Dr Rachael Macdonald - Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Clinical Neuroscientist
B.A. (Psych); M.Litt. (Psych); M.Psych.Ed; D.Psych.Ed., BCN
Cert. rTMS; Cert. tDCS
MAPS, FCEDP, MANSA, MISNR
Philosophy
Dr Rachael offers:
- 30 years of experience providing comprehensive psychological and neurodiagnostic assessments, using the latest assessment systems.
- Treatment in the exciting new field of Neuroscience, where patients learn to self-regulate their own behaviour and brain activity. Click for more information on Neuroscience.
- Comprehensive intervention programs and counselling that include a holistic approach to, if at all possible, non-drug related treatments, or combined therapy.
Experience
Prior to 2010, Dr Rachael has worked across many psychology positions with infants, children, adolescents, adults and families across a variety of settings, including:
- Royal Children’s Hospital (Brisbane) – Dr Rachael was employed at the RCH for 13 years, including 9 years in the role of Senior Clinical, Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Head of Department for the RCH Outpatients Department Psychology Service.
- RCH Child Development Clinic - diagnostic clinic for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and co-morbid medical conditions.
- RCH Cochlear Implant Program - for children with severe and profound hearing impairments.
- Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (QPRS) – A service for children with acquired brain injuries.
- Adolescent Mental Health Unit, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital – a service for young people with acute mental health issues.
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy League – A service for people with cerebral palsy and other severe neurological disabilities.
- Numerous schools and pre-schools – Consultation and diagnostic assessment.
Dr Rachael has also been a co-researcher and co-author on numerous research projects undertaken at the Royal Children’s Hospital, including:
- Neurodevelopmental delays
- Autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopment disorders
- Hearing Impairment
- Paediatric cochlear implantation
- Phenylketoneuria (PKU)
- Galactosaemia
- Cleft Palate
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Paediatric cancer
- Genetic disorders
Dr Rachael has also been involved in numerous University-based research projects, including:
- School-readiness assessment for children with Neurodevelopmental disorders (Doctoral dissertation).
- Dynamic Assessment and Intervention methods for students with learning and developmental difficulties.
- Parent perceptions of paediatric cochlear implantation.
- Accelerated Learning methods for children with specific learning difficulties.
- Behavioural Family Intervention and the Triple P Positive Parenting Program.
After 2010, and since moving to Ballarat, Dr Rachael has worked for:
- Pearson Clinical and Talent Assessment – Dr Rachael was a major contributing examiner for the Australian and New Zealand WISC-V and WIAT-III norming and standardisation project to develop new cognitive and educational assessments for use by psychologists. (Dr Rachael was also involved in the WISC-IV standardisation project whilst working at RCH).
- Dr Rachael was also involved with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development - 4th Edition (BSID-4) norming and standardisation project. The BSID-4 is a comprehensive cognitive and developmental assessment for infants and toddlers.
Currently, Dr Rachael works in:
- Private Practice
- Providing outreach to rural areas in Central and Western Victoria
Training and Education
Dr Rachael has completed extensive University training including:
- Doctor of Educational Psychology (2006) - University of Queensland
- Master of Educational Psychology (2001) - University of Queensland
- Master of Letters (Psychology) (1994) - University of New England
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (1991) - University of Queensland
- Clinical Neuroscience and Psychophysiology (BCN) (2018, 2022) - BCIA-A Certification
Dr Rachael has also completed post-Doctoral training and research in Applied Clinical Neuroscience, using QEEG and EEG-based neurodiagnostic assessment and intervention. She has completed the Internationally recognised BCIA-A Certification and is currently completing QEEGD qualification.
Dr Rachael is also certified in the neuormodulation techniques of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS).
Other qualifications (trained by Professor Matt Sanders):
- Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) - Level 4 (Standard) and Level 5 (Enhanced) Treatment Programs.
- Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) for children with Developmental Disabilities.
Professional Associations
Dr Rachael is a member of the following professional organisations:
- Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with Endorsement in Educational and Developmental Psychology
- Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Fellow of APS College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists (FCEDP)
- Applied Neuroscience Society of Australasia (ANSA)
- Biofeedback Certification International Alliance - Australasia (BCIA-A)
- International Society for Neurofeedback & Research (ISNR)
- EEG Education and Research (EEGer)