About

About Clayton

Stable Ground Psychology is the private practice of Clayton McDonald, a clinical psychologist based in Agnes Water.

Clayton works with adolescents (13+) and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, including complex trauma. He also provides neurodivergence-affirming support and a range of psychological assessments.

A bit about Clayton outside the office

Clayton was born and raised in the country. After some years living and working in the city, he found himself missing the space, the pace and the sense of community that come with rural life, so he came home to it. He grew up riding and has a lifelong love of horses, and getting back in the saddle is high on his list now that he's back.

How Clayton works

Therapy with Clayton is collaborative, and he draws on a range of evidence-based therapies, chosen to suit the person, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).

Trauma-informed means you stay in control of what you share and when. Neurodivergence-affirming means the focus is on what helps you thrive, not on making you fit someone else's idea of normal.

He uses plain language, explains his thinking, and checks in regularly to see whether you are working towards what you want.

Assessments

Clayton also provides comprehensive psychological assessments, including cognitive and intellectual (IQ), academic achievement, neurodevelopmental (such as ADHD and autism) and personality assessments.