Shanae O’Leary is a Registered Psychologist, Clinical Psychology Registrar and qualified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist. Her clinical work centres on supporting clients to navigate the impacts of trauma, difficult life experiences and major life transitions, identity-related challenges and emotional dysregulation, with a focus on helping individuals understand themselves in a way that feels safe, grounded and collaborative.

Shanae draws on evidence-based approaches including trauma-informed CBT, schema therapy, mindfulness and somatic-based interventions. As a breathwork practitioner, she also integrates breathwork into her clinical approach alongside psychotherapy, incorporating bottom-up interventions that support nervous system regulation, emotional awareness and mind-body connection. This approach can be particularly helpful for clients who have strong cognitive insight but find it difficult to shift emotional or physiological patterns.

Shanae has undertaken research evaluating the potential of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to alleviate existential distress among cancer patients. Through a systematic review of the literature, Shanae was drawn to psilocybin’s therapeutic potential in alleviating existential distress in people living with life-limiting illnesses. This work ignited her interest in the therapeutic and ethical dimensions of psychedelic-assisted care, and she has since contributed to End Wise’s advocacy efforts, including the TGA submission seeking expanded access to psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life care. Shanae remains committed to supporting evidence-informed, patient-centred pathways for Australians facing existential distress.