MEET OUR TEAM
Our team is made up of psychologists and social workers with varying ages and clinical interests. This means that we can always match you with a therapist who is best suited to your needs and preferences. All of our psychologists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and our social workers are registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Our services are available through Medicare, DVA, NDIS, WorkCover, Victims Assist, and private referrals/insurance agencies.
Dr Rachel Gleave,
BPsych(Hons), PhD(Clinical psychology)
Clinical Psychologist
Clinic Director
With 18 years of experience as a psychologist, Dr Rachel Gleave has worked in various settings, including private practice, university clinics, and public and private hospital systems. She adopts a compassionate and friendly approach towards her clients, focusing on building rapport and creating an enjoyable therapeutic environment. Rachel uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, mindfulness and compassion-based therapies, eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), and internal family systems (IFS) approaches. She provides therapy to both adult and adolescent clients, with a particular interest in treating trauma-related disorders. Rachel collaborates with clients to help them build insight, identify feelings and core needs, and develop coping skills to overcome unwanted behaviour patterns. She places significant emphasis on educating and empowering her clients to understand how the brain and mind function. Recently, Rachel has started incorporating Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) into her practice, training her therapy dogs, Hadley and Noa (female Golden Retriever x Poodles). Studies have shown that the human-animal bond can have a positive effect on both adults and children in psychotherapy. Animals offer unconditional love and support, which can increase the engagement and rapport between therapist and client. Research also suggests that incorporating animals into therapy can reduce anxiety, increase relaxation, and improve communication during sessions.
BPsych(Hons), PhD(Clinical psychology)
Clinical Psychologist
Clinic Director
With 18 years of experience as a psychologist, Dr Rachel Gleave has worked in various settings, including private practice, university clinics, and public and private hospital systems. She adopts a compassionate and friendly approach towards her clients, focusing on building rapport and creating an enjoyable therapeutic environment. Rachel uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, mindfulness and compassion-based therapies, eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), and internal family systems (IFS) approaches. She provides therapy to both adult and adolescent clients, with a particular interest in treating trauma-related disorders. Rachel collaborates with clients to help them build insight, identify feelings and core needs, and develop coping skills to overcome unwanted behaviour patterns. She places significant emphasis on educating and empowering her clients to understand how the brain and mind function. Recently, Rachel has started incorporating Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) into her practice, training her therapy dogs, Hadley and Noa (female Golden Retriever x Poodles). Studies have shown that the human-animal bond can have a positive effect on both adults and children in psychotherapy. Animals offer unconditional love and support, which can increase the engagement and rapport between therapist and client. Research also suggests that incorporating animals into therapy can reduce anxiety, increase relaxation, and improve communication during sessions.
Rachel's Phd: An Electrophysiological Investigation of Emotional Attention and Memory Biases in Depression: The Role of Working Memory Inhibitory Control Deficits. - Gleave_2015_02Thesis.pdf (5.146Mb)
Rachel's Publications (maiden name: Rachel Dati)
Dati, R. A., Cutmore, T., & Shum, D. (2012). Event-Related Potential (ERP) Indices of Emotional Biases in Depression: The Role of Working Memory Inhibitory Control Deficits. In G. Andrews and D. Newmann (Eds.). Beyond the lab: applications of cognitive research in memory and learning. Nova Science Publishers, Inc, New York. https://www.novapublishers.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=25613
Dati, R. A., Cutmore, T., & Shum, D. (2009). The viability of a non-deceptive variant of the object cue P300-guilty knowledge test (P300-GKT). Journal of Clinical EEG & Neuroscience, 40(1), 200. http://books.google.com.au/books/about/The_Viability_of_a_Passive_Event_related.html?id=lK_RSAAACAAJ&redir_esc=y
In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending quality time with her family. She strives to balance her responsibilities as a psychologist, business owner and director, and a parent to two young children. She has a passion for animals, yoga, and she loves to indulge in delicious food at Cairns Rusty Markets, especially Anne's Vietnamese Caphe.
Rachel's Publications (maiden name: Rachel Dati)
Dati, R. A., Cutmore, T., & Shum, D. (2012). Event-Related Potential (ERP) Indices of Emotional Biases in Depression: The Role of Working Memory Inhibitory Control Deficits. In G. Andrews and D. Newmann (Eds.). Beyond the lab: applications of cognitive research in memory and learning. Nova Science Publishers, Inc, New York. https://www.novapublishers.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=25613
Dati, R. A., Cutmore, T., & Shum, D. (2009). The viability of a non-deceptive variant of the object cue P300-guilty knowledge test (P300-GKT). Journal of Clinical EEG & Neuroscience, 40(1), 200. http://books.google.com.au/books/about/The_Viability_of_a_Passive_Event_related.html?id=lK_RSAAACAAJ&redir_esc=y
In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending quality time with her family. She strives to balance her responsibilities as a psychologist, business owner and director, and a parent to two young children. She has a passion for animals, yoga, and she loves to indulge in delicious food at Cairns Rusty Markets, especially Anne's Vietnamese Caphe.
Jodi Nilsson
B(Psychology), Masters (Clinical Psychology)
Clinical Psychologist
Jodi is a Clinical Psychologist with an interest in delivering psychological therapy in a culturally and locally relevant way for her clients. Her focus is on adapting therapy to ensure that the clients own experience and context is considered when working together. She has an interest in strengths-based and affirming practice, particularly for marginalised groups. Jodi attained her degree in psychology from James Cook University, and her honours and Clinical Masters at The University of Tasmania. She has other university qualifications including Anthropology, and Professional Writing, but her lifelong love has always been seeking to understand the human condition and adapting psychological therapy to the needs of remote and regional Australia Jodi has also trained and worked in oncology and remote and rural practice. Most recently Jodi has been providing training and supervision services for psychologists, with an emphasis on training therapists in increasing client satisfaction and outcomes. She also provides therapy for health care workers and mental health workers, or ‘therapy for therapists’. She is also focussing on better adapting psychological approaches for males.
Jodi also enjoys working with complex clients who have found previous therapy unhelpful, to assist in clarifying diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Jodi is a warm, empathic therapist who is passionate about providing the highest level of care to her community and assisting others to do the same.
Treatment modalities Jodi works with include
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Attachment-based family therapy and Attachment informed therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Compassion focussed Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Jodi also has training in trauma focussed CBT, Schema therapy, family therapy and relationship counselling.
Jodi has extensive experience working with:
• Anxiety disorders
• ASD with a focus on Neuro-diverse affirming care
• Complex co-occurring presentations with background trauma
• Cross-cultural psychology
• Grief and loss
• Interpersonal and family difficulties
• LGBTIQA+ affirming practice
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorders
• PTSD
• Substance misuse
In her spare time Jodi does lots of family stuff and likes swimming and fishing on the reef, although she would like to note that it is the boating she likes more than the fishing should anyone wish to talk about fishing at length . She wishes she could read more, but hopes to be able to do that when she is old.
B(Psychology), Masters (Clinical Psychology)
Clinical Psychologist
Jodi is a Clinical Psychologist with an interest in delivering psychological therapy in a culturally and locally relevant way for her clients. Her focus is on adapting therapy to ensure that the clients own experience and context is considered when working together. She has an interest in strengths-based and affirming practice, particularly for marginalised groups. Jodi attained her degree in psychology from James Cook University, and her honours and Clinical Masters at The University of Tasmania. She has other university qualifications including Anthropology, and Professional Writing, but her lifelong love has always been seeking to understand the human condition and adapting psychological therapy to the needs of remote and regional Australia Jodi has also trained and worked in oncology and remote and rural practice. Most recently Jodi has been providing training and supervision services for psychologists, with an emphasis on training therapists in increasing client satisfaction and outcomes. She also provides therapy for health care workers and mental health workers, or ‘therapy for therapists’. She is also focussing on better adapting psychological approaches for males.
Jodi also enjoys working with complex clients who have found previous therapy unhelpful, to assist in clarifying diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Jodi is a warm, empathic therapist who is passionate about providing the highest level of care to her community and assisting others to do the same.
Treatment modalities Jodi works with include
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Attachment-based family therapy and Attachment informed therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Compassion focussed Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Jodi also has training in trauma focussed CBT, Schema therapy, family therapy and relationship counselling.
Jodi has extensive experience working with:
• Anxiety disorders
• ASD with a focus on Neuro-diverse affirming care
• Complex co-occurring presentations with background trauma
• Cross-cultural psychology
• Grief and loss
• Interpersonal and family difficulties
• LGBTIQA+ affirming practice
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorders
• PTSD
• Substance misuse
In her spare time Jodi does lots of family stuff and likes swimming and fishing on the reef, although she would like to note that it is the boating she likes more than the fishing should anyone wish to talk about fishing at length . She wishes she could read more, but hopes to be able to do that when she is old.
Naomi Leo
B(Psychology), MAPS; completing Clinical Psychology Program
Psychologist
Naomi is a registered psychologist who enjoys working with older adolescents (around 16 years old) and adults, providing a collaborative approach to therapy. By utilising language and engaging in discussions, Naomi helps individuals develop a shared understanding of the root causes of distress within their lives.
Naomi takes a holistic view of her clients, considering the impact of their cultural, social, and family identities. Through this systemic lens, she helps clients better understand how various aspects of their lives contribute to their well-being.
Naomi particularly enjoys working with neurodiverse populations, including individuals with a late diagnosis of ADHD and ASD. Her goal is to increase self-understanding and provide strategies to help manage their diagnosis from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.
Additionally, Naomi has a special interest in working with trauma resolution. Using somatic experiencing techniques, she helps address trauma symptoms and builds a toolkit of coping techniques to reduce distress.
B(Psychology), MAPS; completing Clinical Psychology Program
Psychologist
Naomi is a registered psychologist who enjoys working with older adolescents (around 16 years old) and adults, providing a collaborative approach to therapy. By utilising language and engaging in discussions, Naomi helps individuals develop a shared understanding of the root causes of distress within their lives.
Naomi takes a holistic view of her clients, considering the impact of their cultural, social, and family identities. Through this systemic lens, she helps clients better understand how various aspects of their lives contribute to their well-being.
Naomi particularly enjoys working with neurodiverse populations, including individuals with a late diagnosis of ADHD and ASD. Her goal is to increase self-understanding and provide strategies to help manage their diagnosis from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.
Additionally, Naomi has a special interest in working with trauma resolution. Using somatic experiencing techniques, she helps address trauma symptoms and builds a toolkit of coping techniques to reduce distress.
Rachel Gibson
Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology,
Clinical Psychologist
Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology,
Clinical Psychologist
Rachel is a clinical psychologist who has worked in mental health roles across the community and private sectors, developing a focus on trauma while working in early intervention. She has honed this interest while working with adults with PTSD and complex trauma, substance use problems, eating disorders, chronic pain and military service-related harms, leading her to pursue further training in trauma-focused therapies. In recent years, Rachel has broadened her scope in private practice, where her clients sought help for a range of challenges, including depression and anxiety, neurodivergence-related problems, sleep difficulties, burnout, navigating change and managing relationships.
Rachel began her professional life as a journalist and spent 15 years building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and writing their stories. In her therapy practice, she brings the same curiosity and warmth to her work - helping her clients to recover from past trauma and mental ill-health, regain a sense of self-determination and tell their own stories. She works with adults 18+ and is trained in EMDR, Schema Therapy, CBT, CBT-E, ACT, Motivational Interviewing and other modalities. She is welcoming of clients from all identities and backgrounds. To maintain her own mental health, Rachel spends her free time exploring our beautiful environment.
Rachel began her professional life as a journalist and spent 15 years building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and writing their stories. In her therapy practice, she brings the same curiosity and warmth to her work - helping her clients to recover from past trauma and mental ill-health, regain a sense of self-determination and tell their own stories. She works with adults 18+ and is trained in EMDR, Schema Therapy, CBT, CBT-E, ACT, Motivational Interviewing and other modalities. She is welcoming of clients from all identities and backgrounds. To maintain her own mental health, Rachel spends her free time exploring our beautiful environment.
Collette Purves
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
Psychologist
Collette is a compassionate and empathetic psychologist who is deeply committed to a strength-based approach in her practice. She takes a holistic and systematic view of therapy, recognising the importance of physical health, nutrition, and the impact of family and social dynamics on psychological well-being. By creating a safe, trusting, and supportive therapeutic environment, Collette empowers her clients to make lasting, meaningful change in their lives.
With 20 years experience as a registered psychologist, Collette brings with her almost 15 years of specialised expertise in forensic mental health. She has extensive experience working with men, including those who have been reluctant to seek help in the past. These men present with a broad spectrum of challenges, ranging from low mood and mild adjustment disorders to complex behavioural and emotional difficulties. Her work spans across severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar, affective disorder (BAD), attention deficit (Hyperactivity) disorder, (ADHD) and co-occurring trauma and substance misuse issues.
Collette has a strong focus on treatment planning and psychological interventions designed to manage conditions such as emotional regulation, substance misuse, and behavioural issues. She is trained and experienced in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Informed Therapy (DBIT), and Trauma Informed Therapy.
Since transitioning to private practice, Collette has developed a strong focus on trauma work, which has driven her to pursue advanced training in trauma-focused therapies. She also has a keen interest in supporting adult men and women dealing with mental health issues, particularly anxiety and panic disorders. Collette is deeply passionate about understanding the ways these conditions affect individuals’ daily lives and overall well-being. Committed to finding effective therapeutic approaches, she helps clients regulate their emotions, build resilience, and enhance their quality of life. Through her practice, Collette aims to raise awareness, cultivate compassion, and provide evidence-based strategies for those navigating these challenges.
With 20 years experience as a registered psychologist, Collette brings with her almost 15 years of specialised expertise in forensic mental health. She has extensive experience working with men, including those who have been reluctant to seek help in the past. These men present with a broad spectrum of challenges, ranging from low mood and mild adjustment disorders to complex behavioural and emotional difficulties. Her work spans across severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar, affective disorder (BAD), attention deficit (Hyperactivity) disorder, (ADHD) and co-occurring trauma and substance misuse issues.
Collette has a strong focus on treatment planning and psychological interventions designed to manage conditions such as emotional regulation, substance misuse, and behavioural issues. She is trained and experienced in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Informed Therapy (DBIT), and Trauma Informed Therapy.
Since transitioning to private practice, Collette has developed a strong focus on trauma work, which has driven her to pursue advanced training in trauma-focused therapies. She also has a keen interest in supporting adult men and women dealing with mental health issues, particularly anxiety and panic disorders. Collette is deeply passionate about understanding the ways these conditions affect individuals’ daily lives and overall well-being. Committed to finding effective therapeutic approaches, she helps clients regulate their emotions, build resilience, and enhance their quality of life. Through her practice, Collette aims to raise awareness, cultivate compassion, and provide evidence-based strategies for those navigating these challenges.
Robyn Ikin (AHPRA registered name: Mrs Catherine Robyn Denise Ikin).
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
Psychologist
Robyn is a registered psychologist who has worked in private practice and various including
public health settings including mental health, diabetes, forensic, and chronic health. Prior to
psychology Robyn worked with children and families in settings including education, child
protection and the foster care system. Robyn currently works with adults however her
experience in working with children in a broad range of settings has provided learning in how
our early life experiences impact on the developing brain and our identity.
Robyn approaches therapy with openness, compassion and curiosity and believes you are
the expert in your own life. Robyn takes a strength based approach to partners with you to
deepen your own understanding of yourself and develop a toolbox of resources and
strategies to achieve your goals.
Robyn has experience working with mood disorders, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and
trauma. Robyn has a strong commitment to wellbeing and health. She has an interest in the
management of chronic diseases and is a credentialed eating disorders clinician. She draws
on a range of therapies, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT, CBT-E),acceptance and
commitment therapy (ACT), Solution Focused, Mindfulness, Schema therapy and eye-
movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). Robyn is enthusiastic about Schema
therapy, particularly for the empowerment it gives you in understanding how your core
beliefs develop and how they impact on your mood, health and coping behaviours. She also
Robyn provides individualised, comprehensive information to you and collaborates with you
to develop adaptive healthy strategies and skilful choices to improve your wellbeing.
Robyn balances work with her love of family and fitness. When she’s not out running,
dancing or at the gym Robyn loves paddling around Lake Eacham, yoga and meditation.
She enjoys good food and cooking and thinks one of life’s greatest pleasures is to share a
table of food and laughter with family and friends.bio and photo to come....
public health settings including mental health, diabetes, forensic, and chronic health. Prior to
psychology Robyn worked with children and families in settings including education, child
protection and the foster care system. Robyn currently works with adults however her
experience in working with children in a broad range of settings has provided learning in how
our early life experiences impact on the developing brain and our identity.
Robyn approaches therapy with openness, compassion and curiosity and believes you are
the expert in your own life. Robyn takes a strength based approach to partners with you to
deepen your own understanding of yourself and develop a toolbox of resources and
strategies to achieve your goals.
Robyn has experience working with mood disorders, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and
trauma. Robyn has a strong commitment to wellbeing and health. She has an interest in the
management of chronic diseases and is a credentialed eating disorders clinician. She draws
on a range of therapies, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT, CBT-E),acceptance and
commitment therapy (ACT), Solution Focused, Mindfulness, Schema therapy and eye-
movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). Robyn is enthusiastic about Schema
therapy, particularly for the empowerment it gives you in understanding how your core
beliefs develop and how they impact on your mood, health and coping behaviours. She also
Robyn provides individualised, comprehensive information to you and collaborates with you
to develop adaptive healthy strategies and skilful choices to improve your wellbeing.
Robyn balances work with her love of family and fitness. When she’s not out running,
dancing or at the gym Robyn loves paddling around Lake Eacham, yoga and meditation.
She enjoys good food and cooking and thinks one of life’s greatest pleasures is to share a
table of food and laughter with family and friends.bio and photo to come....
Tina Dart (AHPRA registered name: Alida Martina Dart)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced, Monash University
Psychologist
In a previous life Tina worked in Human Resources (HR), and really enjoyed connecting to people, which led to her realise that she wanted to have more of an individual impact. The evolution of her becoming a psychologist has been a long one with a number of stops along the way (in particular, finding love and having a child) – these experiences have and continue to shape her practice. She values taking a relatable, compassionate, supportive, client-centred approach and believes in developing strong therapeutic relationships founded on empathy and warmth to promote client wellbeing.
Tina aims to help individuals unlock their capabilities through evidence-based modalities (CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy) to facilitate real change, while feeling heard and understood. She works towards empowering individuals toward short-term wins and maintaining long-term gains. Tina is passionate about working in mental health to play a role in reducing the stigma of accessing mental health support by working towards breaking down barriers and facilitating positive change. She is passionate about supporting individuals to learn how to get the best out of themselves and live a more fulfilled life.
Tina’s area of clinical interest includes treatment of:
Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced, Monash University
Psychologist
In a previous life Tina worked in Human Resources (HR), and really enjoyed connecting to people, which led to her realise that she wanted to have more of an individual impact. The evolution of her becoming a psychologist has been a long one with a number of stops along the way (in particular, finding love and having a child) – these experiences have and continue to shape her practice. She values taking a relatable, compassionate, supportive, client-centred approach and believes in developing strong therapeutic relationships founded on empathy and warmth to promote client wellbeing.
Tina aims to help individuals unlock their capabilities through evidence-based modalities (CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy) to facilitate real change, while feeling heard and understood. She works towards empowering individuals toward short-term wins and maintaining long-term gains. Tina is passionate about working in mental health to play a role in reducing the stigma of accessing mental health support by working towards breaking down barriers and facilitating positive change. She is passionate about supporting individuals to learn how to get the best out of themselves and live a more fulfilled life.
Tina’s area of clinical interest includes treatment of:
- Stress-Related and Adjustment problems
- Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks
- Depression Disorders
Jayney Sutcliffe
BPsych (Hons)| BSoc.Sc
Psychologist
BPsych (Hons)| BSoc.Sc
Psychologist
Areas of interest: Complex Trauma, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders
Practising psychology since 2005, Jayney has experience working with children,
adolescents and adults. She has worked in both Government and Non Government
Organisations over her 20-year career as a psychologist. Her proudest professional
achievement to date has been her own clinics: “Childhood Matters: Psychological
Services for Children and Adolescents” from 2008 – 2015 and Life Matters Psychology
2015 - 2018.
Spending five years in the domestic violence sector, she has developed and delivered
high school-based psycho education programs for which she received both the
school-based prevention project award and the domestic and family violence
prevention award in 2007. She has also had the privilege to develop and deliver
training packages to professionals all over Queensland in sectors such as Health, First
Responders and Emergency Services in recognising and responding to survivors of
domestic and family violence.
Jayney uses an eclectic approach to therapy using CBT, TF- CBT, Schema therapy,
Mindfulness and psychodynamic models of therapy where relevant.
She is currently focused on Women’s, Men’s, and Adolescent Mental Health;
accepting referrals via GPMHCP, DVA, Victims Assist and Workcover.
With focus on psychological injury in the workplace, Jayney is also qualified as a
sociologist and has a keen interest in how social systems such as family, community,
and the workplace influence mental health individually and collectively particularly
where there has been crisis and devastation.
Practising psychology since 2005, Jayney has experience working with children,
adolescents and adults. She has worked in both Government and Non Government
Organisations over her 20-year career as a psychologist. Her proudest professional
achievement to date has been her own clinics: “Childhood Matters: Psychological
Services for Children and Adolescents” from 2008 – 2015 and Life Matters Psychology
2015 - 2018.
Spending five years in the domestic violence sector, she has developed and delivered
high school-based psycho education programs for which she received both the
school-based prevention project award and the domestic and family violence
prevention award in 2007. She has also had the privilege to develop and deliver
training packages to professionals all over Queensland in sectors such as Health, First
Responders and Emergency Services in recognising and responding to survivors of
domestic and family violence.
Jayney uses an eclectic approach to therapy using CBT, TF- CBT, Schema therapy,
Mindfulness and psychodynamic models of therapy where relevant.
She is currently focused on Women’s, Men’s, and Adolescent Mental Health;
accepting referrals via GPMHCP, DVA, Victims Assist and Workcover.
With focus on psychological injury in the workplace, Jayney is also qualified as a
sociologist and has a keen interest in how social systems such as family, community,
and the workplace influence mental health individually and collectively particularly
where there has been crisis and devastation.
Barbara Wasilewski
Bachelor of Social Work
Social Worker (Accredited Mental Health)
Barbara is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. She has over 20 years experience working with adults and adolescents experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and psychosis. Barbara is a warm and friendly therapist who is passionate about helping people. She has experience working with people from multicultural backgrounds and she speaks Polish fluently.
Barbara is extremely client focused in her work and considers how different approaches will improve an individual's situation and overall well-being. By working collaboratively as a team with her clients, Barbara's aim is to help people achieve their goals in life and enhance the meaning and value of their lives.
As a mature person, Barbara has a wealth of life experience to draw on and an extensive history of working in a range of mental health settings. In her work Barbara integrates all aspects of effective therapy practice by masterfully developing the therapeutic alliance, instilling hope, quickly centering on achievable objectives, selecting evidence-based practices and facilitating treatment adherence and follow up to make sure treatment gains will be maintained.
Barbara works with adults and adolescents (15+); she is available via tele-health services. Key interest areas: Depression, Anxiety
Grief and Loss, Cross Cultural Issues, Suicide prevention, Stress, Self Esteem, Situational Crisis, Workplace stress, Migrant issues, and
Christian counselling.
Therapeutic Approaches: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution- Focused Therapy.
Barbara is extremely client focused in her work and considers how different approaches will improve an individual's situation and overall well-being. By working collaboratively as a team with her clients, Barbara's aim is to help people achieve their goals in life and enhance the meaning and value of their lives.
As a mature person, Barbara has a wealth of life experience to draw on and an extensive history of working in a range of mental health settings. In her work Barbara integrates all aspects of effective therapy practice by masterfully developing the therapeutic alliance, instilling hope, quickly centering on achievable objectives, selecting evidence-based practices and facilitating treatment adherence and follow up to make sure treatment gains will be maintained.
Barbara works with adults and adolescents (15+); she is available via tele-health services. Key interest areas: Depression, Anxiety
Grief and Loss, Cross Cultural Issues, Suicide prevention, Stress, Self Esteem, Situational Crisis, Workplace stress, Migrant issues, and
Christian counselling.
Therapeutic Approaches: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution- Focused Therapy.
What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?
While social workers undertake a diverse range of roles within the community, some also complete further study in counselling and mental health, offering services that are similar to those provided by psychologists. Moreover, after completing a minimum of two years of supervised clinical practice, these social workers may pursue additional certification to become an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) through the Australian Association of Social Work. This accreditation signifies their extensive experience and expertise in the field of mental health, enabling them to be registered with Medicare for rebates, which is comparable to the training and standards required for psychologists.
Social workers typically adopt a holistic approach, considering the individual within their entire psycho-social system, rather than viewing the person as the sole source of the issue. They foster a therapeutic relationship based on collaboration and partnership, rather than positioning themselves as "the expert". Additionally, social workers generally possess a comprehensive understanding of the service system. They may also focus in specific client groups or therapeutic modalities, such as Clinical Hypnosis, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma therapy, akin to the training seen in psychology.
While social workers undertake a diverse range of roles within the community, some also complete further study in counselling and mental health, offering services that are similar to those provided by psychologists. Moreover, after completing a minimum of two years of supervised clinical practice, these social workers may pursue additional certification to become an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) through the Australian Association of Social Work. This accreditation signifies their extensive experience and expertise in the field of mental health, enabling them to be registered with Medicare for rebates, which is comparable to the training and standards required for psychologists.
Social workers typically adopt a holistic approach, considering the individual within their entire psycho-social system, rather than viewing the person as the sole source of the issue. They foster a therapeutic relationship based on collaboration and partnership, rather than positioning themselves as "the expert". Additionally, social workers generally possess a comprehensive understanding of the service system. They may also focus in specific client groups or therapeutic modalities, such as Clinical Hypnosis, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma therapy, akin to the training seen in psychology.
