Mats Thoresen
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About Me
Mats is a Registered Psychologist (Clinical Psychologist registrar) with extensive experience across forensic and clinical settings. Mats began his journey at the University Clinic, acquiring hands-on experience in Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology during his internal rotation, where he spent 1 year working closely with children aged 0 to 15. Through this experience, Mats developed a strong foundation in supporting young clients facing a range of challenges, including oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), school refusal, emotional and behavioural difficulties, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and autism spectrum conditions. His clinical work also involved conducting key psychological assessments such as psychoeducational evaluations (WIAT) and cognitive testing (WISC), helping to build a clearer understanding of each child’s learning profile and cognitive strengths. Mats is trained in the evidence-based Cool Kids Program, a structured CBT intervention for children with anxiety. He has delivered this program in a 1:1 setting with both children and their parents, fostering meaningful progress through collaborative and supportive work. Above all, Mats is deeply passionate about empowering families—especially those navigating ODD and complex behavioural challenges. He brings a calm, empathetic presence to his work, focusing on building practical strategies and strengthening the parent-child relationship. Mats also acquired a deep theoretical and clinical understanding in his Master of Brain & Mind Sciences about Child Psychiatry, Brain/Mind and Mood Disorders in Children, whilst also placing some focus on ADHD and exploring the effects and impacts of overprescribing medications in children. Having worked in maximum-security prisons and Psychiatric Hospitals later in his training, Mats has developed a deep understanding of complex mental health presentations, including Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Personality disorders, trauma, forensic issues, and disability. With extensive training in assessment and diagnosis, Mats specialises in working with individuals facing significant psychological and behavioural challenges and integrates evidence-based therapies to support clients in achieving meaningful change. As a current Board-Committee member of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law (ANZAPPL) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Mats is committed to ongoing professional development and contributing to the broader clinical and forensic psychology community. Mats is also very passionate about academic teaching and has tutored multiple undergraduate Psychology courses at Macquarie University. Mats is further dedicated to researching psycho-legal assessments for fitness to stand trial and family court cases. Mats is currently committed to ongoing professional training in understanding childhood trauma and the impact of DV and abuse on childhood development.
