About me
Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.
Kyla McDonald - Registered Psychologist (MPsycOrg)
I work with adults whose difficulties sit at the intersection of mind and body, including chronic pain, stress-related physical symptoms, sexuality, reproductive and relationship concerns, and complex emotional patterns that haven’t responded to standard therapy.
Many of my clients are thoughtful, self-aware, and have often tried therapy before, but are looking for something more practical, targeted, and goal-focused.
Approach
My work is grounded in understanding how psychological, physiological, and behavioural systems interact (biopsychosocial). Rather than focusing only on thoughts or emotions, I help clients identify patterns across nervous system responses, behavioural habits, relational dynamics, situational factors, previous experiences, identity, thinking and cognitive styles (including neurodiversity).
Sessions are structured, collaborative, and focused on real-world change. I prioritise clarity and direction, while remaining responsive to each client’s needs. Clients who work with me develop a deep understanding of who they are now, where they’ve come from, where they want to get to, and how their emotions, thoughts and experiences sit within their bodies.
Areas of Focus
I commonly work with:
chronic pain and body-based conditions
sexual health, desire, and relational issues
reproductive health such as perimenopause, endometriosis and pregnancy loss
anxiety with strong physical components
neurodiversity (including clients who have felt misunderstood in therapy)
clients who feel “stuck” despite insight
Who this suits
My approach tends to suit clients who:
want structured, goal-oriented therapy
are open to examining patterns across multiple areas of life
are looking for more than just validation or supportive listening
How this is different
A strong focus on body–mind interaction rather than purely cognitive approaches
Practical, problem-focused sessions rather than open-ended exploration
Attention to patterns that maintain difficulties (not just symptom reduction)
Consideration of broader context — including identity, relationships, and life structure
Holistic approach
My approach combines evidence-based psychological therapies with body based (somatic) approaches that acknowledge the connection between your physical experience and your emotional and mental state. Physical health conditions, life experiences, and stress show up physically as much as psychologically. Some research has explored how trauma memory can be stored at the cellular level through somatic memory and that the body retains information from past traumatic experiences (e.g. AAET, Gentsch & Kuehn 2022, Psychology Today). By working together, I can help you understand these connections and create pathways towards change, healing and growth.
Non-judgemental diversity advocate
I’m non-judgemental and welcoming of people from all walks of life, relationship status, relationship style (monogamous, polyamorous, non-monogamous), religion, ethnicity, sexuality and gender identity. I’m also experienced with people who are neurodiverse. As a sexuality and neurodiverse individual myself, I bring lived experience to some of the challenges my clients face. This helps inform my understanding of these challenges and work in ways that feel more practical and respectful.
Training
I have numerous qualifications that enable me to provide a comprehensive, holistic and evidence-based service to my clients.
Registered Psychologist (PSY0001634081)
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi)
Member of the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS)
Member of the Australasian Society for Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)
Master in Clinical Aromatherapy, Australian College of Aromatherapy (2026)
Certificate in Embodiment Counselling, Institute of Somatic Sexology (2021)
Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management, QUT (2017)
Master in Organisational Psychology, University of Queensland (2011)
Bachelor of Arts, Honours Psychology, University of Queensland (2008)
Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy, College of Healing Therapies (2008)
I have training and experience in a range of therapeutic approaches including Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Mind-Body Therapy, Embodiment Counselling and Somatic Therapy.
I have also worked in various occupational roles across my career as a Corporate Psychologist including user centred design, human factors, research, data analytics, cultural change, behavioural interventions, HR and communications. This work helps enable me to understand and assist clients who are or have experienced workplace difficulties and those who are receiving sessions under a Work Cover claim.
A little about me
I started Body Sense Psychology in 2022 after having worked as a Corporate Psychologist in government and private practice for over 10 years.
Outside the therapy room, I’m endlessly curious and usually absorbed in a garden, home or art project—or planning the next one. I enjoy interesting ideas, clever films, beautiful food and slightly quirky places. I’m analytical and practical by nature, but equally creative, and I’m always looking for ways to make things work better.
My perspective has also been shaped by a life that has not always followed a conventional path. I bring lived experience of neurodivergence, complex family relationships, caregiving, serious illness and loss, diverse relationships, parenting neurodivergent children, and supporting a child through an eating disorder. My earlier work across the corporate world, massage therapy and the adult industry has given me an unusually broad understanding of people, bodies, sexuality and the many different ways we build our lives.
As a psychologist, I’m warm, direct and focused on helping you make meaningful changes. You don’t need to arrive with clearly defined goals or the “right” words—they can emerge as we go. Very little shocks me, and you won’t be expected to censor yourself or make your experiences more socially acceptable. Therapy can involve talking, silence, humour, movement or working on the floor; it does not have to look like two people sitting formally in chairs.
Ultimately, I offer a space where you can be fully yourself, feel genuinely understood, and work towards changes that are meaningful in the context of your real life.