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Fiona Bissell

Registered Psychologist

Oh, hallo friend! Thank you for stopping by my bio. My name is Fi, and if you’re here, you're likely looking for an assessment to see if you are autistic or an ADHDer – or both! Well, I hope I am the gal you are looking for. Seeking out an assessment can lead you to feel many things – maybe you’ve had someone close to you confirmed neurodivergent, and you are querying your neurodivergence or are looking to validate your experiences and stop feeling like an imposter.
My focus is working with people who have experienced complex trauma in their lifetime.  It is well known that neurodivergent people are more likely to develop trauma than their neurotypical peers. There are so many unique presentations of neurodivergence and trauma, which is why I seek to listen and understand your whole experience as a person.

Some of the things that make me 'me'

Other people may describe me as...

Neurodivergence & Trauma

My interest in complex trauma developed from my past intervention work under the Brisbane PHN Trauma and Suicide Prevention Pathways and Stride Kids. I have worked with people who have experienced domestic violence, family violence, system-induced trauma, childhood abuse and neglect. Within my assessment work, I recognised a lot of attachment insecurity, invalidation, and C-PTSD within clients, which led me to complete the Circle of Security Facilitator Training (COS) and the Intensive Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Training. I have extensive experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, as well as recently immigrated clients. I continue to extend my knowledge and practice and have frequent supervision with one of the hosts from the Neurodivergent Women Podcast. 

My Approach

A bit about me, I am a mum of a AuADHDer, a partner of an ADHDer and .. and am also.. an ADHDer (although self-identified😉 ). I have been on the other side of the assessment world in trying to gain assessments for my own loved ones. I know how invalidating it can be when people don’t hear what you are trying to tell them, or that you only have 15 minutes to info-dump your entire life in one session. I’ve heard the language used and the stigma from the other side, which is why I have blocked words such as ‘maladaptive behaviours’ and ‘deficit’ from my vocab.  Instead, I will hear you, I will listen and I will make sure we are highlighting your strengths and what makes you, you! – while also appeasing the healthcare model/NDIS guideline gods.

By the time we finish working together...

I would like you to:

  • Have an idea of how to go forward and what resources may help you.

  • Understand your neurotype and have learned a little bit more about yourself.

  • Have felt listened to and that you were able to be your authentic self during the assessment.

  • Know that your curiosity and inquisitiveness are a great asset.

  • Feel a bit more connected to the neurodivergent community

I offer:

I work with:

I can see:

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More about Fiona

Home state: QLD

My eye sparkles and SpIns (special interests) include:

  • Researching shark attacks in Australia - why they happen and what environmental factors are involved. When I'm at a river or beach with my family, I like to think and talk about the time of year, water conditions, weather and environmental conditions to try and work out what sharks may be around. I have signed up for Dorsal Alerts over Australia, which records shark sightings.

  • Watching shows and reading about air crash investigations - stats and data on plane crashes and researching flight safety.

  • I've recently started learning about Mt Everest - the mountaineers that have climbed it, the best entry points, the lifestyles of the sherpas, etc. I don't even like hiking...

Here are 3 things I believe with all my heart to be true:

  1. Neurodivergent people need to feel seen, heard and connected

  2. I believe that a human's closest resemblance is a yo-yo, sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down and sometimes we can do some super cool things

  3. I believe in living in each single moment, because if you don't.. you'll realise your toddler has run off on you!

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Fiona's Fees for Assessments

Title
Autism - Full Report
Autism - Confirmation Letter
ADHD - Full Report
ADHD - Confirmation Letter
Auti-ADHD Full Report
Auti-ADHD Confirmation Letter
NDIS Access Request
Fiona Bissell
$2000
$1250
$1,500
$1000
$2500
$1500
$1500

  • There are no Medicare rebates for psychology assessments for people aged 25 years or older

  • Medicare rebates are possible for people up until 25 years old - but a referral is needed from a psychiatrist or paediatrician - your GP is not able to write you a referral for a psychology assessment. The total maximum rebate with a psychiatrist or paediatrician referral is $373.40 for the total assessment ($93.35 x 4 appointments).

  • Health fund rebates may be available depending on your health fund and level of cover.

  • You may be able to use your NDIS funding if a psychology assessment is one of your plan goals.

Appointments

  • Fiona sees clients on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

  • Fiona's consultation hours are usually 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (QLD timezone)

  • There are appointments available with Fiona within 4 to 12 weeks. 

What happens now?

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  • When we have an assessment appointment available, our dedicated admin team will send you our assessment intake form and ask for a deposit of $500.00. Our full assessment intake form includes questionnaires for the assessment and requests information about your developmental, educational, social and mental health history. Our senior clinicians will then review the form and allocate you to the assessor with the skills and experience to meet your needs. ​

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  • We also request your credit card, debit card, or Paypal details. Rest assured that we take card security seriously, and your details are stored securely on our client management system, Halaxy. This security measure helps us prevent theft and fraud. No one at Very Helpful Chats will have access to your card details. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the security of your card details, we encourage you to read more about Halaxy's card security here: Halaxy Card Security FAQs

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