Clinical Psychologist & Retired Paramedic

Joanne, who likes to be known as Jo, has worked for over 40-years in the Health Sector. Jo began with St John as a Cadet, then became a Volunteer Ambulance Officer. Jo became a career Paramedic in 1988, spanning over 20 years in SA Ambulance Service (SAAS), working on road (Metropolitan and Regional Stations), Emergency and Major Events. Jo also became involved further as a Mentor, Advanced Life Support, Driving Instructor, Peer Support Officer and a Union Delegate. Jo managed the Peer Support Program before going into Private Practice as a Psychologist. Jo is now a Retired Paramedic, but it was this experience that led her to become a Clinical Psychologist practising over the last 18 years following a back injury and no longer being able to work on the road. Upon starting work in Private Practice, Jo still maintained a connection with SAAS by being one of the Clinical Psychologists providing Psychological Services in the EAP program for frontline workers. Upon leaving that practice, Jo continues to see Paramedics under Mental Health Care Plans, Privately and on Work Cover. Throughout both of her careers and living in rural and remote areas, Jo has witnessed the profound impact of trauma and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. These experiences have shaped her understanding of how adversity can affect every aspect of a person’s life and drive her commitment to helping others. Jo believes that therapy is most effective when people feel genuinely heard, understood and safe. Jo’s approach is warm, compassionate and collaborative, and she aims to create a space where clients can explore their experiences without judgement and at a pace that feels right for them. 

Jo works with adults who have experienced Trauma, Stress, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Depression, Grief and Loss, Chronic Pain, Work/Life Balance and Carer Stress. Jo draws on evidence–based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Jo believes that by working together we can make sense of difficult experiences, strengthen resilience and develop practical strategies that support meaningful, lasting change. Jo has a special interest in working with First Responders, Veterans, and WorkCover clients.

Email: Joanne.Sperou@partneredhealth.com.au

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Health Science – Major Psychology and Public Health

Honours of Health Science (Psychology)

Master of Psychology (Clinical)

Diploma of Applied Science (Ambulance Studies)

Advanced Diploma of Accounting

Diploma of Business Studies

Associations

AHPRA – General registration with Approved area of Practice – Clinical Psychology

Member of Australian Psychology Society

Retired Ambulance Officers Association – South Australia

Golden Key International Honours Society