About
Dr Cassandra Shields
Dr Cassandra Shields
PhD (Clinical Psychology), BPsych (Hons)
Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor – couples and individuals (ICEEFT), Ottawa, Canada.
Board Approved Supervisor – clinical psychology (Psychology Board of Australia: AHPRA)
Cassy is a clinical psychologist, working in private practice since 2011. Her 2013 PhD was passed without the need for revision, placing her on the Dean’s list for academic excellence in higher degree research (Griffith University). Cassy’s research focused on emotional adjustment following traumatic brain injury. She has presented her work both nationally and internationally and has 10 peer-reviewed publications relating to emotion and adjustment following brain injury.
Cassy became the third Australian to be certified as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist by the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT). In January 2017, she was certified by ICEEFT as a supervisor in the EFT model; and has supported therapists throughout Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to develop and enhance their skills within the Emotionally Focused framework.
Since 2018, Cassy has been running regular Queensland workshops for couples, based on Sue Johnson’s best-selling book Hold Me Tight®.
More recently, Cassy completed introductory and advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). Then following her belief in the importance of attachment and relationships, she completed training in Attachment-Informed EMDR.
Through her work with clients, Cassy aims to support people work towards developing closer, more secure relationships, live richer meaningful lives, and develop enhanced self-compassion, irrespective of adversity.
Attachment, and the provision of a safe haven and secure base is at the heart of all her work. Whether with clients or supervisees, she works towards fostering inclusivity and collaboration.
Cassy sees couples, individuals (adolescents and adults) and families, as well as providing clinical supervision and consultation.
Qualifications:
• Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) & Bachelor of Psychology (First Class Honours).
• Registered Psychologist, endorsed in Clinical Psychology & board approved supervisor with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
• Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists (FCCLP).
• Lifetime member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
• ICEEFT certified therapist and supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy (couples and individuals)
Appointment Availability:
Cassy sees clients from Burleigh Heads or online on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: As of 2025 Wednesdays will be online appointments only.
Session Fees & Rebates:
Rate: $260 (50-55 minute appointment).
Fees remain well below the Australian Psychological Society’s recommended rate of $330 for 46 – 60 minute session.
Medicare rebates of $149.05 may be available with a valid referral and mental health care plan from your General Practitioner (up to 10 per calendar year) for individual sessions only. Alternatively, private health rebates my be available with eligible cover.