Jace Cannon-Brookes
Jace is Co-Director of Birchtree Centre of Excellence. She began her career as a Registered Nurse, working within Acute and General Psychiatry, Drug and Alcohol, Palliative Care and Eating Disorders. It was during these years that she retrained as a Clinical Psychologist. For fourteen years Jace then worked within the field of addiction in a variety of roles. She designed and co-ordinated a six week residential rehabilitation program, with a focus on the treatment of complex trauma for women with histories of substance dependence. Jace has also completed the intensive Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) training and subsequently co-ordinated the implementation of a 12 month out-patient DBT program. Jace subsequently completed the three year Diploma of Psychotherapy with the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (ANZAP). It was through these professional experiences that Jace developed an interest and passion for working with survivors of complex trauma. She recognised and holds as deeply important the need to shift from a frame that asks ‘what is wrong with someone’ to one that questions ‘what happened to this person’. Jace believes in the importance of creating a safe space that holds and contains both clinicians and survivors enabling them to come together to focus on healing and recovery. This passion for working within the field of Complex Trauma resulted in Jace and Dr Sophie Reid opening Birchtree Centre in October 2015.
Jace provides clinical supervision regularly to clinicians, including clinical registrars. She has also taught for a number of years within the post graduate clinical psychology programs at the University of New South Wales, University of Technology and University of Sydney. Within her role as Co-Director of Birchtree Centre, Jace and Sophie have provided training on complex trauma to many private and public health agencies, as well as to a number of legal services.
Setting up Birchtree Centre also highlighted to both Jace and Sophie the need for the provision of support to clinicians and survivors of complex trauma in rural and regional Australia. In line with this need, Jace and Sophie have launched the Birchtree Foundation through which they provide workshops, support groups, supervision and mentoring.
Qualifications
- Masters of Clinical Psychology (University of New South Wales)
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Hons) (University of New South Wales)
- Bachelor of Nursing (University of Technology, Sydney)
Professional Memberships
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Australian Psychological Society
Dr Sophie Reid
Sophie is Co-Director of Birchtree Centre of Excellence and is a clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience. She holds a Masters of Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Child and Adolescent Psychology. Understanding families, relationships and the day to day challenges of both growing up and raising children underpin her clinical work. A passion for child advocacy has lead Sophie to focus her clinical work on helping people heal from the trauma of childhood difficulties and trauma and to assist people to become a more peaceful integrated self and return to the person they were born to be. In her work with parents and couples, Sophie seeks to support adults to interrupt the intergenerational impact of childhood trauma. Sophie has extensive experience working with adults, children and adolescents, parents and families at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, with Sydney’s homeless community, school communities, and in private practice. Sophie specialises in helping both individuals and families to recover from trauma, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, addictions, relationship issues, workplace and childhood bullying, and childhood illnesses.
Sophie has been a clinically focused academic at Sydney University, Monash University, Melbourne University, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. She has supervised PhD, Masters and Honours students, produced many publications, and continues to collaborate on a number of projects in the trauma and eating disorder areas. Sophie has been a member of the Expert Working Committee for beyondblue. Sophie also provides clinical supervision to clinicians including Clinical Psychology Registrars.
Together with Jace Cannon-Brookes, Sophie established the Birchtree Centre of Excellence in Trauma, Addiction and Eating Disorders in 2015 to address the pressing need to provide a place for adult survivors of childhood trauma to be welcome, held and heal. The Birchtree Centre has run a number of workshops and training for clinicians on complex trauma. The newly founded Birchtree Foundation was launched to provide trauma support and care to regional communities and to conduct cutting edge research to impact and interrupt the outcomes of childhood trauma.
Qualifications
- PhD (University New South Wales)
- Masters Clinical Psychology (University of Melbourne)
- Bachelor Science (Psychology), Hons 1 (University New South Wales)
Professional Memberships
- Australian Psychological Society
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association
- Australian Health Practitioners’ Registration Agency – Clinical Psychology Endorsement
Alison Clark
Alison is an empathic and passionate Psychologist who holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Sydney.
Alison works with adults, adolescents, children and families and enjoys working with people from all backgrounds. She has specific interests in eating disorders, perinatal mental health, child behaviour difficulties, post-traumatic stress disorder, and difficulties associated with attachment and developmental traumas. She also provides therapy for depression and mood difficulties, anxiety disorders, anger and aggression.
Alison’s clinical experience comes from working in various public, private and university settings. She has undertaken further training in working with complex trauma, family-based therapy for eating disorders, and parent-child interaction therapy. In addition to her clinical experience, Alison has conducted and contributed to research on perinatal depression, empathy development, parent-child interactions, and disruptive behaviour problems in early childhood.
Alison aims to create a safe, non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic space where individuals and families can develop insight and create meaningful change in their lives and relationships. She works collaboratively and personalises treatment, drawing on a range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Family-based therapies.
Qualifications
- Master of Clinical Psychology – University of Sydney
- Master of Applied Psychology (Professional) – Murdoch University
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours – 1stclass) – Murdoch University
Professional Memberships
- Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Adam Dickes
Adam uses a range of approaches to suit individual needs. He has training and experience in Compassion Focussed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness Integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and attachment approaches such as Circle of Security.
Experience
Adam is a warm, empathic and non-judgemental psychologist. He enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life, hearing their stories and working together to solve problems and overcome difficulties. Adam has worked with a wide range of clients who have experienced trauma, especially those from disadvantaged groups. He has worked at the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors and the Spilstead Family Intervention Service. Adam is currently the vice-president of the Hearing Voices Network, where he has facilitated support groups for people who hear voices.
Research
Adam’s current research is focused on developing and evaluating a family-based intervention to improve parent-child relationships for children in out of home care who have experienced complex trauma and maltreatment, an area he is especially passionate about.
Qualifications
- PhD candidate, Clinical Psychology, University of Technology Sydney
- Master of Clinical Psychology, University of Technology Sydney
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (Psych), University of Sydney
Memberships
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association
Alex Roach
Clinical Work
Alex has a warm, open and down to earth style. She has worked with individuals and families privately, as well as in hospital and university settings. Providing a safe and non-judgemental space, Alex gives clients room to process life’s challenges, get to know themselves better and create meaningful lives.
Drawing on modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness techniques, Alex works with clients to create intervention plans that align with their values and strengths.
Alex sees adult and adolescent clients with a range of needs, including:
- Anxiety, worry and stress
- Depression, mood problems, low-motivation and hopelessness
- Trauma
- Parenting and family challenges
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Adjustment and interpersonal difficulties
Research
Alex is completing her PhD at Sydney University. Her research focuses on the use of parenting techniques with children who have experienced trauma and adversity. She is investigating the impact of these techniques on the development of secure attachment bonds and self-regulation skills.
Qualifications
- PhD Candidate (University of Sydney)
- Masters Clinical Psychology (Australian National University)
- Bachelor Science (Psychology), Hons 1 (Australian National University)
- Bachelor Commerce (Australian National University)
Memberships
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency- Clinical Psychology Endorsement
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association
Anila Azhar
Anila draws from a range of therapeutic interventions tailored to suit the needs of each individual. She uses evidence-based therapies to address psychological problems, and has extensive training and experience using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and DBT skills.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts (USyd)
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology (USyd)
- Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours ) (ACAP)
Dr Ariana Krynen
Ariana is a warm and down-to-earth clinical psychologist. She loves connecting with people and aims to facilitate a safe and non-judgmental space to help people explore their challenges and create more meaningful lives and relationships. Ariana works with adolescents, adults and families from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.
Ariana has experience working with a range of presentations, including trauma and abuse, complex trauma, emotion dysregulation, relationship difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, parenting difficulties, and grief and loss.
Ariana’s clinical experience comes from working across various public, private and university settings. Ariana enjoys working in an authentic and collaborative style, drawing on evidence-based approaches tailored to individual client needs and goals. Ariana’s therapy modalities include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). She also draws on Mindfulness, attachment and family therapy approaches.
Ariana is also a Casual Academic at the University of New South Wales.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Clinical Psychology (University of Auckland)
- Bachelor of Science Honours, First Class (Psychology, University of Auckland)
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology, University of Otago)
Professional Memberships
- Australian Psychological Society Member
- APS College of Clinical Psychologists Fellow
- Australian Health Practitioners’ Registration Agency – Clinical Psychology Endorsement
Asa Clarke
Asa Clarke
Asa is a warm and passionate registered psychologist. Asa endeavours to create an accepting and non-judgmental environment where clients are able to feel safe to explore their recovery, face challenges head-on and increase their understanding of themselves. They have a passion for helping people with their recovery from trauma and working with people in the LGBTI community.
Experience
Asa works with adolescents, young people and adults who are;
- Survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence and traumatic accidents and/or PTSD
- Dealing with issues relating to sexual orientation and/or gender identity
- Recovering from eating disorders
- Experiencing difficulties with alcohol or drug use
- Dealing with mental health issues (such as depression, anxiety, phobias, bipolar disorder, personality disorders).
- Experiencing personal problems (such as relationship issues, low self-esteem, anger issues, self-harm, life transitions)
- Experiencing grief or loss (including complex grief)
- Dealing with chronic pain or sexual difficulties.
- Culturally and linguistically diverse, Aboriginal, or Torres Strait Islander people
Treatment Modalities
Asa works with clients to tailor a therapeutic approach that is appropriate for the client’s individual needs. These include, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Trauma-Informed CBT, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Curtin University
- Masters of Psychology (Professional) at Curtin University
- Internship with the College of Professional Psychology
Professional Memberships
- Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Member of the Australia Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (AACBT)
Dr Beata Robins
Beata completed her PhD and Master in Clinical Psychology at the University of New South Wales. She has extensive training in the psychological assessment and treatment of adults, adolescents, children and their families. She has worked across a variety of clinical settings including hospital inpatient and outpatient units, a university clinic and private practice. Beata’s special areas of interest are: depression, anxiety, attachment, trauma, grief and loss, eating disorders, addiction, relationship issues, and psychosis.
Beata enjoys working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and walks of life. She has a deep appreciation of how many of the difficulties and concerns that clients experience are understandable given specific life events, as well as social, cultural and familial factors at different stages of a client’s life. Beata endeavours to create a non-judgemental and accepting space where clients can feel safe to explore the challenges they are experiencing, increase self-understanding, and where their individual strengths and wisdom gained from their personal journey can be nurtured and built upon. Beata works collaboratively with clients using a wide range of evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to their individual needs.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (The University of New South Wales)
- Master of Clinical Psychology (The University of New South Wales)
- Bachelor of Advanced Science with Honours in Psychology (The University of New South Wales)
- Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and Social Anthropology; The University of New South Wales).
Professional Memberships
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- The Australian Psychological Society, Member (APS)
Ben Larke
Ben is a warm, empathetic and open-minded clinical psychologist with a Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Sydney. He has an integrative, evidence-based approach to therapy that draws on his training and experience in delivering a wide-range of therapy models. Central to his approach, however, is the belief that the therapeutic relationship – the connection that can be made between a client and their therapist in the room – is the most powerful tool.
Ben works with men and women, as well as those who don’t identify with these binary definitions of gender, on a range of issues that they are struggling with in their lives, including: supporting people coping with complex emotional and interpersonal trauma; people motivated to explore identity and other life issues; people exploring sexual and sexuality issues; people living with grief and bereavement to people experiencing eating disorders, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Ben has led groups focusing on social anxiety, social skills and support for young adults on the autism spectrum. Alongside his work with people in Australia, Ben also provides support to those affected by conflict internationally and has recently begun working remotely with Timorese mental health workers, particularly in their management of vicarious trauma. Ben also works casually at the University of Sydney, delivering lectures on post-conflict reconciliation and conflict resolution.
Research
Ben has conducted research on attitudes and stigma towards mental illness in the East Timorese setting as well as on Indigenous Australian attitudes and preferences for health care providers in urban and rural Australia. A prior career working in post-conflict, complex humanitarian situations has left him with an abiding interest in exploring how our culture shapes and informs our mental health and pathways to recovery.
Qualifications
- Master of Clinical Psychology, University of Sydney
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (Psych), University of New England
- Master of the Anthropology of Conflict, Violence and Conciliation, University of Sussex
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Behavioural Science), University of Glamorgan
Professional Memberships
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association
Daniela Peiris
Daniela is an approachable and empathic clinical psychologist who holds a Master of Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. Daniela has specialised training and experience working with young people, adults, and families who have experienced trauma as well as anxiety and phobias, depression, child behaviour problems, adjustment difficulties, relationship problems, loss and grief. She is passionate about developing a collaborative therapeutic relationship in order to walk beside her clients as they grow.
Daniela’s drive to work in the field of trauma began when she conducted research at the Traumatic Stress Clinic, where she had the privilege to hear the stories of people from a refugee background and first responders who had experienced significant trauma. Their stories of both struggle and resilience encouraged Daniela to pursue a career where she could support survivors of trauma.
In addition to trauma, Daniela has conducted research to investigate the connection between the gut and mind, and has a special interest in how stress, the gut, the immune system, and mental health interrelate. She later conducted research exploring the interaction between adult attachment and relational stressors, and has also worked clinically with both adults and children in mental health inpatient units. Through these experiences Daniela has developed a special interest in working with individuals to maintain psychological, physical, and relational wellbeing and seeks to approach mental health in a holistic manner.
Through her varied experience Daniela understands that every client is unique and therefore her therapeutic approach should match her client’s personal needs or goals. She is able to work from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach and also incorporate approaches such as Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Attachment Based Therapies.
Qualifications:
- Masters of Clinical Psychology, Macquarie University
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Psych), University of New South Wales
Professional Memberships:
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society
- Associate member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association
- General registration with the Australian Health Practitioners’ Registration Agency
Danielle Russom
Danielle has over 15 years experience working with clients both in the community sector and in her own private practice.
She specialises in working with couples and groups, with people living with HIV, the LGBTIQ community, complex trauma, and executives in the corporate sector.
As a Somatically trained Psychotherapist and Life Coach, Danielle is particularly interested in how her clients have adapted in their lives in response to their external environment. She works from the frame that body, mind and emotions are intimately interrelated and that if you can better understand yourself, then you have more capacity to make choices in your life that will best serve you.
Danielle is passionate about supporting her clients to achieve whatever it is that they desire in their lives, and in providing them with tools and techniques that will assist them in creating a more harmonious and healthy environment.
Danielle is currently in private practice at the Birchtree Trauma Centre in Sydney where she works with individuals and couples in a therapeutic environment. Danielle also co-facilitates the trauma support groups at Birchtree.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Somatic Psychotherapy
- Diploma in Herbal Medicine
- Diploma in Life Coaching
- Diploma in Executive Coaching
Professional Memberships
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Diana Sales
Diana is a psychologist specialising in trauma informed care who has completed her Masters of Clinical Psychology at Western Sydney University. She has worked extensively with people from a wide range of cultures and identities in her role as a psychologist as well as in her 10+ years as a social worker in the homelessness and youth sector.
Diana identifies as an indigenous Quechuan woman and is proud to be called family by the Kamilaroi people. She has worked with a diverse population in her career, people from marginalised backgrounds experiencing hardship, isolation and family breakdown and has a passion for working with First Nations, migrants, women and young people. Identifying underlying issues of trauma, including developmental, situational and complex trauma, Diana works collaboratively to help support her clients, their families and community.
Diana works with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, identity and relationship difficulties, disability, DV, loss and grief, learning disorders, chronic pain, and substance abuse. She tailors her therapeutic modalities to suit the client and works within a mindfulness space, utilising techniques such as early intervention, emotion regulation, attachment therapy, narrative therapy, CBT, ACT and Schema. Diana is a bubbly, kind, and a patient person who builds holistic relationships with her clients to support them and achieve their goals.
Qualifications:
- Masters of Psychology (Clinical) Western Sydney University
- Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology Macquarie University
Professional Memberships:
- Australian Health Practitioner’s Regulation Agency
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Danielle McHugh
Danielle is a clinical psychologist who has practiced as a psychologist for over ten years. Prior to gaining her qualifications Danielle worked in the community sector for 20 years supporting people to improve their circumstances and overcome adversity.
Danielle’s clinical expertise is broad and includes working with adolescents, their families and adults across a range of areas including depression, anxiety, relationship stress, complex trauma, sexual abuse and sibling sexual abuse, drug and alcohol issues, and disordered eating. Danielle has worked in the community sector, public health, and private practice.
Danielle has a gentle, warm and compassionate approach in assisting individuals and families with their concerns and providing therapy to meet their specific needs. She has a passion for assisting people to improve their emotional well-being and to overcome the impact of adversity.
Danielle has special interests in helping people who have been impacted by trauma and/or are experiencing emotional or relationship stress, and people facing difficulties with disordered eating.
Danielle has completed specialist training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Impact and Treatment of Childhood Trauma, Sexual Assault Counsellor Training, Sibling Sexual Abuse, and Treatment for Eating Disorders.
Qualifications
- Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) – University of Western Sydney
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (Hons) – University of Sydney
Professional Memberships
- Full Member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (FACPA)
- Australian Health Practitioners’ Registration Agency – Clinical Psychology Endorsement
Emma Sheens
Emma is a warm, genuine and trusted Psychologist. Her clients typically build strong and natural connection with her early in treatment. She works from a person-centred and collaborative approach and aims to create a safe space for her clients. She draws on a range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Schema Therapy.
Emma works with adults and adolescents. She has specific interest in working with those experiencing eating disorders, body image issues and compulsive exercise. She also provides therapy for depression/mood disorders, self-esteem issues, adjustment and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, difficulties associated with attachment and trauma.
Emma’s clinical experience comes from working in various private and not-for-profit organisations. In addition to her clinical experience, Emma is dedicated to raising awareness about eating disorders and has been published. She presented her research at the Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) conference in 2017.
Emma also has experience in running group treatment programs, working with families and individuals. She has previously worked on the Eating Disorders Day Program at ‘Northside Group St Leonards Clinic’ as well as the Treatment Programs at ‘The Butterfly Foundation’.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology – University of Sydney
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology – University of Sydney
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) – University of Sydney
Professional Memberships
- Australian Health Practitioners’ Registration Agency
Fiona Lumsdaine
Fiona Lumsdaine is an experienced psychotherapist specialising in relationship counselling. She provides a safe, non-judgemental therapeutic environment, helping individuals, couples and families to heal and communicate in a more direct and connected way. Fiona’s approach, based on a lifetime of counselling, teaching and experience, is that our shared humanity is stronger than our differences – that the way forward is best navigated with empathy, curiosity and compassion. She helps develop the skills necessary to identify, negotiate and resolve relationship challenges. Fiona also has a specific interest in helping individuals, couples and families dealing with issues related to LGBTQI and cross-cultural challenges.
As a qualified Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice (ICP) coach, Fiona is uniquely able to help couples going through separation and divorce to reach positive, mutually-beneficial settlements. ICP is a team-based, principled-negotiation approach designed to keep both parties in control of the outcome and to avoid the need for costly, traumatic litigation and Family Court intervention.
As an educator, Fiona teaches a specialised course on conflict resolution and mediation skills in the health care sector. She also runs workshops helping couples and families negotiate their way through separation and divorce in a way that helps preserve and evolve their parenting and communication skills in order to minimise trauma for all members of their families.
Qualifications
• Graduate Diploma of Relationship Studies (Australian Institute for Relationship Studies)
• Qualified Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Coach
• Diploma of Professional P.S.H. Therapy
• Certificate of Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy
Professional Memberships
• Member, Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
• Member, Collaborative Professionals (NSW) Inc
Gwenda Gilligan
Gwenda qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2013 and since then has worked exclusively in private practice. Her work includes individual therapy, couple therapy and group work. Gwenda’s clients are primarily adults and older adolescents who have experienced trauma. She has a particular interest in working long term with clients, especially those seeking to deal with the effects of trauma in their lives.
She also works with clients presenting with a broader range of issues including anxiety, depression, addictions, and eating disorders.
Her academic research interests have included: Performance Anxiety; Attitudes towards death & dying in CALD communities: the impact on provision of Palliative Care services; Communication between Health Professionals and Indigenous Cancer Patients.
Gwenda brings to her practice an extensive and varied life experience. She has a serious and practical approach to therapy which is married with compassion and dedication to the wellbeing of her clients. She understands that most people enter therapy wanting to bring about change in their lives and she sees her role as facilitating the changes the client wants to make.
Gwenda has an eclectic approach to therapy and is engaged in ongoing training in methodologies pertinent to the difficulties her clients face. In the area of trauma this includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative therapies and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Gwenda has also completed her training in the Poly Vagal Therapy approach to understanding the nervous system. Other therapeutic trainings include: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Brief Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Attachment Theories.
Gwenda has a Diploma of Hypnotherapy and is a trained Meditation Teacher.
Prior to becoming a Clinical Psychologist Gwenda worked as a singing teacher and counsellor with clients in the performing arts, sports people, students and business people in overcoming performance related anxiety. This included working with clients experiencing generalized anxiety, social phobia and panic attacks. As well as counselling individual clients, Gwenda conducted workshops in schools, at universities, and privately.
Gwenda also had an extensive teaching career including primary, secondary and adult education. She has worked multi-culturally with children, adolescents, teachers and families in the public and private educational domains. Through the implementation of English as a Second Language programs and while teaching with Adult Migrant Education Gwenda worked with child and adult refugees and new arrivals to Australia. She has also worked with Indigenous Australians teaching on Palm Island, Qld.
Qualifications:
- Master of Clinical Psychology (University of Canberra)
- Master of Creative Arts (University of Wollongong)
- Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education (BA Dip Ed) (Macquarie University)
- Diploma of Theology ( Mater Dei Institute)
Professional Memberships
- Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)- Clinical Psychology
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Member of APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Jude Tynan
Jude Tynan is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Family Therapist. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in working with individuals, families and communities that have experienced the impact of trauma. Jude has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, community health, sexual assault and domestic violence services, prisons, counselling services, and private practice. She has also delivered training across NSW state to mental health professionals, has taught in higher education, provides supervision and run both therapeutic and educational groups.
Jude brings to her work a strong sense of social justice and human rights. Some of her approaches include narrative work, cognitive behaviour therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitisation Reprocessing) systemic work, acceptance and commitment therapy. These frameworks sit alongside a passion for empowerment and healing. Jude believes in the amazing resilience of people impacted by trauma and feel privileged to share their journey.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
- Graduate Diploma of Family Therapy
- Masters in Couples and Family Relationships.
Karen Brien
Karen has over 10 years of clinical experience in the private and public sectors as well as her own private practise. She has written and facilitated both inpatient and outpatient programs supporting a wide variety of clientele who experience PTSD, complex trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders and substance abuse disorders.
This work also includes many years of running Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) groups and workshops for hospitals, NGO’s and corporate clients.
“I really enjoy being helping people understand their biology and learn practical skills that help them to feel more emotionally in control”
Kate Hinsley
Kate is a clinical psychologist with a warm and genuine approach. She works collaboratively with people to resolve the issues that brought them to therapy and to empower them as agents in their lives. She works with adults and adolescents providing longer term psychotherapy as well as brief interventions. She has expertise in working with a range of presentations including exposure to childhood trauma, emotional dysregulation, depression and anxiety, dissociation, impulsive behaviours, sexual trauma, relationship problems, and addictions. Kate draws on best practice and evidence-based therapies to support clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and their presenting difficulties, and to bring about changes that are meaningful to them. She has specialised training and experience in the delivery of cognitive behavioural therapies (CBTs) including dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness based interventions, and trauma informed care.
Kate has a special interest in addictions and trauma. She understands that problem alcohol and other drug (AOD) use can be an attempt to regulate emotions and a symptom of trauma exposure. In addition to her role in private practice at Birchtree Centre, Kate works across the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network where she supports young people who use alcohol and other drugs and their families, and provides education and consultation to service providers across the state. She has previously worked with people in custody accessing longer term rehabilitation and with people with addictions in a private hospital. Furthermore, Kate has published in the field of addiction and developed a patient reported experience measure to better understand the experiences of people with addictions accessing care.
Kate is also a meditation teacher influenced by the Vipassana (insight) tradition. She has travelled overseas to complete 10-day silent meditation retreats and completed her qualification in mindfulness teaching. Her passion for meditation was influenced by her volunteer work while studying at university where she saw positive results from teaching mindfulness to children from refugee backgrounds and to aboriginal children in rural communities.
Qualifications:
- Masters of Psychology (Clinical), University of Wollongong
- Bachelor of Psychology, The University of Sydney
Professional Memberships
- Australian Psychological Society
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association
- Australian Health Practitioners’ Registration Agency – Clinical Psychology Endorsement
Kate Turner
Kate is a clinical social worker and a certified neuropsychotherapy practitioner. She has over 25 years’ experience working with young people and adults who have experienced the broad impacts of trauma and mental illness. Kate has worked extensively across mental health and trauma service settings, in both the public and private sector. She is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AASW).
Kate primarily works with young people and adults across the gender, sexuality and age spectrum, who have experienced:
- Childhood and adolescent developmental/attachment trauma;
- Sexual abuse and sexual assault;
- Domestic and family violence;
- Single-incident traumatic events;
- Mental health challenges including depression and anxiety;
- Medical trauma;
- Grief and loss;
- Parenting issues (including for survivors of trauma);
- Workplace-oriented vicarious trauma, stress and burnout.
Kate is passionate about working with her clients to facilitate recovery and healing from the effects of trauma and adversity in their varied forms. She works in partnership with her clients, and tailors the therapeutic process to the needs of the individual. She works from a variety of clinical treatment modalities including (but not limited to): Trauma-Informed Stabilisation Model, Structural Dissociation Model, Polyvagal-Informed Therapy and Attachment-Focussed Therapy. She has obtained training and professional development in these therapeutic models. She has also completed Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training Level I and II (CCTP I/II: Janina Fisher, 2018).
Kate integrates a neurobiologically-informed understanding of trauma and attachment with a practical approach to therapeutic work. She recognises that individuals who endure trauma frequently experience deep shame, the absence of a sense of bodily safety and a fractured sense of self. She deeply acknowledges that trauma is frequently experienced somatically (within the body) and emotional memory, and that the work of re-establishing a sense of safety and connection is critical in trauma therapy. She also appreciates that attention to repair of early attachment wounds is important for many of her client’s recovery. She recognises that just as trauma occurs in the context of relationship, healing also occurs in relationship.
Kate views her clients as the experts in their own lives, and works from a strengths perspective. She enjoys working in partnership with her clients to transform the legacies of their current and/or past life experiences and relationships.
Kate began her career working in a broad range of NSW Health mental health clinical settings with individuals and groups who had experienced significant impacts of mental illness, substance abuse and childhood adversity. In her first decade in clinical practice, her interest in working with people who had experienced complex trauma emerged. Kate then developed specialist skills, knowledge and experience in working with individuals who had experienced recent sexual assault and/or earlier life sexual, emotional and physical abuse, via counselling and management roles within a trauma-specialised NSW Health service.
She later gained extensive and invaluable knowledge and experience in understanding broad individual and systemic responses to trauma, working as a senior counsellor for the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
In addition to direct client work at Birchtree Centre, Kate continues to provide consultation and clinical services to human-service organisations and commissions within her private practice. She provides regular consultation, training and direct clinical services to legal organisations, health services and non-government organisations regarding organisational trauma, vicarious trauma, Trauma-Informed Care and staff wellbeing.
Kate also provides extensive individual and group clinical supervision to mental health and trauma practitioners, sexual assault and sexual abuse counselling services, trauma-specific counselling services, trauma-informed family services and human service practice groups within statutory bodies in NSW.
Professional Memberships:
- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- International Association of Applied Neuroscience (IAAN)
- Australian Mental Health Professionals Network
Laura Rizzuto
Laura is a warm, open psychologist who offers a safe, collaborative space to explore what has brought you to therapy with a sense of curiosity and compassion. She deeply values you as the expert in your own experience and offers a holistic approach to therapy that draws upon your inherit strengths and resilience to nurture your relationships with self and others while empowering personal growth.
Laura has worked in a variety of settings with adults, adolescents and families through community mental health, youth out of home care, hospital outpatient programs and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her experiences have included supporting people in their healing journey from childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, self-harming, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, addiction and loss.
Laura draws on a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) & Systemic Family Therapy. As a qualified yoga & meditation teacher, Laura integrates mindful and somatic-based awareness practices to support safely leaning into emotions and sensations experienced within the body.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology Honours), Deakin University, Melbourne
- Master of Clinical Psychology, University of Sydney
- Yoga Teacher Training (550 hrs Hatha & Yin)
Professional Memberships:
- Australian Health Practitioner’s Regulation Agency
Lauren Murray
Lauren is a registered psychologist who has completed postgraduate study in clinical psychology. She is completing the registrar program for endorsement as a clinical psychologist and has further specialised training in trauma informed care and anxiety management.
Lauren has worked across a variety of clinical settings, including university clinics, hospital inpatient and outpatient units, and in private practice. She has also worked for over five years as a social worker supporting individuals experiencing a range of multiple vulnerabilities, histories of complex trauma, domestic violence, homelessness and drug and alcohol concerns.
Lauren has experience and training in the psychological assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and adults. She utilises evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Schema Therapy.
Lauren is a compassionate, warm and empathic clinician who believes in the importance of providing an empowering, safe and nurturing therapeutic space in order to support meaningful change. She is dedicated to working collaboratively with others to ensure that treatment is personalised to suit the unique needs and goals for each individual.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – Macquarie University
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours – 1st class) – Macquarie University
- Master of Clinical Psychology – Macquarie University
Professional Memberships:
- Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Member of APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Liberty Shuttleworth
Libby is a registered psychologist and is completing the registrar program for endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist. She completed a Master of Arts – Psychology and Sociology with first class Honours at The University of Edinburgh and a Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of New South Wales. Libby has experience in a number of clinical settings, including university clinics and hospital inpatient and outpatient clinics. Libby has experience working with individuals from all age ranges and their families.
During her training and clinical work, Libby has worked with individuals with a range of presentations including anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders and complex trauma including individuals who have experience childhood sexual and physical abuse. Libby has a specific interest in working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, as well as working with people who experience difficulties regulating their emotions, and receives supervision in the area.
Libby has experience, throughout her training, delivering evidence-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). She is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life and takes a warm, genuine and compassionate approach during her sessions
Qualifications
- Master of Arts (Hons) Psychology and Sociology (University of Edinburgh)
- Master of Clinical Psychology (University of New South Wales)
Liz Fitzgerald
With over 15 years of experience, art therapist Liz has worked with adults and children in services and private practice, including facilitating art therapy for people who have been affected by developmental trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD, addiction, eating disorders, anxiety and self-harm. Liz currently works with people individually and in groups. She is trained in a psychodynamic, trauma informed approach and is a clinical supervisor and visiting lecturer on the Western Sydney University Master of Art Therapy course. Liz has also completed a Certificate of Traumatic Stress Studies with the JRI in Boston. Liz enjoys advocating for art therapy in the wider community, including teaching the Sydney University CCE course “An Introduction to Art Therapy”, and was the inaugural group leader of the ANZACATA Sydney regional group. Liz understands that you don’t need to be “good at art “or a practicing artist, to benefit from the shared creativity and other relational aspects of art therapy, which are as important as the art made in sessions.
Lucie Frankham
Lucie is an experienced Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about empowering her clients. Her therapeutic practice is strengths-based, inclusive and Trauma Informed. A queer-identified woman, Lucie frequently works with other members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Lucie draws on a range of evidence based psychological approaches in her work, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Schema Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, DBT Skills training and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing).
Lucie has worked with clients with a broad range of issues in both public and private settings. Before moving into Psychology and while retraining as a Clinical Psychologist, Lucie worked as a Registered Nurse and brings her understanding of the interaction between body and mind to her work. During that period, Lucie worked in both drug and alcohol and mental health.
Lucie has particular interests in trauma recovery, compassionate self-care, managing life transitions, and in the treatment of anxiety, depression, substance use, living well with chronic illness and managing stress.
Qualifications:
- Master of Clinical Psychology (Macquarie)
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours Class 1, University of New England)
- Bachelor of Nursing (University of Sydney)
Professional memberships:
- Full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) with endorsement in Clinical Psychology
- Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists
- Member Australian Clinical Psychology Association
- Associate Member of the EMDR Association of Australia
Meg Carrigan
Meg (she/her) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 10 years’ experience as a counsellor, social worker, manager and trainer. In recent years, she has worked as a sexual assault and domestic violence counsellor and has developed a special interest in the area of trauma.
Meg’s approach is warm, gentle and non-judgemental. She understands that for healing to take place, the connection and trust between therapist and client is paramount. She considers it a privilege to accompany clients on their journey toward change and healing.
Meg primarily works with adults and young people in addressing:
- PTSD and single incident trauma, including sexual assault
- Domestic and Family Violence (current or historical)
- Developmental trauma
- Childhood abuse and neglect, including childhood sexual abuse
- Attachment injury
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship difficulties
- Carer stress
- Workplace burnout and vicarious trauma
Meg understands that there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to treatment and tailors her approach based on the individual, using a range of therapeutic models and theories, including (but not exclusively):
- Polyvagal theory
- EMDR
- Structural dissociation model and parts work
- Attachment theory
- Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Somatic therapies
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Social Work – Sydney University.
Professional Memberships:
- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) – Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Nadine Neukirch
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (University of New South Wales)
- Master of Clinical Psychology (University of Technology Sydney)
- Yoga Teacher Training (200h, Hatha)
Professional Memberships:
- Australian Health Practitioner’s Regulation Agency
Nicole Langman
Nicole is a registered psychologist and is completing the registrar program for endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist. She completed a Bachelor of Arts – Psychology degree with first class Honours at Macquarie University and a Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Sydney Technology. Nicole has experience in a number of clinical settings, including private practice, university clinics and a hospital outpatient clinic. Nicole has experience working with individuals across all age ranges including adults, adolescents, children and their families.
During her training and clinical work, Nicole has worked with individuals with a range of presentations including anxiety, mood disorders and chronic pain, as well as with survivors of trauma. Nicole has a specific interest in working with survivors of trauma, as well as with individuals looking to change longstanding patterns of behaviour, and receives supervision in the area.
Nicole is an empathetic clinician who is passionate about working collaboratively with individuals and families so that they may gain a greater quality of life. She has trained in cognitive behavioural, acceptance and commitment, and mindfulness-integrated treatment modalities. Nicole also has trained in the treatment of child emotional and behavioural difficulties utilising a family systems and attachment informed approach.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts – (Honours) Psychology (Macquarie University)
- Master of Clinical Psychology (University of Technology)
Nicole Clement
Nicole is a warm and highly skilled clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the field. She believes that humans are capable of incredible strength and change and feels privileged to work collaboratively with her clients to effect such transformation.
Her therapeutic approach is client centred and strengths based and her practice draws on a range of therapeutic techniques including Emotion Focused therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural and Interpersonal Therapy. Nicole works with clients in either the shorter or the longer term depending on their needs and situation. Her main areas of interest include grief, stress, anxiety, depression, work place difficulties and leadership challenges, relationship issues, mixed marriage challenges, parenting issues, immigration challenges, single and complex trauma and substance misuse difficulties.
Nicole has a Clinical PhD (Master and PhD degree) in Clinical Psychology from the Australian National University in Canberra. Her Phd focus was parenting self efficacy. She has published a number of articles in peer reviewed journals, the most recent in 2017. She has had experience in a variety of public and private workplace settings including working as a researcher and clinician at the University of NSW National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Department of Veterans Affairs, and St Vincent’s Drug and Alcohol Service. Prior to studying psychology Nicole worked in banking and she has had personal experience of living abroad for an extended period of time, living in a non English speaking country, and balancing work, study and family demands.
Qualifications
- Clinical PhD (Australian National University)
- Bachelor Soc Science (Psychology), Hons 1 (Griffith University)
Professional Memberships
- Australian Psychological Society
- British Psychological Society
- Australian Health Practitioners’ Registration Agency – Clinical Psychology Endorsement
Paul Kelly
Paul is a Clinical Social worker and Psychotherapist with an approachable friendly demeanour who specialises in helping people with drug, alcohol, sex and porn problems. He also has extensive training and experience working with individuals, couples and adolescents struggling with trauma and abuse, depression, anger, and loneliness. He is an intuitive non-judgemental therapist that tailors his approach to the person he is working with utilising a range of therapies including Integrative Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Schema Therapy.
During Paul’s career he has worked with individuals, couples and groups helping people become more comfortable with intimacy and improve their self-esteem and their connections with others. Paul has worked for many years in the LGBTIQ community, with people experiencing disability and social and cultural exclusion.
In recent years he has facilitated groups for men with problematic sex and porn behaviours both as a consultant and in private practice.
Paul has worked extensively with couples using a range of therapeutic techniques to help them develop a common language of respect and trust, so both partners experience being truly “seen” by the other.
Paul has a passion for working with adolescents and their families and for 18 years has provided therapy for adolescents with a focus on those experiencing poverty and family breakdown. Currently he co-ordinates an NGO providing therapy for disadvantaged and marginalised young people in Sydney.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts –Social Science, Macquarie University
- Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Sydney University
- Graduate Certificate, Gestalt Therapy, The Relational Institute, Sydney
- Certified Sex and Trauma Therapist, International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, USA
Professional Membership
- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP)
Rachel Moss
Rachel (she/her) is a passionate human rights and social justice advocate with an extensive work history as a counsellor, manager, trainer and educator in sexual assault, higher education and mental health settings. A career highlight so far has been working at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse as a senior counsellor.
Rachel has a social work degree and a Master’s degree in counselling, and is proficient and highly experienced in various counselling modalities including dialectical behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, group work and clinical supervision. Rachel’s practice is built on the principles of client focussed collaboration and empowerment.
Rachel has over 18 years clinical experience working with people of all cultures, genders and ages affected by trauma. This includes developmental, single incident, and complex trauma. She also works with clients who are struggling with gender and identity issues, self harm, depression and anxiety, relationship and sexuality issues, grief and loss and interpersonal issues. Rachel has firsthand experience of the healing that is possible in the counselling space.
Rachel is dedicated to continue to work in support of justice for our First Nations People.
Qualifications:
-
Bachelor of Social Work (UNSW)
-
Master’s of Counselling SW (UNSW)
Professional Membership:
-
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker registered with the Australian Association Of Social Workers
Rosa Nolan
Rosa is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in complex trauma, family and relationship difficulty, dissociation and neurophysiology. She sees adolescents, adults and families experiencing anxiety, depression, substance difficulty, eating and body concerns, suicidality and self-harm and personality difficulties. Rosa has postgraduate training in CBT, DBT, Polyvagal Therapy, neuro- and bio-feedback, and experience with eating disorders, trauma during childhood, refugees and asylum seekers, psychosis and bipolar spectrum disorders, and the queer community.
Qualifications
- MAPsych(Clin)
- BA (hons)
Professional membership
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Sally Curtis
Sally is a registered psychologist who has a warm, accepting and engaging manner. Her therapeutic style is open and flexible, and she aims to create a nurturing, growth-conducive environment in the therapy room. Sally brings sound clinical skills, psychological insight as well as a safe and non-judgmental space in assisting clients to achieve their goals.
Sally enjoys tailoring interventions to suit each individual’s needs and goals, drawing on a number of therapeutic approaches including trauma-focused therapy, DBT, CBT, Narrative therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
Sally sees both adult and adolescent clients with a range of needs, including challenges with anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, complex trauma, eating disorders, adjustment difficulties and interpersonal difficulties.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology) University of Sydney
- Graduate Diploma of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Jansen Newman Institute
- Yoga Teacher Training 200 hours
Professional membership
- Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Sarah Moloney
Sarah is a compassionate, warm and empathic psychologist with extensive experience in the management and treatment of people struggling with Eating Disorders. She is a member of AHPRA and the Australian Psychological Society. She completed her undergraduate training in Ireland in 2011 and subsequently completed her psychology registration training here, in Australia, as well as a Master in Professional Psychology. She is currently completing a Master of Clinical Psychology at University of New England. As well as Eating Disorders, Sarah is experienced and has a keen interest in working with a number of different presentations including trauma, relationship issues, family difficulties, substance use, low self-worth and emotional issues.
Sarah’s experience includes a number of years working clinically in inpatient and outpatient Eating Disorder, Substance Use Disorder and Acute and General Psychiatry programs at Northside Clinic. She was involved in the development of the Eating Disorder Group Therapy program for the new unit in Northside Clinic, Wentworthville in 2018. Her experience also includes time in private practice, occupational rehabilitation and working with adolescents, adults and the elderly. Sarah utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapy styles, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and psycho-dynamic approaches. She recently completed Stage 1 Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing training. She believes in being person centered and eclectic in her approach, with a firm belief in the necessity of a good therapeutic relationship. Sarah is passionate about providing a safe and validating space for people to explore and understand their struggles, work out ways to manage them, and heal through growing insight and empowerment. Sarah is passionate about individualizing treatment to best meet client needs, supporting and meeting them wherever that are at in their journey.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Ireland
- Masters of Professional Psychology (Macquarie University)
Professional Memberships:
- Australian Psychological Society
Sindy Kwok
Sindy is a dedicated and compassionate psychologist who works with adults, young people and their families. Sindy has extensive professional experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. Her clinical experience comes from working in mental health hospital, public, private and community settings including the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors. Sindy supports people with emotional and interpersonal trauma and provide therapy for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm and other behavioural concerns.
Sindy is committed to helping her clients enhance the quality of their lives by working collaboratively to achieve their treatment goals and move beyond their current circumstances. She believes in creating a therapeutic relationship that values the strengths and vulnerabilities of each individual, and in providing a supportive and caring space in which people can feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings. Sindy aims to empower her clients with skills and strategies that promote emotional resilience, and enable them to deal more productively with difficult life events.
Sindy personalised treatment and draws techniques from a range of evidence-based therapy models, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and family system approaches. She is fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Sindy conducted research on cognitive training, eating behaviours and weight management. She has also contributed to research on cognitive training for elderly with cognitive impairment at the Brain and Mind Research Institute.
Vanessa Tate
Vanessa offers Psychotherapy, trauma counselling and support as a qualified Mental health practitioner registered for Psychological Services with Medicare.
Vanessa is qualified and has experience with adults, adult survivors of abuse, adolescents and children.
Vanessa brings a wealth of private and public clinical and training experience in Australia and the USA. Vanessa has been a Therapist and Clinician for over 20 years, she is an Accredited Mental Health Clinician, an approved counsellor with Victim Services and a qualified Clinical Social Worker, she works with adults, adolescents, children and adult survivors. Vanessa has worked in Hospital settings, a Forensic Unit, Community Health and private practice. She has had roles as Staff Trainer, Manager, External Supervisor, Therapist and Counsellor. She has provided clinical supervision to staff who like her, have worked at the coalface of patient/client care. Vanessa can assist through challenges in all domains of life including the workplace, relationship issues, traumatic events, grief and loss, sexual assault, and family violence. She has significant experience in treating Post Traumatic Stress reactions, Complex PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. She uses her extensive training and experience in Trauma Informed Therapy, CBT, DBT, Systems Theory, Sensorimotor and Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy to help clients gain symptom relief and improve their general life quality. She also has specialised experience in child development, parent/child attachment and the interface of these experiences on adult health and functioning across the lifespan. Vanessa’s interests are in effective, evidenced based practice in psychotherapy and holistic wellbeing.
Qualifications
- Associate Diploma in Social Science (Child Studies)-UWS
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours invitation) –UNSW
- Masters of Counselling – ACU
- Post Grad Certificate in Psych-Archetypal and Cross Cultural Institute- U.S.A
Professional Memberships
- AASW- Accredited Mental Health SW
- Mental Health Professionals Network.