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audhd & autism assessment with melbourne psychologist

Hi there

Vanessa Tan Melbourne psychologist neurodiversity affirming

Meet Vanessa

She/Her

Hello, I'm Vanessa.

 

I'm an AuDHD Educational and Developmental Psychologist.

 

For almost 10 years, my special focus has been supporting Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD people, specifically those with internalised or high-masking presentations (often seen in but not exclusive to individuals who identify as women). This special interest persists. I'm also passionate about supporting clients who are fellow psychologists or are in allied health and medical professions.

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I've worked at clinics that specially focus on paediatrics, assessment, and Autistic girls and women. I regularly engage in peer supervision with neuroaffirming colleagues from different disciplines, and I've co-facilitated peer supervision and support groups for neurodivergent mental health professionals in Australia.​​​​

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I recently transitioned my practice to fully telehealth. When I provided in-person services, I was accompanied by my fantastic therapy dogs, Mikro and Megiddo. I honour their years of dedication and service by keeping their faces on my website (and perhaps attract the animal loving clients)!​

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​​Friendly heads-up: Vanessa's hair is no longer very curly — same psychologist, different texture!

My Passions

Supporting Autistic and ADHD people must extend outside of the therapy context and involve dismantling barriers they face each day in the neurotypical world. As such, I'm passionate about advocating for the neurodivergent community towards greater acceptance and equity, and teaching others about the neuroaffirming perspective.

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I'm also invested in animal welfare and learning about dog training methods where dogs' needs, welfare, and bodily autonomy are respected (just like with humans).

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Outside of work, you'll find me bushwalking with my four dogs, playing video games (Assassin's Creed and Skyrim are still my favourites), memorising dinosaur facts that I'll never use, and trying to keep houseplants alive.

My Qualifications & Memberships

​∞   Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental), Monash University

∞   Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)

∞   Member of the League of Autistic Psychologists and Affirming Colleagues (LOAPAC)

∞   Full Member of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA)

∞   Certified Advanced Multidog Handler (Lead the Way Institute)

Meet The Therapy Dogs

Mikro is a Shih Tzu who loves cuddles, pats, and treats (shamelessly).

 

He is affectionate, sensitive, and very gentle. He can also be sneaky with his affection so look out for that tongue!

His memory may be spotty, his attention a bit scattered, and he’s not always sure what’s expected of him, but he always tries his best to do right by others.

When Mikro isn't working, he loves going on walks, chasing ducks, and sniffing every tree. He continues to love working with his clients during in-person sessions.

mikro therapy dog for Vanessa Tan Melbourne psychologist neurodiversity affirming

Mikro's

Qualifications

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∞   Advanced Therapy Dog Certification (Lead the Way Institute)

∞   A very good boy

Megiddo (or Megi) is an Irish Wolfhound with a heart as big as herself.

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The epitome of calmness, she's always had an old soul and moved at the unhurried pace of molasses. But when something captures her attention, her focus is unwavering.

She has been a wonderful therapy dog, but with age and illness, she began expressing a desire to remain home. As welfare should always be prioritised, I retired Megi in 2023. She now spends her days lounging on the couch in front of the TV, going for slow, gentle walks, then returning home to lie down again. Getting up is hard work when you're a big dog!​

Megi retired therapy dog for Vanessa Tan Melbourne psychologist neurodiversity affirming

Retired

Megi's ​

Qualifications

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∞   Advanced Therapy Dog Certification (Lead the Way Institute)

∞   A generally good girl

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