About Us

Dr Amy Lai (MAPS, MAMPS) is a fully registered psychologist with an extensive clinical experience working with children and young people. 

Amy has worked closely with children and family from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, including those who suffer from complex trauma and family violence. Amy has worked in major hospitals, private practice, primary schools (Department of Education and Training), and community health organisations.

Professional Registration

• AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registered psychologist

Qualifications

Amy holds a Doctor of Psychology, and attended Harvard University (USA) to pursue further study and research in child psychology, after completing Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and Diploma in Music in Australia. Amy also completed a Master in Hospitality Management at Cornell University (USA).

• PsyD
• ALM-pre (Harvard University, USA)
• MHospMgt (Cornell University, USA)
• PGDipPsych (Federation University, Australia)
• GDipPsych (The University of Melbourne, Australia)
• BBiomed (The University of Melbourne, Australia)
• DipMus (The University of Melbourne, Australia)
• ARSM (ABRSM, UK)

Affiliations

• member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
• member of the Australian Music and Psychology Society (AMPS)
• professional member of Autism Pathways
• member of the Australian Psychological Society Disaster Response Network 

Other Professional Accreditations

• ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) Therapist Training Certificate 
• Australian Psychological Society (APS) Practice Certificate in Disaster Support
• CBT Australia Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Children and Adolescents
• ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, UK) performance diplomas in piano, flute and violin
• registered children’s yoga teacher certificate from a registered yoga school for children with yoga Australia / yoga alliance UK / the Canadian yoga alliance / yoga alliance USA

Continuous Professional Development Accreditations

• Harvard Medical School (USA) Online Training Certificate in Cognitive Fitness
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Down Syndrome: Health Care Updates for the Primary Care Paediatrician
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety in the Primary Care Setting
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Assessment and Treatment of Major Depressive Disorders
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Sex, Sexuality, and Gender: Children and Adolescents
• University of Cambridge (UK) Continuing Education Certificate in The Psychology of Adolescence: Brain and Behaviour
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Diversity in Mental Health Practice
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Posttraumatic Stress and Related Disorders
• University of Cambridge (UK) Continuing Education Certificate in Learning and Memory in the Brain
• University of Cambridge (UK) Continuing Education Certificate in The Neuropsychology of Decision Making
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Digital Mental Health
• Yale University Certificate in Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in School Mental Health: Treating Students K-12

Areas of Professional Interest and Expertise

• antisocial behaviour / difficulties socialising or interacting with others / traits of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• attention & concentration problems / hyperactive behaviour / traits of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• behavioural management
• complex childhood trauma
• cultural adjustment or adaptation problems 
• emotional regulation difficulties
• interpersonal relationship difficulties
• mood disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression) 
• motivation and attitude to change 
• parenting skills training
• problem-focused approach
• disaster support (working with individuals and communities affected by disasters and emergencies in and outside of Australia)

Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions 

Amy has exceptional psychological training and skills in diagnosis, assessment, early intervention, and treatment.

Amy focuses on evidence-based interventions with a foundation in attachment, strength, system, and drive theory, include:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Narrative Therapy (NT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
• Art Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Play Therapy

Amy is fully trained in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – an autism-specific therapy; Amy offers an early intervention ABA program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Amy provides comprehensive group programs incorporating evidence-based interventions and fun activities for children and parents.

Amy is extremely passionate about mental health in children and young people, and has the ability to engage easily with children.

Amy would like to bring her knowledge, skills, training, and expertise to work with you and your child / children. 

Amy is fluent in English, Chinese / Mandarin, and Taiwanese / Hokkien.