Samantha Butterworth

Samantha (Sam) Butterworth is a psychologist at Minds & Hearts, working with children, adolescents, adults, and parents. Sam’s work is strongly informed and inspired by psychodynamic therapy and theory, alongside neuro-, attachment-, and trauma-informed approaches.

Alongside this psychodynamic focus, Sam is also trained in a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing, and is currently undertaking formal training in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP).

Sam aims to use these frameworks to help young people and adults better understand their emotions, behaviours, and relationships, particularly when difficulties feel complex or longstanding, with a focus on building insight, resilience, and meaningful change.

In her work with children and parents, Sam draws on structured, developmentally appropriate approaches, including Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) and cognitive behavioural frameworks such as CBT, to support understanding of behavioural sequences, emotional responses, and caregiver–child relationships. She works collaboratively and with care, supporting children to better understand their emotional experiences and behavioural patterns, and parents to develop a greater understanding of the caregiver–child relationship.

Sam has a strong interest in working with individuals with autism and ADHD, as well as those experiencing mood and anxiety disorders, personality-related difficulties, and interpersonal or relational challenges. Her work is guided by curiosity, respect, and a commitment to supporting emotional awareness, self-understanding, and meaningful connection with others.

Sam’s professional background includes extensive experience in Indigenous and community health, as well as the education sector, prior to transitioning into private practice. These experiences have shaped a values-based, person-centred approach that attends to relational patterns, emotional experience, and the sociocultural contexts in which difficulties develop.

Sam holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and a Master of Clinical Counselling and is a certified Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) facilitator.

Sam is a Board-approved supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia, qualified to provide supervision that meets Board requirements for psychologists and provisional psychologists completing formal supervised practice programs, including the 4+2 and 5+1 internship pathways and higher degree placements.

Sam is currently accepting referrals and is available to provide clinical supervision.

Special interest areas include but are not limited to:

• Assessment and understanding of neurodevelopmental profiles across children, adolescents, and adults
• Psychotherapeutic support for neurodivergent individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health difficulties
• Trauma, including developmental trauma and complex trauma
• Stress, adjustment difficulties, and burnout
• Attachment theory and its clinical application across the lifespan
• Relationship and interpersonal difficulties
• Attachment-informed support for parents in understanding children’s neurodiverse, emotional, and behavioural needs
• Clinical supervision related to the above areas