Psychologists & Counsellors in Chatswood

Andrea is a registered psychologist with over 20 years experience in the field. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, and a Diploma in Sexual Health Counselling from ASSERT. She also completed a comprehensive one-year training course in Ellyn Bader’s Developmental Model of Couples Therapy.

Andrea has worked in private practice since 1999. She sees both individuals and couples and is able to provide both short-term and long-term therapy, as well as psycho-education, advice and support for people in emotional or relationship distress, sexual counselling services, and trauma-informed therapy.

Andrea uses a holistic approach which combines behavioural, interpersonal and mind-body therapies in her professional interactions with clients. She helps to locate the underlying emotional and physical responses to a particular problem, working at a deep level with both mind and body in order to effect long-lasting change. To this end, Andrea utilises her training in Inner Space Techniques - a form of meditative body-oriented therapy that helps to access these core emotional undercurrents within the body as well as change repetitive thought patterns.

She is also able to help her clients process and regulate their emotions, understand their negative patterns of behaviour, develop better communication strategies and increase their body awareness.

Andrea is experienced in working with a range of client presentations, including depression, anxiety, grief, stress, sexual difficulties, anger and complex trauma (including sexual trauma). Andrea is also an accredited sexual health counsellor.

As a relationship counsellor, she is able to support couples through all sorts of relationship issues, including infidelity, intimacy, arguments and communication problems.

Andrea is also highly experienced in dealing with the psychological repercussions associated with body-image, desire, sexual trauma and gynecological problems (including pregnancy issues, miscarriage, termination and menopause).

Christine is a professional counsellor and psychotherapist. She holds a Bachelor in Social Science, a Graduate Certificate in Psychotherapy Studies and is a member of the Australian Somatic Psychotherapy Association and the Australian Hypnotherapist’s Association.

Christine has over 20 years experience as a clinical counsellor in the public sector (for the NSW Police and Women’s Health) and in private practice. She has experience working with a range of client presentations, including self-esteem, trauma, grief, sexual abuse, domestic violence, parenting, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, post natal depression, workplace stress, disorders of the self and addictive behaviour.

Whilst Christine’s underlying framework is psychodynamic and humanist, she takes a client-centred approach to her therapeutic interventions and utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches depending on the client’s specific issues and emotional capacity. Christine believes that each person’s requirements are unique and her therapy is guided by that belief. This is a collaborative approach, whereby Christine works together with the client to form a therapeutic alliance.

Both conscious and unconscious processes are explored as people are helped to manage their thoughts and emotions, and challenge patterns of behavior - enabling change, where desired, and better ways of being and living. When Christine works with couples, she uses a combined approach drawing on intra-psychic and systemic modalities, understanding the individuals and what happens between them as a system of relating.

Christine works with the client as a whole person, rather than as a set of ‘symptoms’ or ‘pathologies’ to be treated. People manifest their emotional difficulties in different forms in an effort to adapt. Christine focuses her therapy on what works and the resources people have within to draw from and help them to understand that they can make changes and improve their experience of life.

Paul is a Registered Psychologist and a SIRA-accredited practitioner. He holds both a Graduate and Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychology from the University of New England and Charles Sturt University respectively, as well as a Diploma of Psychological Practice and a Masters of Business Administration from Macquarie University.

Prior to moving into the mental health industry, Paul worked within the corporate space for over two decades, managing teams in both the financial and communications sectors. From his time at various banking and media companies, Paul coordinated and collaborated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping shape his personalised approach to therapy today. Using such experiences with complex workplace dynamics, Paul has also tailored psychological interventions and assessments for workers compensation clients in their journey to recovery.

In private practice, Paul is passionate about supporting individuals through difficult life transitions and mental health challenges. Utilising a range of modalities, Paul primarily focuses on the Person-Centred approach in therapy, also drawing on elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed training. Within his sessions, Paul assists his clients in anxiety, depression, stress, perfectionism, workplace issues, relationships, as well as more complex presentations such as trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For those clients presenting with trauma-related concerns, Paul is also trained to provide EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).

Paul is an empathetic and personable psychologist, dedicated to making meaningful changes to the lives of his clients. Through helping individuals better understand themselves and how they operate within their environment, Paul enables his patients toward positive change and personal growth.

Megan is a Registered Counsellor and member of the Australian Counselling Association. She holds a Diploma of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Counsellors, as well as advanced accreditations in a number of areas including suicide preventation, relationship counselling, conflict resolution, abuse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture competence.

Throughout her career, Megan has worked extensively with a diverse range of clients in both the private and community health space. Prior to commencing private practice, Megan worked in corporate roles for a number of years, which required the facilitation of training programs and client management, helping her holistic and person-centred approach to counselling today.

In private practice, Megan creates a safe and empathetic atmosphere to facilitate the use of introspection to gain news understandings. Megan uses evidence-based interventions to observe and tailor her therapy to the individuals’ needs, as well as aid those in crisis to develop personalised long-term solutions. Her preferred approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), goal setting and Mindfulness. In her work with couples, Megan favours the Gottman approach

Megan is able to assist clients with a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationships, intimacy, grief and loss, stress, body image, life skills, conflict resolution, as well as more complex mental health such as domestic violence and trauma. In her work with couples, Megan supports her clients to lessen conflict, increase intimacy and affection, remove barriers to feelings of stagnation and increase connection between partners.

Megan is a compassionate and altruistic practitioner focused on helping individuals and couples gain insight into their lives through a warm and empathetic approach. With a focus on building a trusting relationship and open environment in her sessions, Megan helps her clients to overcome life’s difficulties and live happier, more fulfilling lives.

Silvia is a Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology (Sydney), a Bachelor of Psychology and Sociology from Greenwich University (London) and is currently working towards full certification as a Somatic Experiencing® practitioner with Somatic Experiencing® International.

Silvia’s journey of connecting with her authentic self, self-discovery and curating conscious relationships inspired her to help others navigate their own challenges. She has since obtained experience in various mental health settings including for Not-for-Profit organisations, in-patient services at South Pacific Private Hospital, as a grief counsellor, and as a school counsellor.

Silvia brings a wealth of knowledge, insight and life experience to her work in private practice. She is experienced working with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, trauma, bereavement, self-esteem, anger management, life transitions, addictions, eating disorders and relationship issues. Silvia also has expertise in group facilitation and regularly facilitates programs on wide-ranging topics such as emotional regulation, negative core beliefs, co-dependency and parenting. Silvia’s work has been featured in Australian magazines including Marie Claire, Women’s Weekly and Body + Soul.

As an Integrative and Trauma-Informed therapist, in her work, Silvia draws on various approaches, including Gestalt Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Experiencing® techniques, and Family Systems Therapy. She also draws on Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, Inner Child Work, and Mindfulness-based techniques.

Silvia is a warm, supportive and compassionate counsellor, who tailors her approach to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each client. She is passionate about fostering a sense of self, healing relational wounds and conflicts, and resolving unfinished business from the past through a safe and caring therapeutic relationship.

Silvia can help to guide you to foster resilience, cultivate inner balance and develop new ways of responding to life’s situations.

Petra is a Registered Counsellor and member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) with experience in various roles across the healthcare industry. She holds a Diploma from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors and a Graduate Diploma in Relationship Counselling, as well as advanced accreditations in grief & loss, addiction, abuse and eating disorders.

Petra has worked extensively with a diverse range of individuals across multiple organisations in both the aged care, clinical and charity sectors. Through her time at the Butterfly Foundation, Petra empowered her clients through evidence-based therapy to help them overcome negative eating patterns. Petra also has specific experience treating complex mental health in elderly clients, supporting them through issues such as trauma, grief and cognitive decline. Prior to her commencing a career in counselling, Petra worked in various roles within the corporate space, collaborating and liaising with an assortment of professionals, helping shape the person-centred approach she utlises in therapy today.

In private practice, Petra’s focus is to meet and understand where individuals are at in their lives, and best support them using a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solutions Focused Therapy, ACT, Strengths Based Therapy and Narrative Therapy. In her sessions, Petra assists her clients in a range of concerns, including anger management, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, workplace stress, as well as more complex mental health including eating disorders and addiction.

Petra is an insightful and altruistic counsellor, who believes everyone is unique in their counselling needs and, as such, aims to personalise each session to the individual. Creating safe, supportive and confidential spaces for people to engage, Petra uses empathy and understanding to support her clients in their mental health journey and onto more fulfilling lives.

Di is a Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over a decade of experience in private practice. She holds a Bachelor of Counselling, a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Strategic Psychotherapy, and is a Clinical Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Di is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and the Gottman method for relationship counselling.

Throughout her career Di has assisted clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, drug, alcohol and gambling addictions, among other emotional and psychological concerns. She has extensive experience in relationship counselling.

As well as helping individuals and couples in private practice, Di has worked as a telephone counsellor for the Beyond Blue and 1800 Respect domestic violence help lines and Quitline.

Di takes a person-centred approach and is committed to working collaboratively with her clients to explore possibilities for change.

John’s work as a counsellor in private practice is supported by his extensive corporate experience in human resources, executive coaching and change management. John holds a Bachelor of Business, a Masters of Applied Science in Social Ecology and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. He is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and is an experienced conflict resolution facilitator.

John is a Clinical Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, a member of the Australian College of Clinical Counsellors and the Australian College of Supervisors, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Executive Coaches.

John works with both couples and individuals, drawing on a range of therapeutic modalities that best suit the presentations and personality of the client. He is particularly interested in the challenges and opportunities inherent in all relationships. He is accredited as an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner as well as a Voice Dialogue practitioner, and is able to administer a range of psychometric testing instruments. John is also trained to administer Gottman Therapy in his work with couples.

Commencing from a framework that steadfastly honours individual difference, John works with his clients to build awareness and insight into the patterns, processes and belief systems which inform our decisions and choices. In this way, he hopes to help his clients encounter a more conscious, empowered, effective and fulfilling way of living and being in the world.

Whilst his approach is initially cognitive, John endeavours, over time, to help his clients embrace their new belief systems holistically - enabling an integrated and sustainable approach to better living. He works to develop a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship with his clients, believing this to be a central component of good therapy and sustainable change.

John’s book “Breaking Patterns - Run the life you want to have or life runs you!” is available on Amazon. You can find it here.

Mike is registered as a Clinical Psychologist and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. He works with adults with anxiety disorders, depression, addictions, trauma, relationships and has a special interest in working with LGBTQ+ clients. His therapeutic approach uses CBT, ACT and mindfulness for letting go of unhelpful thoughts, being present with difficult emotions and connecting to your values; the things that really matter to you.

He completed his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2003. His doctoral training included internships in adult mental health, forensics, child & family services, and intellectual disabilities. His post-doctoral training has included skills in ACT, DBT and training in professional supervision.

Mike has worked in sexual health services in London, community mental health services in Auckland, student counselling at the University of Auckland and as a forensic psychologist in Sydney. He is one of our most senior clinicians and has been providing online therapy since 2012.