Dr Hugh Walker

Dr Hugh Walker is a Clinical Psychologist, Co-Director of Minds & Hearts, a Board-Approved Supervisor, and a Casual Lecturer in the Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Queensland.

Hugh works with clients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, and adults. He has extensive experience in the assessment, formulation, and treatment of mental health conditions that co-occur alongside neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism and ADHD, and which may intersect with attachment and personality-based factors.

Hugh has deeply valued the training and mentorship of Professor Tony Attwood, Dr Michelle Garnett, and Steve Den-Kaat, who each played a formative role in shaping his clinical practice with neurodiverse clients and families. Hugh is trained in a range of psychotherapies which are underpinned by cognitive, behavioural, attachment, and psychodynamic models of psychotherapy. Over the past few years has been completing advanced training in EMDR Therapy and Schema Therapy. He is also trained in a number of social and emotional programs such as the Westmead Feelings Program, the Secret Agent Society, and PEERS® for Adolescents and Young Adults. The choice of a particular approach is collaborative and guided by the individual’s problem they want help with, as well as their developmental history, neurodevelopmental profile, relational patterns, and broader socio-cultural factors.

Hugh has limited availability but may accept referrals for complex assessments where neurodevelopmental and/or attachment factors are involved, particularly where there are multiple co-occurring conditions, diagnostic uncertainty, or significant functional impairment across life domains. He regularly reviews and provides supervision for assessments and therapy completed by colleagues at Minds & Hearts, ensuring a consistent and high standard of care across the clinic.

Hugh is sought out by professionals across Australia for individual supervision and to deliver training and workshops to a range of organisations, including Chill, Autism Awareness Australia, various schools, private clinics, and both public and private hospitals. He is also actively involved in teaching and provides lectures and supervision to Master of Clinical Psychology students completing placements through the University of Queensland and QUT.

Hugh’s contributions to clinical training and supervision have been formally recognised. He received the APS College of Clinical Psychologists Student Prize in 2016 for excellence in clinical skill and clinically relevant research. In 2024, Hugh was awarded the Paul Conrad Award for Excellence in Clinical Supervision by the University of Queensland. He has also been invited to provide independent opinions in legal contexts, particularly in matters related to autism, inclusion, and safety in educational settings.

Limited availability for ongoing therapy
Some availability for diagnostic assessment, independent clinical opinion, and supervision
Available for training and consultation by request

Special interest areas include but are not limited to:

• Assessment of neurodevelopmental conditions for Children, Adolescents & Adults
• Psychotherapy for any co-occurring mental health condition for neurodivergent individuals
• Social and Emotional Skills Training
• Trauma, Developmental Trauma, and EMDR
• Autistic Burnout and Chronic Stress Syndromes
• Application of Schema Therapy and EMDR to neurodiverse individuals
• Supporting family, schools, and workplaces on matters with neurodiversity education and support
• Clinical Supervision and Training in relation to the above topics