Dr Holly McGovern

Philosophy & Vision

Holly’s dedication to her profession and commitment to her clients have earned her a noteworthy reputation in the industry. With more than 20 years’ experience in both the public and private sectors she has worked locally and abroad across diverse paediatric settings that include schools, hospital inpatient units, child protection units, and crisis outreach services. This breadth of experience allows her to navigate the complex world of youth mental health in the context of multifaceted family challenges, environmental stressors, and inconsistent service provision. Working with our most vulnerable and at-risk young people prompted her to found @Home Clinical Psychology with a simple mission in mind: To support every family member to focus on themselves and their innate strengths and responsibilities in their family. She is particularly passionate about reenergising parents confidence in themselves and their principal role in the family.

Background

Holly brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her practice having worked in child and adolescent psychology for more than 20 years. She has worked in settings that include the Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatry Unit at Westmead Hospital, the Child Protection Unit at Sydney Children’s Hospital, and the CYMHS Outreach Service for Children and Adolescents at Royal North Shore Hospital. She also believes in the importance of maintaining the professions clinical integrity and curiosity by lecturing at Macquarie University, contributing to curriculum development at the University of Western Sydney, and providing a variety of professional development opportunities for allied health and education professionals.

Services

Therapy Approach

Clinically Holly is skilled in a number of evidence-based therapies including individual approaches (CBT; DBT; ACT) that boost a young persons’ resiliency and promote independence and accountability for themselves in their family, social circles, and wider community. To create space for them to do this work Holly strongly encourages integrating parent and family therapy (Bowen Family Therapy; Circle of Security; and group treatments) to promote parents clarity and confidence in their role in the child’s growth process. Where appropriate Holly utilises the young persons’ wider support systems including school staff and /or medical and allied health professionals.