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)
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
Anthony Smith
Endorsed Clinical Psychologist | Board Approved Supervisor
Education:
Currently Completing Graduate Diploma in Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health/Psychosexual Therapy Stream)
Master of Psychology (Clinical), 2021
Graduate Diploma of Psychology, 2015
Bachelor Social Work, 2010
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), 2010
Certificate IV in Government (Statutory Compliance), 2009
Certificate III in Investigative Services, 2009
Anthony Smith is an endorsed clinical psychologist based in Victoria with over 17 years experience in the forensic sector. Ten of these years have involved clinical work within a diverse range of settings, including corrective services, community programs, youth services, organisations and private practice. Anthony has much experience administering detailed assessments, writing comprehensive reports and providing therapy to clients presenting with complex behaviour concerns (such as violence, sexual offending and self-harm) and complex mental health diagnoses. Anthony is particularly interested in supporting clients from the LGBTQI+ community, as well as those living with physical, intellectual or psychosocial disabilities.
Top Specialties
- Provision of assessments and therapies to a diverse range of clients presenting with complex concerns
- Significant experience working with those who have difficulties with sexual functioning, including concerning sexualised behaviours
- Interest in working with clients from the LGBTQI+ community
- Provision of assessments, therapies and supports to clients living with disabilities, in addition to the clients’ families and support network
Memberships
Australian Psychological Society (Member No. 034752)
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
Dr Ines Seric
Endorsed Clinical Psychologist | Endorsed Forensic Psychologist | Board Approved Supervisor | Registrar Program Principal Supervisor for Clinical Psychology and Forensic Psychology
Education:
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Family Therapy, 2023
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic), 2016
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), 2011
Dr Ines Seric has 10 years’ worth of experience working as an endorsed clinical and forensic psychologist, in both private and public settings. Over the course of such experience, Ines has taken on several roles, including but not limited to the provision of independent psychological assessments for judicial officers; acting as an expert witness; establishing positive parenting and attachment-informed group programs; facilitating inpatient and outpatient DBT and CBT programs; and providing both treatment and assessments to clients presenting with complex and comorbid needs. She has worked with both young people and adults, within and independently from multidisciplinary teams. Dr Ines is particularly interested in working with individuals who have experienced trauma and are living with personality disorder and/or mental illness.
Top Specialities:
- Provision of assessments and therapies to a diverse range of clients presenting with complex concerns (including offence paralleling and high-risk self-injurious behaviours)
- Significant experience working within custodial settings
- Interest in working with young persons and their families/caregivers
Shaye Kleynjan
Business Manager | Provisional Psychologist
Education:
Currently completing Master's Degree - Psychology (Forensic)
Bachelor's Degree (Honours) - Psychological Science - 2024
Bachelor's Degree - Criminology - 2023
Shaye Kleynjan assists the team with all administration-related duties and some psychometric testing/scoring. She also undertakes research to assist practitioners in remaining abreast when interpreting their assessments and writing up their reports. Shaye has previous experience working within the domestic violence and homelessness sector as a case manager, and holds a strong passion in this area. She is currently completing her placement at the University of New South Wales's Forensic Psychology Clinic, where she will develop skills relating to both psychological assessment and treatment. Shaye works with clients in a compassionate and trauma-informed manner.