Joanne Hutchinson
Joanne Hutchinson
Senior Psychologist and Team Leader
What services do you offer at Scope?

I provide a range of assessment to people of all age, and therapy services for adults, including:

  • Neurocognitive assessment for:
    • Giftedness
    • Intellectual developmental disorder (IDD)
    • General or specific cognitive abilities
    • Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    • Autism spectrum disorder (autism)
    • Psychosocial disability (PSD)
    • Vocational readiness and fitness to work
  • Therapy to manage:
    • Psychosocial disability (PSD) 
    • Complex trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    • Complex mental health concerns, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder (dysthymia), bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, agoraphobia and social anxiety
              Who would benefit from seeing you?

              I regularly work with both adults and children. For adults, I provide therapy and assessment for neurodivergent clients, primarily for females seeking an autism or ADHD assessment, either because they were overlooked in childhood, or have mastered the art of masking their symptoms. I also work with children, performing cognitive assessments for intellectual developmental disorder and children who are gifted.

                    What has your psychology journey looked like?

                    I completed my Bachelor of Behavioural Science back in 2000, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology in 2009 while working in child protection. My career as a psychologist began with Queensland Corrective Services, and I achieved my Master’s in Organisational Psychology in 2016 while I worked with refugees and asylum seekers. As a psychologist working within the context of workplaces, I worked with organisations to improve workplace interactions, culture, employee engagement, leadership and work-life balance. I joined the Scope team in May 2022, and have been providing therapy and assessment services here ever since.

                          What values underpin your approach?

                          My approach centres on building strong therapeutic relationships right from the first session. Taking that initial step to seek support can be really challenging, so I strive to ensure my clients feel supported and comfortable enough to be vulnerable. Listening is key to my approach; I want my clients to know that I’ve truly heard and understood them.

                                What do you find rewarding about being a psychologist?

                                The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing the remarkable resilience of my clients as they navigate through their challenges, which often stem from difficult circumstances. Also, I enjoy helping clients from the early stages of considering an assessment, all the way through diagnosis and therapy. Seeing their progress and being a part of that journey is always a true privilege.

                                      Why do you like working at Scope?

                                      I love the team at Scope! I’m fortunate to work with an incredible team of professionals who prioritise supporting each other and maintaining a client-focused approach. The work itself is also deeply fulfilling, as I get to witness the remarkable progress of our clients, while enjoying the variety in the work I do.

                                            What are some of your personal interests?

                                            My favourite pastime is exercise. Whether it’s running, hitting the gym, pilates, or simply going for a walk. While I might not be a pro, I love getting out there and participating. Daily exercise is a crucial part of my routine, contributing significantly to my own mental health and wellbeing.