Our Team

DIRECTOR / SENIOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Rita is the founder and managing clinical director at STIA and works in both individual and group schema therapy. Rita is an AHPRA endorsed supervisor. Rita not only draws from Schema Therapy, but EMDR, CBT, DBT and Somatic approaches. Rita is an Advanced ST supervisor/Trainer (ISST), an EMDR Consultant (EMDRAA) & a psychedelic therapist (MMA). Rita is also the Vice President (Events & Symposia) for the Jeff Young Schema Therapy Association; she works mainly with complex PTSD, personality pathology and attachment trauma.

When asked, clients would describe Rita as: “Attuned, compassionate, direct, grounded, non-judgmental, perceptive, practical”.

Working hours:

Essendon: Monday & Thursday (9-5)

Consult: $385

PRINCIPAL / SENIOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST STIA WERRIBEE

Jessica is a warm, compassionate, and person-centred Clinical Psychologist who values creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic space. She works from an evidence-based framework and tailors’ therapy to each individual’s unique experiences, needs, and goals.  Jessica draws on a range of therapeutic approaches, including Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills. She works with clients in individual and group therapy settings, supporting people to better understand themselves, build emotional awareness, and develop meaningful and sustainable change at a pace that feels right for them.

Jessica enjoys working across the lifespan with children, adolescents, and adults, and has a strong interest in supporting parents and families. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges across different developmental stages and values working collaboratively where appropriate.

Jessica is trained in psychological assessment and diagnosis. She has experience supporting people experiencing Depression, Anxiety disorders, Personality disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex Trauma, Eating disorders,  ADHDers, and Autistic Individuals.

Jessica is currently undertaking certification in Individual and Group Schema Therapy. She is a board approved supervisor.

When asked, clients would describe Jess as: "Honest, spirited, down to earth, reliable, dedicated".

Working hours:

Werribee: Monday (10.30-6), Tuesday & Wednesday (7-2)

Telehealth: Thursday (7-2)

Consult: $285

SENIOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST/HEAD OF SUPERVISION

Kim is a registered clinical psychologist, board approved supervisor and an Advanced Schema Therapist (ISST). Kim has worked in public, private and higher education settings. He takes a person-centred approach to his clinical work and draws on a range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, EMDR and schema therapy. He is also a registered mindfulness meditation teacher and integrates this practice into his clinical work. Kim has extensive experience working in posttraumatic mental health and has conducted international research in this field.

Working Hours:

Carlton: Tuesdays (9-5)

Essendon: Thursday (9-5) & Friday (8.30-4.30)

Telehealth: Wednesday (8-4.30)

Consult: $285

SENIOR CLINICAL & FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST/CLINICAL LEAD

Sarah is registered psychologist with endorsement in Clinical and Forensic Psychology and has over 15 years of clinical experience. She is an Advanced Schema Therapist, EMDR trained and board approved supervisor. Sarah is a person-centred therapist who applies evidence-based therapies in a personalised way, understanding that everyone’s life experiences are unique. Sarah is non-judgemental, warm and empathic in her approach. She has experience working with a range of concerns including substance use, anxiety, mood, personality, interpersonal difficulties, trauma-related issues, eating disorders and antisocial behaviours. Sarah has worked in private practice, forensic and community settings and utilises Schema Therapy as well as EMDR, ACT, CBT, DBT and Mindfulness to help her clients achieve their goals in therapy. Sarah also has an interest in perinatal mental health.

Working Hours:

Carlton: Monday (8-4)

Essendon: Tuesday (8-4) & Wednesday (8-3)

Consult: $285

SENIOR CLINICAL PYCHOLOGIST/CLINICAL LEAD

Jennifer (she/her) is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor. Jennifer takes a client-centred approach and seeks to foster warm and genuine connections with the individuals she works with. She endeavours to create a safe, affirming, and judgement free space in which individuals feel comfortable to share and explore their experiences. Jennifer strives to be a neuroaffirming, sex positive, LGBTQIA+ friendly clinician, who works with individuals in all relationship structures.

Jennifer is passionate about working with autistic individuals, and has a wealth of experience providing assessments of neurodivergence. She has helped clients with a range of mental health difficulties, including; OCD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, panic disorder, phobias, and more. She has also supported individuals to navigate challenges related to intimacy, identity, relationships, and sexuality. She enjoys working with adolescents, and sees individuals aged 15 years and above. Jennifer uses a mix of evidence-based treatments, including EMDR, Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), DBT, Mindfulness, and more.

Clients would describe Jen as: “Friendly, Humourous, Containing, Principled, Passionate.”

Working Hours:

Essendon: Thursday (8-4)

Telehealth: Friday (1-5)

Consult: $285

SENIOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST /CLINICAL LEAD

Rose takes a warm, compassionate, and person-centred approach to therapy, drawing on a range of evidence-based modalities including Schema Therapy, ACT, DBT, EMDR, CBT, and somatic interventions. Rose works with adolescents and adults, and has experience treating a wide range of concerns including mood disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, personality disorders, and more.

She has experience conducting group therapy and psychological assessments, and has worked in both private practice and hospital settings. Rose is committed to providing high-quality, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care. It is important to Rose to be genuine in therapy and to establish a trusting and supportive environment. She believes that effective therapy adapts to the individual. Her therapeutic work is guided by curiosity, collaboration, and a respect for each individual’s unique story and strengths.

Rose is an accredited EMDR practitioner (EMDRAA) and is undertaking certification in schema therapy (ISST). Rose is also a board approved supervisor (AHPRA).

Clients would describe Rose as: Grounded, attuned, encouraging, flexible, and authentic.

Working hours:

Essendon: Monday (9.30-6.30) & Wednesday (7-3)

Online: Thursday (9-6)

Consult: $285

SENIOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Pippin is a kind and compassionate therapist who provides a warm, thoughtful  and non-judgemental space to discuss reasons for seeking therapy. She is a Certified Schema Therapist and has also completed level 1 & 2 training in EMDR and is working towards EMDR accreditation.

Pippin regularly integrates both Schema Therapy and EMDR in her work with clients and find that the use of these modalities together can create powerful outcomes for clients, particularly with a history of trauma and neglect, or those who feel ‘stuck’ on things that have happened in their past. In addition, Pippin also utilises DBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP) for OCD when needed. She has an interest in working with clients who have experienced interpersonal trauma (domestic violence and childhood trauma) leading to CPTSD, as well as chronic depression, anxiety and OCD. She works from Eltham and online via Telehealth and has many patients who complete ST/ EMDR work successfully fully online (if unable to attend in person).

Working hours:

Telehealth: Monday (9:30-2)

Eltham: Wednesday (12:30-5) & Friday (9-2)

Consult: $285

SENIOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Tracy is a compassionate and caring Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience working in public hospital, private practice and higher education settings.  Tracy is experienced in working with people who have experienced complex trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD and Bipolar Disorder, with an interest in also working with DID and BPD. Tracy aims to work in a way that is neuroaffirming and culturally sensitive, and is supportive of each person’s authentic gender and sexual identity.  Tracy integrates a range of therapeutic approaches including schema therapy, Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), somatic and mindfulness-based approaches. Tracy has extensive training and practice in mindfulness and compassion-based meditation, incorporating these practices into therapy when it is helpful for the individual. Tracy also has an interest in working with couples who wish to utilize schema therapy to develop a deeper understanding of their unmet childhood needs and how their coping styles play out in their relationship.  Tracy is a board approved supervisor, a Certified Advanced Individual Schema Therapist, and member of the International Schema Therapy Association.

Working hours:

Carlton: Monday (9-5) & Thursday (2-8)

Essendon: Wednesday (2-8)

Telehealth: Tuesday (8-6), Wednesday (10-1), Thursday (10-1)

Consult: $285

SENIOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Linda Kenmar is a Clinical Psychologist, Social Worker, and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience across public health and private practice. She is also an accredited EMDR therapist and board-approved supervisor, with extensive experience supporting adults experiencing complex trauma, childhood sexual assault, addiction, attachment difficulties, and relationship challenges.

Linda brings a warm, compassionate, and client-centred approach to therapy. She works collaboratively with clients to understand longstanding patterns, strengthen relationships, and support meaningful change. Her practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, Schema Therapy, Family Systems, and Compassion-Focused Therapy.

She also offers specialised support in psychedelic preparation and integration, including helping clients process challenging or distressing non-ordinary states. Linda is trained in Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), a neurobiologically informed trauma therapy that helps address shock and attachment trauma held in the nervous system.

Linda has a special interest in attachment, neurodiversity, and Gottman Method couples therapy. She is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive space where clients feel understood and supported in their healing.

Working Hours:

Carlton: Wednesday (9-6)

Essendon: Saturday (9-4)

Consult Fee: $285

SENIOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Tegan is a clinical psychologist. She is passionate about creating a safe space where clients can collaboratively work towards achieving their therapeutic goals. Tegan utilises a neuro-affirmative and trauma informed approach in therapy and draws upon a range of evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, EMDR, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

Tegan has experience working with children and adults with adjustment, mood, anxiety, trauma- related, personality, and eating disorders. Tegan is involved in facilitating groups at STIA and diagnostic assessments.

Check out Tegan’s ED credentials here: https://connected.anzaed.org.au/connected/CredProfile?ID=35462

When asked, clients would describe Tegan as: “Thoughtful, gentle, safe, engaging, and authentic.”

Working hours:

Essendon: Tuesday (alternating weeks; 9-5), Thursday (10-6) & Friday (9-5)

Consult: $285

SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST

Kylee has 20 years counselling experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, presenting with a broad range of psychological issues.  This includes work with First Responder personnel and those with mild to more complex support needs in managing intense emotions and behaviours associated with anxiety, depression, isolation, grief, relationship discord, self-esteem, work stress and trauma response issues. 

 Kylee is warm, direct and collaborative.  She builds trust and rapport through attentiveness and genuine interest in understanding clients’ needs and concerns.  She provides a psycho-educational framework based on schema therapy and attachment principles, and holds the space for shared understanding, open discussion and healing.  From this platform, empowerment and action to live your best life is the goal. 

 In partnership with clients and at their own pace, Kylee promotes skill acquisition and develops treatment plans anchored in client centred, realistic and achievable outcomes; in the context of the client’s life, circumstance and readiness for change. 

Working hours:

Carlton - Wednesday (8-5)

Telehealth: Monday (8-5)

Consult: $270

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST (CLINICAL REGISTRAR)

Laura is a warm and caring therapist who strives to create a safe and compassionate therapeutic space for her clients. With more than 8 years of clinical work experience in the community and hospital settings, Laura holds a Master of Psychology (Clinical) from the National University of Singapore and is a registered clinical psychologist with the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). With an integrated and reflective approach to therapy, she practices CBT, schema therapy, compassionate focussed therapy and EMDR to help clients feel more empowered. Laura is passionate about working with clients with depression, anxiety, personality disorders and past trauma experiences. She also has broad experience in the area of maternal mental health and enjoys working with mothers to support them in their journey of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. Having lived in Singapore with a diverse heritage herself, Laura understands cross cultural issues and is able to connect easily with people from all walks of life.

When asked, clients would describe Laura as: "Gentle, attuned, contemplative, empathic and intuitive."

Working Hours:

The Victoria Clinic Consulting Suites: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday (8-4)

Consult: $250

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Bernice is a Clinical Psychologist with experience supporting young people and adults. She has a particular interest in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, problematic substance use, and difficulties with emotion regulation.

 Bernice works collaboratively with individuals to develop treatment plans personalised to their goals and circumstances, drawing on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. 

Bernice is a proud Gunditjmara woman registered with the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association. She is committed to providing a welcoming and culturally safe space grounded in respect, connection, and understanding to support and empower individuals in their healing. She prioritises creating a non-judgmental environment for individuals to explore their concerns and challenges at their own pace. 

Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, Bernice values reflective practice and welcomes feedback from her clients to continually inform and improve her work.

Working hours:

Essendon: Tuesday (10-6) & Friday (9-5)

Consult: $270

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Tiffenee strives to ensure her clients are always treated with compassion, empathy, and authenticity, and works collaboratively with each individual to tailor treatment plans in accordance with their goals and lifestyles. Tiffenee employs techniques from a range of therapeutic modalities including Schema therapy, CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), ACT, DBT, and EMDR.

With experience in both the public and private health sectors, Tiffenee has had a wide range of experience working with individuals with a range of diagnoses including, anxiety, dissociation, depression, psychosis, sleep difficulties and personality disorders, but has developed a passion for working with complex trauma. She also has experience working with autistic individuals and ADHDers. Tiffenee has experience working with individuals across the lifespan but finds particular enjoyment working with adolescents and adults.

Working Hours:

Essendon: Wednesday (9-6) & Friday (8-5)

Consult: $270

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST (CLINICAL REGISTRAR)

James is a warm and dedicated psychologist who is passionate about helping people understand and overcome complex mental health difficulties. He is committed to creating a supportive and compassionate space where clients can process their experiences while cultivating meaningful change on their own terms.

James has years of experience working in various public and private health settings with adults, children, young people and families. He has experience working with persistent mood disorders, anxiety, complex trauma, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, personality disorders and more. He uses Schema Therapy, EMDR, DBT, CBT and ACT in his approach, guided by clients' needs. James has a strong interest in supporting individuals with complex trauma. His doctoral research focused on cultural influences on trauma, and he is committed to delivering culturally responsive, trauma-informed psychological services.  

Working Hours:

Carlton: Monday (2-8) & Wednesday 8-2)

Essendon: Tuesday (9-6) & Thursday (7-2)

Telehealth: Friday (8-12)

Consult Fee: $250

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Elise is a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about helping people feel understood, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives. She takes a warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative approach, working alongside her clients to build insight, develop practical skills, and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence.

Elise tailors' therapy to each individual’s needs and goals, drawing on evidence-based approaches including ACT, CBT, EMDR and Schema Therapy.

She works with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting a range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, substance use, difficulties with emotions, self-esteem, and relationship challenges. Elise has a particular interest in supporting adults with ADHD, including those diagnosed later in life, who may be navigating overwhelm, burnout, self-criticism, perfectionism or a long-standing sense of feeling “different” or not quite fitting in.

Elise is particularly focused on creating a safe, non-judgemental space where clients feel comfortable to be themselves and explore what matters most to them.

When asked, clients describe Elise as: "Light-hearted, down to earth, hopeful, driven and thoughtful".

Working Hours:

Essendon: Monday (7-2), Wednesday (9:30–6:30) & Friday (8–4)

Consultation Fee: $270

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST (CLINICAL REGISTRAR)

Gabriel is a Clinical Psychology Registrar who strives to create a safe and non-judgemental environment where people can feel understood and empowered to collaboratively work through the difficulties they are facing. In his practice Gabriel uses a warm, empathetic and client-centred approach to draw from evidence-based interventions including Schema Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Psychodynamic Therapy. Gabriel has an interest working with people who are experiencing a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, relationship/interpersonal difficulties, trauma, life transitions and addictions. Gabriel seeks to support people to better understand themselves in the pursuit of living their life in a way that aligns best with their values.

 Working Hours:

Essendon: Monday (9-6) & Wednesday (2-8)

Carlton: Tuesday (9-6)

Telehealth: Wednesday (11-1) & Thursday (8-3)

Consult: $250

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST (CLINICAL REGISTRAR)

Nicola is a Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Registrar. She aims to foster a warm, collaborative, and non-judgemental space where clients feel respected, understood, and comfortable openly exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Nicola's therapeutic style is integrative, drawing on evidence-based approaches including Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Nicola has experience working across private practice and hospital settings, supporting adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety and mood concerns, trauma, adjustment to illness and injury, neurodivergence, grief and loss, emotion regulation difficulties, attachment and relationship challenges, and major life transitions.

She has a particular interest in helping clients build confidence and self-worth, develop emotion regulation skills, navigate interpersonal and relationship challenges, and recognise longstanding patterns that may be keeping them stuck. Nicola works collaboratively with clients to develop effective ways of coping that align with their values and support meaningful, lasting change.

Nicola believes that therapy should be tailored to the individual. She recognises that each person's journey is unique and works alongside clients to develop an individualised treatment plan that reflects their needs, goals, and pace, supporting them throughout their therapeutic journey.

Working Hours:

Essendon: Tuesday (12-8) & Wednesday (7-3)

Carlton: Thursday (7-3)

Consult fee: $250

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST (CLINICAL REGISTRAR)

Danielle is a Clinical Psychology Registrar in the final stages of completing her Doctoral Degree. She is committed to delivering evidence-based, person-centred interventions that promote self-understanding, resilience and the achievement of individual goals.

She has practiced across public, private, community, and educational settings, and has experience working with clients across the lifespan. Danielle has supported individuals presenting with a broad range of difficulties, including anxiety and mood disorders, trauma-related presentations, personality disorders, and substance use difficulties, in both individual and group-based formats.

Her clinical practice is grounded in an integrative therapeutic framework, drawing on Schema therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Danielle is dedicated to fostering a safe, collaborative and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. She places strong emphasis on authenticity, therapeutic alliance and client autonomy, working at a pace that supports sustainable and meaningful change.

Working Hours:

Essendon: Monday (9-6), Tuesday (2-8) & Wednesday (2-8)

Carlton: Thursday (9-6) and Friday (8-2)

Consult Fee: $250

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Luke (he/him) is a registered psychologist who works with adolescents and adults, with experience supporting individuals with neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, and emotional regulation difficulties. He is passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of the LGBTIQA+ community and practices from an affirmative, inclusive framework.

Luke takes a person‑centred, evidence‑based approach to therapy, focusing on creating a safe, supportive, and accepting environment where clients feel understood and empowered. He tailors therapeutic interventions collaboratively to align with each client’s individual needs, goals, and strengths.

He draws on a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and mindfulness‑based approaches. Luke also incorporates creative and experiential methods, such as LEGO® Serious Play®, where appropriate, to support engagement and treatment.

Working Hours:

Werribee: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (2-8) & Friday (8:30-4:30)

Consult: $250

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST (CLINICAL REGISTRAR)

Liana brings experience working with individuals across the lifespan and from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. She is committed to providing client-centred care and tailors treatment to meet each person’s unique needs, taking into account trauma history, personality, and cultural context.

Liana has worked in both clinical and school environments, supporting clients with a variety of presentations, including emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, as well as with autistic individuals and ADHDers. She draws on evidence-based approaches to provide individualised support, and is passionate about helping clients build self-understanding, resilience, and personal growth.

Liana values reflective practice and ongoing professional development. She utilises and is actively developing her skills in Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioual Therapy, Act and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR. Liana has a particular interest in working with adolescents and adults. In addition to therapy, she is trained in conducting cognitive and educational assessments to help individuals better understand their strengths and challenges and to identify strategies that can support their learning and development.

Working hours:

Werribee: Monday and Tuesday (2-8), Wednesday and Thursday (7:30 -1:30)

Telehealth: Friday (8:30-4:30)

Consult: $250

SENIOR CLINICAL & FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST

Claire is a Clinical & Forensic Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor, with experience supporting adults across residential rehabilitation, custodial settings, inpatient mental health, and community services. She has clinical interests in complex trauma, addiction, personality development, family violence, and the intersection of mental health and the legal system.

Her work is relational, trauma-informed, collaborative, and strengths-based, grounded in the view that many of the patterns bringing people to therapy developed as understandable responses to their life experiences. Claire integrates evidence-based approaches including Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailoring therapy to each person's individual goals and circumstances.

Claire brings warmth, curiosity, and patience to therapy while remaining thoughtful and appropriately direct. She is particularly mindful of creating an environment where people feel respected and understood, especially those whose previous experiences with services have not always felt safe or validating. Claire enjoys helping people build insight, strengthen practical coping strategies, deepen their connections with others, and create meaningful, lasting change that supports a more fulfilling life.

When asked, clients would describe Claire as: "Compassionate, Authentic, Empowering, Insightful, Grounded"

Working Hours:

Werribee: Wednesday (7.30-1.30), Friday (8-4)

Consult: $285

PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Paul is a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist who has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Canterbury Christchurch University, he has worked as a clinical psychologist in UK and is doing the bridging program in Australia as he has relocated to Australia

Paul has over 9 years therapy experience in public health settings supporting people with a wide range of emotional difficulties, including; low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, complex trauma, distressing thoughts and perceptions (including hearing voices and seeing visions), difficulties in relationships, sleep concerns, and challenges with regulating emotions. He integrates a range of approaches in his practice, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT).

Paul is committed to practicing in a way that acknowledges the broader social, cultural and relational contexts that shape people's lives. He is a strong advocate for equity, justice and human rights and pays close attention to the impact of inequalities on mental health.

When asked, clients would describe Paul as: “Warm, friendly, helpful, conscientious, considerate”.

Working Hours:

Werribee: Wednesdays(7:30-3:30), Thursday (12-8) & Friday (8:30-4:30)

Consult: $200

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST (CLINICAL REGISTRAR)

Michelle is a Psychologist who supports adults and adolescents. She has a background in both Clinical and Sport & Exercise Psychology. She is committed to providing a neuro-affirming, culturally safe, and LGBTQIA+ inclusive environment where clients can be themselves. 

Michelle works with trauma and stress-related issues, anxiety and depressive disorders, childhood and attachment difficulties, obsessive compulsive disorders, athletes and sport performance, work-related stress, life transitions and grief.

At the core of her practice is a deep commitment to the therapeutic relationship- creating a safe, collaborative partnership where clients feel seen and understood. Michelle is dedicated to empowering individuals with the insight and intention required to break through old patterns and beliefs and move toward meaningful, lasting change that aligns with who they are and the life they want to create.

Her compassionate and supportive approach is grounded in evidence-based therapies drawing from ACT, CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy, and Somatic and Mindfulness-based approaches. 

Working Hours:

Werribee: Monday - Wednesday (7-3)

Consult: $250

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Ailish Ansell (she/her) is a warm and compassionate psychologist who strives to ensure her clients are always met with empathy, authenticity and respect. She values building genuine, collaborative therapeutic relationships and offers a neuroaffirming, non-judgemental space where clients feel supported to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. Ailish has experience working with clients across the lifespan, within private practice, community, and hospital environments.

She has supported individuals presenting with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety and mood difficulties, trauma-related presentations, perfectionism, challenges associated with neurodivergence, difficulties with emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships, self-esteem and identity concerns, and substance use. She has a particular interest in early childhood mental health, including perinatal and infant mental health. Ailish tailors therapy to each individual’s goals and strengths, drawing on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy to support lasting improvements in wellbeing.

Working Hours:

Essendon: Wednesday (7-3) Thursday (8-2)

Consult: $250

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Kuan (he/him) is a registered psychologist who works with adolescents and adults. He has a particular interest and experience working with people who are highly self-critical, who struggle to prioritise their own needs in relationships, who carry shame, unexpressed anger, or unprocessed grief, or who are navigating the effects of complex trauma. His work is grounded in the understanding that most people have a rational awareness of the problems they face, but haven't been able to reach their emotional landscape through logic alone. 

His practice affirms LGBTQIA+ identities and neurodivergence, and brings a deep respect for the ways in which culture, language, migration, and life transitions shape how we see ourselves and move through the world. Having lived and studied across different countries and languages, he understands what it means to navigate systems and spaces that weren't built with you in mind. In sessions, he works in a direct, relationally present style. He pays attention to what emerges in the room and values honest engagement over reassurance. His approach balances warmth with empathically challenging individuals to recognise and shift longstanding patterns.

He primarily works within a Schema Therapy framework with adolescents and adults, drawing on a variety of experiential approaches, including chairwork and imagery-based methods. He also has training in Transference Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), EMDR, and Body-Focused Schema Therapy (BFST). He is currently working towards ISST standard certification and practices under ongoing supervision.

When asked, clients would describe Kuan as: "Grounded, attuned, candid, perceptive, and measured".

Working Hours:

Carlton: Tuesday (12-8)

Essendon: Wednesday (12-8), Thursday (12-8), & Friday (9-5)

Consult Fee: $250

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST (CLINICAL REGISTRAR)

Jess (she/her) is a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Registrar who works from a neuro-affirming and trauma-informed framework. She is person-centred and approaches each session in a thoughtful and individualised way. Jess is passionate about creating a safe and non-judgemental therapeutic space where individuals feel able to explore their experiences and work towards their goals. She values authenticity and is committed to fostering genuine and meaningful connections. 

Jess has experience working with a broad range of presentations across children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and group settings. This includes mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and trauma-related difficulties, gender questioning and gender diversity, neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ individuals, interpersonal challenges, substance use, personality challenges and somatic concerns. She has worked across public, community, and educational settings, and draws on a range of evidence-based interventions including CBT, ACT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Health Psychology. 

Jess is known for her warmth, empathy, collaborative style and her creative approach to therapy. Jess’s strengths are in working with neurodiversity, anxiety, trauma and gender diversity.

Working hours:

Essendon: Monday & Tuesday (7-3)

Carlton: Wednesday (9-5), Thursday (10-6) & Friday (8:30-4:30)

Consult: $250

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST (CLINICAL REGISTRAR)

India is a Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Registrar. India see’s therapy as a reflective and collaborative space built on connection, curiosity, and understanding. She works in an organised, semi-structured way, while always staying responsive to what matters most to the client. Her eclectic approach draws on CBT, ACT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing techniques, alongside a genuine interest in learning from my clients.

She works across the lifespan, and has experience across private sectors, community settings, public health services, and the drug and alcohol sector. She has a particular interest in trauma, relational and interpersonal work, and supporting people moving through significant life changes. India enjoys working alongside adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, personality disorders, substance use, and adjustment. She also has experience working with ADHDers.

Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and creative. She aims to empower one to reconnect with themself by building their sense of autonomy and self-worth.

Working Hours:

Carlton: Tuesday (7-2)

Essendon: Wednesday (7-2)

Telehealth: Tuesday/Wednesday (3-5)

Consult: $250

COUPLES THERAPIST/HEAD OF RESEARCH

A trained therapist in Integrative Behavioural Couples Therapy (IBCT), one of the leading evidence-based therapies for couples, Gery is one of Australia’s top relationship researchers and experts in attachment theory. Working with some of the world’s leading researchers and therapists in romantic and family relationships. Gery is STIA’s research advisor.

Working hours:

Essendon: Thursday (8-3)

Consult: $305

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

Dr Redston is a consultant psychiatrist specialising in the assessment and holistic treatment of eating disorders and trauma‑related mental health conditions. A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, she holds advanced certification in psychotherapy and is accredited in Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & EMDR Trained. Working collaboratively with the STIA team, Dr Redston is dedicated to helping people move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Please note: Dr Redston is not currently accepting new patients.

Working hours:

Essendon: Tuesday (10-5)