Ms Veronica Engel

Veronica Engel is the Lead Psychologist at the clinic and an experienced practitioner specialising in the intersection between psychology, gut health, and chronic illness. Her work focuses on gut–brain interactions, eating and anxiety disorders, and the psychological management of chronic health conditions.

Veronica has established and led several successful psychology services across Sydney, including The OClinic, The Gut Centre (NSW) under the mentorship of Dr Jim Kantidakis, The Engel Clinic, Children’s Health Hub, and Sydney Paediatric Gastro. She has been invited to speak at numerous professional seminars, including at The Royal North Shore Hospital, The SAN Hospital, and Paediatric Gastroenterology Seminars, where she has presented on the psychological aspects of gut function, obesity, and chronic disease management.

With a deep understanding of the mind–body connection, Veronica integrates evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioural techniques, mindfulness, and clinical hypnotherapy to help patients manage symptoms related to gut–brain disorders, stress, and anxiety. Her approach emphasises calming the nervous system and improving digestive health through psychological regulation and behavioural change.

Veronica’s qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Psychology (Macquarie University, now the Master of Professional Psychology), Postgraduate Diplomas in Psychology (Macquarie University and Charles Sturt University), and certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy from the College of Medical Hypnosis. She also holds postgraduate qualifications in TESOL and has completed advanced training in suicide prevention (Black Dog Institute), emotion coaching (Westmead Children’s Hospital), and body-positive counselling (Health Not Diets).

A member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc, Veronica combines extensive clinical training with lived experience of autoimmune illness and chronic inflammation, bringing a unique empathy and insight to her practice. Her work continues to advance understanding of the psychological dimensions of digestive and chronic health conditions, supporting patients in achieving sustainable emotional and physical wellbeing.