Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)

Endorsed Clinical Psychologist

Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Fluent in Cantonese

Circle of Security Training

Biography – Dr Leona Chun

Leona is a Registered Clinical Psychologist who holds a Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Queensland University of Technology. Her strong interest in adolescent mental health motivated her to complete her doctoral research on the links between school belonging, family connectedness, cultural adaptation and depressive symptoms among Anglo-Australian and Asian Australian youths. Clinically, Leona is experienced in working with individuals and families across the lifespan, and of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She has worked in the public and private health sectors, including mental health, medical, hospital, aged care and residential settings. She also previously worked at Lifeline as a Crisis Supporter and Supervisor. Leona is most passionate about helping young people and families, and deeply appreciates the unique qualities of every individual.

Leona’s work draws on the key values of client-centred and strengths-based approaches. Leona is skilled in evidence-based interventions including: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P). Her training and experience has enabled her to skilfully integrate different psychotherapy approaches to tailor treatment to client’s individual needs and goals, while maintaining a high level of ethical and evidence-based practice. She adopts an outcome-informed therapy approach where she regularly assesses the effectiveness of her techniques.

Leona is a bilingual clinician who can conduct therapy in English and Cantonese (Chinese).

 

Clinical Interests

Children (age 6+), adolescents, adults and families
Depression, anxiety and mood-related problems
Children and adolescents with difficulties attending school (also referred to as school anxiety and school refusal)
Suicide and self-harm
Relationship issues
Cross-cultural issues (eg. Cultural adjustment and migration difficulties)
Trauma
Behavioural problems in children and adolescents
Parenting
Adjustment to medical and physical health problems
Education and consultancy

Workshops

“Shaking off the School Jitters”: Assessing, Treating and Managing School Refusal in Youths. A practical workshop for School Psychologists and Guidance Officers.

 

Please note that Leona is unable to conduct medico-legal assessments and family court reports.

Outside of work, Leona enjoys playing badminton, boxing fitness, and being a “foodie”. She is an animal lover and has a little Maltese Shih Tzu dog named Ron. She enjoys working with young people across clinical and sporting contexts, and has previously worked as a high school Badminton coach for five years.