Hi, I’m Joanna Knowles.

I’m a registered psychologist, a credentialed eating disorder clinician (ANZAED), and a freelance artist.

I bring both personal insight and professional expertise to my work, blending creativity, empathy, and evidence-based practice to support individuals and families in meaningful ways.

I believe therapy should be a space for exploration and self-discovery—a place where you feel seen, understood, and empowered to make choices that align with your values and identity.

I often incorporate creative methods, such as art, metaphor, and imaginative exercises, to help clients express themselves and process experiences that can be difficult to put into words.

Areas of Focus

I provide support for individuals and families navigating:

  • Neurodiversity & Autism Support: Embracing difference as strength, supporting identity, self-understanding, executive functioning, and sensory regulation.

  • Eating Disorders & Body Image: Inclusive care for those experiencing disordered eating, body dysmorphia, or recovery challenges.

  • Gender & LGBTQIA+ Support: Safe, affirming space to explore gender, sexuality, and identity, including support during transition or self-discovery.

  • Chronic Illness & Invisible Disabilities: Helping clients cope with the emotional and practical impact of long-term or hidden health conditions.

  • Family & Parent Support: Guidance for families navigating complex dynamics, communication challenges, and neurodivergence.

  • Creative & Expressive Therapy: Using art, metaphor, and creativity to explore emotions, identity, and personal meaning.

Creative & Expressive Therapy: Using art, metaphor, and creativity to explore emotions, identity, and personal meaning.

Creative & Expressive Therapy: Using art, metaphor, and creativity to explore emotions, identity, and personal meaning.

Family & Parent Support: Guidance for families navigating complex dynamics, communication challenges, and neurodivergence.

Family & Parent Support: Guidance for families navigating complex dynamics, communication challenges, and neurodivergence.

Neurodiversity & Autism Support: Embracing difference as strength, supporting identity, self-understanding, executive functioning, and sensory regulation.

Neurodiversity & Autism Support: Embracing difference as strength, supporting identity, self-understanding, executive functioning, and sensory regulation.

Eating Disorders & Body Image: Evidence-based care for those experiencing disordered eating, body dysmorphia, or recovery challenges.

Eating Disorders & Body Image: Evidence-based care for those experiencing disordered eating, body dysmorphia, or recovery challenges.

Chronic Illness & Invisible Disabilities: Helping clients cope with the emotional and practical impact of long-term or hidden health conditions.

Chronic Illness & Invisible Disabilities: Helping clients cope with the emotional and practical impact of long-term or hidden health conditions.

Gender & LGBTQIA+ Support: Safe, affirming space to explore gender, sexuality, and identity, including support during transition or self-discovery.

Gender & LGBTQIA+ Support: Safe, affirming space to explore gender, sexuality, and identity, including support during transition or self-discovery.

My Approach

My work is neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and collaborative. I value curiosity, authenticity, and individuality, and I tailor my sessions to meet each client where they are—respecting their pace, strengths, and unique way of experiencing the world.

I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), CBT for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), and neurofeedback therapy, and many years of experience supporting vulnerable youth and individuals with complex mental health needs, including regional and isolated communities. This background allows me to provide effective, tailored support for clients with a wide range of challenges, while maintaining a compassionate and inclusive approach.

I work with clients across all ages, from children (6+) to adults, and also provide family-based support. My goal is always to create a safe, flexible, and compassionate environment where meaningful growth and self-understanding can take place.

Areas of Focus

I provide support for individuals and families navigating:

  • Neurodiversity & Autism Support: Embracing difference as strength, supporting identity, self-understanding, executive functioning, and sensory regulation.

  • Eating Disorders & Body Image: Inclusive care for those experiencing disordered eating, body dysmorphia, or recovery challenges.

  • Gender & LGBTQIA+ Support: Safe, affirming space to explore gender, sexuality, and identity, including support during transition or self-discovery.

  • Chronic Illness & Invisible Disabilities: Helping clients cope with the emotional and practical impact of long-term or hidden health conditions.

  • Family & Parent Support: Guidance for families navigating complex dynamics, communication challenges, and neurodivergence.

  • Creative & Expressive Therapy: Using art, metaphor, and creativity to explore emotions, identity, and personal meaning.

Why I Do This Work

I am passionate about creating therapy that is inclusive, respectful, and tailored to the individual. My personal and professional experiences allow me to understand the challenges faced by neurodivergent clients, those with chronic illness, or those navigating identity and body-related concerns. I aim to help clients build self-understanding, develop practical strategies, and connect with their strengths in a way that feels empowering and authentic.

Fun Facts About Me

When I’m not working with clients, I spend my time as a freelance artist and an avid gamer. I love relaxing with my three cocker spaniels and my birds, and I enjoy singing at community events. I bring my love of creativity, play, and connection into my clinical work wherever it can support insight, engagement, and growth.

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