About

Hello! I’m Katie Peterson (she/her), a registered clinical psychologist with a diverse background in mental health care and intervention spanning over 8 years in government inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as private practice. My first taste of the field of psychology was as a receptionist in a clinic in Canberra, a role I enjoyed for 5 years and which confirmed my passion for meeting and supporting people as they traverse life’s challenges. After returning to university for clinical training and remaining in Canberra for a number of years gaining experience and confidence, both personally and as a psychologist, I eventually returned to my hometown on the far south coast of NSW.

Mental illness is not uncommon, with 1 in 5 Australians experiencing a mental illness each year, and almost half of us experiencing mental illness at some point in our lives. My personal experiences supporting loved ones through adversity and loss have deeply informed my practice, and drive my commitment to creating a safe, empathetic, and validating space where clients can find growth and connection, reinforcing the understanding that no one is ever truly alone in their struggles. As a psychologist, I recognize the importance of continuous self-reflection and personal development and make it a priority to seek supervision and my own therapy when necessary, which allows me to remain connected to both sides of the therapeutic journey, and in turn better supporting clients.

In addition to my commitment to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, I am deeply dedicated to environmental sustainability, and have nurtured a lifelong love of animals, the outdoors, and adventure. As a member of the Climate Aware Practitioner’s Network, I strive to address the intersection of mental health and climate change, recognizing the profound effects that environmental issues can have on psychological well-being.

My qualifications include a Master of Clinical Psychology from the Cairnmillar Institute, extensive training through a psychology internship with Canberra Health Services, and undergraduate studies at the Australian National University.

Outside of work, I can be found enjoying nature or pursuing my role as a skydiving instructor. The name of my practice, Flare Psychology and Forest Therapy, is inspired by skydiving. Flaring is the process of “putting on the brakes” in skydiving, slowing our descent in order to land safely. Just as we take a moment to reduce speed and prepare to come safely back down to earth, I hope to help others slow down and focus on their well-being, creating the space needed to thrive and fully engage in an enjoyable and meaningful life.