Welcome to Jessica Spigler PsychologyA warm, relational, and depth-oriented psychology practice grounded in insight, connection, and meaningful, practical change.
Working with adults, couples and older adolescents navigating trauma, grief, emotional dysregulation, relational difficulties, life transitions, fertility and perinatal experiences, and the complexities of being human.
My approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and integrative, creating space for deeper understanding, emotional healing, and a more authentic connection to self and others. Grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS), and informed by a range of other evidence-based modalities, therapy is tailored to support each person's unique experiences and goals.
J
A warm, relational, and depth-oriented psychology practice grounded in insight, connection, and meaningful, practical change.
Working with adults, couples and older adolescents navigating trauma, grief, emotional dysregulation, relational difficulties, life transitions, fertility and perinatal experiences, and the complexities of being human.
My approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and integrative, creating space for deeper understanding, emotional healing, and a more authentic connection to self and others. Grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS), and informed by a range of other evidence-based modalities, therapy is tailored to support each person's unique experiences and goals.
Welcome to Jessica Spigler Psychology 
About Jess
I am a Registered Psychologist who completed my studies and clinical training in South Africa. I have a deep interest in attachment and the profound ways our early experiences shape how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us. My work is grounded in supporting clients through experiences of trauma, grief, emotional dysregulation, relational difficulties, and life transitions, with a particular interest in working with individuals and couples navigating the perinatal period and fertility-related challenges.
I also specialise in comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents, supporting diagnostic clarification and meaningful intervention planning across cognitive, emotional, behavioural, social, and academic domains.
I have completed Level 1 training in the Gottman Method for couples therapy, Level 1 Internal Family Systems (IFS) training, and training through COPE in perinatal mental health assessment and care.These approaches continue to inform my work while allowing therapy to remain responsive to each client’s unique needs.
I believe therapy offers an opportunity to slow down and make sense of the patterns, experiences, and relationships that shape us. Through exploring both past and present experiences, I aim to support clients in deepening insight, healing emotional wounds, strengthening connection to self and others, and moving toward a more authentic and meaningful way of living.
I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and safe enough to explore the complexities of their experiences. My approach is warm, thoughtful, and holistic, recognising the importance of understanding each person within the context of their relationships, history, culture, and broader life experience. Beyond the therapy room, I am also a wife and community activist, roles that continue to deepen my appreciation for connection, resilience, and the complexity of the human experience.
“The parts of you that feel stuck often have the most important stories to tell.”
Therapeutic Work
I work with adults, and couples and older adolescents (17+), navigating a range of emotional, relational, and life experiences, including trauma, attachment difficulties, emotional dysregulation, grief and loss, anxiety, relationship challenges, fertility and perinatal experiences, and periods of transition or uncertainty.
Areas of interest include:
● Trauma and attachment
● Emotional dysregulation
● Grief and loss
● Anxiety and self-esteem difficulties
● Relationship and interpersonal challenges
● Identity and life transitions
● Fertility and perinatal mental health
● Couples therapy and relational dynamics
Therapy is informed primarily by psychodynamic psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS), while also drawing on evidence-informed approaches including Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) where appropriate.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy explores how past experiences, attachment patterns, and unconscious emotional processes shape our present emotional world, relationships, and ways of coping. Through developing insight and emotional understanding, therapy can create space for deeper healing and lasting change.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a compassionate and transformative approach that understands each person as made up of different inner “parts,” each carrying its own emotions, experiences, and protective roles. IFS supports individuals in developing a deeper relationship with themselves, healing wounded parts, and cultivating greater clarity, compassion, and connection to their core Self.
Integrating different therapeutic approaches allows therapy to remain flexible and responsive to each individual's needs, supporting meaningful insight, emotional growth, and lasting change.
Assessment ServicesI offer comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults in Melbourne. Assessments may explore ADHD, learning difficulties, cognitive functioning, emotional and behavioural functioning, giftedness, school readiness, and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD).
Assessments are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how an individual experiences, processes, learns, and engages with the world — highlighting both strengths and areas where additional support may be helpful. Beyond diagnostic clarification, the process explores the emotional, behavioural, cognitive, social, and academic factors that may be impacting everyday functioning.
Using standardized assessment tools, clinical observation, and collaborative feedback, the assessment process is thoughtful, thorough, and individually tailored. Recommendations are designed to provide practical and meaningful support across home, school, work, and broader life environments.
The goal of assessment is not simply to identify difficulties, but to help individuals and families feel more informed, supported, and empowered in understanding themselves and moving forward with clarity.
I offer comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults in Melbourne. Assessments may explore ADHD, learning difficulties, cognitive functioning, emotional and behavioural functioning, giftedness, school readiness, and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD).
Assessments are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how an individual experiences, processes, learns, and engages with the world — highlighting both strengths and areas where additional support may be helpful. Beyond diagnostic clarification, the process explores the emotional, behavioural, cognitive, social, and academic factors that may be impacting everyday functioning.
Using standardized assessment tools, clinical observation, and collaborative feedback, the assessment process is thoughtful, thorough, and individually tailored. Recommendations are designed to provide practical and meaningful support across home, school, work, and broader life environments.
The goal of assessment is not simply to identify difficulties, but to help individuals and families feel more informed, supported, and empowered in understanding themselves and moving forward with clarity.
Types of Assessments
Psychoeducational Assessments
Psychoeducational assessments explore a child or adolescent’s cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and academic functioning to better understand both strengths and barriers to learning.
These assessments may support understanding around attention, emotional wellbeing, learning difficulties, school engagement, self-esteem, and broader developmental functioning. They are often helpful in identifying why a child may be struggling academically, emotionally, or behaviourally, while also highlighting areas of strength and potential.
Following assessment, tailored recommendations and interventions are provided to support the child across both home and school environments.
Academic / Learning Assessments
Academic assessments evaluate current functioning across reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, oral language, and listening comprehension.
These assessments assist in identifying learning difficulties and whether an individual meets criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia. Recommendations are designed to support learning, confidence, school engagement, and long-term academic success.
ADHD Assessments
ADHD assessments explore patterns relating to attention, emotional regulation, impulsivity, organisation, concentration, executive functioning, and day-to-day functioning.
These assessments consider whether an individual meets criteria for ADHD and whether symptoms present predominantly as inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined type. Importantly, assessments also explore the broader emotional, relational, behavioural, academic, and occupational impact of symptoms, allowing for a more holistic understanding of the individual’s experience.
Cognitive Assessments
Cognitive assessments explore areas such as intellectual functioning, reasoning abilities, working memory, processing speed, attention, and problem-solving skills.
These assessments may assist in understanding giftedness, intellectual disability, developmental concerns, school readiness, learning profiles, and broader cognitive strengths and challenges. Findings provide insight into how an individual processes and engages with information while guiding meaningful recommendations and supports.
Working TogetherThe assessment process begins with an initial consultation to gain a deeper understanding of presenting concerns, developmental history, emotional functioning, learning experiences, and goals for assessment. This allows space to explore the individual’s unique experiences and determine the most appropriate assessment pathway.
Assessment sessions are then individually tailored and may include cognitive, academic, behavioural, emotional, and ADHD-specific measures depending on the nature of the referral. The number and duration of sessions vary according to the assessment being conducted.
Following completion of the assessment, a feedback session is held to discuss findings, recommendations, and next steps in a collaborative and supportive manner. A comprehensive written report is also provided, outlining insights, diagnostic impressions (where relevant), and practical recommendations for ongoing support.
"There is wisdom in every part of your story.”
Locations
NEST Family Clinic
289 Kooyong Road, Elsternwick VIC 3185NEST Family Clinic
520 High Street, Prahran VIC 3181