Our Psychologists

Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Buikstra is a Registered Psychologist with 23 years’ experience in clinical, project management, research and leadership including a wide range of areas such as resilience, mental health, human factors, rural and remote mental health, and health generally.

For more than 20 years, Simone has worked as a Registered Psychologist within the private, community, allied health and educational sectors. She is a Board Registered Supervisor and an Adjunct Lecturer at James Cook University. She has established a reputation of building genuine connections across cultures, age, vocational and societal groups.

Ange is a compassionate, professional, and down-to-earth Registered Psychologist with a passion for working with adolescents and older individuals.

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. 

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.

Collette is a compassionate and empathetic psychologist who takes a strength-based approach to therapy. She values a holistic and systematic view of mental health, recognising the interconnectedness of physical health, nutrition, and the influence of family and social dynamics on overall wellbeing. Her main areas of interest include adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, mental health, and trauma related concerns including PTSD.

Ashley is a Clinical Psychology Registrar who completed her Clinical Psychology Masters at Central Queensland University  Rockhampton, with thesis research exploring bariatric surgery patient’s wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. She previously completed a Master of Professional Psychology degree at UNE and bachelor’s degree in psychology at JCU, which included a thesis component focused on the benefits of psychological interventions for bariatric patients. She also has an Honours degree in Anthropology, to enable a greater understanding of cultural practices and diversity.

Jackie is a Registered Psychologist with experience in psychological assessment and measurement, counselling, and provision of evidence based psychological treatments. Jackie has experience working with people from across the lifespan and diverse groups, over a broad range of psychological illnesses. Jackie has an interest in psychometric testing and working with those who experience difficulty as a result of symptoms associated with illnesses including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, addiction and chronic pain.

Bernadette is a passionate and empathetic clinical psychologist who takes a strength-based approach working with families, adults, adolescents and children. Bernadette’s focus is on a range of psychological testing and treatment planning for mental health conditions, emotional regulation and behavioural problems. She has dual master degrees in Forensic Mental Health and Clinical Psychology.

Tamera is a Registered Psychologist with 20 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Through her down to earth, easy-going, and thoughtful manner, Tamera’s primary focus is on building a strong therapeutic relationship with a focus on the personal progress for her clients. Encouraging clients to improve their personal self-awareness and self-mastery of emotional skills. She is experienced in working with many presenting issues including mental health issues, realtionship problems, stress, burnout, and work life balance.