At Compass Clinical Psychology, our team of clinical psychologists in Newcastle is united by a shared commitment to providing inclusive, evidence-based care in a compassionate, person-centred environment. Each of our clinicians brings unique expertise, allowing Compass to support individuals across all stages of life.
Amanda King
Clinical Psychologist, Founder & Clinic Director
Compass Clinical Psychology founder and director, Amanda (she/her) is a Clinical Psychologist with 10 years of experience working across the lifespan in both private and public settings. As a proud member of the queer community in Awabakal/Newcastle, she is passionate about fostering a safe and inclusive space where individuals from all walks of life feel valued and supported. Amanda’s approach is warm, inviting, and collaborative. She acknowledges people as whole, complex beings, whose individual identities should be celebrated.
Amanda has a wide range of interests and experiences in the field of psychology, but has a particular interest in working with individuals from the LGBTIQA+ community. She is experienced in and passionate about all things sex, gender, and sexuality. As a member of AusPATH, Amanda offers support for medical gender affirmation for clients, including the preparation of WPATH letters. Amanda also has a strong interest in working with neurodivergent individuals, as well as trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and identity struggles. Clinically, Amanda primarily supports adults (18+), tailoring her therapeutic approach to reflect the needs of every unique being, drawing on evidence-based models such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focussed Brief Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), and queer-affirming therapy.
Outside of work, Amanda loves spending time outdoors snowboarding, surfing, camping, bushwalking, reading, or relaxing at the beach. She cherishes weekends with her partner, niblings (nieces and nephews), friends, and her precious dog, Maximus.
Qualifications and Professional Memberships:
- Master of Clinical Psychology, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), University of Newcastle
- Registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Board Approved Supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia
- Member of the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)
- Member of AusPATH, (the Australian branch of WPATH) – transgender health
- Member of National LGBTI Health Alliance
Tahlia Quinn
Clinical Psychologist
Tahlia (she/her) has a passion for working with young people and adults providing holistic and high-quality care that fosters growth and potential, while recognising and celebrating diversity and individuality. With experience in both schools and private practice, Tahlia integrates her knowledge of development, learning, and mental health to support her clients in achieving their goals.
Tahlia adopts a relaxed, collaborative and strengths-based approach, tailoring therapy to each person’s needs, and drawing from evidence-based models such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Tahlia is passionate about supporting the diverse needs of her clients and currently has a particular interest in working with neurodivergent individuals, those with anxiety and mood concerns, adjustment difficulties, or who are part of the LGBTIQA+ community. She also conducts clinical assessments with adults and children to support people in fostering strengths and identifying areas of need.
Currently pursuing her Clinical Psychology PhD, Tahlia’s research focuses on enhancing wellbeing support during the transition to adulthood for autistic young people. When she’s not at work, Tahlia loves spending her time anywhere in nature where she can create new memories with friends and family, hiking, relaxing at the beach, and staying active. She’s otherwise found relaxing at home with her pets and enjoying a book.
Qualifications and Professional Memberships:
- PhD Candidate (Clinical Psychology), University of Newcastle (2022–present)
- Master of Professional Psychology (Clinical Foundations), University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), University of Newcastle
- Registered with Registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Member of Australia Psychological Society (MAPS)
- Member of AusPATH, (the Australian branch of WPATH) – transgender health
Brianna Barclay (Bree)
Clinical Psychologist
Bree (she/her) is dedicated to creating a person-centred and validating space for all individuals, and practices from a trauma-informed framework. Bree’s approach is warm, relaxed, and collaborative. Bree recognises that coming to therapy can sometimes be challenging, and she strives to create a safe space where clients can explore and build lives that are meaningful to them.
Having worked in community, public health, and private settings, Bree brings a breadth of experience to her clinical practice. She has a keen interest in supporting individuals (16+) with mood and anxiety concerns, eating disorders, body image concerns, adjustment difficulties, and those who are part of the LGBTIQA+ community. Bree is passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals, tailoring her approach to each person’s unique needs.
Using evidence-based approaches, Bree integrates Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) in her practice. She also conducts neurodiversity assessments for children and adults to assist them understanding and leveraging their strengths while addressing areas of need.
Outside of work, you’ll catch Bree reading at the beach, spending time with her family and friends, trying to keep her house plants alive, and finding the best coffee in Newcastle.
Qualifications and Professional Memberships:
- Master of Clinical Psychology, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), University of Newcastle
- Registered with Registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
- Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician (Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders)
- Member of AusPATH, (the Australian branch of WPATH) – transgender health
Tess Piper
Client Services Officer
Tess (she/her) is the friendly first point of contact at Compass Clinical Psychology. As our Client Services Officer, she ensures every client and family is welcomed with warmth, clarity and care – coordinating enquiries, appointments and day-to-day logistics so accessing support feels straightforward and respectful. Tess is committed to inclusive, neuro-affirming and culturally safe service, and she values confidentiality, clear communication and kindness in every interaction.
Alongside her role at Compass, Tess is an Accredited Telephone Crisis Supporter with Lifeline, where she provides support to people from all walks of life. She has previously worked as a Specialist Peer Mentor at the University of Newcastle, supporting neurodivergent students to navigate study and campus life, and as a Therapy Assistant facilitating group activities for neurodivergent children.
Tess has recently completed her Psychology Honours degree at the University of Newcastle after completing her thesis on brain fog during perimenopause. Tess has long-term career aspirations in Clinical Psychology. Outside of work and study, you’ll find Tess at the gym, having a sunrise coffee with friends or enjoying a weekly board games night with her family.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Advanced), University of Newcastle
- Psychology Honours, University of Newcastle
- Accredited Telephone Crisis Supporter, Lifeline Australia
Compass Clinical Psychology acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, Awabakal Country. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities, and thank them for allowing us to support the community on their traditional land.
Compass Clinical Psychology is committed to diversity, fairness, overcoming injustice and social inclusion: this includes Indigenous Australians, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people of all ages, people with a disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.