism Diagnosis

Why Traditional Methods Fall Short For years, ADHD and autism assessments relied primarily on standardized...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

What Makes a Good ADHD Assessment?

Why a Comprehensive ADHD Assessment Matters ADHD is a neurotype that presents uniquely across individuals...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Understanding the MIGDAS: A Strength-Based Approach to Autism Assessment

What is the MIGDAS? The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS) is...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Is Emetophobia Linked to Autism?

Emetophobia is an intense and persistent fear of vomiting that extends far beyond a simple...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Supporting Late-Identified Autistic and ADHD Clients

Being late-identified as autistic and/or having ADHD comes with a unique set of challenges and...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

ADHD: Is It Really a Deficit of Attention?

What are the attentional regulation differences experienced by those with ADHD? When most people think...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Autism and ADHD: Understanding the Paradox

In recent years, the conversation around neurodiversity has grown, bringing increased recognition to autism and...

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Understanding Camouflaging: Why Internalised Autism Is So Often Missed

Despite growing awareness of autism, internalised presentations continue to be widely misunderstood and frequently missed....

Clinical Tips Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity Affirming Practice: A Guide for Psychologists

When I first started exploring Neurodiversity Affirming Practice, it genuinely changed how I saw my...

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Working as a Psychologist

Working as a psychologist involves far more than clinical knowledge alone. This section explores the professional realities of psychology, including ethical challenges, sustainability, boundaries, burnout, supervision, and navigating the demands of clinical work over time.

These articles are written for psychologists at all stages of their career and reflect the complexities of working in contemporary practice.

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Clinical Tips Working as a Psychologist Early Career & Provisionals

What the New Psychology Code of Ethics Means for Documentation and Consent

Over the past few weeks, I have been watching the reaction to the updated Psychology...

Working as a Psychologist

Top 5 Challenges New Psychologists Face and How to Overcome Them

Starting out as a psychologist is an exciting yet challenging time. The transition from theory...

Working as a Psychologist

Self-Care for Psychologists: Are You Looking After Yourself?

While learning how to assist others in managing their mental health, have you stopped to...

Working as a Psychologist

Dealing With Imposter Syndrome as an Early Career Psychologist

Imposter Syndrome is something many early career psychologists struggle with. It’s that nagging feeling that...

Working as a Psychologist

Psychologist Burnout: How to Identify & Manage Work Stress

As psychologists, we dedicate ourselves to supporting others, but that doesn’t make us immune to...

Working as a Psychologist

Things I Wish I Knew as a Provisional Psychologist

I was recently asked a question that stuck with me: What would you tell your...

Working as a Psychologist Early Career & Provisionals

Managing Anxiety as a Provisional Psychologist

While you’re training to help others navigate their mental health struggles, how do you manage...

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Early Career & Provisionals

This category is dedicated to early career and provisional psychologists navigating the transition from training to practice. Articles focus on supervision, confidence-building, skill development, and the emotional and practical challenges of the early career years.

You’ll also find guidance on internships, professional identity, and preparing for milestones such as the National Psychology Exam.

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Clinical Tips Working as a Psychologist Early Career & Provisionals

What the New Psychology Code of Ethics Means for Documentation and Consent

Over the past few weeks, I have been watching the reaction to the updated Psychology...

Early Career & Provisionals

Updated Guidelines for the 5+1 Internship Program: What Psychologists Need to Know

On 8 September 2025, the Psychology Board of Australia announced updated guidelines for the 5+1...

Clinical Tips Early Career & Provisionals

5 Case Formulation Mistakes: How Psychologists Can Fix Them

Case formulation is one of the most powerful tools we have as psychologists. A strong...

Early Career & Provisionals

Top Tips for Writing Case Reports for Provisional Psychologists

If you are a provisional psychologist or a clinical psychology masters student, here is my...

Early Career & Provisionals

Financial Survival Guide for Provisional Psychologists in Australia

As a provisional psychologist in Australia, one of the hurdles you might be facing is...

Early Career & Provisionals

How to Become a Psychologist in Australia: Navigating the Pathways

Embarking on a career in psychology in Australia is a journey that requires dedication, academic...

Working as a Psychologist Early Career & Provisionals

Managing Anxiety as a Provisional Psychologist

While you’re training to help others navigate their mental health struggles, how do you manage...

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