Andy Nicholson

Provisional Psychologist | Registered Teacher

Andy is a Provisional Psychologist and Registered Teacher who brings together clinical training, research experience, and lived experience to support meaningful and lasting change.

Before entering psychology, Andy spent five years working in education, including teaching senior Psychology and conducting research into teacher burnout and wellbeing. Through both his professional and personal experiences, he became increasingly interested in the emotional patterns that shape how people see themselves, relate to others, and move through life.

Andy works with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and life transitions. His approach is informed by psychodynamic and attachment-based therapies and focuses on helping people better understand themselves, strengthen their sense of self, and create lasting change.

He is also involved in psychological assessments across cognitive, learning, ADHD, Autism, and diagnostic presentations, helping individuals gain a clearer understanding of their strengths, challenges, and support needs.

Outside of work, Andy enjoys spending time with family, surfing, training, and playing drums.

You may be a good fit for Andy if you:

• Feel stuck in patterns that keep repeating despite your best efforts

• Struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, or low self-worth

• Want to understand why you think, feel, or react the way you do

• Are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties

• Value a warm, reflective, and collaborative approach to therapy

• Are looking for more than symptom management and want meaningful, lasting change

Intensive EMDR

Focused trauma treatment, delivered efficiently

Intensive Eye-movement Desensitisation Reprocessing or EMDR provides extended therapy sessions over consecutive days, allowing for deeper and more focused trauma processing than standard weekly therapy.

Extended sessions across consecutive days

Structured and contained approach

Designed for deeper trauma resolution

Delivered by Clinical Psychologists experienced in treating complex trauma

Suitable if you:

Are ready to prioritise your wellbeing

Want focused trauma processing

Experience attachment trauma, PTSD or Complex PtSD

Feel stuck despite previous therapy

Individual Therapy

Ongoing support for meaningful change

We work with people experiencing:

Anxiety, overthinking, and feeling constantly on edge

Burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion

Depression and low mood

Trauma and past experiences that still impact daily life

Relationship difficulties and patterns

Identity questions, life transition, or feeling stuck

Therapy focuses on understanding and shifting the patterns driving these experiences, not just managing symptoms.

Ongoing, collaborative support at a steady pace

Focus on underlying emotional and relational patterns

EMDR or talk-based where appropriate

We accept Private, Medicare, NDIS, DVA, and WorkCover (QLD & NSW) referrals

This may suit you if you:

Prefer a steady, ongoing approach

Feel stuck despite previous therapy

Want support before or after intensive work

Assessments

Clear, Comprehensive, and Collaborative

We provide evidence-based assessments for children and adults, with a focus on clarity, practical outcomes, and a neuro-affirming approach that recognises individual differences and focuses on strengths. Our aim is not just diagnose, but help you better understand your unique experience, navigate the world, and identify what supports are most helpful.

We maintain partnership with First Nations communities and Organisations, Government, and Non-Government Organisations to deliver services to rural and remote locations nationally upon request.

Our commitment to you is to provide clarity and not pathologies, with clear written reports and feedback sessions that translate findings into practical understanding and recommendations.

Types of Assessments:

Autism spectrum assessments

ADHD assessments

Cognitive and learning assessments

Fetal alcohol spectrum assessments

Collaborative reporting with allied health and medical providers

This service may be suitable if you:

Are seeking diagnostic clarification

Require compliant reports for NDIS, work, or school

Prefer a neuro-affirming process

Are based in rural or remote areas

We are committed to creating a practice that is inclusive, affirming, and culturally responsive. We welcome people of all genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies, abilities, and neurotypes, and strive to provide care that is respectful, safe, and free from discrimination.

© OPTIMIND EMDR & Psychology (2026). All Rights Reserved.