Dr Philippa McTaggart

Overview

Philippa has worked for more than 25 years as a clinical psychologist with children, young people, and families. She enjoys working with a wide range of childhood concerns and has particular expertise in developing thoughtful, individualised support plans that are tailored to the needs, strengths, and values of each family. She is especially skilled in supporting children and young adults whose emotions are showing up in ways that are difficult for them or for those supporting them. Philippa supports young people experiencing anxiety or low mood, and works closely with parents around common parenting and family-life challenges. She has extensive experience with neurodiversity and enjoys supporting families to better understand their child’s profile, needs, and ways of communicating.  Philippa frequently assists families with school-related and social difficulties, helping them understand what is underlying a child’s behaviour and emotional responses, and how to respond in ways that are practical, compassionate, and effective. In addition to providing therapeutic support, Philippa is skilled in the administration of standardised assessments that can help guide diagnostic decisions (e.g. for learning disorders; ADHD; Autism) and suggest tailored supports.

Philippa completed her undergraduate psychology degree at Griffith University and her Clinical PhD at the University of Queensland. She holds full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and its College of Clinical Psychologists, as well as the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi).  Philippa worked for many years in the Parenting and Family Support Centre at The University of Queensland and is trained and experienced in delivering the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. She draws on Triple P flexibly, tailoring strategies to the individual child and family, and integrating an attachment-informed focus on strengthening the parent–child relationship, emotional safety, and connection alongside skill development. Philippa also provides supervision to other psychologists and has accreditation through the Supervisor Training and Accreditation Program (STAP).