Western Sydney Psychologist | Interview with Kathy Zaia

Are you looking for a psychologist near you in Western Sydney? We have a number of psychologists throughout Sydney and today I sat down with the amazing *Kathy Zaia.

Kathy completed her honours degree in psychology in early 2021 and brings her extensive life experience and empathy to support people with disability and behaviour support needs.

Kathy, tell us a bit about yourself.

I have a background in professional counselling, assisting families, children and adults with relationships, grief and loss, suicide prevention and behaviour support. I have a particular interest in child development.

Why did you choose to become a psychologist?

I decided to become a psychologist so that I can support people to overcome any potential challenges within their life. Being a psychologist is an important and rewarding role as it enables you to support people to grow and empower others so that they can live their best life.

Tell us about your specific areas of interest in the field of psychology.

I have a strong interest in supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder and Schizophrenia across all age groups.

I’ve always had an interest in the human brain and understanding the way an individual thinks, feels and behaves and accepting how unique we all are.

As a psychologist, how do you approach your work?

I adopt a holistic, person-centred and eclectic approach to psychology, in order to support people to manage any adversity they may be facing or help them develop skills so that they can live a wonderful and fulfilling life. I take a scientist-practitioner model approach using evidence-based practice.

Tell us something you’ve recently learnt in your role as a psychologist.

Within the Acceptance and Commitment Framework there is an exercise known as dropping an anchor. This skill is extremely useful when dealing with situations that can elicit high levels of emotions such as anxiety. By dropping an anchor, this allows a person to stay within the present moment and not get caught up in the ‘storm’ or become emotionally overwhelmed.

For individuals who experience anxiety, they can often worry about the future or ruminate about the past. By dropping anchor it acts like a circuit breaker and teaches you to ‘ride out the storm’ or sit with your emotions as they will pass. Having this skill in your toolbox can help you from becoming overwhelmed so that you can deal with the challenge that may lay ahead.

As a psychologist, what kind of support can you provide in Western Sydney?

I can provide intervention (i.e., one to one therapy) and assessment for both children and adults. I’m able to work within a number of frameworks including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI).

I also have further training in trauma, managing ASD relationships, suicide prevention and managing behaviours of concern in individuals with disabilities, as well as knowledge of Autism and sexual health, Attention Deficit Disorder in adults and children, trauma, developing coping strategies and dealing with adversity. I’m able to assist people with managing anxiety, depression, developing self-esteem, anger management and developing coping skills to deal with adversity.

Which parts of Western Sydney do you work in?

I work throughout North Western and Western Sydney.

What do you love about living in Western Sydney?

I’ve always lived in North Western and Western Sydney and over the years have witnessed and enjoyed the growth of the multicultural aspect this area now has.

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*Kathy has embarked on a new journey.

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