Our Psychologists

Vanessa is a Clinical Psychologist with over a decade of experience working with a range of mental health concerns, including adjustment, relationship issues, grief and loss, depression and anxiety. Vanessa completed her undergraduate and postgraduate psychology training at the University of Melbourne. She has supported clients in a range of public mental health services, including youth and adult community mental health and hospitals. More recently, Vanessa has worked in private practice.

Vanessa has particular interests in:

• Perinatal mental health

She enjoys supporting families during pregnancy, postpartum and through parenthood. She has a focus on helping them to find joy and increased confidence in these life transitions and values the opportunity to support and enhance parent-child relationships.

• Trauma

She also has expertise and interests in supporting clients who have had traumatic experiences, including those early in life.  

Vanessa’s approach is compassionate and warm. She is aware that it can be daunting to commence therapy. Hence, she is committed to providing an empathic, non-judgmental environment where clients feel listened to and safe to talk about their difficulties. She is interested in helping clients to reflect on how past experiences, especially where these are traumatic or challenging, may connect to current concerns and provides support to work through these together.

She draws on a range of therapeutic approaches, depending on a client’s needs and goals. She utilises EMDR when supporting clients who have experienced trauma. She is a registered Circle of Security facilitator and she will also often draw on attachment theory in her work with clients. She is also a registered Circle of Security parent group facilitator.

Age groups:

• Adults
• Older Persons

Therapeutic modalities:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Attachment-based therapy (ABT)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Ghazal is an experienced clinical psychologist with over 18 years of expertise in State and Federal Government, the private sector, and senior leadership roles in wellbeing services. She has worked with individuals across diverse backgrounds, tailoring her approach to meet each client’s unique needs.

Ghazal holds multiple postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) from Edith Cowan University and a Master of Psychology (Organisational Psychology) from the University of Western Australia. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Clinical College and the British Psychological Society.

With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, Ghazal supports individuals facing a wide range of psychological challenges, including anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and stress-related concerns. She has a particular interest in helping adults manage neurodiversity, improve emotional regulation, and navigate personal and professional relationships. Ghazal also provides psychological support for workplace stress, leadership challenges, and organisational change, helping individuals and teams build resilience and adapt to complex environments.

Age Groups:
• Young Adults (18+)
• Adults
• Older Persons

Therapeutic modalities:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness and Compassion-Focused Therapy
• Schema Therapy
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Dr Annelies is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist originating from Belgium, who moved to Australia in 2017. Dr Annelies finished the training as a Psychiatrist and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in the Netherlands in 2004 where she had a special interest in diagnosing and treating ADHD, ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders until moving to Australia in 2017. She believed then, and still believes, in medication to treat mental health disorders but also in non-pharmacological strategies with the child and the important people around them including mindfulness and the collaborative problem-solving method (Ross Greene). In Australia, Dr Annelies has worked treating children's mental health problems caused by traumatic events, such as (complex) PTSD, Reactive Attachment Disorder and Dissociative Disorders. Dr Annelies again believes that medication can have a role in the treatment of these disorders, however, that therapeutic interventions and non-pharmacological strategies are equally important for the child and family's healing and recovery. 

Further Description: 

Dr Annelies completed her training as a medical doctor in Belgium in 1999 and then moved to the Netherlands where she completed her training as a Psychiatrist and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in 2004. For 14 years she provided specialised care in assessing and treating children and young people with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and their comorbidities, both in a clinical and out-patient setting. Dr Annelies worked passionately for 5 years as the Clinical Director of a day-clinic facility for children with severe mental health problems, where she pioneered a clinical enhancement program informed by the well-known collaborative problem-solving method (Ross Greene). Dr Annelies believes that medication can be helpful in the treatment for children and young people with ADHD and ASD, but also believes that therapeutic interventions and non-pharmacological strategies, like family work and skill development in the child, as well as the important people around and raising them, are equally important.

In Australia, Dr Annelies has worked for Queensland Health, treating children's mental health problems caused by traumatic events, such as (complex) PTSD, Reactive Attachment Disorder and Dissociative Disorders. Dr Annelies developed a keen interest in this area and has further trained in different therapeutic modalities (EMDR, Theraplay, DDP, Play Therapy), and completed a 12-month long, international certification course for treating complex PTSD with Bessel Van Der Kolk (2019) and an international 12-month long certification program in treating dissociative disorders in children and youth (2024, Waters and Marks). Dr Annelies again believes that medication can have a role in the treatment of (complex) PTSD, however, that therapeutic interventions and non-pharmacological strategies like attachment-based therapy (Theraplay, DDP) and individual treatment delivered in a playful way, like EMDR and dissociation treatment, are equally important for the child and family's healing and recovery. 

Age Groups:

• Children and Adolescents (0-17 yrs)

Therapeutic Approaches and Modalities:

• Theraplay - D(yadic) D(evelopmental) P(sychotherapy)
• EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
• Play Therapy
• Collaborative Problem Solving Method
• Dissociation Work
• Mindfulness
• Assessment
• Medication Therapy

Emily is a Clinical Psychologist who provides confidential therapy in a safe, caring and respectful way. She has practiced in both Australia and Hong Kong, in counselling centres, non-profit organisations, hospitals, schools and in private practice.

With more than 10 years of experience in the field, she is well versed in working with adults and children from diverse cultures and backgrounds who experience a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, interpersonal/relationship problems, grief and loss, trauma, obsessive behaviours and addictions, as well as issues relating to personal growth and life direction.

Emily’s gentle and supportive approach has helped many individuals find relief from their symptoms and reach a place of genuine and greater wellbeing. She adopts a client-centered, integrated approach to treatment, based on psychodynamic, attachment, emotion-focused, mindfulness and cognitive/behavioural theories.

Languages:
• Cantonese

Age groups:
• Young Adults
• Adults
 

Therapeutic Approaches and Modalities:

• Psychodynamic therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Emotion-Focused Therapy
• Compassion-focused and strengths based
• Trauma informed 
• Mindfulness 

Karen is a Clinical Psychologist with qualifications including a Bachelor of Arts (major in Psychology), Graduate Diploma of Psychology and Master of Clinical Psychology. Karen’s professional experience has comprised all life stages and diverse settings including inpatient and outpatient settings, educational and private settings.

Karen has a particular interest in working with young people and adults experiencing anxiety and mood disorders, trauma histories, chronic health issues and supporting families with parenting concerns.

Karen adopts an empathetic, respectful and compassionate approach to support clients in exploring their strengths and values, empowering them to live a meaningful life. Karen values creating a safe, collaborative and non-judgmental therapeutic space for children, adolescents and adults and is committed to working with clients to tailor therapy to their individual needs.

Karen employs an evidence-based therapeutic approaches which may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and mindfulness based interventions to treat a range of presentations such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, chronic pain, grief and relationship issues

Age Groups

• Children
• Adolescents
• Young Adults
• Adults
• Older Persons

Therapeutic Modalities

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Therapy and mindfulness

Patty strives to provide a warm, genuine and transparent approach for all clients, establishing a trusting and collaborative therapeutic alliance. Her belief is that the integration of evidence-based treatments with a reciprocal authentic relationship leads to improved client outcomes.

She has a particular therapeutic interest in working with adults and adolescents in the areas of neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD & ASD) and challenging behaviours; particularly emotional and behavioural dysregulation and difficulties with attachment or trauma backgrounds and emerging personality disorders.

She has experience in providing psychometric assessment and interventions for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning difficulties and behavioural problems.

She works with young adults to help manage life transitions, depression, anxiety, stress and relaxation. She also has experience working with new parents to manage postnatal depression, parenting anxiety and assisting in adjusting to parenthood.

Patty is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, and a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi).

Age Groups
• Children
• Adolescents
• Young Adults
• Adults
• Older Persons

Therapeutic Modalities:
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness

Everyone has a story—and I’m here to help you make sense of yours. Starting therapy can feel daunting, but you’re not alone. I believe healing begins with feeling heard, and I’m here to walk beside you with compassion, curiosity, and care.

What matters most to me as a psychologist is showing up with warmth, authenticity, and real connection. I do my best to meet each person where they’re at—emotionally, culturally, and energetically. My style is grounded, compassionate, and responsive. I care deeply about creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and supported to talk about the things that matter. I’m especially drawn to working with trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, and relationship or family issues. I also support clients with ADHD, ASD, addiction, and emotional regulation, and provide psychometric assessments across the lifespan—from children to adults.

My goal is to help you feel empowered, understood, and more connected to yourself—whatever that means for you. I believe people already hold the answers they need, and therapy can offer the space, support, and tools to help make sense of it all.

I work in a way that’s flexible and grounded in what feels most useful to you. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and elements of psychodynamic and relational work. It’s not one-size-fits-all —we’ll figure out what works best together.

Over the past 14 years, I’ve worked in a range of settings including private practice, schools, community services, and workers’ compensation. I support children, teenagers, and adults, and I’m especially drawn to working with people through trauma recovery, interpersonal challenges, life transitions, and behaviour change.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master of Research in Psychology. I’ve completed training in a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and psychodynamic work. I also conduct psychometric testing, including cognitive, educational, ADHD and ASD assessments.

Age Groups:

• Children
• Adults
• Older Adults
• Couples and Families

Treatment Modalities

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Behavioural Therapy (BT)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Therapy (CT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Mindfulness

Robin is a Registered Psychologist with extensive clinical experience in treating depression, anxiety and stress disorders. Robin is known for his work in addiction and is a researcher in treating nicotine dependence.
For more than two decades, Robin has worked with clients to unpack underlying mental health, psychological, and behavioural problems associated with substance use. This includes a range of anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, interpersonal issues and other complex problems.
Robin is a gentle, non-judgemental and compassionate therapist who is passionate about helping people attain psychological freedom from anxiety and stress. He can draw on a variety of evidence-based therapies to help clients make meaningful changes, navigate problems, and lessen their anxiety.
Robin has training in the psychology of coaching. This enables him, where appropriate, to use a coaching model and solution-focused approach in treatment, to help clients achieve their goals.

Age Groups
• Young Adults
• Adults

Therapeutic Modalities:
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)
• Solution Focussed Therapy

Jack is a Registered Psychologist with a special interest in complex trauma (CPTSD), dissociative disorders and addiction. Jack works from a standpoint of collaboration and compassion, emphasising working at his clients’ pace. He focuses both on managing symptoms and understanding and treating their underlying causes.

Jack primarily works using a combination of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), parts-work (Structural Dissociation model), and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (a somatic modality). Jack has completed advanced training in EMDR to allow for work with more complex presentations including dissociation. Jack has also completed specific training in integration work with psychedelic experiences and transpersonal psychology. He additionally has training in Polyvagal Theory, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy.

Jack has 14 years’ experience working in the mental health and social work fields, including significant experience working in remote areas and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Jack previously taught psychology at James Cook University as both a lecturer and subject coordinator.

He has completed a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours, a Masters of Professional Psychology and a PhD, publishing peer-reviewed articles focusing on intergenerational trauma, trauma recovery, and the benefits of mindfulness. Jack is a member of the EMDR Association of Australia, the Australian Association of Psychologists, and is registered with the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute.

Fazeela’s passion lies in helping individuals navigate their emotional and psychological challenges through compassionate and evidence-based approaches.

She believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for change. Her approach is collaborative, empowering clients to take an active role in their healing journey.

Fazeela’s compassionate, empathetic, warm and non-judgmental therapeutic style makes therapy sessions a safe place to explore self and grow. 

Her approach to psychotherapy is integrative. She is highly sensitive to individual client needs and tailors her therapy techniques that best suit a client’s problem. She is skilled in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Schema therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

Fazeela has 17 years of experience of helping people with diverse problems belonging to various countries, cultures, and age groups. She has worked in a variety of settings including universities as assistant professor of psychology, drug rehabilitation centre, government hospital and private clinics.

Fazeela has a PhD and is an AHPRA approved Clinical Psychologist as well as a member of the Australian Psychological Society.