Paula Gillespie-Fotheringham

Founder & Managing Director 
Art Psychotherapist | Specialist Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner 

Paula Gillespie-Fotheringham is the Founder and Managing Director of AkindaCo and a senior Art Psychotherapist and Specialist Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner. She works across psychotherapy and behaviour support, supporting children, young people, adults, and families within complex therapeutic, developmental, and relational contexts. 

Paula holds a Master’s degree in Art Psychotherapy and has undertaken advanced postgraduate research training, including doctoral-level study. She is a registered Art Psychotherapist (AthR), a Specialist Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and BSPA member, an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Adelaide, and a member of the Contact Arrangements Review Panel with the SA Department for Child Protection. 

Her therapeutic approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and relational. Paula draws on art therapy, EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Clayfield, and attachment-informed approaches, tailoring her work to each person’s communication style, needs, and life context. She works collaboratively and with care, focusing on safety, emotional regulation, and meaning-making rather than labels or quick fixes. 

Paula’s professional background includes work in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, forensic and adult inpatient settings, community and not-for-profit services, and higher education. This breadth of experience informs a grounded, systems-aware approach to therapy and behaviour support. 

Paula has a particular interest in working with children and families experiencing complex trauma, attachment disruptions, emotional regulation difficulties, and behaviour that is placing stress on relationships or systems. Her PBS work focuses on understanding the meaning behind behaviour and supporting sustainable, compassionate change across home, school, and community environments. 

Clients often come to Paula feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn. Her work aims to create clarity, safety, and hope, supporting people and families to feel understood and to move forward.