Meet Dr Rani Jacobs
Psychologist and wellbeing coach with over 25 years experience.
Bridging evidence-based practice and intuitive wisdom to support deep, meaningful transformation.
Alongside my clinical work, I have supported my eldest daughter through her own recovery from chronic illness (autoimmune illness & ME/CFS). She has since healed, and the experience of walking alongside her through adolescence gave me a deeply human understanding of what it means to live through and beyond long-term health health challenges-both for the person directly affected and for those who love and support them. It also deepened my awareness of the unique vulnerability of adolescence, a stage when identity and beliefs are forming, and social connection is especially important.
During this period, I also experienced firsthand the impact that prolonged caregiving stress can have on health and wellbeing through my own journey with chronic migraine. These experiences expanded my understanding of the complex relationship between stress, the nervous system, physical health, and emotional wellbeing.
Combined with more than 25 years of clinical practice, these lived experiences allow me to offer support that is evidence-informed, compassionate, practical, and grounded in real life. They continue to shape the way I show up in my work, bringing greater sensitivity, respect, and care for the unique challenges each individual and family carries. Over time, they have also refined my ability to discern what is most helpful in a given moment, drawing on evidence-based approaches, clinical expertise, and intuitive insight to support each person's unique path toward healing, growth and wellbeing.
I am particularly passionate about supporting young people, carers, and individuals living with complex or chronic health conditions that affect the nervous system. My work focuses on building capacity, fostering safety and regulation, and gently exploring the beliefs, patterns, and protective strategies that may no longer be serving them. Together, we work toward strengthening resilience, supporting sustainable wellbeing, and reconnecting with the inner wisdom and bodily intelligence that support lasting change.
Please Note: As a health coach, I do not diagnose or prescribe.
As a licensed psychologist in Australia, and a health and wellbeing coach across the Australia and the U.S., I have the privilege of working with clients navigating a diverse range of health conditions, emotional, wellbeing needs, and neurodevelopmental needs.
My approach is shaped by both professional training and lived experience.
My background and training
Having a clinical and research background has given me a strong foundation in understanding and applying high-quality, evidence-based research. I integrate this knowledge thoughtfully into a human, flexible coaching approach.
Specialist training integrated within my coaching approach:
Licensed Psychologist in Australia
Certificate in Mindfulness-Integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT) – Foundation & Advanced training
Certificate in Health & Wellness Coaching (mindbodygreen)
Clinical Researcher
Certificate in Meditation for healing/health
Certificate in Functional Nutrition (mindbodygreen)
Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Certificate in CBT for children and adolescents
Certificate in working with children with externalizing behaviors
Certificate in Play Therapy and CBT integrated play therapy
Certificate in Energy Psychology
Who I have supported
My work often focuses on the mental and emotional impact of ongoing health or life challenges—helping people feel more like themselves again, even when circumstances haven’t fully changed. Over the years, I have supported carers, children, adolescents, young adults and adults living with:
Anxiety
Trauma
Body image concerns, disordered eating
Neurodiversity (including autism, ADHD, learning differences, giftedness, and twice exceptionality)
Burnout
Chronic stress
Perfectionism
Dysautonomia
Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Functional neurological disorder (FND)
Long term fatigue/exhaustion
Autoimmune Conditions
Chronic pain conditions
(such as CRPS, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain)Acquired brain injury and concussion
In Australia, I have also supported clients presenting with:
Depression
Self-harm
Obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias and fears
Eating disorder
Trauma
Personality Disorder
In their words:
Reflections from those I’ve worked with.
“Rani is an incredible health coach. She helped me to clarify exactly what I needed to improve my overall wellbeing and how to keep myself motivated. She is warm, compassionate, supportive and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Rani!” — Stephanie L
“I have worked with several psychologists over the years, and none of them compare to how exceptional Rani is. From the very beginning, Rani has been incredibly easy to talk to and has always created a safe, comfortable environment where I feel heard and understood. I trust Rani completely and feel confident bringing anything to our sessions, knowing she will guide me through whatever I am facing with care and insight. Her depth of knowledge is evident in the wide range of techniques and strategies she tailors to meet my needs. Working with Rani has truly helped me grow, both personally and emotionally. I am deeply grateful for her support and the positive impact she has had on my life”. -Lily K.
“What I appreciate most about Rani is how naturally she creates a safe and supportive space. She’s easy to talk to, genuinely compassionate, and always makes me feel heard without judgment. Her approach feels both thoughtful and practical, which made it much easier to create real, lasting change”. -Mel R.
My Publications
Edited Books:
Anderson, V., Jacobs, R., & Anderson, P. (Eds.) (2010). Executive functions and the frontal lobes: A life span approach. Psychology Press.
Book Chapters:
Smidts, D. P., Jacobs, R. & Anderson, V. (2018) The Object Classification Task for Children (OCTC): A measure of concept generation and flexibility in early childhood. Approaches to Understand Executive Control in Young Children. Pp 385-441
Anderson, V., Deery, B., Jacobs, R. & Kornberg, A. (2010). Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and childhood multiple sclerosis. In Yeates, K., Ris, M.D., Taylor, H.G & Pennington, B.F. (Eds.). Pediatric Neuropsychology. Research, theory and practice. pp. 147-166.
Anderson, V., Anderson, P., Jacobs, R & Spencer-Smith, M (2010). Development and assessment of executive function: From preschool to adolescence. In Anderson, V., Jacobs, R. & Anderson, P. (Eds), Executive functions and the frontal lobes, pp 157-188.
Anderson, P., & Jacobs, R. (2008). Assessment of executive function in children and adolescents. In Anderson, V., Jacobs, R., & Anderson P. (Eds.), Executive functions and the frontal lobes: A life span approach. Psychology Press.
Anderson, V., Jacobs, R., & Anderson, P. (2008). Developmental processes: frontal lobes and executive function. In Anderson, V., Jacobs, R., & Anderson P. (Eds.), Executive functions and the frontal lobes: A life span approach. Psychology Press.
Anderson, V., Jacobs, R., & Harvey, A.S.(2008). Focal frontal lesions in children: Outcome from developmental and acquired injuries. In Anderson, V., Jacobs, R., & Anderson P. (Eds.), Executive functions and the frontal lobes: A life span approach. Psychology Press.
Anderson, V., & Jacobs, R. (2004). Frontal lobe damage in children: Interruptions to normal development. In P. Nolin & J-P Laurent (Eds.), Enfance and neuropsychologie: Interface entre la recherche at la clinique. Quebec: Press de l’Universite du Quebec.
Anderson, V., Levin, H., Jacobs, R. (2002). Executive functions following frontal lobe injury: A developmental perspective. In D. Stuss and R. Knight (Ed.). Principles of frontal lobe function. NY: Oxford University Press, pp. 504-527.
Anderson, V., Levin, H. & Jacobs, R. (2002). Developmental and acquired lesions of the frontal lobes in children: Neuropsychological implications. In, Stuss, D. & Knight, R. (Ed). Principles of Frontal Lobe Function, NY. Oxford University Press.
Book Review
Anderson, V., Jacobs, R. & Anderson, P. (2008). Phinneas Gage meets 21st century neuroscience-executive functions and the frontal lobes: A lifespan perspective. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, .15, #6, p 541. NY. Psychology Press.
Journal articles
Anderson, V., Spencer-Smith, M., Coleman, L., Anderson, P.J., Greenham, M., Jacobs, R., Lee, K.J. & Leventer, R. (2014). Predicting neurocognitive and behavioural outcome after early brain insult. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 56(4), 329-336.
Gomes, A.M., Spencer-Smith, M., Jacobs, R., Coleman, L. & Anderson, V.A. (2012). Attention and social functioning in children with malformations of cortical development and stroke. Child Neuropsychology, 18(4), 392-403.
Long, B., Spencer-Smith, M.M., Jacobs, R., Mackay, M., Leventer, R., Barnes, C. & Anderson, V. (2011). Executive function following child stroke: impact of lesion size. Developmental Neuropsychology, 36 (8), 971-987.
Long, B.,Spencer-Smith, M.M. Jacobs, R., Mackay, M., Leventer, R., Barnes, C. & Anderson, V. (2011). Executive functioning following child stroke: the impact of lesion location. Journal of Child Neurology, 26(3), 279-287.
Spencer-Smith, M.M., Anderson, P., Jacobs, R., Coleman, L., Long, B. & Anderson, V. (2011). Does timing of brain insult have an impact on children’s attention? Developmental Neuropsychology, 36 (3), 353-366.
Jacobs, R., Harvey, A.S., & Anderson, V. (2011). Are executive skills primarily mediated by the prefrontal cortex in childhood? Examination of focal brain lesions in childhood. Cortex, 47(7), 808-824.
Gomes, A., Anderson, V., & Jacobs, R. (2011). Attention and social functioning in children with malformations of cortical development and stroke. Child Neuropsychology, 1(1) pp 1-12.
Anderson, V., Spencer-Smith, M, Coleman, L., Anderson, P., Williams, J., Greenham, M., Leventer, R.J.& Jacobs, R. (2010). Executive functions: Are they poorer after very early brain insult? Neuropsychologia, 48 (7), 2041-2050.
Anderson, V., Jacobs, R., Spencer-Smith, M., Coleman, L., Anderson, P., Williams, J., Greenham, M. & Leventer, R. (2010). Does early age at brain insult predict worse outcome? Neuropsychological implications. Journal of Pediatric Psychology35 (7), 716-727.
Deery, B., Anderson, V., Jacobs, R. Neale, J. & Kornberg, A.(2010). Childhood MS and ADEM: Investigation and comparison of neurocognitive features in children. Developmental Neuropsychology, 35(5), 506-521.
Long, B., Spencer-Smith, M.M., Jacobs, R., Mackay, M., Leventer, R. Barnes C., & Anderson, V. (2011). Executive Function Following Child Stroke: The Impact of Lesion Location. Journal of Child Neurology, 26 (3), 279-287.
Anderson, V., Spencer-Smith, M., Leventer, R., Coleman, L., Anderson, P., Williams, J., Greenham, M., & Jacobs, R. (2009). Childhood brain insult: can age at insult help us predict outcome? Brain, 132(1), 45-56.
Anderson, V., Spencer-Smith, M., Leventer, R., Coleman, L., Anderson, P., Williams, J., Greenham, M., & Jacobs, R. (2009). Reply. Early plasticity versus early vulnerability: the problem of heterogeneous lesion mechanism. Brain, online access.
Anderson, V., Spencer-Smith, M.M., Leventer, R., Coleman, L., Anderson, P., Williams, J., Greenham, M. & Jacobs, R. (2009). Reply: Timing of brain damage and verbal-performance IQ tilts. Brain, 132:e132
Anderson, V., Jacobs, R., Spencer-Smith, M., Coleman, L., Anderson, P., Williams, J., Greenham, M., & Leventer, R. (2009). Does early age at brain insult predict worse outcome? Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 35 (7), 716-727.
Parry-Fielder, B., Collins, K., Fisher, J., Keir, E., Anderson, V., Jacobs, R., Scheffer, I.E., & Nolan, T. (1999). Electroencephalographic abnormalities during sleep in children with developmental speech-language disorders: a case-control study. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 51(3), 228-234.
Spencer-Smith, M., Leventer, R., Jacobs, R., deLuca, C., & Anderson, V. (2009). Neuropsychological profile of children with subcortical band heterotopia. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 51(11), 909-916.
Jacobs, R., Harvey, A.S. & Anderson, V. (2007). Executive function following focal frontal lobe lesions: impact of timing of lesion on outcome. Cortex, 43(6), 792-805.
Briellmann, R., Little, T., Harvey, A.S., Abbott, A.F., Jacobs, R., Waites, A.B., Jackson, G.D. (in press). Pathological and physiological function of the inner band of 'double cortex'. Neurology, 67, 1090-1093.
Anderson, V., Jacobs, R., & Harvey, A.S. (2005). Prefrontal lesions and attentional skills in childhood. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 11, 817-831.
Jacobs, R., Neale, J., Anderson, V., Kornberg, A. & Shield, L. (2004). Neuropsychological outcome following ADEM in childhood: Impact of age at illness onset. Pediatric Neurology, 31(3), 191-197.
Smidts, D., Jacobs, R., & Anderson, V. (2004). The Object Classification Task for Children (OCTC): A measure of concept generation and mental flexibility in early childhood. Developmental Neuropsychology, 26(1), 385-401.
Jacobs, R., & Anderson, V. (2002). Planning and problem solving skills following focal frontal brain lesions in childhood: Analysis using the Tower of London. Child Neuropsychology, 8(2), 93-106.
Couper, E., Jacobs, R., & Anderson, V. (2002). Adaptive behaviour and moral reasoning in children with frontal lobe lesions. Brain Impairment, 3(2), 105-113.
Anderson, D., Harvey, A., Anderson, Kean, M., Jacobs, R., Abbott, D., Saling, M. & Jackson, G. (2002). Differential language activation demonstrated by functional magnetic resonance imaging in twins discordant for a left frontal tumour. Journal of Child Neurology, 17, 766-769.
Anderson, V., Anderson P., Northam, E., Jacobs, R. & Mikiewicz, O. (2002). Relationships between cognitive and behavioural measures of executive function in children with brain disease. Child Neuropsychology, 8(4), 231-240.
Jacobs, R., Anderson, V. & Harvey, A.S. (2001). Neuropsychological profile of a girl with subcortical band heterotopia “double cortex”. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 43; 628-633.
Jacobs, R., Northam, E. & Anderson, V. (2001). Cognitive outcome in children with myelomeningocele and perinatal hydrocephalus: A longitudinal perspective. Journal of Physical and Developmental Disabilities, 13 (4), 389-404.
Jacobs, R., Anderson, V. & Harvey, S. (2001). Concept Generation Test as a measure of conceptual reasoning skills in children: Examination of developmental trends. Clinical Neuropsychological Assessment, 2, 101-117.
Jacobs, R., Anderson, V. & Harvey, A.S. (2001). Behavioral ratings in children with focal frontal brain lesions: Initial impressions using the BRIEF. Brain and Cognition,47 (1-2), 207-210.
Northam, E., Anderson, P., Jacobs, R., Hughes, M., Werther, G., & Warne, G. (2001). Neuropsychological profiles of children with Type 1 diabetes 6 years after disease onset. Diabetes Care, 24 (9), 1541-1546.
Anderson, P., Anderson, V., Northam, E., Jacobs, R. & Catroppa, C. (2001). Development of executive functions through late childhood and adolescence: An Australian sample. Developmental Neuropsychology, 20(1), 385-406.