Avnee Lagad
Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M. ClinPsych

Avnee is a warm and empathetic psychologist who is passionate about helping her clients navigate their emotional and physical challenges. Avnee has a specific interest in supporting adolescents and adults living with a chronic illness, with experience across Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. In particular, she works with patients, carers, and family members with cancer, haematological disorders, neurological disorders, auto-immune conditions, chronic pain, fatigue and POTS (see below). She also enjoys supporting clients to manage unhelpful patterns relating to perfectionism, self-criticism, and people pleasing.

Avnee provides evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs, with a balance of both practical strategies and developing deeper insight into the origins of emotional challenges. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, and Mindfulness-based therapies. Avnee holds a Master of Clinical Psychology and Bachelor of Psychology with 1st Class Honours. She is an AHPRA Board-Approved Supervisor and is a member of the Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group.

Avnee can assist with

• Anxiety disorders
• Low mood and depression
• Stress management
• Academic or workplace issues
• Grief and loss
• Carer support
• Coping with chronic illness
• Relationship and dating concerns
• Sexual/intimacy difficulties (including genito-pelvic conditions e.g. vaginismus)
• Insomnia and sleep difficulties

The POTS Clinic

Avnee has a strong interest in supporting those with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome),  and works closely with GPs and multidisciplinary care teams.  Whilst various lifestyle and medical treatments can be used to manage POTS, symptoms can often remain debilitating and unpredictable. Patients often experience high levels of emotional distress, which can also exacerbate underlying physiological symptoms(1). Evidence-based psychological interventions can assist with a range of concerns that often accompany POTS including:

• Managing the emotional impact of POTS (such as depression, guilt, grief and health-related anxiety);
• Improving treatment adherence to exercise and pharmacological interventions, and managing mood changes associated with medications;
• Improving self-management of symptoms and engagement in daily activities;
• Improving communication with social support networks and treating teams; and
• Management of comorbid conditions including chronic pain, fatigue, and gut issues.

Reference (1):  Raj V, Opie M, Arnold AC. Cognitive and psychological issues in postural tachycardia syndrome. Auton Neurosci. 2018 Dec;215:46-55. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2018.03.004. Epub 2018 Mar 27. PMID: 29628432; PMCID: PMC6160364.

Publications: Lagad A, Hodgkinson K, Newton-John T. Is ignorance bliss, or is knowledge power? When cancer healthcare professionals become cancer patients. European J of Ca Care 28(2) Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2019 Jul;28(4):e13066 doi: 10.1111/ecc.13066. Epub 2019 Apr 24.