Meet Our Team
Dr Veronica Johnston (She/Her)
PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Veronica holds dual qualifications as a clinical psychologist and registered teacher. She has over 15 years experience working with children and adolescents, providing emotional, educational, and behavioural support to her clients as well as their family and schools. Veronica also has a passion for women's mental health and works with many adults experiencing mental health difficulties.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorder, grief and loss, behavioural difficulties, parenting support for families, neurodevelopmental disorders (ASD, ADHD), relationship issues, school or peer related difficulties.
Veronica is currently not accepting new referrals.
Dr Nicole Sloan (She/Her)
PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Nicole holds dual qualifications as a registered psychologist and a registered mental health nurse. She has ten years experience working in public mental health in forensic psychiatry providing care and treatment to adults with serious mental illnesses and complex needs. Nicole also has an interest in working with people who have chronic health conditions and difficulties adjusting to their physical illness.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorder, grief and loss, adjustment to illness, low prevalence conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder).
Erin Peavey
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Erin is a generally registered psychologist with experience in several different settings including public mental health, private clinics and hospitals. Erin utilises evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support clients of all ages, with a special interest in early intervention and treatment with children and young people. Erin is currently working towards endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety based disorders (e.g. social anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias, panic disorders, generalised anxiety, OCD), depressive disorders, early intervention for disruptive/conduct disorders in children, emotion regulation concerns and general mental health and wellbeing. Erin is also able to conduct Cognitive and Educational assessments.
Erin is currently on leave and not accepting new referrals.
Tilly Ambler (She/Her)
PSYCHOLOGIST
Tilly is a registered psychologist with over 15 years experience in corporate and private settings. She is passionate about supporting people to achieve realistic outcomes in work and life. She has worked in coaching and development; and providing counselling to women going through fertility processes, pregnancy and post-natal stages. Tilly is experienced in supporting clients with mental health difficulties that impact their day-to-day lives.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Career coaching and guidance, goal setting and leadership development, anxiety, depression, fertility including IVF, pregnancy and post-natal support, parenting support, grief and loss.
Tilly is currently not taking client referrals.
Camilla Franklin (She/Her)
PSYCHOLOGIST
Camilla is a registered psychologist with extensive experience working in the public mental health sector in addition to private practice. Her understanding of a broad range of evidence-based therapies allow her to provide unique and individualised treatment for each person aimed at reaching their identified goals. Camilla believes a vital part of effective treatment is building a strong therapeutic relationship which emphasises a sense of safety and trust. This foundation enables you to look curiously and non-judgmentally at challenging thoughts, emotions, behaviours and experiences. Camilla has confidence in an individual’s capacity to recover from mental and emotional pain and therefore has an abundance of hope and belief in the work you will do together.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, relationship/interpersonal issues, life transitions, grief and loss, workplace challenges, trauma, suicidal ideation, and adjustment issues
Polly Noble (She/Her)
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY REGISTAR
Polly is a registered psychologist currently working towards endorsement as a clinical psychologist. Polly has experience working with clients of all ages, in both private and public services.
Polly aims to build a positive and collaborative therapeutic environment to recognise and support each client’s individual needs, utilising evidence-based assessments, and interventions.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustments in life (e.g., grief, loss, pain, illness), emotion regulation and general mental health and wellbeing.
Luke Blackley (He/Him)
PSYCHOLOGIST
Luke holds qualifications as both a registered psychologist and a registered nurse and has extensive experience working therapeutically with individuals experiencing both acute and chronic symptoms associated with a range of major mental illnesses. Luke has previously worked in primary health care, forensic and acute mental health care settings, employing individual and group-based treatment methods and is experienced in utilizing motivational and strengths-based approaches to help individuals achieve their personal recovery goals. Luke is passionate about helping individuals manage difficulties associated with trauma, PTSD, substance use, relationship stress, adjustment to physical illness, carer stress and occupational stress.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, substance use difficulties, relationship/interpersonal stress, assertiveness, adjustment difficulties, carer stress, occupational stress, major mental illness including schizophrenia and mood disorders.
Disha Sasan
PSYCHOLOGIST
Disha is a registered psychologist who has experience and a passion for working with neurodivergent and neurotypical children under the age of 12 who may be struggling with a range of mental health concerns including, but not limited to, social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. She uses a holistic approach in her work, ensuring that support is provided to families and schools as well. Disha also runs social and emotional learning groups with children between 6 and 11, using play-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy. Additionally, she has experience working with adults experiencing a variety of mental health concerns.
Disha endeavours to provide an empathetic, individualised, evidence-based and client-centred approach to those experiencing mental health concerns. She has experience conducting cognitive and educational assessments.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, school and work stresses, school and peer related difficulties, general mental health and well-being, perinatal mental health issues, relationship issues, and life transitions.
Siahn Duxson (She/Her)
PSYCHOLOGIST
Siahn is a psychologist holding a Masters of Professional Psychology. Siahn has experience working with diverse populations in a crisis support role and practises in a client-focused, non-judgemental and collaborative nature. She uses evidence-based interventions and therapies to work compassionately alongside clients to support and empower them to reach their personal goals.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety/depression, adjustments in life, trauma, psychological distress.
Lauren Power (She/Her)
PSYCHOLOGIST
Lauren is a compassionate and dedicated Psychologist holding a Master of Psychology, working in the mental health space for over 8 years. Lauren has a special interest in the treatment of trauma, especially adult childhood trauma as well as distress experienced throughout a person's life span which can create difficulty in their day-to-day functioning and relationships. With unwavering commitment, she empowers individuals to navigate the complexity of their past experiences, assisting them to facilitate their own healing and personal transformation with realistic goals and outcomes.
Using a range of modalities such as; EMDR, Attachment-Focused EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, EFT, Interpersonal Family Systems, Coaching, Positive Psychology and holistic approaches, Lauren's career has been shaped by a deep commitment to helping individuals confront and heal from the wounds of their past to head towards growth and healing.
You deserve to be the happiest version of yourself.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Trauma/PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships/interpersonal issues, Coaching and guidance, Esteem and confidence-building and Psychological distress
Abbey Sawyer
PSYCHOLOGIST & SEXOLOGIST
Abbey is a Registered Psychologist and Sexologist. She holds a Master of Science in Medicine degree, specialising in psychosexual therapy, and has completed Bachelor degrees in Psychological Science and Criminology, alongside a Postgraduate degree in Psychology. She has spent her last few years living in the Sunny Gold Coast, and is now back living in her hometown Geelong. Abbey is passionate about the interlink between psychological health and sexuality, and enjoys supporting people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds to enrich their sexual lives and improve their mental health. She has a particular clinical interest in sexual OCD and supporting men with ejaculatory dysfunction and sexual anxiety.
Abbey utilises an evidence based, eclectic and client-centred approach to therapy. Abbey’s gentle and non-judgemental nature enables her clients to feel safe and respected; she believes that the therapeutic relationship between a therapist and client is key to success. Abbey strives to ensure that her therapeutic approach compliments the individuality of her clients background and circumstances; her treatment is informed by therapeutic modalities such as psychodynamic therapy, internal family systems, CBT, schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure and response prevention (ERP) and Gottman Method couples interventions.
Appropriate referrals include:
Abbey specialises in providing psychosexual therapy for individuals and couples experiencing a range of sexual health concerns, including pelvic pain, libido concerns, sexual dysfunction, and sexual aversion disorders. Abbey also provides treatment & support for anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, neurodivergence, Borderline Personality Disorder and self esteem & body image concerns.
Megan Wilson
PSYCHOLOGIST
Megan is an EMDR trained psychologist who is passionate about helping to improve the lives of clients to be the best that they can be. Her approach is gentle, compassionate and change oriented. Her aim is to empower you.
Megan works with children (3+), adolescents, and adults with a variety of presentations including anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, personality disorders, grief and loss, relationship issues, and stress. Megan provides longer term psychotherapy, as well as brief interventions. She offers tailored treatment plans that use the most up-to-date evidence-based therapies including EMDR, cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectal behavioural therapy, and schema therapy.
Megan utilises a client centred approach with her clients, focusing on empathy, understanding, mutual respect, and collaboration between client and therapist. In therapy, she adopts a warm, non-judgemental approach, aiming to provide a respectful space in which her clients can achieve meaningful change.
Appropriate referrals include:
Couples/relationship counselling, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, addiction, grief, managing stress, women’s health, life transitions and adjustments, personality disorders, OCD, parenthood, ADHD, ASD, self-esteem, empowerment, and assertiveness.
Heidi Winchester (She/Her)
ACCREDITED MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER
Heidi is an accredited child mental health clinician with experience of working with children, young people and their families in different paediatric settings including hospital, child and adolescent mental health, schools and community health. She provides best practice assessment, and evidence based therapeutic interventions to support children and their families. Heidi is passionate about empowering young people and their families to achieve optimal emotional, mental, social and educational goals.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorder, behavioural difficulties, attachment difficulties, parenting and family support, neurodevelopmental disorders (ASD, ADHD), school or peer related difficulties, grief and loss, general mental health and well-being.\
Leon Martin
ACCREDITED MENTAL HEALTH OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Leon is an Accredited Mental Health Occupational Therapist who holds a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy. He has worked in the mental health field for a decade in a wide variety of settings including triage, high acuity, community mental health, child and adolescent mental health, and offshore detention. His work has taken him across remote rural/regional areas, regional hubs and in major capital cities. Leon adopts a collaborative approach working with clients to help shape the sessions and allowing them space to create and refine their own goals for therapy. Leon draws from various therapeutic modalities including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotionally focused therapies (EFIT), solution focused brief therapy (SFBT), motivational interviewing and mindfulness. Leon is passionate about improving mental health outcomes and changing the stigma around asking for help for young men and males, especially those in non metro areas with less access to mental health services. Leon's goal is to help clients overcome barriers in order to achieve their full potential.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, anger management, grief and loss, trauma, adjustment disorders, interpersonal relationships and assertiveness, general mental health and well-being, and emotional regulation.
*Please note Leon is a Mental Health Occupational Therapist not a Paediatric Occupational Therapist. He only sees clients 15+
Toni Mellor
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Toni is a provisional psychologist who enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults of all ages. Toni has previously worked with people with complex needs experiencing a diverse range of challenges. Toni has extensive experience working with victim/survivors of family violence, working both individually with clients and running support groups for women and children. Toni has also worked with clients in the behavioural change space.
Toni has also worked in emergency services for over ten years and as such, has a special interest in the demands of this work and the mental health challenges that can arise – such as anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties and PTSD. She also has experience internationally, working at the Australian Embassy in Thailand for two years.
Toni uses a warm, empathetic and collaborative approach and enjoys working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds and likes to work from a narrative/strengths-based philosophy with a focus on highlighting strength and resilience in clients. She predominantly uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy, incorporating mindfulness and yoga into her practice where clients are comfortable to do so.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
General Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Depression, Sleeping problems, Stress management, Work Stress (Military, Police & Emergency work), Family Violence, Victims of Crime, Adjustment Disorder, Interpersonal Difficulties and general mental health concerns.
Jess Elliott
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Jess is a Provisional Psychologist with experience in addressing a wide range of issues. She works with children who are dealing with challenges such as anxiety, school refusal, behavioral issues, emotional regulation difficulties, developmental trauma, and family/relationship issues.
In addition to her work with children, Jess also provides therapy for adults facing issues like anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, interpersonal difficulties, and general mental health concerns.
Jess is deeply committed to empowering young individuals and their families, facilitating the attainment of their highest emotional, mental, social, and educational aspirations.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety and depression, school refusal, behavioural issues, emotional regulation difficulties, adjustments in life, trauma, interpersonal difficulties and psychological distress.
Grace Leaming
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Grace is a Provisional Psychologist holding a Master of Professional Psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, with over 5 years of experience working with children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, and other disabilities. Grace has also spent this time working with young people identifying as LGBTQIA+.
Grace employs evidence-based therapeutics to best support and empower clients to meet their goals. Grace’s approach is client-centred, working closely with clients to achieve the best outcomes. Grace prioritises kindness, curiosity, and empathy in her practise.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Children, Adolescents, and Adults.
Neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism, ADHD, Intellectual disorders), parents of children with disabilities, anxiety/ stress, cognitive/academic/personality assessments.
Nicole McNaughton
COUNSELLOR
Nicole is a registered Counsellor with ACA and comes from a background in Education & Adolescent Mental Health and Well-being.
Nicole specialises in Family & Couples Therapy and Women’s Health, including Menopause, Perimenopause, Parenting support, Ageing Parents, Life transition, Marriage breakdowns and Family Relationships. Nicole also has extensive experience working with teens and adolescents and is passionate about helping them improve their self-esteem and self-worth.
With over 12 years dedicated to the mental health and well-being sector, Nicole has extensive experience in a Person-Centred Approach, fostering your self-discovery and growth through psychotherapy, commonly known as 'talk therapy.'
Her practice integrates evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Positive Behaviour Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Suicide Prevention and Risk Management, Strength-based Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Nicole values honesty, authenticity, compassion, and respect, creating a confidential and secure space where you can express yourself and receive support. Her goal is to enhance your quality of life, empowering you to navigate challenges and difficulties.
Collaboratively, Nicole and you will pinpoint areas for change, equipping you with practical tools to nurture yourself and your relationships. Through constructive approaches to managing issues and conflicts, she strives to foster more positive relationships within your family unit.
Nicole's therapeutic style is characterized by a nurturing, holistic, and relational approach. Her passion lies in establishing connections and aiding individuals in defining their needs, ensuring they feel supported and empowered throughout their journey.
Appropriate referrals include:
Couples/relationship/family counselling, teens & adolescents, anxiety, depression, addiction, managing stress, women’s health, menopause and perimenopause, life transitions and adjustments, parenthood, mental health and well-being, self-compassion, self-esteem, empowerment, and assertiveness.
Josh McLean
ACCREDITED MENTAL HEALTH CARE SOCIAL WORKER
Josh holds multiple qualifications in Health Science, Public Health and Social Work as an accredited Mental Health Social Worker. He is passionate about supporting teens and adults to develop tailored and effective treatment plans to meet their unique needs and goals on their life journey. Josh has extensive experience in the community development sector with school programs, AOD prevention, bush adventure therapy/ outdoor health, animal-assisted therapy, and sensori-motor art therapy. He has worked collaboratively with individuals, groups, families, caregivers, health professionals, care teams and external agencies to deliver the best treatment and practice responses possible.
The most valuable work in Josh’s career has been the witnessing of the direct impact of working alongside his client’s to identify their unique needs and strategies to achieve their goals. From supporting teens re-engaging with schooling after months/ years of disengagement, to developing social and emotional regulation skills, to applying for and holding down a job. Supporting adults recovering from trauma both in their early childhood and later in life, as well as supporting people with neurodevelopmental conditions (ASD and ADHD), and lifelong disabilities. Josh draws on a non-pathologising and trauma informed approach, as well as evidence based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Strengths Based, Solution Focused, Mindfulness/ Relaxation Strategies and Psychoeducation. He also will, where appropriate, bring in a therapy dog for sessions or introduce art therapy exercises that may assist with the treatment and ongoing well-being. Josh is certified to deliver animal assisted therapy under Therapy Dogs Australia (clinical course) and is certified in Initiatic Sensorimotor Art Therapy with Cornelia Elbrecht.
Appropriate referrals:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, neurodevelopmental disorders (ASD, ADHD), life transitions, bullying and harassment, alcohol and other drugs, career development, education, social and emotional skills, relationship issues, adjustment to disability and illness, drug and alcohol dependence, boys and men’s health, and general mental health and wellbeing
Gabrielle Williams
REGISTERED NURSE & MIDWIFE
Gabby is a Registered Nurse and Midwife with over 20 years experience in both rural and tertiary hospital settings, and public and private midwifery settings. She has also worked with new mothers in their homes and for the past 12 years has mentored midwifery & nursing students to start out in the profession. Gabby has a passion for empowering women and supporting them through the physical and emotional complexities that surround pregnancy and beyond. She has significant experience in lactation support and an enthusiasm for reinforcing and bolstering people's confidence as they embark on their journey into motherhood. Gabby also recognises the pivotal role the whole family play in supporting each other, particularly mothers, during this time and promotes supportive decision making to assist the development of secure attachments for the baby.
Dr Louise Hayes
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Louise is a clinical psychologist providing peer supervision to the team. She is experienced in providing therapy to adults and adolescents using acceptance and mindfulness-based behaviour therapy. Please refer to Louise’s website for more details www.louisehayes.com.au.
Louise has a consultation role and does not accept client referrals.
Melissa Van Styn
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Melissa is a Clinical Psychologist and board-approved supervisor with over a decade of experience providing evidence-based psychological therapy. She has previously held roles in the public mental health sector providing crisis support and has several years of experience working with clients of all ages in private services.
Melissa has a compassionate, collaborative and client-centred approach with a focus on seeking client feedback to tailor therapy for each client’s unique needs. Melissa aims to provide a safe and supportive therapeutic space for children, adolescents, parents, and adults.
Melissa provides peer supervision and is currently not taking client referrals.
Belynda Evans
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Belynda is a Clinical Psychologist who has held Senior Clinical Psychologist roles in both public mental health and a leading paediatric hospital, as well as having worked in schools and early intervention settings. Belynda is a board approved supervisor and has over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents and perinatal women. Belynda uses a range of evidence-based treatments tailored to her clients needs and enjoys working collaboratively with young people and their families.
Belynda provides peer supervision and is currently not taking client referrals.
Stephanie Lau (She/Her)
EDUCATIONAL & DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Stephanie (Steph) is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist. She holds experience in the assessment and treatment of neurodivergent conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability and learning difficulties.
Stephanie has a breadth of experience from her various roles, including at the Royal Children’s Hospital, where she is a Senior Psychologist in the Specialist Autism Team. Stephanie has undertaken additional training in the area of infant mental health and is passionate about healthy parent-child attachment relationships and wellbeing over the developmental lifespan.
Stephanie provides peer supervision and is currently not taking client referrals.
Katina Simos
PRACTICE MANAGER
Katina has over 20 years of experience working in allied health administration and support. She has a friendly, warm manner and will ensure that you feel supported and understood when making the call to discuss your specific needs. Please call Katina to make an appointment or discuss any clinic matters.
Administration Days:
Monday to Friday - 9am - 5pm
Please note that Katina works off site so you won't see her friendly face when you attend your appointment.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Shannon Goodall
RECEPTIONIST
Shannon has over 20 years of administrative experience and has a passion for mental and allied health. She strives to be a friendly and welcoming presence with a goal to have a positive impact on everyone she interacts with. When Shannon is not working, you’ll find her spending time with her family, cheering on her children or curled up the couch with a good book.
Administration Days:
Monday and Tuesday - 8:30am - 5:30pm
Contact Us
Contact us for further information or to book a consultation.