MEET THE team
DIRECTOR - Alison Cullen
Endorsed Forensic and Clinical Psychologist
Education:
Master of Psychology (Forensic), 2009
Bachelor of Psychology, 2005
Alison Cullen is an endorsed Forensic & Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Forensic Psychologists PTY LTD for over 10 years. Alison has over 15 years of experience in the NSW justice system, having previously worked for DCJ, the NSWPF and William Booth Drug Rehabilitation. She has worked across various jurisdictions, including civil, criminal and the Children’s Court. Alison has great passion and enthusiasm in her work, consistently demonstrating a strong dedication to her clients. Alison's dedication to her profession can be seen in her supervision of provisional and registered psychologists. She also provides treatment under Victims Compensation, Medicare and SIRA.
Top Specialties:
- Supreme Court, Children's Court, and District Court matters
- Criminal matters (including s14, sentencing, risk and bail/parole assessments)
- Civil matters (including litigation, workers compensation, and NCAT)
- Child protection matters (including risk, parenting capacity/restoration and family contact assessments)
- Immigration matters
- Psychotherapy focused on addressing criminogenic needs
Memberships:
Australian Psychological Society (Member No. 025713).
Australian Psychological Society’s College of Forensic Psychologists
Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law (ANZAPPL)
Dr Kala Ram
Endorsed Clinical Psychologist
Education:
Doctor of Clinical Psychology, 2009
Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology), 1999
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology Honours), 1997
Dr Kala Ram is an endorsed Clinical Psychologist who has over 15 years of clinical experience working in Canada, America, and Australia. She has worked across a breadth of settings, including hospitals, government and non-government organisations, and private practice. She delivers evidence-based interventions across a range of psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and addictions. Kala approaches her work with a strong sense of compassion, warmth and empathy.
Top Specialities:
- Criminal matters (including s14, sentencing, risk and bail assessments)
- Psychological assessment
- Psychotherapy for various mental health conditions
Memberships:
Australian Psychological Society (Member No. 025701)
Australian Psychological Society Clinical College
Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law (ANZAPPL)
Michelle Pal
Endorsed Clinical Psychologist
Education:
Master’s degree - Clinical Psychology, 2012
Bachelor’s degree (Honours) - Psychology, 2008
Michelle Pal is an endorsed Clinical Psychologist who has over 10 years experience in hospital, research, and private settings within Sydney. She has a special interest in forensic psychology and criminal matters and is passionate about social justice. She has several years of experience in the assessment and treatment of inmates and overseeing community treatment plans. For psychotherapy clients, Michelle has expertise in a range of therapeutic modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); motivational interviewing, and trauma-focussed therapy.
Top Specialities:
- Criminal matters (including S14, sentencing, and bail reports)
- Thorough assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions
- Outpatient psychotherapy for various mental health conditions
Alex Bell
Endorsed Forensic Psychologist
Education:
Master’s degree - Forensic Psychology, 2020
Bachelor’s degree (Honours) - Psychology, 2017
Alex Bell is an endorsed Forensic Psychologist, who has worked in private and public settings across Sydney. Through working in a diverse range of areas, Alex has gained experience with different offence types, mental health presentations, and psychosocial disabilities. With extensive experience in corrective and disability services, Alex has developed comprehensive expertise in addressing the needs of forensic populations across community and custodial settings, as well as at every stage of their mental health and rehabilitation journey.
Top Specialities:
- Criminal matters (including s14, risk assessment, sentencing, and bail reports)
- Thorough assessment and treatment of mental health conditions, cognitive impairments, and other behavioural difficulties
- Providing psychotherapy and support to assist individuals with psychosocial disability
Memberships:
Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPI; 2764)
Shannon Burgess
Endorsed Clinical Psychologist
Education:
Master's degree - Clinical Psychology, 2008
Postgraduate Diploma - Psychology, 2006
Bachelor's degree - Arts (Double Major in Psychology) - 2004
Certification in Psychadelic Assisted Therapy, 2024
Shannon Burgess is an endorsed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in forensic and clinical locations. Shannon has worked across diverse settings, including Corrective Services, private practices, and various jurisdictions. Her assessment experience has provided Shannon with expertise in mental health presentations and forensic matters across the lifespan. Shannon’s therapeutic experience includes providing therapy for victims and perpetrators of forensic issues, with a focus on healing and empowerment.
Top Specialities:
- Psychological assessments for criminal, civil, and immigration matters (including s14, risk, and sentencing assessments)
- Comprehensive mental health assessment and treatment plan development for adults and young people
- Psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and groups