Makayla Heard

Makayla Heard is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working across public and private settings in Eastern and Bayside Melbourne. She holds a Master of Clinical Psychology and has been registered as a psychologist since 2003.

Makayla currently specialises in psychological and neurodevelopmental assessment for children, adolescents, and adults. Her assessment work includes cognitive (IQ) testing, educational and learning disorder assessments, ADHD assessments across the lifespan, and autism assessments for adults. She has extensive experience producing comprehensive diagnostic reports for schools, GPs, psychiatrists, NDIS, and other funding bodies, with a focus on practical recommendations and strengths-based formulation.

Alongside assessment services, Makayla provides individual therapy for adults presenting with concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, workplace stress, relationship difficulties, and adjustment issues. She also has experience supporting clients with substance use and addictive behaviours using a harm-reduction framework.

Makayla works from an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing primarily on psychodynamic principles while incorporating cognitive behavioural strategies, mindfulness, acceptance-based interventions, internal family systems therapy (IFS), EMDR and skills training where appropriate. She places strong emphasis on building a warm, collaborative therapeutic relationship and tailoring treatment to each client’s individual needs.

Makayla is registered to provide services through Victims of Crime, TAC, Workcover, Department of Justice, and NDIS, including preparation of formal reports for funding, compensation, and legal purposes.

Areas of Practice

Assessment Services

• Cognitive / IQ Assessment (children and adults)
• ADHD Assessment (children and adults)
• Educational and Learning Disorder Assessment
• Autism Spectrum Assessment (adults)
• Comprehensive psychological reporting

Adult Therapy

• Anxiety disorders (including OCD, panic, and social anxiety)
• Depression and mood disorders
• Trauma and stress-related difficulties
• Workplace and occupational stress
• Relationships and family conflict
• Grief and loss
• Motivation and life transitions
• Substance use and addictive behaviours
• GLBTIQA+

Therapeutic Approaches

• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions
• Motivational Interviewing
• Interpersonal Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Client Group

• Adult Therapy

Makayla is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays for daytime and after-hours appointments, with assessment appointments available Monday mornings.