Highly trained, highly human.
Our team of experienced, down-to-earth psychologists bring clinical expertise, warmth, and a sense of authenticity to every session. We hold each client in mind thoughtfully and are deeply present for each hour we’re with you.
Why we’re here
We know that life isn’t always neat. Things fall apart. Old wounds surface. Things get tricky, emotions become loud, and our self-esteem can feel like it’s as fickle as the weather in Melbourne.
Our founder, Caty Gierer, started the practice to create a space where therapy feels human, hopeful, and tailored to each person’s journey. With deep roots in public health and a strong background in working with complex trauma, Caty leads a team of psychologists who are values-led, trauma-informed, and invested in change.
We believe in self-care, and we practice what we preach. We look after ourselves so we can look after you. Come in and let’s chat.
Our approach to psychology
We believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and translate to real-life impact.
Our work is always trauma-informed, person-centred, and neuro-affirming. That means we take the time to understand your lived experience and work alongside you to shape a treatment plan that fits your needs.
We’re flexible in our approach and draw on a range of evidence-based modalities, but above all, we start with the most important ingredient: a strong therapeutic relationship.
Whether you’re navigating long-standing challenges or feeling a bit lost in your life at the moment, we’re here to help you understand, find clarity and move forward. Get in touch and let’s start the conversation today – we look forward to meeting you.
Meet the Perennial Psychology team
We’re a small team of psychologists and support staff working together to make your journey with us feel welcoming and safe.
Out of pocket fee – $114.75
Caty is currrently unavailable to take on new clients
Caty Gierer (she/her)
Director, Senior Clinical Psychologist & Board-Approved Supervisor
BSocSci (Psych), BPsychSci (Hons), MPsych (Clinical)
Caty is a warm and engaging clinical psychologist who is known for her honesty, authenticity and unwavering capacity to hold hope for recovery. Caty has considerable experience in acute public health services and community agencies.
Caty’s dialectical therapeutic approach is person-centred, creative, dynamic and known to include a sprinkling of humour. Caty is down-to-earth and genuine. Caty’s work draws heavily on attachment and schema frameworks and is influenced by psychodynamic theory. Her work is always trauma-informed, and she has published literature in the field of sexual violence.
Caty works from a relational framework, and three core values underpin much of her work: improving the relationship we have with ourselves, the relationship we have with others, and the relationship we have with the world we live in.
Special interests include:
- Personality disorders
- Trauma and complex trauma
- Eating disorders and body image concerns
- Relationship difficulties
Out of pocket fee – $114.75
Malcolm Corbett-Robertson (he/him)
Senior Clinical Psychologist
MA (Hons), MClinPsych
Malcolm is a warm and genuine clinician with over 25 years of experience in public and private psychiatric hospitals, NGOs, justice centres, and private practice.
Malcolm specialises in helping people navigate life’s challenges with personalised, research-backed therapy. He provides a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic space. He has extensive experience working with a broad range of clients from many different backgrounds. He has expertise in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and interpersonal difficulties.
Malcolm believes that everyone is an individual who brings their own experiences, beliefs, and values into the therapeutic arena. Everyone goes through difficult times in their lives, and it is during these times that meeting with a clinical psychologist can help.
Malcolm is trained in evidence-based mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches to psychotherapy, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Out of pocket fee – $94.75
Rachel Ng (she/her)
Clinical Psychologist
BA (Psych) (Hons), MPsych (Clinical)
Rachel is a warm, empathic and collaborative clinician who utilises a relational approach to assist clients in overcoming their difficulties. Originally from Singapore, Rachel enjoys working with people from all walks of life, cultures and beliefs.
Rachel works with older adolescents and adults. She has experience in treating challenges with adjustment, low mood, grief, stress, anxiety, emotional regulation, perfectionism, interpersonal difficulties, gender dysphoria/transitioning, difficulties associated with autism and ADHD and the impact of chronic health conditions. In addition to a caring approach, Rachel’s strength is in synthesising and simplifying psychological concepts, so they are easy for clients to understand and relate to, to apply to their lives.
Rachel enjoys learning and continues to be active in her professional development. In her free time, she enjoys all things crafty.
In her clinical practice, Rachel draws from:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
- Attachment Theory
- Trauma-informed treatments
Out of pocket fee – $111.03
Kawai Teng (she/her)
Psychologist & Clinical Psychology Registrar
BPsySc, BPsySc (Hons), MPsych (Clinical)
Kawai has experience in both community and private settings. She has supported individuals aged six and older to address a broad range of mental health challenges.
Her clinical identity is shaped by the diverse experiences of those she works with, and her postgraduate research focused on treatments for complex trauma, which remains central to her passion for trauma-informed and trauma-focused care.
Kawai believes that choosing to actively engage in therapy, despite its challenges, is a powerful catalyst for healing. She is committed to creating a safe, validating, and empowering space where clients can explore and reclaim their personal narratives.
Therapy with Kawai is collaborative, tailored to each client’s unique needs, and grounded in hope and empowerment. Her approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, drawing on attachment, relational, and schema frameworks.
- Kawai works across the lifespan
- Speciality interest: adult ADHD and complex trauma
- Offers sessions in English, though understands basic Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay
Out of pocket fee – $111.03
Aaron Sayers (he/him)
Psychologist & Clinical Psychology Registrar
BPsychSc, GDipPsychAdv, MClinPsych
Aaron enjoys working with individuals of all ages across the lifespan. He has worked with clients to address a diverse range of presenting issues such as depression, anxiety, adjustment, social difficulties, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and trauma. He also worked at the University of Canberra delivering an early intervention Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) program for adolescents, young adults and parents experiencing emotion dysregulation.
Aaron takes a non-judgmental, client-centred approach to therapy, fostering genuine connections in a collaborative space. Aaron acknowledges that the lives of his clients are difficult as they are currently being lived, and with this understanding, he strives to assist them in moving towards the life they want to live.
Aaron’s practice is grounded in:
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Psychoanalytic theory
Molly Baker (she/her)
Administrator
BA (Psych)
Molly is currently pursuing her academic studies in psychology, and is passionate about the psychology profession, Molly believes it is a privilege to support each and every client from the start of their therapy journey and then each step of the way.
With a background in medical reception, Molly continues to provide a warm and welcoming environment for clients prior to and between their sessions at Perennial Psychology.
Molly works alongside our incredible team of clinicians and hopes to make your journey at Perennial Psychology as supportive as possible.
What’s in a name?
From the beginning of time across both Eastern and Western philosophies, trees have long been symbols of life, strength and prosperity.
In botany, ‘perennial’ is a word used to describe a plant that exists for a long time, blooming and growing perpetually. In other words, perennial symbolises everlasting growth.
Perennial Psychology was established this way, with the name and symbol reflecting the way our clinicians practise – ensuring your therapy journey leads to enduring personal change and sustainable growth.
Proudly based in Footscray
We’re a local practice with a real connection to the vibrant, culturally and linguistically diverse community here in Melbourne’s Inner West. Many of our team members live nearby and understand the unique things that make this area special. Whether you’re from Footscray itself or the surrounding suburbs, we aim to provide care that’s accessible and fits your needs.
At our clinic, you may find a warm pot of tea waiting for you and a friendly face at the front desk. You may notice clinicians taking walking breaks around Footscray and books, puzzles or sensory items to support you before, during or after your appointment.
We have worked hard to create a comforting and calming therapeutic space. Our clinic rooms are named after Australian native perennials, and the items in our clinic have been curated and collected with joy and intention. We hope you enjoy our space as much as we do.
Psychology FAQs
Here are some common questions we get asked about finding a psychologist you “click” with.
Ready to talk?
You can book online, upload a referral, or request a callback from one of our psychologists — whatever feels easiest. We aim to reply within 48 hours and are here to help you take that next step with confidence.