Our Team

Clinical Psychologist / Clinic Director

Dr Danielle Mccarthy

Sometimes life can throw us a curveball and we need assistance to help us through. If you’re an adolescent or adult and you could use a little support, book an appointment with Danielle today.

• Adults
• Adolescents
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress Management
• Post-natal Depression & Anxiety
• Grief and Loss
• PTSD and Trauma
• Body Image Concerns

Clinical Psychologist / Senior Psychologist

Amber Jensen

Amber is invested in seeing her clients thrive. She has clinical experience providing evidence-based psychological treatment for most psychological disorders. Amber seeks to understand her clients and work collaboratively with them. Amber completed her training at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and loves the local community. Book an appointment with Amber to help you get back to feeling like yourself.

• Adults
• Adolescents/Children
• Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar)
• Anxiety Disorders (inc. Generalised Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic)
• ADHD
• OCD
• PTSD and Trauma related
• Insomnia
• Eating Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Psychosis
• Substance Use
• WorkCover
• NDIS – Self or Plan managed
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
• Meta-Cognitive Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• CBT for insomnia
• CBT-E (for eating disorders)

Psychologist

Sophia Fitzgerald

Sophia is a Registered Psychologist who provides a positive, kind, and compassionate space for young professionals and young adults (usually 18 to 40 years of age) to grow, build resilience and flourish.

Sophia has experience delivering evidence-based psychological frameworks such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness strategies. Sophia holds a Master of Science in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London and postgraduate qualifications in vocational rehabilitation from The University of Melbourne and The University of Sydney.

Sophia has worked across Queensland, Perth, and Sydney in a range of private practice, vocational rehabilitation, and online settings. Prior to registering as a Psychologist, Sophia worked in the corporate sector in media, and learning and development.

Sophia enjoys helping others to increase psychological wellbeing:

• Improve self-esteem
• Feel calmer
• Boost mood
• Better navigate professional and personal challenges (career, education, relocation, and relationship break-ups)

Sophia offers private paying sessions, Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP), and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

Psychologist

Anita Hosking

Anita is a Registered Psychologist and STAP accredited supervisor, recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia. She has been practicing in the field of psychology since 2009.

Recognising the unique individuality of each person, Anita is passionate about providing an individualised, holistic, compassionate, and down-to-earth approach in supporting clients towards improved well-being.

Anita has a solid background in working with adult individuals of diverse genders and sexualities, as well as tackling issues around life, work, and relationship challenges, and those struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, and stress. She uses a variety of therapeutic frameworks to tailor creative and solution focussed approaches for individual counselling guided by the needs of the client.

Anita has a special interest in working with and supporting clients of diverse sexualities and genders (LGBTIQAP+).

Some areas Anita is able to provide support and guidance for include:

• Adults/Adolescents (16+)
• Diverse Genders and Sexualities
• Gender Identity
• (Individual) Relationship Counselling
• Anxiety (general anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety)
• Depression (including peri-natal or post-natal depression)
• Work-Life Balance (workplace stress, career change, transitions)
• Grief and Loss
• Mindfulness
• Meditation
• PTSD and Trauma
• Body image
• Stress
• Burn out / feeling overwhelmed
• Career and/or life dissatisfaction
• Loss of focus or motivation
• Career transition – retirement, return to work, career change
• Return to work from injury or illness

Clinical Psychologist

Nicole Wannenburg

Nicole is genuinely passionate about connecting with people on a meaningful level. Her focus is client-directed, allowing a safe space for people to process their own thoughts and emotions. Nicole has a strong interest in interpersonal neurobiology and works with clients in a compassionate and empowering manner. Historically, she has worked with a diverse range of clients in both community and clinical settings.

More recently, Nicole has worked for the Royal Flying Doctors, delivering psychological assistance for Indigenous people in remote communities. Her previous work includes working with adolescence at Headspace. Nicole provides a number of evidence-based interventions, to help manage and integrate painful experiences to help foster resilience.

• Adults
• Adolescents/Children
• Families
• Circle of Security (0-5 years)
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Domestic violence
• Sexual assault/abuse
• Body image concerns
• PTSD and Trauma
• Mood Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders
• Grief and Loss
• Substance Use
• Stress Management
• Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Expressive Therapies
• Motivational Interviewing
• Circle of Security
• Workcover

Psychologist

Michael Pastorello

Michael uses a flexible client centred approach to help people find their own pathway to improving mental health and well-being. He believes in the importance of creating a safe place and a genuine therapeutic relationship for clients to grow. Michael has completed a Master of Psychology at the University of Queensland and has experience working with individuals’ experiencing depression and anxiety, life change, and those that just need some support in their day-to-day lives.

Michael is familiar with a variety of evidence-based psychological interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing and psychological skills training. He also has experience in sport, exercise, and performance psychology settings and can work with elite and amateur athletes in improving well-being, performance, sport enjoyment, and managing burnout/mental recovery.

• Adults
• Adolescents (16+)
• Mood Disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Grief and Loss
• Stress Management
• Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
• Mindfulness
• Work/life balance, burnout
• Career and/or life dissatisfaction
• Chronic pain
• Dependence/substance abuse
• Pain and/or injury management
• Psychological skill training
• Performance psychology
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
• Substance Use

Clinical Psychologist

Breanna Holden

Breanna is currently on maternity leave.

Breanna works from a place of acceptance, providing a safe and non-judgemental space, allowing her clients to explore their concerns that may be preventing them from living a meaningful life. She believes that change is possible for everyone and feels privileged to be able to work alongside her clients on their unique journey.

Breanna has provided psychological intervention in private practice, employee assistance programs, inpatient settings and non-government
organizations. She has a special interest in working with adults who have had adverse childhood experiences, such as adult survivors of childhood
sexual, physical and emotional abuse, as well as adults who have experienced a single event trauma. Breanna also has a special interest in supporting mothers in the post-natal period.

• Adults
• Anxiety Disorders
• PTSD
• Complex trauma
• Depression
• Perinatal and Postnatal mental health
• Self-esteem
• Body Issue concerns
• Adjustment difficulties
• Stress management
• Grief and Loss
• Workplace stress/burnout
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Schema Therapy
• Compassion focused intervention
• Mindfulness

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Louise Staines

Louise is a warm and compassionate clinical psychologist who is committed to a high level of professionalism and collaboration. Louise assists clients with a diverse range of difficulties but has a special interest, and extra training, in providing evidence-based and client-centered treatment for anxiety disorders and eating disorders. She provides services under the Transition ED Care (A project of The Butterfly Foundation) and is also a Board-Approved Supervisor, providing a range of supervision services, including for the clinical registrar program.

Louise also has a passion for working with adolescents and young adults, assisting them in navigating the transitions into adolescence and adulthood, and in building a strong sense of self-worth, identity, meaning, and purpose in their lives.

Louise has over 15 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults in public and private settings in both Victoria and Queensland. She has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology and criminology from The University of Melbourne, along with both a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, from Latrobe University.

Louise appreciates the courage and commitment it can take to seek help and considers it a great privilege to be trusted in her client’s journeys.

• Adults (up to 70 years)
• Adolescents/Children (12+)
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalised, Social, Panic, Agoraphobia, Separation, Phobias, Health)
• OCD and related disorders (excl. hoarding)
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, weight, shape/body image concerns (but excl. Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
• Self-Esteem/Self-Worth/Personal Growth
• Depression
• Stress-management
• Grief and loss
• Adjustment difficulties
• Clinical Supervision
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Meta-Cognitive Therapy (MCT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• CBT-E (for eating disorders)
• Body acceptance, non-dieting, health at every size approach

Relationship Counsellor

Renee Moody

Working from a belief that every person has innate value, Renee seeks to work with couples in an empathic and understanding manner. She seeks to journey with people whilst they encounter individual and couple choices associated with any change needed for them to grow, both as individuals and as a couple.

Renee uses an integrated framework whilst employing therapeutic interventions that best suit the couple and their situation. She helps couples see that conflict, although often painful, is an opportunity for growth. Renee takes time and care in helping couples to understand the role of conflict in relationships and support them whilst they move forward in a better way of living.

• Trust
• Parenting
• Grief and Loss
• Forgiveness
• Different Forms of Abuse
• Conflict
• Affairs
• Communications
• Family Relationships
• Marriage
• Pre-marriage
• Sexual issues

Clinical Psychologist

Lizanlé van Biljon

Liz is currently on leave.

Lizanlé is a compassionate and respectful clinical psychologist who has worked with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and with a variety of age groups. Her warm natured approach enables her clients to feel genuinely supported as they work collaboratively toward reaching therapeutic goals. Alongside her clinical work she has a keen interest in academic research (with a specific focus on wellbeing for older adults).

• Adults/Older Adults
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Post-natal Depression & Anxiety
• Stress Management
• Grief and Loss
• PTSD and Trauma
• Body Image Concerns
• Substance use
• Loneliness and Isolation
• Relationships (Individual counseling)
• Health-related problems

Clinical Psychology Registrar

Elin Pollanen

Elin is a Clinical Psychology Registrar with a degree in Health and Sport Science from Sweden, contributing to her holistic approach to mental health. Elin has worked with a wide range of psychological conditions across the lifespan with a special interest in anxiety disorders and trauma. Elin is passionate about working in collaboration with you to manage your individual challenges and promote your mental wellbeing.

• Adults
• Adolescents
• Children/Families
• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• PTSD and Trauma
• Sleep
• Chronic Pain
• Addiction
• Adjustment & Life Transitions
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Meta Cognitive Therapy (MCT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Compassion-Focussed Therapy (CFT)
• Schema Therapy

Psychologist

Julie Bignill

Julie has completed her Master of Professional Psychology.

Julie believes in working collaboratively with individuals from a holistic framework to improve their mental-health and overall wellbeing. She works with clients of all ages providing evidence-based psychological treatment tailored to their individual needs.

Julie is keen to work with you on your journey towards improved mental health.

• Adults
• Adolescents
• Children/Families
• Depressive Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders
• Panic Disorders
• Substance Use
• Stress Management
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Metacognitive Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Clinical Psychology Registrar

Samantha Johnstone

Samantha is a registered psychologist who strongly believes in empowering her clients to improve their mental health and supporting them to become the best version of themselves that they can be.

She strives to provide her clients with a non-judgemental space that allows them to feel understood and comfortable while exploring their struggles. Samantha utilises an individualised and client-focused approach while using updated evidence-based interventions. She has experience in working with a range of presentations including coping with chronic pain and physical health conditions and those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulty coping with stress.

Samantha also has a special interest in issues around sexuality and gender identity.

• Adults
• Adolescents
• Children/Families
• Anxiety disorders (including excessive worry)
• Issues with coping and stress management
• Depressive disorders
• Chronic pain
• Adjusting to change and life transitions
• Sleep problems
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness

Health Psychologist

Carly Leverington

Carly is a registered Health Psychologist and completed the Master of Applied Psychology program at the University of Queensland in 2014. She has experience working across the lifespan in both inpatient and community health settings. Carly is passionate about supporting people manage the psychological impact of acute and chronic health conditions through a compassionate, holistic and person-centered approach.

Carly is energised by helping people live healthier lifestyles – physically and mentally, and helping them discover more helpful ways of coping with life’s challenges in a holistic manner. Carly understands the link between psychological and physical health, and believes that one cannot be treated without consideration of the other.

• • Adults, Children/Adolescents
  • Adopting healthy lifestyle changes
  • Chronic disease management
  • Pain management
  • Eating disorders and body image concerns
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Adjustment difficulties
  • Grief & loss
  • Stress management
  • Sleep concerns
  • Practices across the lifespan
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
  • Compassion-Focussed Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

General Psychologist

Veronica West

Veronica is currently on leave.

Veronica is a passionate, solution-focused psychologist with experience working with individuals across the lifespan and with a wide range of presenting barriers.

Veronica has worked primarily in the regional areas of Australia and has worked with some significantly disadvantaged client groups including individuals experiencing unemployment, long-term disability, substance and alcohol use and engagement with the criminal justice system.

She enjoys working with individuals and couples assisting them in achieving their potential and overcoming any barriers that life throws their way. Veronica has a particular passion working with clients experiencing significant life adjustments, including following trauma, job loss, injury or illness and relationship and family changes.

• Adults
• Adolescents
• Relationship (Individual & Couples)
• Veterans & Their Families
• Adjustment & Life Transitions
• Anxiety disorders
• Alcohol & Substance use
• Depressive disorders
• Developmental disorders
• Eating disorders
• Stress Management
• Trauma
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Receptionist

Hannah Medland

Receptionist

Wendy Minchenton

Therapy Dog (in training) / Director of First Impressions

Charlie

Charlie is our 5-month-old border collie puppy. She loves meeting and greeting all clients. You will often find her relaxing in our waiting area. She loves cuddles and pats. She also likes going into some sessions, however, as she is a puppy she also enjoys long naps.

Charlie will be officially beginning her therapy dog training later this year.

Receptionist

Veera Kuusisto

Psychologist

Nicola Mitchell

Nicola offers a warm, supportive and compassionate space for people experiencing emotional and/or mental health difficulties.

Nicola has 18 years experience as a psychologist and has had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients this time including people of varied ages, cultural backgrounds, and presenting difficulties. Nicola holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, Honours in Psychology and Master of Clinical Psychology.

Whilst Nicola can assist with a range of issues, she is particularly interested in working with adolescents and adults to assist with difficulties including anxiety disorders, trauma and complex trauma, adjustment, grief, and loss, eating disorders, and body image concerns.

Nicola provides a range of evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-based therapies, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Schema Therapy. Nicola will work collaboratively with you to work out what will be the right approach for you.

Nicola is also a Board Approved Supervisor and is very passionate about supervising and supporting early career psychologists to grow in their competence and confidence in the role.

Nicola can assist with:

• Children (10 years and up), adolescents, adults, older adults
• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Adjustment difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Trauma-related disorders and problems (PTSD, complex trauma)
• Eating disorders and body image concerns
• Substance use problems
• Chronic pain and/or adjustment to injury
• Psychosis
• Clinical supervision (Board Approved Supervisor)