The SOciaL SPACE psychology clinic

The Social Space Psychology Clinic was developed in response to the limited number of evidence based services and social skills programs in Australia for neurodiverse individuals with social vulnerabilities, and the concern on how such limitations impact on social-emotional functioning and success in relationships, work, and study. The Social Space aims to bridge the gap in these services by providing a safe and comfortable space for children, teens, and young adults to build their social-emotional skills and confidence, with a goal of building a stronger sense of self to achieve individualised goals and to improve quality of life.

We provide continuity in support, through individualised support and group programs, across the lifespan with the opportunity to be up skilled on relevant age-appropriate skills from childhood through to adult hood so that participants continue to maintain their social confidence in all aspects of life. With positive social experiences across the lifespan, we aim to minimise the risk of social isolation and rejection which often result in anxiety, depression and/or lower self-confidence. Additionally, The Social Space runs social club, which involves activities and events that provide individuals with the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers. This is an added opportunity for individuals to boost their social skills through structured activities to further support social integration. 

Research suggests that social confidence is associated with improved psychological well-being and overall life satisfaction. Our goal is to create a community that embraces individual strengths and qualities to build social confidence so that everyone has the opportunity to engage fully and happily in life.

Meet the Team

  • Katerina Stratilas is a Clinical Psychologist specifically endorsed as a specialist in working with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disorders due to her specific clinical experience and training. Katerina has been involved in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a range of developmental, learning, and behavioural disorders in both clinical and educational settings. She has also been actively involved in running group programs and workshops that have targeted individuals of all ages experiencing social and emotional difficulties. Katerina is professionally recognised as a certified facilitator of the Secret Agent Society Small Group Program (SAS) and the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for adolescents and young adults.

    Katerina has always had a particular interest and passion in working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum, and its co-morbid counterparts, such as ADHD and anxiety. Her vision is that everyone should have the opportunity to have positive and enjoyable life experiences. The Social Space prides itself on providing a safe and comfortable space that allows vulnerable individuals, who see and experience the world differently, to embrace their strengths and individuality, and then use these strengths to overcome social and emotional challenges. Our goal is to empower people to be more resilient, confident and regulated within themselves allowing them to engage more positively with people and the world around them and to pursue their life goals and dreams.

CLINIC DIRECTOR & CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

  • Juliette is a registered psychologist and a certified PEERS®, SAS and NeuroACT facilitator.

    Juliette has experience providing intake assessments and delivering the PEERS® and SAS group programs and is trained in a range of therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and solution-focused treatment (SFT) to address the emotional, interpersonal and occupational needs of our wonderful clients. In addition, Juliette has experience in care and community service; providing complex mental health support as a 24/7 live in carer, and in a voluntary capacity within her university’s academic society. Juliette has additional experience in mental health and social support work for the disability sector, and has received formal accredited training in crisis intervention through her work with Lifeline.

    Juliette understands that navigating the social scene can be fraught with many challenges, and sometimes we can all benefit from extra guidance. She prides herself on cultivating an environment that is warm, supportive and attentive to individual needs, while acknowledging the role of family systems and school for targeted outcomes. Juliette is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and mental health awareness, and feels privileged to help empower our youth and adults alike to renew their sense of self confidence, independence, resilience and optimism for the future.

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

  • Stephanie is a graduate psychology student completing her first year of Masters following completion. of her psychology honours degree, maintaining a High Distinction average. Stephanie is a lead facilitator in the PEERS, NeuroACT and Minecraft programs, and is a co-facilitator for SAS. Stephanie is also an Evidence-Based program developer, spearheading the Minecraft program, as well as lego-based therapy, and transition to high school confidence and resilience workshops and more. Stephanie adapts her extensive knowledge of ASD and ADHD in youth to create impactful programs. Stephanie is also responsible for events management, including running bootcamps across the country, as well as social media and marketing aspects.

    In her commitment to providing the best evidence-based treatment, Stephanie is trained in the Qualified Autism Services Practitioner-Supervisor (QASP-S) and holds a Level 5 accreditation for SCHADS, the Social, Community, Home Care, and Disability Services Industry, and has over four years experience working with children and young adults with intellectual and neurodevelopment disabilities.

    Stephanie recognises the importance of neurodiversity and understands the unique challenges it can present. Working with a variety of ASD individuals, her workshops are thoughtfully designed to support this transformative journey, ensuring each individual feels valued, understood, and capable of achieving their personal goals. With a warm and understanding approach, she is dedicated to working closely with her clients to achieve the best possible outcomes, always keeping their best interests at heart. As a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and mental health awareness, she is deeply committed to empowering her clients by facilitating the process of rebuilding their self-confidence and independency.

PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

  • An experienced producer of broadcast and digital content, with a special interest and knowledge of video games, television, arts and culture. Dayna has spent several years working at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) including as a production coordinator on Play School and ABC Arts programs, and 6 years as a producer on Good Game Spawn Point, a beloved long-running show all about video games for younger gamers aged 7-12. She is currently studying a Master of Digital Communication and Culture at the University of Sydney.

    As a Mentor for The Social Space's Gaming Club, Dayna encourages a shared interest in gaming as a gateway to social bonding and community building. Sessions typically involve casual discussion activities such as sharing game reviews and recommendations, gaming tips or highlights, as well as developing individual interests in games or technology-based creative projects and solo or multiplayer free play.  

GAMING CLUB MENTOR

  • Mikaela is a warm and supportive provisional psychologist currently completing her Master of Clinical Psychology at Western Sydney University. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours Class I) and is committed to providing inclusive, evidence-based care that is tailored to each individual.

    Mikaela has received accreditation in the Cool Kids Program, a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program for anxiety in children and adolescents. She is experienced in both individual and group therapy, having facilitated programs such as PEERS® and NeuroACT for young people and adults. Mikaela draws on a range of therapeutic approaches including CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing to help clients build confidence, improve wellbeing, and work toward meaningful change.

    She also has experience conducting psychometric assessments for intellectual disability, ADHD, and specific learning disorders, ensuring that recommendations are practical, strengths-based, and sensitive to each client’s needs.

    Mikaela uses a strength-based approach and has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals. She is passionate about creating safe, collaborative spaces where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered to reach their goals.

    In addition to her clinical work, Mikaela has over five years of experience as a disability support worker. She has supported children and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, anxiety, and brain injuries—fostering independence, building social connection, and supporting meaningful engagement in daily life.

PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

PRACTICE MANAGER & ADMINISTRATION

  • Alissa is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with Advanced Practice in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since graduating from the University of Sydney, Alissa has worked in Singapore and Sydney, across a range of different settings including private practice, non-government agencies (NGO) and education settings. Alissa is very passionate about forming collaborative and supportive relationships with clients. She works with clients of all ages to help them reach their goals with communication, language and connection in relationships.

    With a passion for lifelong learning, Alissa has continued to develop her knowledge of the brain and nervous system to better understand her clients and support them to achieve their goals. This has led Alissa to gain certification in Relation Development Intervention (RDI), a parent coaching program to help unlock dynamic thinking within the guiding relationship between parents and child. Alissa has also worked in teams to deliver the PEERS Program with older teens and young adults, supporting Social Coaches to develop and extend on social skills and peer relationship building.

    Alissa believes that applying evidence based practice to fit in with the needs of her clients and their families is fundamental to helping them reach their goals. She works together to understand the uniqueness of each person she meets, and can make the therapeutic process as meaningful, supportive and beneficial as possible. Every client Alissa sees is capable of the growth and change they desire.

CERTIFIED SPEECH THERAPIST & PEERS CO-FACILITATOR

feedback and complaints

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