Clinicians

Co-Director / Educational & Developmental Psychologist

Kirsty Vondeling

Kirsty is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist who gained her clinical experience working with children, adolescents and adults across educational and private practice settings in south-east Melbourne.

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Areas of practice: 

• Anxiety 

• Stress

• Self-esteem

• Low mood

• Communication

• School-related issues

• Interpersonal challenges

• Life transitions & adjustment

• Parent support​

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Outside of work Kirsty enjoys spending time with her two little girls, cooking, propagating plants, and travelling.

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Kirsty sees clients aged 6 years – 18 years. 

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Website: https://www.centreofmind.com.au/

Co-Director / Registered Psychologist

Katherine Shaw

Katherine has over 8 years experience working across educational and private settings. She values providing an engaging, safe and non-judgemental space for her clients. 

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Areas of practice:

• Anxiety

• Low mood

• Emotional regulation

• Anger

• Self-esteem

• Interpersonal relationships

• Adjustment and life changes

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Outside of work Katherine enjoys walking her dog at the beach, spending time with family, and travelling.

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Katherine sees children 12 and under, and adults​​ 18+.

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Website: https://www.katherineshawpsychology.com/

Mental Health Social Worker

John Riddle

John is a unique practitioner that utilises a variety of therapeutic approaches dependent on the needs of the person(s). Core to successful counselling is John’s commitment to providing a safe, positive and empathic environment that is founded on empowerment, acceptance and trust. In working with young people and adolescents, John has a unique ability that utilises his extensive experience to engage, support and empower them on their life journey building resilience and skills to manage the range of mental health concerns they face. 

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Areas of practice:

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Body image & self-esteem

• Depression

• Low mood

• Communication

• School issues 

• Interpersonal relationships

• Life transitions and adjustment

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John sees children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

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Website: https://johnriddlecounselling.com.au/index.html

Clinical Psychologist 

Dr Kara Yeske

Kara has 18 years experience in the field of psychology and 15 years practicing as a Clinical Psychologist. More than a decade offering Marriage/ Couples Counselling, individual Adult Relationship Counselling, and Parenting support. Extensive experience supporting Adults navigate emotional challenges and stressful life events. 

Kara shows up as her authentic self, to offer connected, balanced and humanising support. Dedicated to you feeling genuinely supported, while providing the space and guiding tools, to enhance connections, care for yourself, and map a road towards your desired goals. Be empowered to overcome emotional barriers, self-regulate strong emotions, and build confidence in your capabilities.

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Areas of practice:

• Couple relationship issues

• Individual relationship issues

• Parenting support

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Pregnancy uncertainty/anxiety

• Adjustment and change

• Burn out

• Life transition

• Depression and low mood

• Grief/loss

• Communication

• Self-esteem

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Kara sees adults (18 years+) individually, parents and couples.

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Website: https://www.mapyourway.com.au/

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Registered Psychologist (Educational and Developmental Registrar) 

Elyse Nash Ferry

Elyse provides individual therapy for children and young people aged 10 - 25 years. She has over a decade of experience working closely with children and young people in various roles across educational, clinic and community settings. Committed to fostering positive, collaborative relationships, Elyse approaches her work with a playful and engaging demeanour with children, and a down to earth rapport with teens and young people. Elyse draws upon various evidence-based approaches in her practise, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT),  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). 

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Areas of practice:

• Anxiety

• Study stress/VCE stress

• Life transitions

• Self-esteem

• Low mood

• Emotional regulation

• Parent support

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Outside of her work, Elyse enjoys spending time with her two boys and exploring the local beaches and community. 

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Elyse sees adolescents and young adults (10 to 25 years)

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Website: https://www.elysenfpsychology.com/

Counsellor

Kelly Robinson

Kelly is an experienced couples therapist and Counsellor.

Kelly has over a decade of experience in wellbeing and counselling. Helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with empathy and real-life wisdom.

Using evidence-based therapies, she supports her clients through relationships, anxiety, depression, stress, and more, focusing on long-term relief and holistic healing. Her approach is supportive and authentic rather than clinical, creating a safe, insightful space where her clients can explore their true self and leave feeling stronger, more confident, and emotionally empowered.

 

Areas of practice:

 

• Individual counselling 

• Couples counselling

• Marriage guidance

• Separation support

• Co-parenting guidance

• Communication

• Confidence & self Esteem

• Life transitions

• Emotional & self regulation

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Kelly sees adults (18+), couples and individuals.

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Website: www.handonheartcounselling.com.au ​​

Registered Psychologist, Behaviour Support Practitioner and PhD Candidate

Katie Newman

Katie is neuro-affirming in her therapeutic approach, cultivating a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space for individuals of all diverse backgrounds. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Self-Compassion and Mindfulness. Katie works from a whole-systems approach, considering biological, psychological, social and environmental factors in a client's life to best guide the therapeutic approach.​

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Katie has worked closely with schools, allied health therapists, parents, families and support workers to assist her clients in a range of settings. Her experience also includes university teaching, presenting in schools and early childhood settings, research, crisis support and risk management.

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Areas of practice:

• Anxiety 

• Autism

• ADHD

• Stress

• Self-esteem

• Low mood

• Self-harm

• School-related issues

• Interpersonal challenges

• Parental support

• Burnout

A mum of two, Katie is currently undertaking a PhD in Psychology informed by her experience as a parent. Her research is focussing on the role of self-compassion for parents of children with sleep problems.

Katie works with children aged 6+, adolescents and parents.

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Contact: www.katienewmanpsychology.com.au

Registered Psychologist

Emily Teape

Emily is a friendly, compassionate, open-minded, and determined Psychologist, who has worked with individuals, families, and care teams, supporting clients of all ages in private practice, educational, and community settings. She has experience completing assessments and funding applications/reviews, as well as providing counselling and intervention.​

Areas of practice:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Neurodiversity (ADHD & Autism)

• Stress

• Anger Management 

• Interpersonal and communication skills

• Relationship challenges

• Emotion- & self-regulation

• Self-esteem & confidence 

• School & work difficulties

• Sleep & self-care

• Life transitions & adjustment

• Parenting support​

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Emily provides assessments for children (aged 6+),  adolescents, and adults. Counselling for adolescents (aged 14+) and adults.

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Website: www.touchtheskypsychology.com

Clinical Psychologist

Dr Gwyn Rees

Gwyn is a clinical psychologist originally from the UK, where she began her career in health psychology with a focus on women’s health. She holds a PhD in psychology and has a strong background in research, which underpins her commitment to evidence-based practice. Gwyn supports clients through challenges related to fertility, pregnancy, loss, and perinatal trauma, as well as difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and navigating life transitions. She draws on a range of therapeutic approaches to suit each client’s needs and goals. Gwyn is a member of the EMDR Association of Australia and values EMDR as a powerful approach to help people process difficult experiences, shift unhelpful core beliefs, and strengthen resilience, self-compassion, and confidence.

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Areas of practice:

• Antenatal and postnatal anxiety, depression and stress

• Conception difficulties and infertility

• Perinatal trauma (birth trauma, loss, premature delivery, termination)

• Miscarriage, loss and grief

• Adjustment to parenting

• Perimenopause and menopause-related mental health challenges

• Life transitions and adjustment

• PTSD and trauma

• EMDR therapy

• Identity changes and self-worth

Gwyn works with adults 18+

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Website: https://gwynrees.com.au/

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Psychologist (Clinical Registrar) 

Denver Nixon

Denver is a registered psychologist and clinical psychologist registrar with experience supporting clients across the lifespan and working with a wide range of mental health and neurodevelopmental presentations.

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Denver’s approach is tailored to each client’s unique needs, strengths and preferences. His focus is on creating a warm therapeutic space grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect. Denver aims to help clients feel safe exploring their thoughts and experiences without judgment, while working together to build meaningful goals, enhance self-understanding, and support lasting personal growth. 

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Areas of practice:

• ADHD/Autism assessment for ages 6+ (Currently not providing cognitive assessment)

• Anxiety disorders (including social anxiety, generalised anxiety, panic attacks)

• Depression 

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD)

• Autism Spectrum presentations

• Stress and adjustment challenges

• Relationship and interpersonal difficulties

• Low self-esteem and confidence issues

• Sleep difficulties 

Denver provides therapy for ages 12+ and ADHD/Autism Assessment for ages 6+

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Website: www.denvernixonpsychology.com.au

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Registered Psychologist

Margaret Baker

Marg is an easy going, friendly Psychologist who has worked across several settings, supporting people of all ages and from all walks of life. Marg's approach views the human experience through the lens of attachment theory and approaches to therapy that harness connections between the brain, mind and body, including Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). 

In her spare time, Marg enjoys having adventures with her husband and their Labrador pup, Walter. Together they love hiking and going for long walks in nature. Experience has taught her that authenticity, human connection, a good sense of humor and self-compassion are important in creating a good life. Like all humans, she's working on it.

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Areas of practice:

• Anxiety and worry

• Depression and low mood

• Times of change and life transitions

• Challenges with confidence and self-esteem

• Personality vulnerabilities

• Grief and loss

• Anger, resentment and frustration

• Identity questions

• Relationship challenges

• Traumatic experience and PTSD

• Parenting support and psychoeducation

• Burn out or stress

Marg works with adolescents aged 14+ and adults.

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Website: www.thecuriouspsych.com.au/

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Registered Psychologist & Behaviour Support Practitioner

Kirrily Shaw

Kirrily is a registered psychologist and behaviour support practitioner who works primarily with children, adolescents, and their families across private practice, NDIS, and community settings. Kirrily has a strong focus on comprehensive psychological and neurodevelopmental assessment, supporting families to better understand their child’s learning profile, strengths, and support needs.

Kirrily is neuro-affirming in her therapeutic and assessment approach and is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental space for children and families. Her assessment work is evidence-based, developmentally informed, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on translating assessment findings into practical, meaningful recommendations that support children at home, school, and in the community.

Kirrily draws on a range of evidence-based frameworks and assessment tools and works from a whole-systems perspective, considering biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors when formulating assessment outcomes and recommendations.

She works closely with schools, paediatricians, allied health professionals, parents, and support workers to ensure assessment findings support coordinated care and shared understanding. Her experience includes cognitive assessments, autism assessments, ADHD assessments, specific learning disorder assessments, functional behaviour assessments, and NDIS-related assessment and reporting.

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Areas of practice:

• Cognitive (IQ) assessment

• ADHD and Autism assessments (neuro-affirming)

• Specific Learning Disorder assessments (reading, writing, mathematics)

• Functional behaviour assessments

• Anxiety and emotional regulation

• Executive functioning and attention difficulties

• Behavioural and school-related challenges

• NDIS behaviour support and positive behaviour support planning

Kirrily works with children (aged 6+), adolescents, and their families

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Website: www.secondnaturepsychology.com.au

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Mental Health Social Worker

Hannah Gordon

Hannah is a Mental Health Social Worker with 17 years experience supporting adults and seniors.  She is known for creating a welcoming, safe and empathetic space where clients feel truly heard.

Practicing from a Strengths-Based perspective within a Trauma-Informed framework, Hannah uses a person-centered approach, integrating various therapeutic modalities to tailor each counselling experience.  She specialises in helping individuals navigate distress and uncertainty, empowering them to cultivate resilience and clarity.

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Areas of Practice:

• Anxiety

• Low Mood

• Stress 

• Chronic & Complex Health Issues

• Dementia & Cognitive Impairment

• Domestic Violence

• Grief and Loss

• Natural Disaster Recovery

• Trauma

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family, exploring local beaches, gardening and savouring long coffees.

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Hannah sees adults 18+ and seniors.

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Website: www.nextdoorcounselling.com.au

Clinical Psychologist

Merav Eliyahu

Merav is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive training in Australia and overseas. She specialises in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), an evidence-based approach that fosters deep, lasting change and emotional healing.

With deep respect for each individual's unique journey, Merav provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for healing, self-exploration and growth. Through a collaborative approach, Merav empowers clients to take an active role in their healing process and achieve their therapeutic goals.

Passionate about her work, Merav brings enthusiasm and dedication to every session, supporting clients on their journey toward improved well-being and lasting change.

Areas of practice:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Emotional Regulation

• Anger Issues

• Grief & Loss

• Relationship Issues

• PTSD & Trauma

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Women’s wellbeing

• Work-related stress

• Life transitions

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Merav sees adult clients (23+ only).

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Website: https://www.soulbirdpsychology.com.au

Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar)

Angela Nastoulis (currently on maternity leave)

Angela is a registered Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar). Angela takes a warm and collaborative approach to therapy and values offering her clients a space where they feel respected, understood and empowered. 

Angela enjoys supporting adults with a range of concerns whilst utilising evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Angela integrates her experience across educational settings, private practice and community mental health settings to provide individualised support to her clients. 

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Areas of Practice: 

• Antenatal and perinatal support

• Anxiety and anxiety-related disorders

• Burnout

• Family of origin difficulties

• Interpersonal and relationship difficulties 

• Life adjustments/transitions

• Low mood

• Parenting support 

• Self-esteem

• Stress and coping

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In her spare time, Angela enjoys spending time with her family and friends, visiting the beach, and gardening.

  

Angels sees adults (18+)

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Website: https://www.angelanastoulis.com.au/

Registered Psychologist

Lucy Flood

Lucy is a registered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in helping people navigate a wide range of life challenges. She holds a Master of Health Psychology and has worked in a variety of health settings. Lucy is known for her warm style and uses a mix of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based techniques. Lucy is also trained in Hypnosis and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which have both been shown to create meaningful, lasting change for many of her clients. Lucy takes a trauma-informed approach, always aiming to build on each person’s strengths and support them in building resilience. She truly values working with people as individuals and takes the time to tailor her approach to best fit their unique needs helping them live fuller, more empowered lives. 

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Areas of practice:

• Anxiety & Depression, Mood Disorders

• Trauma, PTSD

• Stress, Burnout

• Grief, Loss & Bereavement

• Adjustment to Chronic Health Conditions

• Management of Chronic Pain

• Life Transitions 

• Support with Relationship issues

• Work Stress

• End of life & Palliative Care Support 

• Carer Support 

• Existential Issues

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Lucy sees adults (18 years+)

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Contact: lucyflood@outlook.com 

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Counsellor

Bec Klay

Bec is a genuine, non-judgemental and empathetic counsellor who is non-pathologising or clinical in her approach. Bec considers her role as a counsellor to be one of her life's biggest privileges. She takes a holistic approach to counselling, and believes that a person's context is critical in getting clarity on the root cause of one's concerns. She aims to support people to address root causes that lead to distress, rather than just addressing symptoms.

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Areas of practice:

• Life transitions

• Mood difficulties (anxiety, depression, reduced motivation)

• Self-development and growth

• Grief & loss

• Attachment/relational difficulties

• Work-related stress

Bec works with adolescents and adults

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Website: www.klaycounselling.com.au

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Counsellor

Tammie Shirley

Tammie is a qualified counsellor and registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Her background in nursing, midwifery, childbirth education and grief counselling inform her calm, compassionate presence and her understanding of the emotional complexities people face. Using client centred therapies, her approach is grounded, respectful, and compassionate.

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Areas of practice:

• Private childbirth education sessions

• Preparing for parenthood

• Grief and loss

• Dealing with a life altering diagnosis

• Parenting a medically complex child

• Relationship difficulties and breakdowns

• Emotion regulation and behavioural change

• Major life transitions (career change, relocation, separation)

• Parenting challenges

Tammie works with adults and adolescents

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Website: www.morningtoncounselling.com.au

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Registered Psychologist

Anita Kopiec

Anita provides a caring, sensitive and gentle approach that allows the person to feel comfortable discussing their issues. Has worked in government, rehabilitation, educational, community and private practice. With 30 years experience. She believes mental health should be accessible to all people.

Anita’s therapeutic approach is Client Centred using evidence based practices including CBT, trauma focused CBT, SFT, mindfulness, interpersonal counselling, relaxation and problem solving approaches.

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Areas of practice:

• Anxiety and depression

• Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder

• Mature aged mental health

• Under 12 years mental health

• PTSD trauma and grief

• Emotional and behavioural issues

• Autism spectrum 

• Bullying and work related issues

• Family and relationship issues

• Adjustment to disability and injury

• Cancer recovery

• Carer and parenting issues

• Anger management 

• Stress management and relaxation

Anita works with children and adults​​.

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Contact: anita.kopiec@gmail.com 

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