About The Hart Centre

The Hart Centre is a company passionate about creating healthy loving relationships, of all kinds. We have been in operation for 14 years in Australia.

Our mission is to be the most highly regarded relationship help service in Australia, by delivering a comprehensive range of the highest quality relationship and marriage counselling and advice, and books and products to educate and enhance client’s relationships.

To have every client who comes through our doors leave feeling listened to, understood, and educated on how to build a better relationship with their partner, while at the same time bringing out the best in themselves.

Our counsellors are all Psychologists and/or Couple and Family Therapists, and in addition, we have our own in-house relationship counselling training program, and on-going professional development program, and are constantly seeking best practice methodologies.

With our specialized experience in relationship and marriage counselling, together with our caring, compassionate and unbiased approach, you are in safe and experienced hands.

 

Julie.
Registered Psychologist

Grad Dip Psych, Post Grad Dip Psych, B Ed, Dip Teach, AMAPS

Previously a Special Education teacher for 18 years, Julie has been a Psychologist for 15 years in her own private practice. She is passionate about understanding what makes people tick and in empowering clients to reach their potentials, and, with her great love of relationships, she has specialised in Relationship Psychology and Sexual health and potential for the majority of this period.

With her caring and compassionate nature, and unbiased approach, she can give you insight into what dynamics are operating in your relationship, how to create the right balance for you between individuality and togetherness, and how to have an active, vital and fulfilling sex life.

 

Brendan.
Clinical Psychologist

BA, PG Dip, M Psych, C Clin, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Brendan is an experienced Psychologist and a trained mediator, having specialised in Marriage and Relationship work for the last 10 years.

He has had vast experience in marriage preparation, communication and conflict management strategies and he can give you insight into what dynamics are at work to impede you from having the relationship you really desire.

His style is enthusiastic, warm and engaging and he highly values the importance of constructive and nurturing intimate relationships.

 

Ruth.
Registered Psychologist

B.A Psych (Hons). GradCertForMenHealth
Hart Centre Certified

Ruth’s experience as a registered psychologist incorporates a broad range of human resource, organisational development and health services to both the public and private sectors. Her established practice of psychology promotes growth in the face of adversity through relationship transformation, building resilience to stress, managing marital distress, anxiety and feelings of depression. Ruth’s interest in relationship counselling stimulates her involvement in associated professional development activities, thereby enhancing her practice of psychology when working with couples.

Ruth believes the most important ingredient of any relationship is a shared sense of trust. Trust is the foundation for reliability, dependability, honesty, good faith and intimacy. Her approach to couples counselling explores how to transform impasses in relationships into opportunities for insight, inspiration and growth. Are you being the best you can be?

 

Deborah.
Registered Psychologist

B.Sc (App Psych) Grad Dip Psych, Grad Cert clin Hyp, M Couns Psych, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Deborah is a Registered Psychologist, with eight years experience in both public and private sectors, working with people experiencing a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, abuse and trauma, grief and loss, low self esteem, adjustment and relationship issues.

Deborah finds relationship counselling particularly rewarding owing to its fundamental importance to individual well-being and the potential impact on families and other spheres of life.

She provides a safe and supportive environment in which clients can process distressing emotions and learn new skills to break unproductive behaviour patterns and encourages the development of healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives.

 

Leanne.
Registered Psychologist

B.A Psych, Cert Sandplay Fac, Assoc MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Leanne has been a registered psychologist since 2009. She has experience working with a vast array of issues, ranging from addiction, anxiety and depression to trauma and eating disorders.  She enjoys working with adults as well as children. Leanne firmly believes that what happens within a relationship can impact more than just the couple, as such it is important to put in that effort to make positive and loving change.

Leanne’s focus is on allowing the individual and couple to express their needs in a safe and nurturing environment.  Her method of counselling includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing, often integrating the three to achieve the best outcome based on individual needs.

When working with couples Leanne likes to consider the whole family environment, and will occasionally see the couple individually to work on issues that are presenting within the relationship. This allows for total openness and a space to learn more about your own behaviours without feeling judged or criticised. The aim of relationship counselling is to open communication so as to nurture the relationship and get reacquainted with each other, to find out what our partner needs, and sometimes to also discover exactly what it is that you need.

 

 

Melanie.
Registered Psychologist

BA (Psych), Grad Dip Sc (Psych), Grad Dip (App Psych), MA (Coaching Psychology)
Hart Centre Certified

Melanie is a registered Psychologist and has been working in private practice for 6 years. She has previously worked as a school guidance counsellor with children and their families and understands the busy lifestyles many families lead in today’s day and age.

She particularly loves working with couples and families as she feels having a healthy relationship is essential to our overall happiness.

Currently also working as a Coaching Psychologist and Educator, Melanie works from a solution-focused approach and uses tools from positive psychology, Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to guide individuals and couples to get to where they want to be in their lives.

One of her key strengths is her ability to foster a non-judgmental environment to explore these challenges for couples and individuals, allowing for the safety and trust necessary for a productive counselling dynamic.

 

Paula.
Registered Psychologist

BSc (Hons) App Psych: M Couns Psych
Hart Centre Certified

Paula is a Counselling Psychologist who has worked extensively in private practice with individuals and couples. She is most passionate about facilitating the transformation of pain to power for couples who are struggling in their relationship.

She feels the greatest reward comes from witnessing the healing and growth of couples, who have become stuck in a painful power struggle (often expressed by frequent arguing, a mutual lack of respect, emotional distancing and a lack of intimacy); to developing a truly connected, revitalized and conscious relationship.

She also particularly enjoys and specializes in treating individuals suffering from anxiety; where, like couple therapy, she gets to witness an amazing transformation from a place of pain/fear to power. Her other passions in life are her husband and her three beautiful sons, aged 10, 4 and 2.

 

Lisa.
Registered Psychologist

BA(Psych), Grad Dip(Psych), MPsych(Counselling), MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Lisa is a registered psychologist with a Masters degree in counselling psychology. She currently works in private practice with individuals and couples and is mindful of the impact that relationships can have on individual health and wellbeing.

Lisa believes that supportive relationships with colleagues, friends and family can be an insulating factor in managing workplace stress, depression and anxiety. She is sensitive to the mixed emotions that the transition to parenthood poses for many new parents and also has an interest in post natal depression and its impact on both the individual and the relationship.

Lisa combines empathy with a practical approach to the issues of repartnered or blended families. She enjoys the challenge of working with couples to assist them to create a partnership that often comes with more than they bargained for.
When Lisa is not at work she enjoys a busy lifestyle with her partner and their 6 children.

 

Franca.
Registered Psychologist

B A (Psych), Post Grad Dip Psych, M Rel Couns
Hart Centre Certified

Franca is a registered psychologist with a holistic approach. She particularly loves working with couples with their relationship. She has completed a number of specialist relationship courses giving her excellent qualifications in this area of specialty.
She believes working through life problems often provides us with opportunities for maturation and growth. She enjoys working with the many different ways psychological issues can be expressed, such as through words, art, play, dreams, and even conflicts.

The most important reason Franca loves working with couples on their relationship is for them to experience how things can change, and hope and love can be restored.

 

Sharon.
Registered Psychologist

BPsych (Hons), Grad Dip Gestalt Theory & Methods, Assoc MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Sharon is an experienced Psychologist with an extensive history working with couples and families, helping them to identify and change unhelpful, damaging and sometimes harmful patterns and behaviours in their relationships.

Sharon believes that the key to all successful relationships is effective communication, an understanding of your partners’ needs and desires and a willingness to show love to your partner in a way that is recognised by them. Sharon is passionate about helping people to rebuild strong relationships by helping couples and families to explore and investigate what makes each other feel happy and loved. Sharon will work with you to help each partner in the relationship recognise how to successfully, and happily, meet each other’s needs so that you can re-kindle that ‘in-love’ feeling once again and heal your relationship.

Whether your relationship is with your spouse, your friend, your partner or your children, Sharon will use her supportive, warm and caring approach to helping each of you understand how to love one another once again so that each partner in the relationship can feel valued, respected, understood and loved.

 

Catherine.
Registered Psychologist

BA, MA, Post Grad App Psych, M Psych, M Crim (Forensic) MAPS, MCCP
Hart Centre Certified

Catherine feels it is a privilege to be a psychologist and support people during important and challenging times in their lives. She finds the richness of the connection that she shares with clients extremely rewarding. It’s a pleasure seeing people grow and develop.

Most of the people she sees as a psychologist are struggling with anxiety, depression or relationship issues. Often if you are having difficulties in one of these areas, you may also experience problems on another of these areas as well. This is because these problems are usually related, often resulting from past traumatic or painful events in your life.

She has learned that regardless of how stuck and discouraged you feel, there is always a way to overcome your problems. As a counselling psychologist, she provides a unique balance of intellectual and analytical understanding with a deep capacity for empathy. As a result of growing up in Switzerland and studying in Germany, she also is able to do therapy in German.

 

Gabriela.
Registered Psychologist

B Psych, Assoc MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Gabriela is an experienced psychologist with special interest in explorative psychotherapies. She is committed to assist families and couples to develop a respectful and positive relationship, as she believes that a healthy relationship is vital to our sense of wellbeing.

Gabriela integrates therapeutic modalities depending on the needs of her clients, and the necessity of the therapy process. Her work is supported by 8 year’s work in the public and private sector.

Gabriela has also completed additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Group work, Family Therapy and Behaviour Intervention, and she has a special interest in treating pre/post -natal depression.

 

Mary-Anne.
Registered Psychologist

B App Sc Psych, Post Grad Dip Psych (Couns), M Psych, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Mary-Anne is a Counselling Psychologist who possesses a passion for working with both individuals and couples. She also utilises hypnotherapy on a regular basis and finds clients enjoy the experience.

Although Mary-Anne is flexible in her approach and will adapt to the needs of her clients she does enjoy medium to long term work and the benefits this brings to clients.

Having a working background in both Government and the non government sector, and being particularly experienced in dealing with alcohol and drug issues, Mary-Anne is able to work with a range of difficulties including but not exclusive to relationship counselling. She enjoys watching couples resolve their difficulties and move towards a more positive future together.

Mary-Anne utilises a framework of Attachment Theory and Developmental Psychology which she finds is ideal for understanding the couple relationship. She also utilises CBT, Solution Focussed Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques when appropriate.

Whilst her practice is based in Perth, Mary-Anne enjoys a semi-rural lifestyle with her partner and an assortment of animals … correspondingly, she is gifted with an affable and down-to-earth character.

 

Jeanne.
Clinical Psychologist

B A Hons, M Psych Clin, PhD, MAPS, M College Clin Psych
Hart Centre Certified

Jeanne is a Clinical Psychologist with many years’ experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist, first in a voluntary capacity and then as a clinician. She works with adults and young people from different cultures and social backgrounds and particularly likes to work with couples and relationships.

Jeanne believes relationships are so important. We are born into a relationship (the mother-child relationship) and we are programmed to attach ourselves to others, to want to give and receive love, and to expect that throughout our lives. We are social beings.

No matter how strong we are as individuals we will cope better and be more resilient if we have the support and love of one or more significant others.

And yet in our culture, with its emphasis on individual achievement and competitiveness, there is a lot of loneliness and difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships. Many people can benefit from a helping hand in this area…She believes that most people have the capacity to find healing in themselves and to make better relationships… if only they can access the help that they need.

 

Anita.
Clinical Psychologist

B (Psych); M App Psych (Clinical)/PhD Candidate; Assoc MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Anita has been working in clinical and community-based fields for 15 years. In that time, she has worked with a varied population including children, adolescents, people in custody, migrants and refugees, as well as the elderly. She has a firm respect for working sensitively within different cultural contexts, and uses a strengths-based approach to invite collaborative work within therapy. Some of the areas that Anita has worked extensively with in private practice includes: depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance misuse, phobias, post-traumatic stress, emotional management (grief, anger), and cultural adjustment. She recognises that a number of these issues sometimes confront individuals seeking help with relationships, and strives to create a safe therapeutic environment within which to explore feelings and behaviours, and their impact on the relationship. Anita uses a number of client-focused therapeutic approaches including: schema therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness techniques, and emotion-focused therapy.

 

Natascha.
Registered Psychologist

B Soc Sci (Psych), B Soc Sci (Hons), AMAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Natascha has been practising as a counselling psychologist for 14 years and is passionate about working with clients, empowering each person to reach their full potential and live a rich and meaningful life.

Natascha has a particular strong interest in relationship issues, family therapy, anxiety, sex therapy, emotional disorders and trauma.

Natascha has a very gentle, caring, warm and calm nature that assists her in working with both individuals, and people struggling in a relationship to work towards being a healthier individual within that relationship or family. She tailors her approach for each client depending on what it is the client hopes to gain from participating in therapy.

 

Evelise.
Registered Psychotherapist

BA(Psych)Hons, AMAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Evelise holds an Honours Degree in Psychology and is a registered Psychotherapist. She is an Associated Member of the Australian Psychological Society and participates in reflective individual and peer clinical supervision. Evelise has experience with children, teenagers, adults, and couples using Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychoanalytical approaches.

Evelise has a special interest in family relationships. She works with families and couples to nurture change and development using the principle that individuals cannot be understood in isolation from one another. Families are an emotional unit, with long-term and important roles in an individual life.

Evelise’s experience in private practice includes psychological treatment for a number of issues such as: family and marital problems, domestic violence, alcohol dependency, depression, pregnancy issues, and anxiety disorders.

 

Julia.
Registered Psychologist

BSc (Hons Psych)
Hart Centre Certified

Life, as Julia sees it, is about relationships; relationship with yourself and relationship with others. Julia has extensive experience as a psychologist and has worked within government, private and community sectors in counselling, educational and training roles. She has conducted workshops focusing on enhancing couple relationships with Relationships Australia as well as communication skills and self-esteem programs. Julia is skilled in using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator as a platform for couples to work through differences and to value the gifts each brings to the relationship. She is dynamic in her approach and empowers people to take responsibility for their own happiness.

 

Benjamin.
Registered Psychologist

BA (Psych) PG Dip.Psych, AMAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Benjamin has worked in a variety of psychological settings for 10 years. He has a special interest in relationship counselling. He has also worked in business and community settings, psychological assessment, rehabilitation and training. He now works in private practice in Darlinghurst with individuals and couples.

Benjamin has a friendly style, borrowing techniques primarily from mindfulness based cognitive therapies. He works with people to address anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and transition, including relationship breakdown and career change. In his work with couples, he uses techniques aimed at improving communication and intimacy. Benjamin works with couples of all ages and with same-sex couples. His technique facilitates guided and non-threatening dialogue around the emotional aspects of relationships, and sexual intimacy and conflict, to enable couples to move through resistant patterns which can form over long periods.

 

Ros.
Registered Psychologist

B Sc (Hons), B Soc Admin, B A (Psych), B Psych (Hons), Grad Dip Mediation (Family), Ph D
Hart Centre Certified

Ros has worked in a variety of practice settings for over 15 years. She now works in private practice in Norwood with individuals, couples and families. She has extensive experience in the full range of couple relationships, from running marriage preparation courses for engaged couples, couple counselling and family mediation. She is a trained family therapist and qualified family mediator. She helps couples explore their patterns of interaction, evaluate the barriers to healthy, mutually nurturing relationships. She also has a special interest in same-sex and cross-cultural issues in relationships.

Ros believes that the fast pace of daily life makes it too easy for couples to forget the important principles of a healthy relationship: CODE; Compassion, Openness, Depth, Equality. Her gentle, caring and compassionate approach will help you make the desired positive changes you choose for your life and your relationship.

Other areas of interest and areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, recovery from sexual abuse, workcover and education. Ros has a doctorate in education and in addition to her private practice, is also a researcher at the university.

When Ros is not at work, she enjoys a busy lifestyle with her partner and their children.

 

Alex.
Registered Psychologist

PhD in Psychology
Hart Centre Certified

I have been practising psychology for over ten years. I have also lectured in clinical psychology and have written two books ‘Heads Up’ (which is about the mind) and ‘Spicy Bedroom Recipes’ (which is a psychological cookbook for couples to help them bring love, sex and intimacy into their lives).

I really enjoy helping people; it is a strong passion. My extended practice in listening to people and helping them overcome road blocks is my strength that I carry into working with you both in achieving relationship happiness, connection and love.

I live with my wife, Marie, and dog, Zac. We live a harmonious life together, and Marie and I love spending time with each other talking, doing yoga, cooking, eating, watching movies, enjoying romantic dinners, acting out romantic moments, writing poetry, etc. We have all a need to free in our relationships. That is the challenge that stands before us as we endeavour to risk our independence for a healthy relationship.

A special interest area of mine is anger and anger management; I wrote my PhD on anger and violence, so I take this knowledge into therapy when I am talking with (mainly) males on the value of calming the anger within, pacifying situations, the essence of ego, humbleness, and strategies to manage anger.

 

Andrea.
Registered Psychologist

B.Sci (Hons) M.Psych (Org)
Hart Centre Certified

Andrea Zoontjens is a Registered Psychologist with experience in treating a wide range of difficulties affecting individuals and couples such as mental illness, anger, abuse, grief, addiction and chronic pain. With a special interest in close relationships, Andrea is passionate about supporting couples through many of the challenges and opportunities they may experience.

Andrea believes in providing a safe and respectful environment for both opposite and same sex couples, at any stage of their relationship. In order for positive outcomes to be achieved for each individual, she assists couples to build on their strengths and improve their skills in listening, communication and many other areas. Andrea is friendly and highly professional and takes care to ensure counselling services are tailored to the needs of her clients.

 

David.
Clinical Psychologist

PhD, M. Psych(Clin), BSc(Hons), MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

David is experienced in working with adolescents, adults and couples. His typical practice covers a range of issues from depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, grief, change of life issues. David employs a number of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Schema Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. David has done extensive work helping men better understand their emotional life and improve their communication and relationships.

David and his partner participate in a range of mindfulness and health related pursuits. David starts from a very compassionate and understanding approach and sees relationships as built on a base of respect followed by kindness and understanding. The pathway through to a better future is dependent on these qualities assisted by much patience and clarification of goals, visions and values for the relationship. His approach is to help couples who value their relationship and want to make it work better. Based on his experience he knows this is possible and is positively supportive of any couple that takes the courageous (and wise) step of seeking help. He starts from the position that the relationship is something of great value and as long as it is not destructive for either party can be the most important vehicle for personal fulfillment. ‘It is in the struggle for a better us that I become a better me.’

 

Alison.
Sex Therapist

M.Hlth.Sc. (Sexual Health), B.Sc(Arch) B.Arch

In a warm-hearted and non-judgmental way, Alison helps empower you to create the intimate love life you desire. Positive change is possible no matter what your relationship status, age or state of health.

Alison can assist you with common challenges such as reviving a long-term relationship, negotiating each other’s wants and desires, the challenges of dating again in mid life, maintaining sexual intimacy with a chronic illness, issues such as Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, lack of orgasm, lack of desire, Vaginismus and more.

Her passion is to show men and women the gifts they have to offer each other, to increase joy and connection and deepen intimacy between partners, and to encourage you to be more playful and less serious about sex. She teaches that sex is a natural part of life and is beneficial to one’s health. She expands people’s capacity to give and receive pleasure.

 

Dr David.
Clinical Psychologist

B.Psych (Hons), Dip Prof Couns, DPsych, MAPS, CClin
Hart Centre Certified
David is a Clinical Psychologist with experience in both private practice and public sector work.

In couple counselling /relationship issues, David uses a range of methods including IPT and Gottman Therapy (Level 1 trained).  He also works with clients in treating the following: depression including suicidal ideation, anxiety, co-occurring anxiety and depression, panic disorder, adjustment disorder, grief and loss, substance use and abuse, sleep problems, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), relaxation, self-esteem, resilience, anger management and chronic health issues including pain and stress.

David wishes to provide a safe environment for his clients where they can explore their issues and, with assistance, develop new techniques which help them change their unproductive behaviours. The aim is to have a happier life that assists people reach their relationship, personal and life goals.

 

 

Christopher
Clinical Psychologist

B. Sc (Psych) (Hons), Mast Clin Psych
Hart Centre Certified

Christopher is a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in Relationship and Marriage Therapy. Early in his career he provided telephone based counselling to children, adolescents and parents (including child behaviour management programs) and later worked in acute mental health settings with Queensland Health. He then moved into private practice and currently works with individuals as well as couples.

For couples, Christopher focuses on the underlying needs that are typically unmet when relationships become distressed. These needs may include a desire to be truly heard and responded to by the individual’s partner, the need for connection, safety and intimacy and sometimes the need for greater autonomy in the relationship. These personal needs are explored in great depth as when they are unmet relationships become battlefields of characterised by arguments, verbal attacks and withdrawal which leaves both individuals feeling hurt and hopeless about the future.

Christopher typically sees positive results from therapy after a few initial sessions and he primarily follows an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approach in his work with couples. Christopher also uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) approaches.

 

Rebecca.
Registered Psychologist

B.A (Psych), Dip (Graphology), M Int Sports Sc Assoc, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Rebecca uses advanced strategic interventions to resolve a whole range of human challenges in a way that liberates and redefines the boundaries of what is possible.

You will be surprised at how easily you can address and navigate any issue or areas of concern as Rebecca guides you through scenarios ranging from individual problems to those of the couple, the family, the peer group and the workplace. Rebecca specialises in relationship counselling.

Rebecca’s unique strategic approach and methods of intervention can bring about remarkable swift, effective and lasting solutions to a whole range of human challenges. Drawing from many different methodologies the like of Generative NLP, Strategic Family Therapy, Psychotherapy, Hypnosis and Organisational psychology Rebecca can tailor a personalised intervention plan responsive to your particular needs.

Rebecca provides a safe, respectful and collaborative space to explore your concerns and ultimately develop strategies to overcome obstacles in order for you to realise your full potential both personally and in all your valued relationships.

 

Lyndel.
Registered Psychologist

B Beh.Sc, B AppSc. (Hons) M.A.P.S. Grad Dip. Gestalt Therapy.
Hart Centre Certified

Lyndel has been a registered psychologist since 2004, after 15 years of studying as a mature-aged student.

Before moving into private practice in 2009, Lyndel gained experience working in community-counselling services such as LifeLine, women’s domestic violence groups, correctional facilities, and in various adult mental health teams.

While Lyndel works with adults who come to her with a range of different emotional and psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety, her areas of particular interest include relationships counselling, particularly couple’s counseling, infidelity and trauma work.

Lyndel has a warm, sensitive, gentle and non-judgmental style, which she believes is important for creating that safe and trusting therapeutic environment. Lyndel understands how important this environment is in order for you to feel you can comfortably work together towards your own personal and relationship goals, whatever that means to you.

Lyndel believes seeking professional counseling is usually best done sooner rather than later, as later can often times be…a bit too little and too late. Our ever increasing divorce rate is clear evidence of how ill prepared many of us are for creating and maintaining successful adult love relationships. Many people worry about what’s wrong with them, their partner, or their relationship, if that “in love” feeling seems lost, even though there may still be strong feelings of caring or liking for their partner. While some people may not know whether to leave or stay in their relationship, Lyndel’s experience and knowledge can help you make that very important decision. And, if you decide to commit to working on your relationship together, you can be assured that Lyndel has successfully assisted many couples rekindle those deeper (often long-lost) feelings of love, affection and understanding, and develop an even stronger emotional closeness to their partners.

 

Annette.
Registered Psychologist

B.A Psych (Hons). MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Annette has been practicing for 12 years and has broad experience in the counselling, forensic, clinical and vocational fields. She has considerable experience in helping people with difficulties in the areas of depression, anxiety, anger management, work-related stress and substance misuse, and in particular, relationships.

Her areas of interest include building resiliency to stress, Emotional Intelligence and increasing effective communication and problem solving skills. She has particular expertise in the psychological management of stress and relationships.

Annette’s strengths include strong intuition, the ability to engage and challenge clients, to get to the heart of self-limiting beliefs and to work creatively with clients to support them in making the desired changes they choose for their lives and their relationships.

 

Michelle.
Registered Psychologist

BA, MA, M Clinical Psych.
Hart Centre Certified

Michelle is a psychologist who has been working in private practice for over six years, and as a psychologist for over ten years. She developed an interest in relationship counselling when she started private practice.

Since then Michelle has actively pursued ongoing development in this area, and is passionate about facilitating relationship change with couples. Michelle enjoys all aspects of her psychological practice and also offers individual therapy for adults, adolescents and children.

In particular Michelle is interested in childhood anxiety, and adolescent issues. Michelle’s practice is evidence based, and she applies CBT, DBT, Schema therapy and ACT in her work with individuals.

 

Beverley.
Registered Psychologist

B Soc Sci (Psych), B Soc Sci (Hons), Post Grad Dip Psych, Grad Dip Systemic Therapy, H Dip Ed.
Hart Centre Certified

Beverley is an experienced psychologist and counsellor across a wide range of issues. Her special interest and focus is on helping individuals and couples sort out their relationship.

She finds it really rewarding when she sees after a few sessions that the sentiment between couples that was dulled and dampened for so long, is fanned into flames which is evident from their expressions when they look at each other. They also begin communicating differences in the way they view issues such as finances, family relationships, intimacy and parenting as differences rather than insurmountable problems.

Beverley is also experienced in fertility issues for men and women. and has specialised knowledge in helping couples nurture their relationships while undergoing fertility treatment. As this can be an extremely stressful time for individuals, couples and families, she uses a combination of mindfulness, and emotionally focused therapy in order to support and maintain their sense of well being.

 

Gareth.
Registered Psychologist

B A (Psych) Hons. Grad Dip (Adult Ed.) M App Sc (Coach. Psych.) MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Gareth has spent 20 years in training and adult education prior to establishing her own Coaching and Counselling Psychological Practice four years ago. She is passionate about helping people flourish in their lives and believes loving, fulfilled relationships form the foundation of such lives.

With a broad range of skills Gareth has worked extensively with couples and individuals adopting a positive psychological approach that is solution focused. As a trained mediator she possesses an excellent knowledge of conflict resolution, effective communication and change management.

Gareth adopts a warm caring empathetic approach that enables clients to address distressing emotional issues in a safe bias free environment. She focuses on teaching practical skills and techniques to enable people to develop and enhance their relationships and lives.

 

Karen.
Registered Psychologist.

B Soc Sc (Psych), B A (Hons), Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Karen is a highly qualified and experienced Counselling Psychologist who has worked in a variety of counselling organisations over the past ten years, and more recently in her own private practice. Karen has experience in counselling couples and individuals with a wide range of presenting concerns including relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, trauma, and other psychological issues.

Karen specialises in couple relationship issues. Her doctoral research considered factors that impact on the relationship satisfaction of couples with dependent children, such as their attachment, conflict styles and level of emotional intelligence. Through this research, Karen was able to identify important therapeutic interventions in order to assist couples to enhance and improve their relationships, particularly whilst they are facing the challenges of parenting dependent children.

Karen uses a variety of therapeutic approaches in her counselling work, but above all, she strives to create a warm and caring environment where the specific needs of her clients are central to the therapeutic process. As a mother of three teenage children, Karen also brings a wealth of life experience to her understanding of couple and parenting issues.

 

Sarah.
Registered Psychologist

BA (Hons) Psych, M Psych (Counselling) MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Sarah is a multi-skilled and dynamic Psychologist with years of experience working with individuals and couples experiencing a range of issues. When working with couples Sarah embraces the complexities of the problems clients bring, in an arena which provides a sense of safety and support.

We all want our lives to be fulfilling and meaningful as an individual. As a couple part of this fulfillment comes from a relationship that has sustained love, passion and mutual respect. Given the challenges we are subjected to in modern life we often fall into dysfunctional patterns of managing ourselves in our relationships which can result in levels of unhappiness or dissatisfaction. The ability to turn this negative dysfunctional pattern around, and to embrace a new and healthier way to relate as a couple is truly exciting, giving new hope for a different and more rewarding future.

Sarah finds it a privilege to be able to step into the lives of couples in trouble, and assist them to find insight, address issues, explore new ways of doing things and above all, reach a new understanding of yourselves which will allow positive changes in your relationship.

 

Mandy.
Registered Psychologist

BA (Hons), D Psych (Couns), MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Mandy is a registered psychologist who has been in private practice for 10 years and holds a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. Mandy has a particular interest in quality of life issues and how this most often translates into the quality of relationships with oneself first and with those who are closest to us. Other interests and areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, eating disorders and trauma related issues. She also has a depth of experience using Mindfulness as a therapeutic tool and a life skill that adds richness to our day to day experiencing.

Mandy has undertaken considerable training in couples counselling and finds the work both challenging and rewarding as each member of a couple begins to gain insight into their own patterns and projections, acknowledges the value of their differentness, and reignites the connectedness within the relationship from a new base.
She views relationship as a path of self-development through which we can ultimately learn a great deal about ourselves in the world.

 

Angelica.
Clinical Psychologist

B Psych (Hons) M Clin Psych, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Angelica is an experienced Psychologist who specialises in treating people with relationship, behaviour and personality problems. She always uses a warm, professional, and confidential approach. She believes that the relationship with her clients is central to positive treatment outcomes.

Most people seek help when problems start to affect their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Choosing with the clients what is best for them, she works towards positive change, personal growth, and self-understanding.

Besides her degrees, Angelica has also completed additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Group work, Behaviour Intervention, and Developmental Assessment.

 

Stuart.
Registered Psychologist

B Arts, G Dip Psych, PG Dip Psych, D Psych, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Stuart is an individual and couples counsellor who works in private practice as well as for an Employee Assistance Program. He is also a mindfulness meditation teacher and has worked as a primary school counsellor and Lifeline telephone counsellor.

An initial focus for Stuart in couples work is to explore how the relationship may be either enhancing or diminishing the lives of each individual. If both individuals are committed to a healthy relationship he seeks to facilitate a process whereby the relationship can flourish. Stuart also attempts to explore how the couple’s interactions may be affecting, and be affected by, any children and/or extended family members.

Stuart endeavours to create a rapport with each individual and strives to facilitate a fair and balanced counselling process with the ultimate goal of helping couples counsel themselves. Stuart is partnered with three children.

 

Cherie.
Registered Psychologist

BA, M Ed, Grad Dip Psych, Post Grad Dip Psych, M Psych, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Cherie is a, caring, empathic and intuitive person who likes to provide a safe, peaceful and reflective environment where people can come to deepen their understanding of themselves and their partner and experiment with new ways of being together.

Cherie has always held a strong interest and value in relationships and enjoys working alongside couples as they gain insight into their process, consider their own and their partner’s wants and needs, make choices and learn new ways of approaching familiar situations to bring about the changes that they hope for.

Cherie enjoys all aspects of her psychological practice and also offers individual therapy for adults. She has special interest and experience in treating the effects of trauma and working with adults healing the scars of earlier difficult life experiences. She has experience working with a range of areas including: fertility problems, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life planning, and life transitions.

Cherie has trained in and uses: family systems therapy, couple counselling, Hakomi (Body Centred Psychotherapy and Mindfulness), CBT, Self Psychology, ACT and Schema Therapy.

 

Valda.
Registered Psychologist

B Psych, Post Grad Dip Reihan, Post Grad Dip Psychodrama, Qualified Mediator, Cert 4 Training & Assess, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Valda is a registered psychologist and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society. She has more than 20 years experience as an individual and couple therapist and is also a trained family mediator.
Valda works with individuals, couples and groups. She deals with a variety of issues, including relationship conflict, separation, parenting, stress, depression and anxiety. She also has a special interest in sexuality and cross-cultural issues.
Valda was born in Brazil and has lived in Australia since 1994. Creating a safe environment, where individual and cultural differences are valued and confidentiality is taken seriously, is central to her approach to therapy. She enjoys helping clients solve problems and develop the full potential of their relationships.
Valda also speaks Portuguese.

 

Mary.
Registered Psychologist/ Sex Therapist

M. Health Sc, P G Dip Psych, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Mary is a registered psychologist with more than 12 years experience in Relationship Counselling and working with individuals and couples experiencing difficulties in their sexual relationship. She works with the systemic relational approach, exploring the relationship, patterns of interaction and the meanings, feelings and beliefs that impact on the interaction.

Mary will help you work through that argument that never seems to be resolved, and learn to accept differences and negotiate through them rather than argue about them.

Added to Mary’s therapeutic approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (mindfulness based therapy), where we learn to become mindful of our own feelings and belief systems, and how our responses match our value systems. Mary is also trained in Emotional Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy.

Mary specialises and is passionate about her work in the sex therapy field. She will coach you through and help you negotiate your sexual relationship, particularly with differences in desire and low libido. Mary has a depth of knowledge around difficulties with erections, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, orgasmic disorder, sex/internet and porn addictions, sexual orientation and same sex relationships.

Mary carefully assesses each couple and individual and chooses the counselling approach that would best work for you. Counselling is about you.

 

Russell.
Registered Psychologist

BA(Psych) PGDipPsych PGCertPsychPrac MPracNLP
Hart Centre Certified

Russell is a friendly, approachable and experienced Psychologist/Relationship Counsellor. He enjoys helping people with relationship issues and has an extensive background in relationship counselling through working at Relationships Australia, IVF Australia and in private practice. This includes individual &/or couples counselling to help people manage conflict, or cope with step-family dynamics, disclosure of an affair, infertility, separation or divorce.

Russell has a special interest in helping couples to productively manage conflict, using evidence based strategies, and educating couples so that they can avoid the common pitfalls that destroy relationships. Russell completed Level I, II and III Certification training at The Gottman Relationship Institute in Seattle. The Gottman Relationship Institute is world-renowned, having conducted intensive, long-term scientific studies into why marriages succeed or fail. Over 200 academic articles have been published.

Are you feeling unhappy in your relationship? Are you arguing about the same issues and unable to reach a solution? On average people wait 6 years before seeking help with a relationship problem. The longer the problem persists, the greater the resentment builds towards your partner. Seeking help can feel confronting. People are sometimes anxious because they don’t know what will happen in couples counselling. Russell knows that this can be a very difficult time. If you could use some support Russell would like to help.

 

Peter.
Registered Psychologist

BA, Grad Dip Arts (Psych), Post Grad Dip Couns Psych,Dip Clin Hypnotherapy, Dip Ed, MAPS, MASCH, MACA, MICF
Hart Centre Certified

Today’s world is one of rapid change and it’s a world which poses challenges and creates opportunities, including the opportunity to learn to promote happy and fulfilling relationships. Peter’s passion for working in the relationships field, in the domestic, business, and sporting worlds, embraces this kind of practice as people work alongside one another sharing common goals.

By providing the opportunity for people to reflect on their relationships, and expand their resources, while developing responsiveness and mindfulness and growing resilience, Peter assists his clients resolve potentially harmful issues.

Peter is a qualified Life-Coach, Counsellor, and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and is also a registered psychologist. He has training in the field of relationships and has joined the Hart Centre to enrich his capabilities and share his work with others. He has been described as a warm, generous, and approachable health professional and he has over 25 years experience in private practice which has included experience in the fields of relationship education and counselling.

In his work with clients, Peter often uses the Enneagram to help people look into themselves and to help clarify their relationships, amid a varied therapeutic approach designed to meet the specific needs of his individual clients.

Peter has made regular contributions to magazine articles and radio and TV current affairs programs. Whether you find yourself in a difficult situation or not, Peter supports people in deciding for themselves how to overcome the aspects of their relationships which may require care, nurturing, and attention.

 

Kaye.
Registered Psychologist

BA, BA (Psych), BEd, Grad Dip Psych, Grad Cert Careers, Assoc MAPS, VIT, CDAA
Hart Centre Certified

Since registering as a psychologist in 1995, Kaye has worked towards empowering individuals and couples to realise their potential and to live their dream. She believes that difficult times provide the opportunities for growth – if we can navigate our way through rough waters we emerge stronger, wiser and with deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Her role is to care for and gently guide individuals and their relationships as they work towards creating happier lives for themselves.

In an intimate, safe and supportive environment, she works with clients to identify what their real issues are, helps them gain new insights, explore new possibilities and learn new skills to create more positive ways of thinking and being. She is trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and mediation skills.

She brings to her work broad experience in the counselling, educational and vocational fields and works with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, anger management, adjustment and self-esteem issues. She has a special interest in step-family issues and works with hetero and same sex couples.

 

Sharon.
Clinical Psychologist

Bsc(Hons), M. Clin.Psych. MAPS(Clin. College).
Hart Centre Certified

Sharon has been practising for 20+ years in the public and private sectors in Australia and New Zealand. Her clients are individual adolescents, adults and couples.

Sharon has noticed in recent years that couples are asking for help earlier in their relationships, when they first notice problems, rather than living with them for years. This gives the couple a greater chance of dealing with the problems and developing a rich and fulfilling partnership, and modelling a loving relationship for their children.

Sharon incorporates Gottmann’s ideas, an effective communication (verbal and non-verbal) for couples, into counselling. She enjoys helping couples learn how to resolve the issues in their relationship. She has an eclectic approach to counselling and specialises in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.

 

Simone.
Registered Psychologist

B Arts (Psych), PG Dip (Psych), PG Cert (Counselling), MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Simone is a psychologist who has been working in private practice for 5 years. She has previously worked in rehabilitation settings in both pain management and brain injury. In these settings she has assisted individuals and their families adjust to the changes in their lives after a serious injury.
She particularly enjoys working with couples to restore a sense of harmony in their relationship. Simone understands that the quality of the couple relationship has an impact on the family unit, work life and personal happiness.

Simone works from a cognitive behavioural approach and uses tools from systemic therapy, narrative therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She uses these tools to help each partner in the couple feel understood and to work through their issues effectively. Simone also works with people dealing with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, grief & loss, anger management issues and addictions.

Chris.
Registered Psychologist

B Applied Science (Psychology), Graduate Diploma in Psych, Member APS
Hart Centre Certified

Chris has been a member of the Australian Psychological Society for 12 years. During this time he has consulted widely in vocational psychology, life-coaching and within his private practice. Chris is passionate in his support of clients, whether individuals, couples or organisations, in their pursuit of aspirations and a successful future.

Within his private practice, Chris offers discreet, supportive, counselling services to individuals and couples. He can assist with many types of personal and interpersonal difficulties and is a dedicated to assisting couples and individuals realise their goals through self-awareness and tapping into their innate strengths.

Chris offers a respectful, non-judgmental and compassionate environment, where both the meaning and the underlying cause of your current experience can be explored and greater insights may gently emerge. This makes it possible for individuals and couples to regain personal direction and a sense of balance and well-being.

 

Ann.
Registered Psychologist

B. Sc (Hons) (Physiol); B. Sc (Hons) (Psych); Grad Dip App Psych; MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Ann creates strong connections with clients and effective working environments. Her clients feel comfortable in the knowledge that they are ‘in safe hands’, which enables them to open up and share their thoughts and troubles. This then allows Ann to use a variety of practices and techniques to help her clients get to a place that is healthier and happier, and to depart her service to continue their journey on their own. Ann has helped hundreds of people in this way.

It is of particular interest to Ann to work with people who want to improve their relationships. This has seen her help many couples improve their communication, resolve long-standing disagreements or ‘simply’ reconnect after having drifted apart. Ann’s interest in relationship work extends beyond romantic relationships to include extended family relationships, relationships at work and so on. She has also worked with individuals and successfully helped them deal with depression, anxiety, loss and grief, and anger, to name a few. Finally, Ann has led many group programs that have helped people to improve their self-awareness, particularly in the corporate sector.

Ann likes to partner with her clients and engage them in decisions around the areas of focus, the duration of the work, the review of progress and what success looks like. In this way, Ann’s clients are active participants in the therapeutic process and ultimately, in their own healing.

Having worked as a psychologist for many years, Ann keeps up to date with the practice and application of current psychological techniques and plans to complete her doctoral degree in counselling psychology in 2012. She effectively translates what is known about human psychology into effective practice, tailoring it to the individual needs of her clients so that they understand it as it relates to them and can take it with them into the future.

 

Hagai.
Registered Psychologist

MA Clinical Psychology
Hart Centre Certified

Hagai has more than 25 years of experience counselling individuals, couples and families, running workshops and facilitating groups. His special interests are relationships, parenting and personal growth.

Hagai came from Israel in 1997 with his Aussie wife and two kids.

Hagai’s warm and genuine style will make you feel accepted and at ease. He operates on a strengths-based approach, helping clients tap into what makes them flourish. The premise is that partners truly want to share their love and abundance towards each other. Failing to do so may make them feel frustrated, even inadequate, and these feelings further exacerbate the situation. The challenge is two-fold: to overcome those debilitating patterns that have been shaped by the past, and to pave the way to leading life in accordance with one’s values. This can be achieved when partners learn to better understand themselves and each other, creating ways for connecting and settling differences constructively.

 

Veronica.
Registered Psychologist

BSc (Psych); PGD (Rehab); MPsych (Couns)
Hart Centre Certified

Veronica is a Counselling Psychologist with ten years’ experience working in Corrections. She has worked with relationship issues among offenders and has also worked with issues such as substance use, anger management, trauma and other psychological problems. She has worked with complex clinical issues such as suicide and self-harm and issues related to difficult to manage behaviours.

Veronica is a highly enthusiastic and engaged counsellor who loves challenging her clients. Her counselling style emphasises the importance of a close working relationship with individuals and couples where all parties co-operate to find a satisfactory outcome to the issue at hand. However she also recognises the importance of humour and the need for an honest, straight forward approach to counselling work.

 

Patricia.
Registered Psychologist

Mast Clin Health Psych, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Patricia is a registered psychologist and holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Health Psychology.

She is experienced in working with adults, adolescents, couples, and same sex couples, with family and marital problems, domestic violence, alcohol & drug dependency, cross-cultural differences, depression and anxiety disorders.

Relationships can be complex, and building fulfilling and harmonious relations may not always come easily for everyone. Relationship counselling can help you, either individually or as a couple, to find out what is causing the problems in your relationship. These problems might be related to poor communication, poor problem-solving skills, inadequate partner support, troublesome attachment styles, relationship breakdowns, and difficulty in maintaining relationships with work colleagues, friends and family members. During couples therapy, Patricia provides a safe space where a couple can talk, by allowing each individual a chance to express their feelings openly without being judged or interrupted from the matter that they would like to discuss. She makes an effort not to take sides and focuses on both of their issues equally.

Patricia uses various treatment techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Solution Focus, Emotionally focused therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy and often tailors these techniques for the individual needs of her clients. If required, Patricia is also able to conduct therapy in Polish.

 

Ross.
Registered Psychologist

B.A. M. ED. Grad Dip Psych. Post Grad Dip Psych
Hart Centre Certified

Ross is an experienced counselling psychologist who assists clients in developing a range of psychological skills that strengthen and insulate ongoing relationships. His approach to family and relationship sessions utilises the key assessment and therapeutic techniques that are relevant to the evident, situational factors.

Ross has significant experience in expanding client’s understanding of the key issues that contribute to their particular circumstances. After discussing these factors he will assist couples and families in formulating a process for change in a supportive way, yet willing to confront the sensitive issues that have the potential to block progress.

Common aspects such as anxiety, anger, trust, communication, assertiveness, empathy and emotional intelligence are dealt with in a sensitive manner in which growth and change can become the reality.

 

Gloria.
Clinical Psychologist

B.Sc, M.Psych (Clin)
Hart Centre Certified

Gloria has practised as a Psychologist for over 20 years, in both the private and public systems.  In addition to her passion for psychology, Gloria works with her husband on an organic farm in the Hunter Valley, NSW.  They have three adult children.

With a background in education, Gloria has worked with children and families, as well as adults and couples.  Having lived and worked overseas, Gloria has experienced many different cultures, faiths and lifestyles, contributing to a rich background for exploring different perspectives with a broad, open approach.

Gloria’s interest in couple work was initially sparked by observations of the significant influence on children of a happy and stable relationship between their parents, and the tragic outcome on all, when the dream turns sour.  More specifically, Gloria gets much pleasure and satisfaction of seeing couples in therapy grow in understanding each other’s perspective and working through difficulties together.  As individuals, each blossoms when their couple relationship becomes more nurturing, fun and fulfilling.  Appreciating the significance of this dynamic between two committed people has made Gloria dedicated to continue her work and commitment to this most significant of relationships.  Gloria uses an eclectic approach in counselling, with mainly evidence-based interventions.

 

Rosemary.
Clinical Psychologist

BA Hons (Psych), MA (Clin Psych), MBA, MAPS 
Hart Centre Certified

Before qualifying as a psychologist Rosemary worked in many different roles, from cleaning and childcare through to accountancy, farming, building, and management.  Those diverse experiences have given her a wealth of knowledge and understanding to draw from.

She has been a psychologist now for many years, and is constantly engaged by the challenge to view the world through other eyes and to work with her clients to achieve their goals.

With more than 20 years experience working with couples, Rosemary uses a wide range of evidence-based psychological techniques to help couples resolve the problems they are experiencing, and to enhance and build on their loving relationship.

 

Christine.
Registered Psychologist

B. Psych (Hons 1); B. HoMgt; AMAPS; Accredited Trainer of NLP
Hart Centre Certified  

Christine is a registered psychologist with more than 9 years related experience. She is currently the Director of BE Institute a Brisbane based Psychology consulting and training organisation. Her track record includes working in clinical psychology in private practice specialising in couples, family and pre-natal counselling; not-for-profit arenas and as an external consultant and project manager focusing on organisational and safety psychology and organisational development consultancy in the Mining and Resources Industry and Corporate sector.

Christine’s interests in marrying eastern philosophy with modern psychological techniques has seen her step into her talent of offering guidance and insights that are unique to each person, couple, family and team she works with. The bottom line intention is to deliver a service that ensures real results and she achieves things by bringing a novel perspective to the counselling arena, where she uses the latest research from neuroscience and psychology to develop strategies that are practical, easy to implement, and make a difference to people’s lives.

Christine is the published author of BE By Design: How I BE Is Up to Me, a self-development book that enables adolescents and adults to be in control of their self-awareness, healing and to use tools to free themselves from conditioning, habits and unhealthy patterns.

Christine’s key areas of expertise include: •    Conscious conception •    Conscious parenting •    Well-being enhancement •    Depression •    Anxiety •    Stress •    Couples Counselling •    Career transition •    Self-esteem and self-development •    Life coaching

 

Maria.
Registered Clinical Psychologist

B. Psych (Hons), M. Psych (Clinical), MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Maria is a Registered Clinical Psychologist and is a registered provider with Medicare.  She has completed a Masters of Psychology (Clinical) degree and is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Maria is experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults and couples. Her experience includes working with a range of diverse issues.  These include trauma, work-related stresses, parenting issues, relationship difficulties, separation, divorce, and grief and loss issues.  She employs a number of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution- Focused Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

Maria believes that the fundamental key to successful relationships is being able to communicate effectively.  She enjoys helping her clients identify and change the unhelpful and sometimes destructive patterns and behaviours in their relationships.  She is passionate about facilitating personal growth in every individual and in empowering them to find hope, strength and resilience no matter what their history.  She offers a warm, caring and non-judgemental place where she will work with each individual in identifying the barriers to living a more fulfilling life.  Maria is married with 2 children.

Nerida.
Registered Psychologist

BPsych (Hons), GCertForMentH, MPsych (Clinical), MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Nerida is a registered psychologist with a particular interest in working with couples. Nerida has completed specialised training in the areas of couples and marital counselling, sexual addiction, sex therapy, and positive parenting practices.

Nerida uses a collaborative approach with her clients and her style is warm, non-judgemental, and empathetic. Nerida is passionate about assisting couples to create and maintain a healthy and successful relationship. She is able to assist with increasing affection, respect, and closeness; creating a sense of friendship within a relationship; conflict resolution and communication skills; developing a deeper level of understand between partners; rebuilding trust between partners, and restoring intimacy.

Nerida strives to assist clients in achieving a deeper sense of awareness, empathy, and connection within their relationships. She can provide clients with the tools to create significant and lasting changes.

Dianne.
Registered Psychologist

BA(Psych), PGDip(Psych), AMAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Dianne is a Registered Psychologist and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society.  Her main area of interest is with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), including Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). CBT is an evidence-based treatment that aims to address the link between emotions, behaviours and thinking and is effective in treating many conditions – including, anger, anxiety, mood, personality, eating and psychotic disorders. MBCT is a form of CBT that is proving to be a powerful therapy for personal transformation and healing through learning to overcome painful emotions and is particularly useful for addressing depression, anxiety and panic attacks, grief and loss, sleep disturbances, chronic illness, trauma and grief and loss. SFBT is a form of therapy that focuses on the solutions rather than the problems, with a goal of reaching relief as quickly as possible.

Dianne also has experience and training working with children and adolescents with particular behavioural difficulties, including Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Attention Deficit disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This experience and training includes working with children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities and pervasive developmental disorders.

Dianne is also an accredited practitioner for the Triple P Positive Parenting Program^®, an evidence-based program focussing on family intervention – with a goal to help parents with their parenting skills and to build positive relationships with their children.

Dianne uses a combination of these therapies when working with couples who are experiencing a troubled relationship, using both behavioural and emotional approaches.

 

Vivienne.
Registered Psychologist

B Arts, M Psych, Grad Dip Adolescent & Child Psych, M Ed Psych, Grad Cert Fam Therapy & Fam Sensitive Practice
Hart Centre Certified 

Vivienne is a qualified Psychologist with over 18 years experience, and a member of the Australian Psychological Society since 1994.

Vivienne has extensive experience working with individual children, adolescents and parents as well as couples, with a focus on concerns such as family & relationship issues.
Vivienne assists clients with a broad range of issues such as grief & loss, anxiety & depression, trauma, stress. With children & adolescents she can assist by helping clients (individuals and parents) to explore and learn strategies to cope with transition & change, dealing with bullying & peer issues.

Vivienne’s counselling orientation includes cognitive behavioural and emotional focused approaches. She draws on perspectives on attachment and family dynamics to understand the patterns of behaviour impacting on relationships, as well as positive psychology, with the aim of assisting clients to achieve satisfaction and fulfilment in life.
Vivienne has an interest in mindfulness as a means to gaining insight into ourselves and managing stress & anxiety. She is driven by the belief that her role in the counselling process is to assist clients to gain the life skills that will empower them to manage their challenges & relationships, as well as celebrate their achievements and blessings.

Deborah.
Registered Psychologist

B Arts (Psych), Grad  Dip Rehab  Couns
Hart Centre Certified 

Deborah is a registered psychologist and has worked for over 15 years in the private and public sector including education, rehabilitation and private practice.  She has extensive experience counselling adults, adolescents and young people across a range of areas. These include relationships, life transition and adjustment, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, abuse and trauma, career development and academic performance.

Deborah has a keen interest in working with couples and families and believes that good relationships can be central to one’s psychological and physical wellbeing.

She is particularly passionate and committed to assisting young people to develop skills to tackle life problems and to flourish by developing self optimism and self confidence. She assists them to recognize their strength of character, develop resilience to help them through tough times and become solution focused so that they can develop into healthy adults. She works closely with families and parents.

Her warm, caring approach and respectful non-judgmental manner validates her deep belief in engaging with her clients and developing a trusting, safe and collaborative environment.

Deborah uses evidence – based psychology to improve the wellbeing of young people and adults.  Her approach incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy, solution focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy as well as elements of mindfulness and positive psychology.

 

Charley.
Registered Psychologist

B Psych, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Charley is a registered psychologist and an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society and the Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. She has experience as an individual, child, family and couple therapist and is also a trained trauma specialist. She utilises mindfulness on a regular basis and enjoys seeing people transform as they find calm in the midst of chaos.

Charley works with individuals, couples and children. She deals with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, sleep, abuse, grief and loss, parenting and relationship issues. She also has a special interest in adolescents, men’s health and trauma.

Charley is caring and passionate about helping people to reach their potential. She provides a safe and supportive environment in which clients can process distressing emotions and learn new skills to lead healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives.

 

Wendy.
Counselling & Clinical Psychologist

B. App Sci (Psych), Grad Dip Psych (Couns), M. Psych
Hart Centre Certified

Wendy has practised psychology for over 20 years and worked with both adolescents and adults.  She currently works in general private practice as well as the forensic area and has extensive experience in assisting people with depression, anxiety, anger and emotional management difficulties, as well as those suffering loss and grief.  Wendy has a warm, non-judgemental approach and bases her work with people on her strong belief that respect (of both self and others) is the core factor which underpins a functioning, successful and contented life.  She uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness strategies to assist individuals and couples in developing positive communication and reducing life and relationship stressors.

 

Kathrine.
Registered Psychologist

BA Soc Sci; B Psych (Hons); AMAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Kathrine has been a Registered Psychologist for ten years and prior to this was a counsellor for four years specialising in developing intimacy in relationships. She understands the importance of relationships in life as a building block to higher achievement, and will help you help yourself by giving you practical skills you can work on immediately.

She has a special interest in relationship counselling and understands that relationships are rarely smooth sailing, and that with some knowledge you can create the relationship that you really want or move on in the least stressful way if this is the direction you wish to take.

Kathrine is a warm and caring person, who will listen to both sides without judgement or bias, and will give you practical steps  to ensure you both realise your full potential individually and in your relationship.

Trisha.
Counselling Psychologist

B Psych, Adv Dip Rel Couns, MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Trisha is an expert in the field of relationships and families with over 16 years experience.  Trisha works to improve communication, clarify expectations and derive meaning from both actions and words, achieving  greater understanding between partners.  She will give you practical strategies to take away to enhance connection, and put processes in place to strengthen your relationship skills. This will reinforce the foundation of your relationship, building trust and increasing faith in one another to nurture the relationship.

At the core of her approach, Trish promotes the interest of the relationship. Differences may not always be resolved but accepted as part of respecting the individual in the interest of the relationship.  Both individuals and couples seeking relationship support will benefit from her years of experience and training by the world’s leading relationship experts such as Dr John Gottman. Trish utilises evidence-based approaches to develop therapeutic models.  Typical issues that she sees contributing to relationship disharmony are communication, finances, sex, parenting, trust and extended family.

Hayley.
Clinical Psychologist

B.Soc Sci (Psych/Crim), PGDip Psych, MPsych (Clin), PhD (Cand.), Trained Sex Therapist
Hart Centre Certified

I am passionate about helping individuals and couples create healthy relationships. I have had the pleasure of providing relationship counselling and couples therapy to people who have struggled due to painful relationship patterns. Many of my clients longed to create respectful, loving and life affirming relationships for years before they began counselling with me.

It has been a privilege to witness the transformations of my clients as they break their destructive patterns to form relationships that are based on honesty, respect, and true intimacy.

I have specialised training in sex therapy and extensive experience working with fertility issues, as well as couples whose lives have been affected by severe health conditions, such as cancer.

Vanitha.
Registered Psychologist

BA (Hons) Psych, Assoc MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

Vanitha is an empathetic, friendly and experienced psychologist, for over twenty years.

She is experienced in working with adults, adolescents / children, couples, and same sex couples, with family and marital problems, domestic violence, alcohol & drug dependency, cross-cultural differences, depression and anxiety disorders.

With a broad range of skills, Vanitha has worked extensively with couples and individuals adopting a positive psychological approach that is solution focused. As a trained mediator she possesses an excellent knowledge of conflict resolution, effective communication and change management. She focuses on teaching practical skills and techniques to enable people to develop and enhance their relationships and lives.
If you’re experiencing relationship difficulties then consider relationship counselling as a way to gain the perspective and skills needed to improve the quality of your relationship, to overcome a relationship crisis and/or save your relationship. Married herself for twenty years, Vanitha understands that what counts in maintaining a successful relationship is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.

With warmth and care, Vanitha provides a safe space where a couple can talk, giving each individual a chance to express their feelings openly without judgement, interruption or bias.

 

David
Registered Psychologist

B.A.(Hons)Psych; MAPS
Hart Centre Certified

David is a Counselling Psychologist with 30 years experience.   He has worked in private practice as well as in Community Mental Health, Organisational/Corporate settings with EAP providers, and at the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service.

David’s primary focus and professional interest has been in stress and anxiety management (including PTSD) and on Relationships (including Sex Therapy).  He has had specialised training in Couples counselling, Mediation/Conflict Resolution and in Life Coaching.  David’s counselling approach is client-centred and based on Solution-oriented Brief Therapy framework, and his therapeutic modalities include CBT, EMDR, NLP, Hypnotherapy  (and others).

David’s philosophy is to facilitate personal growth by eliminating emotional obstacles (e.g. childhood traumas), identifying inner strengths and resources, and building on these to encourage, empower and enable the person to be all they can be.  In relationship counselling, David’s aim is for a couple to build together the most fulfilling and satisfying relationship possible, one that lasts and is able to adjust to and withstand changing situations and stages of life.  David will often work with partners individually (to help them address and resolve their personal issues that adversely impact on their relationship) before proceeding with joint Relationship Counselling.  David values his work with couples because he appreciates the significant impact (both positive and negative) that couples can have on people around them (children, families, social networks, work places and communities).

To book in with any of the above psychologists, please call 1300 830 552.

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