Jacqui Saward

PSYCHOLOGIST
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY REGISTRAR

BPsych(Hons); DPsych(Clin) (pending conferral); MAAPi

Jacqui is a registered psychologist and clinical psychology registrar who supports adolescents and adults with a range of psychological concerns. She works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, self esteem issues, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, life transitions and adjustment challenges, attachment wounds, personality disorders and substance use and addiction.

When working with addiction, Jacqui takes a compassionate and non-judgemental approach, recognising that substance use, like many behaviours, can serve an important coping function. She supports clients to understand what sits beneath their substance use and helps them explore alternative ways to meet those underlying needs.

Jacqui is also particularly interested in health psychology. She values supporting clients who are adjusting to illness, medical treatment or changes in their physical health and the complex emotional and practical impact these experiences can have on everyday life.

Jacqui brings a warm and gentle approach to therapy. She understands that starting therapy can feel like a big step and takes time to build a genuine and trusting relationship where clients feel comfortable sharing their story and exploring what has brought them to seek support. With curiosity and compassion, Jacqui helps clients identify the patterns that may be keeping them stuck. Working collaboratively, she supports clients to build greater choice and flexibility in how they respond to challenges and create meaningful change that feels true to who they are.

Jacqui draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed strategies. She tailors therapy to each client, drawing on approaches that best support their individual needs and goals.

Jacqui completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Deakin University and has completed the requirements for a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) at Deakin University, pending conferral. She is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA) and is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi).