Dr Tania McKirdy,

Clinical Psychologist

After first qualifying as a psychologist in 1989, Tania has worked in a range of settings in rural and regional Queensland, moving through roles in the community and public sectors and then on to private practice in recent years. Early career roles were diverse and interesting with involvement in the provision of psychological services to women who had experienced sexual assault or domestic violence, families in crisis, adults and children with severe intellectual disability, older adults of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and long-term unemployed.

Since 2010, Tania has focused on the provision of clinical psychology services to adults and older adults residing in the Cairns and surrounding communities. This period has included working at Cairns’ Hospital with older adults presenting with complex medical conditions, disabilities, and psychosocial problems, as well as their families and caregivers. Since 2012, Tania has established and developed her private practice, working solidly and consistently with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, bereavement, trauma and related problems.

Aside from clinical work, Tania has also maintained an involvement in higher education at different times and in various ways – she has worked as a research assistant, engaged in postgraduate psychology studies and, most recently, has tutored third year psychology students at James Cook University.

Clinical Interests

• Anxiety: generalised anxiety, panic and agoraphobia, social anxiety, phobias
• Depression
• Adjustment disorders
• Sleep problems
• Caregiver stress
• Late life presentation of mental health disorders (anxiety, depression etc)

Professional Memberships

• Member of The Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
• Member of The APS College of Clinical Psychologists
• Registered Psychologist, Psychology Board of Australia