I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Clinical Psychology from the Institute for Social Neuroscience.
My Story
I came to psychology through curiosity — a curiosity that began early, growing up across Western Australia, Melbourne, and Sydney, and that years of graduate training and clinical practice have only deepened.
How do our experiences shape who we become? How do the patterns formed in early life quietly govern the way we connect, cope, and see ourselves?
These are the questions that drew me to this work, and they still do.
Trauma Therapy, ADHD Assessments, and Clinical Psychology in Sydney
I have worked with children, teens, and adults in private practice, community health, and hospital settings. I have supported clients with depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, PTSD, trauma, psychosis, and ADHD.
I also offer a range of psychological assessments, including ADHD tests, learning and academic evaluations, giftedness assessments, and assessments for issues such as dyslexia.
All my assessments are evidence-based and strengths-based. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends a whole-person approach to assessment — one that goes beyond a diagnosis to look at learning, attention, mood, relationships, and environment.
I am also a Certificated Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist and Co-Founder of End Wise Australia, a not-for-profit group working to bring psychedelic-assisted therapy into end-of-life care in a safe and evidence-based way.
Note : McKinnon Psychology does not offer psychedelic-assisted therapy. This work is separate from Shanae’s role at McKinnon Psychology.
A Somatic and Attachment-Informed Psychologist in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
I believe therapy is about more than reducing symptoms. It is about building safety, gaining insight, and creating lasting change. I work from a trauma-informed and attachment-informed framework, with a strong focus on nervous system regulation.
If you have ever wondered why the same patterns keep showing up in your life, you are not alone. Our nervous system carries our history, and our coping patterns often make sense when viewed through this lens. My approach is open and collaborative. I help clients spot long-standing patterns and understand how these shape daily life.
Where clinically appropriate, I may include somatic and breathwork techniques to support nervous system regulation. These are always integrated within a broader psychological treatment plan.
Areas of Clinical Focus
I work with children, teens, and adults.
• Trauma and developmental trauma
• Nervous system dysregulation (fight, flight, and shutdown responses)
• Psychological assessments: ADHD, intellectual functioning, giftedness, specific learning difficulties, and dyslexia
• Attachment and relational patterns
• Anxiety and panic
• OCD
• Depression
•ADHD and executive functioning challenges
• Emotional regulation difficulties
• Adjustment and life transitions
I am especially passionate about helping people to see how learning effective ways of regulating your nervous system can support real and lasting change.
Therapeutic Frameworks
- Schema Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure Therapy and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Trauma-Informed Approaches
- Attachment-Informed Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches
- Nervous System Regulation and Breathwork Techniques (integrated within therapy)
In My Spare Time
In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, long-distance running, cooking, and slow mornings with a coffee, a good book, and time with my dog.
Common Questions About Shanae O’Leary, Psychologist
What is Shanae O’Leary’s area of clinical focus?
Shanae O’Leary is a Registered Psychologist at McKinnon Psychology with a clinical focus in trauma, somatic therapy, and attachment-informed psychology. She uses a nervous system-informed approach and integrates breathwork techniques where clinically appropriate. She also offers psychological assessments for ADHD, learning difficulties, and intellectual functioning.
Where is Shanae O’Leary based?
Shanae works in person at McKinnon Psychology, Suite 3A, 2 New McLean Street, Edgecliff, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. She welcomes clients from across Greater Sydney, including the North Shore, Inner West, South Sydney, and West Sydney. She also offers telehealth sessions for clients in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and rural and remote areas across Australia.
Is Shanae O’Leary a somatic psychologist?
Shanae uses somatic and breathwork techniques as part of her trauma-informed approach. These tools help support nervous system regulation and are always integrated within a broader psychological treatment plan, not offered as a stand-alone service.
Can I access trauma therapy at McKinnon Psychology in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs?
Yes. Shanae O’Leary provides trauma and attachment therapy at McKinnon Psychology in Edgecliff. The clinic is less than five minutes from Edgecliff Station and serves clients from across Sydney. Telehealth sessions are also available. Contact McKinnon Psychology to arrange an initial consultation.
Does Shanae offer telehealth psychology sessions?
Yes. Shanae offers telehealth sessions for clients across Australia, including Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and rural and remote communities. Sessions are delivered via a secure video platform.
Ready to Take a Step Forward?
If you are ready to take the next step, our Administration team at McKinnon Psychology is here to help. They can answer your questions, check availability, and book you in with Shanae.
You can get in touch via our contact page or call us during business hours, Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. We look forward to hearing from you.
Last Updated on February 23, 2026 by Dr Anna McKinnon