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.

Anjali is a Clinical Psychologist, an AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor, and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Anjali has experience working in hospitals, schools, and adult and youth community and custodial forensic settings. She also has experience conducting research in youth populations, with social, emotional and forensic challenges. Anjali enjoys working with clients on both an individualised and group-therapy basis, as well as, within the parent-child relationship.

Anjali is particularly interested in working with adolescents, young adults and adults, with a range of presentations including anxiety, depression, social and emotional problems, relationship problems, trauma, self-harm, and personality difficulties. Anjali also has a particular interest in working with clients who are neurodivergent, specifically Autism and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and also completes evidence-based adult and child/youth ADHD assessments. Anjali is able to offer supervision to provisional psychologists and other psychologists in both an individualised and group-based capacity in a variety of clinical and forensic areas.

Anjali is motivated to work toward creating a safe, non-judgemental space for clients, where they are able to feel a sense of agency and be collaborative in working towards their identified goals. Anjali is especially passionate about supporting complex young people and adults to feel understood, heard and empowered within the therapeutic relationship and throughout the therapeutic process to encourage them to obtain a healthy sense of self and wellbeing.

Anjali has completed training in multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Anjali tends to draw on a number of these to ensure that she takes a client-focused and individualised approach to treatment with each client. Anjali also tends to utilise mindfulness, strengths-based. neuroaffirming and trauma-informed practices with her clients to ensure that treatment is sensitive to individual needs

Natalie is a Registered Clinical Psychologist. She employs a client centred approach with clients across the lifespan (from children to adults), focusing on empathy, understanding, mutual respect, and collaboration between client and psychologist. Whether it’s addressing any presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, Natalie is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their concerns and develop effective coping strategies. She also provides a personalised approach to therapy including the use of multiple frameworks to ensure that the most appropriate treatment is selected for each client. These frameworks include specific trauma-focused therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and play- based therapies. Natalie is also able to provide Couples’ Therapy.

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.

Elle is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked for more than 10 years in both public mental health and private practice. She works with adults experiencing a broad range of mental health difficulties, supporting them to make meaningful change, and to recognize and manage long-term mental conditions.

Elle is also experienced in assessment for adult autism using a tailored approach to suit each individual. She enjoys supporting her clients through the assessment process, and post diagnosis. She is passionate about providing care to people who may be diagnosed in their adult life, embracing what that means for them, and identifying strategies that will help them with daily challenges. Elle is open to providing family support in this context if it is required.

Elle uses a variety of evidence based therapeutic frameworks, depending on the needs of the client, and will work to understand what may be most therapeutic for each individual. Usually she draws upon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) frameworks. Elle is a fully registered Clinical Psychologist (AHPRA), a Registered Supervisor, and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Elle’s areas of expertise include:

Anxiety
Depression
Autism
Bipolar affective disorder
Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective disorders
Personality Disorders
Stress and relaxation
Chronic Pain
Grief and Loss
Single session family consultation

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).

Naomi (she/her) is a Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Naomi has experience working within the emergency services, in the school setting and in private practice.

Naomi uses a warm, compassionate, and genuine approach to create a space where clients can feel safe, cared for and understood. Naomi tailors therapy for each client and works together to develop a deeper understanding of issues, enable coping through skills and strategies to enhance wellbeing.

Naomi enjoys working with adults and young people and has experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. Naomi can provide therapy for a variety of presentations including depression and low mood, anxiety, stress/relaxation, grief and loss, neurodiversity and relationship difficulties.

Naomi’s treatment approach is trauma informed and grounded in evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness based approaches.

Naomi is available Monday and Wednesday at Emerald Psychology Practice.

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.

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

Carla (She/Her) is a registered Provisional Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Carla is currently undertaking her final year in the Master of Clinical Psychology program. She is a vibrant and insightful individual who possesses a deep interest in recovery and wellbeing. Her approach is empathic and person-centred, with great diligence in facilitating a safe environment and collaborative therapeutic relationships in therapy.

Carla has worked across the lifespan with a range of presentations, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, interpersonal challenges, behavioural issues, and parenting. Carla utilises a range of evidence-based treatment modalities that are best suited to her clients, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Interventions. Carla is humanistic in nature, and practices with cultural humility, compassion, and respect for her clients.

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.

Natasha is a Provisional Psychologist who is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental. She is passionate about supporting people and improving their overall quality of life. Natasha strives to create a safe space and assist her clients in reaching their goals with a healthy state of mind. She tailors sessions to her client’s goals and draws from a range of evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, and DBT.

Natasha aligns with ACT’s core message, which is, to accept what is out of your control and commit to actions that enrich your life. She has experience working with a variety of mental conditions including mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, interpersonal challenges, gender dysphoria, problematic eating and body image concerns, self-esteem, stress, and trauma. Natasha is currently completing her final semester of the Master of Clinical Psychology Degree. She is writing her thesis on the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation on competitive anxiety in athletes. Natasha is also an athlete who is enthusiastic about health and performance.

Paige is a registered Provisional Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She is currently completing her final semester of the Master of Clinical Psychology program. Paige provides a warm, non-judgemental, and collaborative approach to therapy.

She utilises a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Paige has experience working with a diverse range of client presentations, including depression, anxiety, panic, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal challenges, grief and bereavement, chronic pain, ADHD, and ASD.

Paige is passionate about supporting her clients to achieve their therapeutic goals and improve their overall wellbeing.

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.

Rebecca is a registered Provisional Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a dedicated member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She is currently in the final year of her Master of Clinical Psychology program. Rebecca is profoundly committed to fostering the psychological well-being of children and adolescents. Rebecca’s clinical approach integrates a compassionate understanding of children and adolescents’ unique challenges with a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. She aspires to contribute meaningfully to child and adolescent psychology, ensuring each individual receives tailored and effective psychological care to support their developmental journey. Rebecca has valuable experience in addressing a diverse range of child and adolescent presentations, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), oppositional defiant behaviours, self-harm, and learning disorders.

Kiera is a Provisional Psychologist who is in her final year of her Master of Clinical Psychology degree. She has a genuine passion for helping others and building therapeutic connections with clients. Kiera has worked with diverse clients across the lifespan, addressing a wide range of mental health concerns. Some of her previous experience includes working with children with ASD, counselling elderly patients at a retirement home and seeing adults with co-morbid disorders.

Counselling Interns

Emily is currently in her final year of the Master of Counselling program. Emily previously undertook a placement at a non-for-profit organisation working within their Clinical Services team, and has now aligned with Emerald Psychology to complete her final placement. Emily has experience collaborating with individuals from diverse cultural and neurodiverse backgrounds, supporting them achieve their mental health and well-being goals. With experience practicing evidence based therapies, Emily is dedicated to creating a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental space in order to foster strong therapeutic relationships and empower clients to achieve their goals.

Administration & Reception Staff

Jacqui Nichols

Carolyn Fraser

Lindy McDonald

Kelly Heard

Clare Stribbles

Psychologists

Hita Mistry

Katerina Volny

Anjali Bapat-Pers - she/her

Natalie Prochazka she/her

Cathy Charlton

Elle Perry

Hannah Fitchet

Katya Kamysheva

Lillian Underhill

Naomi Engelke

Bhavana Sistla

Abanti Mandal

Sharon Patton

Counsellors

Vanessa Wylie

Poppy Saxton (she/her)

Jyoti Pahla

Provisional Psychologists

Carla Perrone

Ashleigh Parks

Rebecca Cook

Stephanie Taylor

Natasha Dardo

Paige Lee

Sarah Bibo

Rebecca Clohesy

Kiera McDonald

Counselling Interns

Emily Di Palma