aXon Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience
Areas of Practice
Branches of Psychology
Clinical psychology draws on a number of specialised fields that contribute to understanding how people think, feel, behave, and respond to life’s challenges.
The following areas reflect clinical interests and fields of practice that inform assessment, therapy, consultation, and professional work undertaken at aXon Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience. Not every area will be relevant to every client, however together they help guide a thoughtful and evidence-informed approach to psychological care.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology explores the relationship between brain function, thinking, emotions, and behaviour. It draws on research into how injury, illness, neurological conditions, and other factors may influence memory, attention, decision-making, emotional regulation, and everyday functioning.
This area of practice helps inform assessment and understanding of cognitive and behavioural difficulties and reflects Anette’s ongoing interest in neuroscience and brain-behaviour relationships.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
How psychology may contribute
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) involves neurological symptoms that may affect movement, sensation, attention, or other aspects of functioning. These symptoms can be distressing and may occur in the absence of identifiable neurological disease processes that fully explain the presentation.
Research into FND continues to evolve, with increasing understanding of the complex interactions between brain function, psychological processes, and physical symptoms.
Psychological support may form part of a broader multidisciplinary approach to care where appropriate.
Developmental Disorders
Developmental and neurodevelopmental conditions typically emerge during childhood and may influence learning, attention, communication, emotional regulation, behaviour, or social functioning.
Examples may include autism spectrum conditions, attention-related difficulties, learning disorders, and other developmental presentations.
Psychological assessment and support can help individuals, families, and professionals better understand strengths, challenges, and support needs across different stages of life.
Pain Psychology
Pain psychology focuses on understanding the relationship between physical pain, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and daily functioning.
Chronic pain can affect many areas of life, including mood, relationships, work, sleep, and quality of life. Psychological approaches may assist individuals to better understand and manage the impact of pain while supporting resilience, coping strategies, and overall wellbeing.
Assessment and therapy are tailored to the individual’s circumstances and may form part of a broader healthcare approach.
Psychological Assessment & Testing
Psychological assessment uses interviews, clinical observations, and standardised assessment tools to assist in understanding an individual’s strengths, challenges, functioning, and support needs.
Assessments may be used in clinical, educational, occupational, family law, forensic, or health-related contexts, depending on the referral question and circumstances.
The selection of assessment tools is guided by professional standards, current evidence, and the specific needs of the individual.
Complex Psychological Presentations
Some individuals experience multiple overlapping psychological, emotional, behavioural, health, or life challenges that do not fit neatly into a single diagnosis or category.
Complex presentations may involve longstanding difficulties with emotional regulation, trauma, anxiety, mood, personality functioning, chronic health conditions, dissociation, relationship difficulties, or significant life stressors.
Assessment and therapy aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s experiences, strengths, needs, and goals in order to guide appropriate support and intervention.
How These Areas Inform Our Services
The areas of practice described above help inform the clinical services offered by aXon Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience, including psychological therapy, assessment, professional consultation, supervision, workshops, and educational services.
Not every client will require support across all areas. Assessment and therapy are tailored to individual circumstances, needs, and goals.
