Our Team

Administration & Reception Staff

Jacqui is our Practice Manager and has been working in the allied health field for more than 30 years. Jacqui has always been passionate and is committed to supporting teams that enable them to provide excellent quality health care. Jacqui’s role is to manage the overall operations required to deliver a high level of Psychology and Counselling and services within our local community.

Our reception staff are caring, warm and approachable. Taking the first step to call and make an appointment can be a daunting process. Carolyn, Kelly, Clare and Lindy understand that taking the time to consider the needs of our clients is important. They have created a light hearted and respectful reception space so you will feel at ease from the moment you come into the clinics. Our administration team are here to help with every step of your recovery journey.

Psychologists

Hita is the Principal Clinical & Forensic Psychologist and has been practicing for over 20 years. Hita has experience in the forensic sector, public mental health and in tertiary education. She is dedicated to providing specialist care to people and values a client-centered approach to assessment and treatment. Hita has been trained in a number of therapies including MBT, ACT, CBT, DBT and Schema Therapy. She is also an experienced group facilitator and has worked with children and adults. Her area of specialisation is the treatment of complex presentations in adults including trauma, complex trauma and personality disorder. Hita is trained in EMDR, Ego State Therapy and Theory of Structural Dissociation. She also incorporates Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Polyvagal Theory in her work.

Hita holds professional registration in both Australia and the UK. She is a Nationally Registered Psychologist with AHPRA and a member of the Clinical and Forensic Colleges with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and is an Associate Fellow and Chartered Forensic Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Hita is a Board Approved Supervisor with over 15 years of supervisory experience. She has a keen interest in the training, mentoring and development of our future generation of psychologists. Hita is a training consultant for both clinical and forensic psychology sectors having delivered training workshops, seminars and conferences both Nationally and Internationally.

Katerina Volny is a Psychologist that has worked for 20 years in the public mental health sector, private practice and other settings. She enjoys working with individuals, families and in groups. Katerina works primarily with mindfulness based cognitive behavioural therapy approaches. Katerina is interested in providing support to her clients to overcome obstacles to reach their goals. This involves listening to each person’s unique story and using therapeutic techniques to clarify their own values, find meaning in their life experience, and use their strengths to reach their potential. She has experience particularly working with people that have experienced mental illness, trauma, eating disorders, and personality disorder.

Katerina has commenced offering Hike Therapy, which is psychological treatment while walking in the forest. This allows for the benefits of movement and nature in an alternative therapy environment.

Cathy is a psychologist with 25 years experience who has worked with children and adolescents providing assessments. Cathy conducts neurodevelopmental assessments for children and adolescents at Emerald Psychology Practice. These include assessments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability (ID), and specific learning disorder (SLD – incorporating dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia).

Cathy uses a range of psychological tests such as; COGNITIVE tests, including the WPPSI-IV, WISC-V and WIAT-III. AUTISM tests, including the ADOS-2, ADI-R and SRS. ADHD tests including the Conners 4, parent, teacher and self. Adaptive Behaviour tests such as the Vineland 3 and the Child Behaviour Checklist.

Cathy provides a very comprehensive assessment and report which incorporates an initial needs assessment interview and from that she develops a plan that includes testing using various assessment tools and completion of questionnaires, depending on the individual’s needs. A feedback session is then conducted which explains the report, results and recommendations. The report is then given at the conclusion of the feedback session.

Cathy has previously worked across approximately 70 schools in Victoria assessing students and providing reports and funding applications for the Department of Education and NDIS.

Cathy works closely with children, adolescents, parents and relevant professionals including teachers, paediatricians, GP’s and various allied health professionals.

Cathy makes sure her assessments are conducted in a gentle, fun, non-judgemental and happy environment.

Hannah (she/her) is a friendly and dedicated Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA) currently completing the registrar program to become a registered Clinical Psychologist. She is also a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australia Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA).

Hannah works predominantly with adolescents (age 12 years upwards) and adults for clinical treatment. She is also trained to assess adult ADHD. She has experience with a variety of presentations such as trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, self-harm, behaviour and conduct issues, neurodiversity, and relationship issues, working with both young people and parents. Hannah has experience working in a forensic setting with high-risk clients.

She takes an evidence-based, client-centred approach to therapy, tailoring the intervention to each individual client and their needs. Some common frameworks she utilises are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She prides herself on practicing in a respectful, culturally responsive, and non-judgemental way and continues to learn and grow every day.

Dr Katya Kamysheva has been working as a Clinical Psychologist for the past fourteen years in a variety of public and private health settings, including acute and community mental health, peri-natal and infant mental health, and health (psycho-oncology).

Katya works in a warm, empathic and collaborative way to support clients with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and adjustment difficulties. She has a special interest in working with new parents in the perinatal and early parenting years to support healthy attachment and build confidence and resilience during this important time for parents and children. She also has a number of years of experience working in a cancer setting and brings that particular expertise to working with clients who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond in the community.  

Katya works from a client-centred approach and is genuinely interested in understanding each of her client’s individual circumstances, needs and goals in therapy. Katya is trained in a combination of several evidence-based psychological therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Practice, Existential Therapy, Schema Therapy and Attachment focused interventions, which can be used eclectically depending on her client’s needs.

Lillian (she/her) is a Registered Psychologist with the National Board of Psychology (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Lillian brings a friendly and down to earth orientation to therapy and is passionate about employing a client centred, collaborative and trauma informed approach. In therapy, this translates to creating an environment that is empathetic, warm, and trusting for clients.

Lillian has experience working with children, young people, and adults in a wide range of settings and for varied presenting issues. Lillian has a particular interest working with neurodiverse children and families and adopts a neuro-affirming approach to her practice. Further areas of interest include working with clients experiencing depression, low mood and self-esteem issues, anxiety, stress, emotional regulation and behavioural issues. In practice, Lillian is eclectic with her therapeutic approach, drawing from multiple evidence-based modalities to tailor therapy to each client’s needs. Such modalities include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI).

Bhavana is a psychologist who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Bhavana’s background includes providing support to individuals dealing with a range of psychological difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, stress, self-esteem issues and emotion dysregulation.

Bhavana’s approach to therapy is client-centred, and she prioritizes understanding her client’s unique circumstances, needs, and goals in therapy. She utilises a combination of evidence-based psychological therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness Practice, and Schema Therapy, which she adapts to meet the specific needs of her clients. She works with her clients to achieve their individual goals and improve their wellbeing in a warm, welcoming and respectful environment.

Abanti is a Registered Psychologist who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She is a dedicated and passionate therapist who strives to creates a space where clients feel safe and empowered to achieve their goals and enrichen their wellbeing. Her approach is warm, client-centered, and collaborative.

Abanti has experience working with adolescents and adults in both a private and school setting. She has provided psychological therapy for clients experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, relationship issues, personality disorders, and trauma. Abanti uses various evidence-based approaches in therapy and has experience in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness to clients. Understanding that each client is different and unique, she aims to provide a tailored approach for each individual she works with.

Sharon is a registered Psychologist who has over 20 years of experience in community mental health. Sharon enjoys working with all ages from children to older adults. She has experience with a variety of presentations including depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, behavioural and conduct disorders, self-injury behaviours, addiction, and social issues, among other concerns.

Sharon follows a person-centred approach to therapy which focuses on the specific needs and goals of each individual client. She draws from common frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness in her practice.

Sharon also offers Animal Assisted Therapy with her two therapy dogs, Skip and Pogo.

Dean is an AHPRA registered Psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Dean is currently completing his Doctorate in Sport & Exercise and Clinical Psychology. He is a fun and empathetic individual who prioritises building strong therapeutic relationships with his clients. He utilises a humanistic approach which involves collaborating with his clients to help increase their self-awareness through reflective practice.

Dean has experience working in various settings which includes private practices, schools as well as professional sporting teams. Additionally, Dean has worked with clients across the lifespan with a range of presentations such as depression, anxiety, behavioural concerns, trauma, ASD and ADHD. Dean’s practice draws upon evidence based interventions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based interventions.

Counsellors

Vanessa is an experienced Counsellor who works with individuals and couples. Her specialty includes guiding her clients through major life transitions and navigating relationship challenges.

Her practice is inclusive, and trauma informed. She provides tailored strategies to address a range of concerns such as feelings of overwhelm or hopelessness, relationship conflict, parenting support, issues that arise with ageing, and processing grief and loss. Modalities she draws from include Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT-C), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Mindfulness-Based Practice, among others.

With Vanessa, you can expect a warm and friendly presence, along with practical solutions to effectively address any challenges. She is dedicated to supporting you in developing coping strategies, embracing change, and finding fulfilment.

Poppy has a Masters Degree in Counselling and is registered with the Australian Counselling Association, she offers individual and couples counselling services.

Poppy works with adult clients to treat anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, grief, addiction, and relationship problems among other issues. She is experienced working with neurodiverse, LGBTQI+, indigenous, and multicultural clients, and approaches her practice with an intersectional lens to best support their needs.

Poppy facilitates a safe counselling space that allows clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and develop skills to live aligned with their values and does so by drawing from numerous evidence-based therapies.

As a couples’ Counsellor, Poppy assists clients to clarify and move towards their goals by deepening their understanding of themselves and their partner allowing for increased empathy, informed communication, and meaningful connection. Poppy largely uses Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C) with couples’ clients.

Jyoti is a registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist. She offers clients an empathic, caring and non-judgemental space and walks alongside them to explore their challenges, stuckness or numbness. Her philosophy is to be open, curious and respectful. Using strengths-based and evidence-based approaches, she takes a holistic stance to help clients on their healing journey.

She works in areas such as (but not limited to) family, parenting, relational and other interpersonal challenges, grief, loss and bereavement, anxiety, depression and life transitions.

Provisional Psychologists

Ashleigh is a Provisional Psychologist currently completing the final year of her Masters in Clinical Psychology. She has three years of experience working with children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which has helped her develop skills in facilitating emotional regulation, resilience, and social skills. More recently, she has been working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and interpersonal and self-esteem difficulties. Ashleigh likes to draw from different evidence-based modalities in practice to tailor treatment to her client’s needs. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness. Ashleigh strongly values the therapeutic relationship and aims to create an empathetic, genuine and trusting environment. Ashleigh believes this helps her to gain a good understanding of the world through her clients’ eyes, which translates into working collaboratively to help improve their quality of life.

Following her successful completion of a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree with Honours from 2018 through 2021, Rebecca has completed her first supervised year of Clinical Masters as a Provisional Psychologist. She has gained proficiency in the accurate diagnosis, appropriate testing, assessment, and individualised practical application of evidence-based cognitive behavioural interventions. Her areas of interest include complex trauma, forensic psychology and personality disorders. Rebecca’s clients have presented with a range of psychological and cognitive concerns including Developmental Language Disorder, Dyslexia, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Non-Suicidal Self Injury, and Panic Disorder. Rebecca enjoys working with clients of different ages from children to older adults and from diverse backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and cultures.

Stephanie is a registered Provisional Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Stephanie is currently completing her final year of the Master of Clinical Psychology program, and is passionate about providing a warm, empathic, and safe space for her clients.

Stephanie enjoys working collaboratively with both children and adults to achieve their therapeutic goals and enhance their wellbeing. Stephanie strives to use a variety of evidence-based treatments to suit the individual needs of clients including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions. Stephanie has experience working with a range of client presentations including depression, anxiety, interpersonal challenges, low self-esteem, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and grief and bereavement. Stephanie is also passionate about working with clients who are experiencing problematic eating and body image concerns. She is currently writing her thesis on evidence-based treatments for binge eating disorder in adolescents.

Angelique is currently completing the final year of a Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree. She has gained experience as a provisional psychologist through clinical placement working within multidisciplinary allied health teams across forensic and public mental health settings. As part of an outpatient continuing care team, Angelique worked with clients experiencing a range of presentations including obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma-related and psychotic disorders. She has also worked with children and adolescents providing psychological therapy for depressive and anxiety disorders and cognitive assessments for neurodevelopmental challenges and learning difficulties. Angelique has a keen interest in the neurological underpinnings of mental health and the impact of life stressors including trauma and aims to help clients understand their challenges and empower them toward a meaningful and fulfilling life. Her therapeutic approach is warm and compassionate and integrates evidence-based interventions including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) enhanced by practical skills derived from dialectical behavioural therapy (DB.

Sarah Bibo is a registered Provisional Psychologist currently in the process of obtaining her Master of Clinical Psychology. Sarah has gained a wealth of experience within the mental health sector volunteering as a mentor for young people and as a mental health support worker. She has had the privilege of working with clients from diverse backgrounds seeking therapy for various concerns. This has allowed her to develop a nuanced understanding of the importance of personalised treatment plans to address their unique needs. She has experience in various client presentations, including depression, anxiety, ASD, ADHD, trauma, interpersonal difficulties, and body image concerns.

Sarah is committed to ethical and evidence-based practice and dedicated to fostering strong therapeutic connections. Her approach is characterised by warmth, compassion and kindness and emphasises a person-centred and strengths-based framework. She focuses on creating a safe environment for clients to experience a sense of being heard, understood, validated, and supported. Sarah works collaboratively with clients to reach their therapeutic goals.

Administration & Reception Staff

Jacqui Nichols

Carolyn Fraser

Lindy McDonald

Kelly Heard

Clare Stribbles

Psychologists

Hita Mistry

Katerina Volny

Cathy Charlton

Hannah Fitchet

Katya Kamysheva

Lillian Underhill

Bhavana Sistla

Abanti Mandal

Sharon Patton

Dean Constantineas

Counsellors

Vanessa Wylie

Poppy Saxton (she/her)

Jyoti Pahla

Provisional Psychologists

Ashleigh Parks

Rebecca Cook

Stephanie Taylor

Angelique Grosskopf

Anna Burak