Lachlan McDowell is a general psychologist who has worked across community, educational, and private practice settings. Lachlan provides psychological therapy and assessments to children, adolescents, and adults; and is committed to fostering a therapeutic environment that is safe, empathetic, and conducive to open and honest expression. Whether he’s providing an assessment or therapy, Lachlan works from a neuroaffirming framework that views neurodiversity as a valuable and natural part of overall human diversity. His approach encourages emotional insight, supports personal growth, and equips people with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and resilience.

Lachlan has a particular interest in psychological assessment and can deliver comprehensive evaluations for a range of conditions, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), Intellectual Disability (ID), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He believes that high-quality, compassionate assessment can be a powerful tool for promoting self-understanding, cultivating self-compassion, and facilitating access to targeted interventions that can make a meaningful difference in a person’s life.

In addition to assessments, Lachlan also offers therapeutic support. He has specific interests in working with individuals who have recently received diagnoses validating that they are neurodiverse, and individuals seeking support for the management of grief. He has previously worked with a wide variety of conditions, and is equipped to assist in the management of:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Grief and Loss
• Low Self-Esteem
• Life Transitions
• Emotional Regulation
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

When delivering therapy Lachlan draws on a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Therapeutic Assessment, and Schema Therapy. He aims to deliver tailored therapeutic interventions informed by these evidence-based modalities and the specific circumstances of each of his clients.

Outside of his professional work, Lachlan is an amateur baker; a fan of pop culture, martial arts, and videogames; and a purveyor of Melbourne’s many excellent cafes.