Shirley

Ms Shirley Heilemann

Registered Psychologist

“I call anxiety “the Internalised Bully”. Countless clients have said “that’s it” when I demystify what is happening to them. In our work together, the person is invited to get to know themselves as not being “the problem”. Instead, we get to understand the cognitive process of anxiety and the effects of this on you.”

About Me

I help clients demystify anxiety, which I often call 'the Internalised Bully'. Many say 'that's it' when they understand what is truly happening. We work together so you can discover you are not the problem. Instead, we explore the cognitive process of anxiety and its effects on you. This collaborative approach is ideal for anyone feeling overwhelmed, helping you gain clarity and practical understanding.

Approach

Seeing anxiety as an organised pattern shifts how I work: sessions are down-to-earth, curious and paced so you can notice what’s happening without getting flooded. I meet people in Sydney and online in English, and we use that continuity to try small experiments between appointments and track what actually changes. In-session we map worry loops, test gentle behavioural shifts and name the thoughts that run the show so they lose power. This approach suits adolescents and adults who feel overwhelmed by repeating worry.
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Basic Information

In-person & Online

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Services

Services Offered:

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

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  • Therapy

    Professional treatment for mental health concerns, providing a structured space for insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change.

    Learn more about Therapy
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Individuals
  • Organisations
  • Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma

Professional Title:

  • Registered Psychologist

    A psychologist registered with a regulatory body to provide psychological assessment and treatment.

Credentials

Registrations

Psychology Board of Australia

Psychologist

Qualifications

Macquarie University

Service Areas

Counselling in Conversation

In-person & Online

Crows Nest

Sydney, New South Wales

Australia

Crows Nest, Sydney, Australia