Farisha Islam

Farisha Islam is a Generally Registered Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor at Minds & Hearts. She also holds a lead clinician role in diagnostic assessments within the clinic.

Farisha works primarily with older adolescents (16+), young adults, and adults. She has a particular focus on neurodiversity, including Autism and ADHD, as well as the ways attachment experiences may influence emotional wellbeing and relationships. Her work centres on supporting individuals to build a secure sense of self, manage anxiety effectively, and thrive in areas that matter to them, including relationships, education, career, and social functioning.

Since joining Minds & Hearts in 2019, Farisha has focused on ongoing treatment, facilitated neurodiversity-focused group programs, and conducted comprehensive diagnostic assessments. She is one of the lead clinicians completing diagnostic assessments within the clinic, with experience in assessing neurodevelopmental conditions, exploring differential and co-occurring presentations, and building a comprehensive understanding to guide individualised support planning. Farisha has also co-facilitated group programs including Vibrant Minds, a program designed to support emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing in young neurodiverse adults through self-understanding.

Farisha’s clinical approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Her work emphasises developing insight, confidence, and resilience, while supporting clients to build practical skills that promote long-term wellbeing. She has had the privilege of learning from experts such as Dr Tony Attwood and Dr Wesley Turner, which has further shaped her interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals to understand themselves and navigate challenges in ways that align with their values.

Alongside her clinical work, Farisha contributes to professional development and knowledge sharing within the clinic. She has facilitated and co-facilitated in-house professional development workshops focused on building effective stakeholder relationships and strengthening qualitative information gathering during diagnostic assessments. She also contributes as an editor of Minds & Hearts blog articles, supporting the clinic’s mission to provide accessible and empowering information for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Farisha completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science with First Class Honours at the University of Queensland in 2018 and received a Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence in the same year. She is a generally registered psychologist and a Board-Approved Supervisor who provides supervision in areas including diagnostic formulation, psychometric assessment administration, and working with neurodivergent clients.

Read Farisha’s blog article on her therapeutic style

Currently not open for new therapy clients
Available for diagnostic assessment, clinical opinion, and supervision

Special interest areas include but are not limited to:

• Assessment of neurodevelopmental conditions for children, adolescents, and adults
• Explaining diagnostic outcomes to children, adolescents, and adults
• Psychoeducation regarding co-occurring mental health conditions in neurodivergent individuals
• Navigating autistic burnout
• Understanding the influence of attachment experiences on current wellbeing
• Building adaptive coping strategies