About The Social Space
We Start by Understanding
the Person
The Social Space is a psychology clinic in Mascot, Sydney, supporting children, teenagers, adults and families through therapy, assessment, group programs, workshops and practical, real-world support.
Understanding a person involves more than identifying what is difficult. We are also interested in what matters to them, their strengths and experiences, their environment and relationships, what already works, and what support might make everyday life work better.
You are not a diagnosis.
You are not a behaviour.
You are not the hardest day you’ve had.
Why We Exist
Support Shouldn’t Have to Wait for Crisis
People often reach psychological support after spending a long time trying to manage — sometimes without the right understanding, language or support around them.
We can’t change what someone should have had earlier. We can take seriously what they need now and, where possible, provide support before difficulties become more entrenched.
People shouldn’t have to struggle more before their needs are taken seriously.
Director’s Message
About The Social Space Psychology Clinic
When I founded The Social Space, I wanted to create the kind of psychology clinic I believed people and families needed — one where support could be thoughtful and evidence-informed, without losing sight of the person in front of us.
Over the years, I met children, teenagers and adults who had spent far too long trying to manage without the right support. Not because they lacked ability or potential, but because they had been misunderstood, support had come too late, or the focus had been so firmly placed on what was difficult that there was little room left to see the whole person.
That stayed with me — and it shaped The Social Space.
Here, we ask more than “What is difficult?” We ask: What does this person need? What matters to them? What are they already doing well? What could make life work better — and how can the support we provide make a meaningful difference beyond this room?
That thinking is why our work extends beyond individual therapy. Meaningful change can happen in a therapy room, but it can also happen while practising a conversation, navigating a disagreement, creating something alongside others, preparing for high school, learning with other parents, or connecting through a shared interest.
The Social Space is built on the belief that psychological support can be clinical and human, evidence-informed and practical, individualised and connected to everyday life.
Above all, support should never be about becoming somebody else. It should help people understand themselves more clearly, access useful tools and meaningful support, and create more possibilities for participating in a life that matters to them.
Katerina Stratilas
Clinic Director & Clinical Psychologist
What Guides Our Work
What Good Support Should Make Possible
Good psychological support is not only about reducing difficulty. It should help people understand themselves, access meaningful support and participate more fully in the parts of life that matter to them.
Understand the Person
A referral, diagnosis or difficulty gives us useful information. It doesn’t tell us everything we need to know about the person.
Make Room for Strength and Struggle
Someone can be capable and struggling, independent in one area and need meaningful support in another. Both can be true.
Support Growth Without Erasing Identity
Learning new skills and strategies shouldn’t require someone to hide harmless differences or become less like themselves.
Consider the Environment, Too
Sometimes the person needs a strategy. Sometimes the environment needs to change. Often, both matter.
Work With People, Not On Them
People should have a voice in what they want help with, what matters to them and what meaningful progress looks like — young people included.
Make It Useful in Real Life
Support should translate beyond the clinic into the places where life actually happens — at home, school, work, in relationships and in the community.
Beyond the Therapy Room
Because Life Doesn’t Happen in a Therapy Room
Individual therapy can be an important part of psychological support — but it isn’t the only place where understanding, learning and change can happen.
For one person, support might mean exploring anxiety or emotions in therapy. For someone else, it might involve practising communication, preparing for a transition, learning alongside other parents, developing self-advocacy, joining a structured program or connecting with others through a shared interest.
Different people need different kinds of support at different times.
Psychology Services
Individual therapy and psychological support for children, teenagers, adults and families.
Diagnostic Assessments
Helping individuals and families better understand strengths, needs and patterns of functioning.
Group Programs
Structured opportunities to learn and practise alongside others.
Workshops
Focused, practical learning around particular situations or stages.
Social Clubs
Shared-interest spaces where connection can begin around something people already enjoy.
School & Community Programs
Taking practical support into environments where everyday participation happens.
Our Team
The People Behind The Social Space
Our team brings together psychologists and professionals with different areas of experience, interests and ways of working — connected by a shared commitment to thoughtful, respectful and individualised support.
You Don’t Need to Know Exactly What You Need Before Getting in Touch
If you’re unsure which service, program or type of support might be relevant, tell us a little about what you’re looking for. Our team can help you understand the options available at The Social Space.