Kerry Searle

Kerry is a psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with children, young people and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges and life transitions including parenting and the impact of parental mental illness. She takes a collaborative, person-centred approach, working at each individual’s pace and in partnership with them to support meaningful, sustainable change. Kerry believes people are the experts in their own lives and tailors therapy to align with each person’s goals, values, and preferences.

Kerry draws on a broad range of evidence-based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). She offers both standard EMDR and EMDR intensive trauma treatment, where appropriate. With training and experience in trauma-informed Yoga teaching and somatic therapy she also incorporates mind-body approaches in therapy.

Her extensive background across public mental health services, private practice and community development provides a well-rounded understanding of complex presentations, systems and psychosocial stressors. While Kerry has significant experience working with children and adolescents, at South Coast Private she works exclusively with young people aged 17+ and adults, drawing on her earlier experience to inform a developmentally attuned and trauma-informed approach.

Kerry is a neuro-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming practitioner and is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful therapeutic space. As a certified yoga teacher, Kerry may integrate mind–body and grounding approaches to support holistic wellbeing where clinically appropriate. When not working she loves to pursue a range of hobbies, including outdoor adventures and performing arts/theatre both onstage/behind the scenes and in the audience. She is also a bit of a nerd at heart and loves to learn about anything and everything.