BSc Hons (Psych), MBA, MPJM, PhD, MAPS

Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Buikstra is a Far North Queensland local and a registered psychologist with more than 25 years of professional experience across psychology, research, project management, and leadership. Throughout her career, she has worked in a diverse range of roles spanning mental health, resilience, human factors, rural and remote health, and health service improvement.

Liz brings a unique perspective to psychological care, shaped by her professional experience and research across Queensland. Having served in the Australian Defence Force, worked within Queensland Health, and with strong family connections to policing and rural communities, she has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those working in high-demand occupations and living in regional and remote Australia.

Liz has a particular interest in supporting adults experiencing trauma, complex trauma, PTSD, workplace stress, burnout, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. She also has a special interest in working with emergency service personnel, current and former Defence members, healthcare professionals, and people living in rural and regional communities.

Drawing on evidence-based approaches, with Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy forming the foundation of her work, Liz tailors treatment to each person's individual needs. Where appropriate, she integrates other therapeutic approaches to ensure treatment is personalised, effective, and responsive to each client's goals. She is committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and compassionate therapeutic environment where clients feel understood, empowered, and supported to achieve meaningful and lasting change.