Prior to practicing as a psychologist, Dr Sowden gained a Research Fellowship in the Medical School, University of Dundee, Scotland, and a position as a Visiting Scholar in the Medical School, Dalhousie University, Canada. Dr Sowden has also held senior teaching positions in the independent school system in Australia. Dr Sowden’s qualifications relevant to psychological practice include: Master in Psychology (Clinical); Master in Education (Psychology); a Diploma in Applied Child Psychology; and a PhD from the University of Melbourne.

Dr Susette Sowden’s work as a Clinical Psychologist includes: assessment and treatment for Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissociative Disorders, Eating Disorders, Sleep Disorders, Somatoform Disorders, Sexual Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, Schizophrenia, and Personality Disorders. Dr Sowden also has extensive experience working with people experiencing relationship difficulties, anger management problems, and personal issues. Dr Susette Sowden also provides clinical assessment and treatment for patients embarking on bariatric surgery.

Regarding Dr Susette Sowden’s work as a Forensic Psychologist, she has extensive expertise in preparing medico-legal assessments for Workcover and Comcare claimants; and for Courts for criminal matters including sentencing assessments, family law matters and victims’ compensation matters. Dr Sowden also has extensive expertise in conducting parenting capacity assessments. Dr Sowden was an Authorized Clinician for the Children’s Court Clinic, NSW for over 10 years. Dr Sowden also has expertise in forensic assessment for treatment of criminal offenders. Dr Sowden has expertise in forensic assessment and treatment of sexual offenders. Dr Susette Sowden has been an expert witness in a variety of Courts including the Children’s Court, the Family Court, and Courts addressing Workers’ Compensation issues and criminal matters. She has also been an expert witness in the Industrial Relations Commission.

Dr Susette Sowden’s work as an Educational & Developmental Psychologist includes assessment and treatment for children and adults with disorders such as: Specific Learning Disorders; Autism Spectrum Disorder; and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Dr Sowden also has expertise in working with children experiencing behavioural problems manifesting as Oppositional Defiant Disorder and/or Conduct Disorder. She has also conducted assessments and interventions for children and adults who are gifted and talented. Sophisticated educational & developmental testing is utilized. The psychological tests may include tests of: intellectual/cognitive ability; memory and learning abilities; performance in literacy, numeracy, and oral language; executive functioning; adaptive behavioural functioning; personality development; and social/emotional development. Dr Sowden also has expertise in screening neuropsychological testing for patients with concerns about acquired brain injuries and the onset of dementia.

Dr Susette Sowden is an experienced Supervisor for intern psychologists wishing to become registered psychologists and for psychologists working towards College membership in the areas of Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Educational & Developmental Psychology.

MEMBERSHIPS

• Australian Psychological Society

• College of Clinical Psychologists

• College of Forensic Psychologists

• College of Educational & Developmental Psychologists

• Psychology Board of Australia, AHPRA

• Cannan Institute Limited

• Australasian Trauma Association

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Association of Australia