Professional Experience
Ros has 20 years experience working with children, adolescents and adults dealing with a range of emotional, behavioural and psychological problems and has managed her own private practice in Hornsby since 2007. Her work includes psychological assessment and therapy for a wide range of mental health disorders, behavioural and emotional problems, and relationship issues. Developmental, intellectual and academic assessments and treatment plans for children with development or learning concerns are also available.
In addition to her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, and an Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Sydney, Ros is a fully registered psychologist (since 1995) (AHPRA*), a full member of the Australian Psychological Society and a fellow of the College of Clinical Psychologists. Ros's substantial clinical experience through work and training has involved working with a number of significant mental health services.
During her time at the Northern Sydney Child Protection Service, Ros gained clinical knowledge and experience in treating trauma of children and adolescents, physical neglect, emotional and psychological abuse of children and adolescents, assessment of parenting skills and writing reports for the Children’s Court.
Whilst working with the Central Coast Adult Mental Health Team, she carried out assessment and therapy of adults presenting with a wide range of mental health conditions, such as complex post-traumatic stress disorder and personality disorders as well as conducting group therapy that focused on depression management, trauma education and trauma process.
During her time with the Hornsby Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team, Ros conducted assessment and therapy of children, adolescents and families presenting with a variety of emotional, behavioural and psychological problems. She also conducted psychometric testing and report writing.
Ros gained knowledge and experience at the Psychology Clinic, Macquarie University by working with clients experiencing a range of psychological problems and also conducting psychometric assessments, predominantly with children experiencing developmental, learning and/or academic difficulties. She also worked at the Anxiety Clinic at Macquarie University specialising in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
She has worked as an integral part of a diagnosis and assessment team within the multidisciplinary Ryde Community Support Team and therefore has comprehensive knowledge and skills in diagnosis and assessment of children with developmental delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability and other childhood disorders. Also, with the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, conducting diagnosis and assessment of children and adults with developmental disabilities. This work included a wide range of clinical experience and responsibilities that included:
- Behaviour management
- Individual counselling
- Family therapy and parenting skills training
- Liaison with schools and other agencies
- Supervision of Intern Psychologists for registration
In addition to working with children and families Ros has worked with adults experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, complex trauma and abuse, Depression, Anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss and other emotional or psychological concerns.
Ros has completed research into the Theory of Mind in Autism and worked with the Autism Association of NSW, the Autism Research Institute, Stanford Medical Centre, Mt Druitt Developmental Disability Service, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (Medical Psychology Unity) and the University of Sydney (Department of Psychology) and the Macquarie University Anxiety Clinic.
She has also conducted research, investigating relationships between individuals with Social Phobia. Both of her research papers were published in international peer-reviewed journals and Ros presented her research at the National Autism Conference.
Publications
Self-disclosure, emotional expression and intimacy within romantic relationships of people with Social Phobia. Sparrevohn, R.M. & Rapee, R.M. (2009). Behaviour, Research and Therapy, Vol 47, No. 12, pp 1074 - 1078.
Theory of Mind in Autism. Sparrevohn, R., & Howie P.M. (1993). In (Ed.), Proceedings of the National Autism Conference 1992. (pp 46 - 50) Melbourne: Victorian Autistic Children's and Adults Association Inc.
Theory of Mind in Children with Autistic Disorder: Evidence of developmental progression and the role of verbal ability. Sparrevohn, R., & Howie P.M. (1995). Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 36 (2), pp 249 - 263.
Theory of Mind in Children with Autistic Disorder: Evidence of developmental progression and the role of verbal ability. Sparrevohn, R., & Howie P.M. (1997). In R. Takagi, M. Rutter, M., & E. Schopler (Eds.), Advances in Research on Autism and Developmental Disorders Vol. 1, pp 139 - 148. Tokyo: Nihonbunka Kagakusha Inc. (Original work published 1995).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in a client with intellectual disability. Sparrevohn, R.M. (1997). In Occasional Papers - Annual Conference of the Professional Association of Psychologists in Developmental Disability Services. (pp 30 - 34).
* AHPRA: Allied Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Theory of Mind in Autism. Sparrevohn, R., & Howie P.M. (1993). In (Ed.), Proceedings of the National Autism Conference 1992. (pp 46 - 50) Melbourne: Victorian Autistic Children's and Adults Association Inc.
Theory of Mind in Children with Autistic Disorder: Evidence of developmental progression and the role of verbal ability. Sparrevohn, R., & Howie P.M. (1995). Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 36 (2), pp 249 - 263.
Theory of Mind in Children with Autistic Disorder: Evidence of developmental progression and the role of verbal ability. Sparrevohn, R., & Howie P.M. (1997). In R. Takagi, M. Rutter, M., & E. Schopler (Eds.), Advances in Research on Autism and Developmental Disorders Vol. 1, pp 139 - 148. Tokyo: Nihonbunka Kagakusha Inc. (Original work published 1995).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in a client with intellectual disability. Sparrevohn, R.M. (1997). In Occasional Papers - Annual Conference of the Professional Association of Psychologists in Developmental Disability Services. (pp 30 - 34).
* AHPRA: Allied Health Practitioner Regulation Agency