Jacqueline McDiarmid
Couple and Family Therapist
Lecturer and Presenter
Jacqueline has been in private practice for over 25 years, helping individuals, couples and families. She has extensive experience in couple and family therapy and is considered a specialist in these areas.
In her clinical practice, she has helped people deal with complex trauma, affairs, complex mental health issues, adolescent behavioural problems (including self-harm and suicidal ideation), behavioural issues in young children which are impacting parents and families, relationship issues and post-separation work.
Jacqueline works with many different dynamics: couples, parents, families with young children, same-sex couples, foster/adopted families, families with teenagers and also adult families.
She is particularly interested in helping parents of children/young adults with ADHD and ASD with parenting strategies as well as emotional support.
Jacqueline also has a passion for working with parents who are separating. Many people (both individuals and parents) seek Jacqueline’s expertise to help with complicated post separation relationships and planning for the future. Jacqueline is regularly referred clients who are in a litigation process and she therefore has a good working knowledge of legal processes and the Family Court of Australia.
Although Jacqueline’s work is supportive and friendly, she will challenge couples, parents and family groups to make the necessary behavioural changes, to repair relationships and to move towards healthier communication styles and connections.
Jacqueline’s style is direct and fast paced and she is known for quickly getting to the heart of the matter. Clients report that they feel safe and understood with Jacqueline.
Qualifications and Professional Membership
Jacqueline has a Masters in Couple and Family Therapy (UNSW). She has a Bachelor degree in Counselling and Human Change, and a Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling.
Jacqueline is a Clinical Supervisor for Counsellors and Therapists. She lectures in couple and family therapy at Masters and Post Graduate level, and is currently Head Lecturer for the Couple and Family Therapy course (Masters) at the Jansen Newman Institute. She has been a Lecturer at the University of Western Sydney and Sydney University, and continues to guest lecture at other tertiary institutions.
Jacqueline is also the Director of the Couple and Family Training Centre where she runs regular professional development workshops and seminars for Therapists, Counsellors, Psychologists, Social Workers and Health Industry Workers who are looking to gain skills in this specialist area.
She is a Clinical Member of the Family Therapy Association of Australia and a Clinical Member of PACFA. Jacqueline is also a regular presenter at the Australian Association of Family Therapy conferences.
“I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your guidance and support throughout our sessions. Your insight, patience and approach have made such a meaningful difference for both of us. Your perspective has helped us better understand each other. We’re very grateful for the work you did with us and for the support you’ve provided us during one of the most difficult times in our lives.” – Clients who saw Jacqueline for couples therapy.
“Thank you for seeing me today. Your help with all our family issues and all your advice has been invaluable.
I don’t know how other families do it, without a Jacqueline in their lives.” – Anna (43) step-mum and mum to four children.
