COVID-19: We are offering face to face appointments, but can also provide the option of telehealth sessions (phone or video call).
Laburnum Psychology is now offering cognitive, educational, developmental, ADHD and Autism assessments for children and adolescents.

Our Psychologists in Melbourne assist you to achieve a happier, more peaceful and positive life.

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Find Trusted Psychologists in Melbourne for Your Mental Health Journey

If you are seeking professional psychological support in Melbourne, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or looking to connect with a new psychologist, we’re here to help at Laburnum Psychology. Our team of experienced Melbourne psychologists is committed to providing compassionate, effective care tailored to your needs.

No matter the nature or severity of your challenges, whether you have an official diagnosis or are simply navigating life’s complexities, our psychologists will offer the support you need. We equip you with practical tools and strategies to cultivate greater peace and fulfillment in your daily life.

At Laburnum Psychology, we offer a range of services, from therapy and counseling to comprehensive psychological and educational assessments. Finding the right psychologist for your unique situation is crucial, and with our diverse team of professionals, we’re confident we can match you with someone who truly understands your needs.

Our Team of Melbourne's Psychologists

Alicia Bio Picture

Alicia Fisher

Senior PSYCHOLOGIST
(EDUCATIONAL & DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY ENDORSEMENT)
jake ciminelli - bio photo Portrait

Jake Ciminelli

Psychologist
Clinical Registrar
Elaine

Elaine Mong

Psychologist
(English, Mandarin & Cantonese)
Jasmine

Jasmine Randone​

Psychologist
Clinical Registrar
Kaitlyn_Small

Kaitlyn Tse

Senior Psychologist
(English & Cantonese)
Tim Bio Picture-min

Tim McCorriston

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Practice Director
BOARD APPROVED SUPERVISOR
(not currently taking new clients)
Mili Bio Picture-min

Mili Vukalo

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
IMG_6617

Ellysia Keov

Psychologist
Sarah Bio Picture-min

Dr. Sarah Khor

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Lisa Bio Picture-min

Lisa Jones

Lead Child & Adolescent Psychologist
TEAM LEADER
BOARD APPROVED SUPERVISOR
Cameron

Cameron Walsh

Psychologist

Maggie Treppo

Psychologist
Elizabeth Bio Picture

Elizabeth Charalambakis

PSYCHOLOGIST
Jen

Dr. Jen Trimpey

LEAD ASSESSMENT PSYCHOLOGIST
Team Leader
Larissa Bio Picture-min

Larissa King

PSYCHOLOGIST
Kylie Bio Picture-min

Kylie Allen

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Practice Director
BOARD APPROVED SUPERVISOR
Madeleine Bio Picture-min

Madeleine Newmarch

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Team Leader
Roohi

Roohi Ahmad

Relationship Counsellor
Simone Bio Picture-min

Simone Ray

Principal PSYCHOLOGIST (Clinical)
BOARD APPROVED SUPERVISOR
Tim Harmer

Tim Harmer

Psychologist
DBT Program Facilitator
natasha bio pic 2

Natasha Stocco

Senior Psychologist
Laburnum Psychology

Emma Gillespie

Senior Psychologist
Clinical Registrar
Olivia 3

Olivia Cherry

Provisional Psychologist
Kimberley 2

Kimberley Levick

Registered Psychologist
mateja-profile-v2

Dr Mateja Popovic

Clinical Psychologist
(not currently taking new clients)
Brenda

Brenda Wong

Clinical Psychologist
(English, Mandarin & Cantonese)
(not currently taking new clients)
Winnie bio photo

Winnie

Therapy Dog

Some of the types of issues we commonly work with include the following:

depression counselling
Depression
anxiety counselling
Anxiety
phobias counselling
Phobias
stress management therapy
Stress Management
grief and loss counselling
Grief & Loss
relationship counselling melbourne
Relationship Difficulties

Personalised Psychology Services in Melbourne

At Laburnum Psychology in Melbourne, we understand that everyone’s mental health needs are unique. That’s why we avoid one-size-fits-all treatment plans. Instead, we take the time to understand your personal challenges and equip you with the tools you need to move forward. By drawing on various evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we tailor our guidance to support you on your journey.

Facing struggles alone can be overwhelming, and mental health should never be overlooked. Just as you wouldn’t ignore a physical health concern, seeking support for your mental well-being is equally important. Talking with an experienced Melbourne psychologist can offer clarity, relief, and a way forward.

Our team fosters open and healthy conversations in a safe, judgment-free space. Honesty and transparency are at the heart of the therapeutic process, and we strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences. Your mental health journey starts with compassionate care, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Providing Face to Face and Telehealth Appointments

We provide flexible options to meet your preferences, offering both face-to-face and online appointments with experienced Melbourne psychologists. If you prefer in-person interaction or are local to Blackburn, you can take advantage of our face-to-face sessions at our welcoming Melbourne clinic.

For those who live further away, face mobility challenges, or simply feel more comfortable at home, our Telehealth appointments provide the perfect alternative. Many of our clients appreciate the flexibility of combining both options to suit their needs. Whatever setting works best for you, our Melbourne psychologists are here to support your mental health journey.

Your Journey Starts Today

We provide support for a variety of issues including:

No matter the struggle that you are going through, rest assured that you don’t have to go it alone. Get in touch with our team and we can provide you with the support that you need.

Take the first step today by completing an online enquiry form or calling our friendly team on (03) 9877 9179Our team are ready and waiting to take your call. It can and will get easier with the right treatment and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naturally it can feel daunting or confronting to talk about uncomfortable feelings or situations. One of our main priorities will be to create a safe and trusting space, and to pace things in a manageable way. Lots of people feel like this when they first come, but by the end of their first session they feel very comfortable and reassured, and glad that they took the step. Sometimes it can help to have a chat with your psychologist over the phone before you first come in. This is something that we can arrange.

It’s not uncommon for people to feel stuck or perhaps even hopeless about the possibility of achieving change. In our experience, talking to a psychologist can make a a genuine and substantial difference. Psychologists are equipped with strategies that are designed to promote change and healing. We will work with you to build a plan to step your way toward greater peace and contentment. In addition to this, sometimes it really just helps to share your situation with a skillful caring person who is listening and giving their full attention to your experiences.

It’s natural for people to sometimes feel this way, or to want to ‘look away’ from the problems. It’s a brave and courageous step to take the time to explore a problem, understand it, express the feelings, and plan a way through it. Sometimes people feel like focusing on the problem will make them feel worse, but it’s actually the opposite of that. By giving some attention to our problems, a lot of changes can be made that significantly increase wellbeing and better mental health. Positive changes are much more likely to come from these brave steps than from looking away.

If you are referred by a GP under a Mental Health Care Plan, you will be eligible to receive Medicare rebates for up to ten appointments per calendar year. Medicare rebates are $141.85 for a Clinical Psychologist, and $96.65 for a Generalist Psychologist. Note that our fees are structured so that the out of pocket / gap cost is consistent across all our psychologists.

After hours appointments are available where needed and you can call us to make an appointment at a time suitable to you. Please note that after hours appointments attract a higher cost.

Counselling is ultimately about moving into the future with greater peace and happiness. At Laburnum Psychology, we believe that the past is only relevant in terms of the ways it impacts us today. Sometimes we need to look back in order to understand where we are at now, and how best to move forward. In other cases, it helps to work through painful life events in order to adapt and adjust. Our greatest focus will always be upon forward movement, and on your wellbeing as you take steps toward your goals.

Each session runs for fifty minutes.

Please feel welcome to click our appointment button, call us, or send us an email, and one of our team members will get in touch with you during business hours to discuss an appointment or answer any questions you might have.

If you have private health insurance with ‘extras’ you may be entitled to a rebate. It is worth enquiring with your private health insurance provider to determine your rebate entitlements.

This is something your psychologist can plan with you at the outset of counselling. Normally, we recommend that you commence with weekly sessions, with the aim to transition to less frequent appointments depending on your progress and situation.

We will work together with you, drawing on your own unique strengths and capacities for change

Get In Touch

Call us on 03 9877 9179 to make an appointment or complete the below enquiry form below:

Jake Ciminelli

Jake holds a Master of Clinical Psychology degree. In addition to his formal tertiary qualifications, he continues to pursue a range of further professional development and training.

Jake has been employed in mental health settings for the past eight years and has worked across a range of complimentary roles treating individuals across the lifespan. Jake holds strong values around warmth, commitment to care and growth, and he believes strongly in the value of a collaborative working relationship with his clients.

He demonstrates strong client retention, which provides insight into how much his clients value their experience.

Jake’s areas of expertise and interest include

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Complex trauma
  • Stress management
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Self-esteem challenges

Kaitlyn Tse

Kaitlyn is a passionate and dedicated psychologist with a calming and gentle approach to her clinical work. She meets clients where they are, adopting a collaborative and creative approach that draws on their strengths and empowers them to achieve meaningful goals. Kaitlyn prioritizes holistic care, focusing on the whole person rather than just diagnoses and symptoms. She creates a safe space for building meaningful relationships and exploring emotional and behavioural patterns.

Kaitlyn holds a Master of Counselling Psychology, a Master of Behavioural Health, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She works with adolescents (16 years and older) and adults and is passionate about working with diverse populations. Kaitlyn treats all clients with respect and dignity, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and affirming each individual’s unique needs. In her practice, Kaitlyn is committed to helping clients work through feelings of stuckness, fostering growth, and facilitating positive change. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, characterized by empathy, compassion, and emotional sensitivity. She helps clients navigate challenges and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

With significant experience, Kaitlyn employs a flexible range of evidence-based interventions tailored to her clients’ needs and goals. Her primary therapeutic modalities include Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Psychodynamic Therapy, focusing on transforming maladaptive emotions into adaptive ones and exploring the past to understand the present. She also integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when appropriate, helping clients achieve their goals and visions in life.

Kaitlyn’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Complex Trauma/PTSD and Relational Trauma

  • Stress Management and Lack of Motivation

  • Life Transitions and Adjustment

  • Shame, Self-Criticism, Low Self-Esteem, and Low Self-Worth

  • Emotional Dysregulation

  • Interpersonal Difficulties and Attachment Issues

  • Supporting Neurodivergent Adults (ASD/ADHD)

  • High Achievers/Perfectionists

Ellysia Keov

Ellysia holds a master’s level qualification in psychology and brings experience from previous roles in private practice and primary schools. Ellysia works across all age groups.

Ellysia is a diligent and driven individual. She approaches her work in psychology combining these attributes alongside her strong values of empathy, care, and compassion. Ellysia holds a strong person-centered philosophy and prides herself on developing a strong rapport with her clients. She values working with clients from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. Ellysia is a strong communicator and combines this with patience and a calm demeanor. These skills and attributes enable Ellysia to create a safe and supportive environment where her clients are enabled to feel comfortable exploring potentially challenging aspects of their lives.

Ellysia brings experience in the delivery of evidence-based interventions and psychoeducation, as well as the provision of assessment services and report preparation for clients and external stakeholders (e.g. NDIS).  Where necessary and relevant, she will liaise with other relevant stakeholders, including teachers and other health professionals.

Ellysia’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Stress
  • Perinatal mental health
  • Psychological assessment
  • Relationship challenges
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Interpersonal skill development
  • Motivational challenges
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Addiction
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Natasha Stocco

Natasha is a well-established psychologist, who brings a depth of experience to her work.  She predominantly works with children from the age of eight to late adolescence / early adulthood.  Natasha’s passion is supporting individuals to better understand their strengths, and to find ways to communicate and navigate aspects of their life that may be challenging.  Natasha holds strong values around neuro-affirming psychology, and enabling her clients to access individualised support and care.

 

Natasha holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honours and Master’s Degree in Psychology. She also holds endorsement as a Board Approved Supervisor.  She has a strong interest in psychological assessment (cognitive, adaptive behaviour, social/emotional, academic) as these enable a greater understanding of each child’s/young person’s learning profile and support needs. With this as context, Natasha works to build communication between the young person and their support networks (e.g., family, school, vocation) to develop their self-confidence and the young person’s ability to advocate for what they need. Outside of psychological assessment, Natasha also works one on one with her clients to identify and implement change goals to support key areas in their life such as supporting self-confidence, self-compassion and self-advocacy.

 

One of Natasha’s greatest strengths is her capacity to engage her clients into a safe and meaningful process. She brings great warmth and compassion to her work, and meets her clients where they are at.

 

Natasha’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Child Psychology
  • Psychological Assessment
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Learning Difficulties
  • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
  • Neurodivergence
  • Neuro-affirmative Psychology
  • Helping to assess and understand underlying learning, cognitive and/or academic difficulties
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Developing self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Building social communication skills
  • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Emma Gillespie

Emma approaches her work with great strengths in empathy and compassion. Emma works with children aged six and up, adolescents and adults.

Prior to her work in psychology, she has worked and volunteered all around the world, with vulnerable children, communities and people in sanctuaries, orphanages and primary schools across Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica. Emma has worked with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, socio-economic groups, and across all ages. She aspires to create a safe space for individuals to explore their story, with the goal of identifying practical skills and strategies to move towards their goals and find healing, change, and personal growth. Emma works across a breadth of common psychological issues and with people who have experienced trauma. Emma is particularly passionate about eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and animal-assisted therapy.

Emma’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Sexuality and gender identity issues / LGBTIQA+
  • Parenting support
  • Trauma
  • Attachment
  • Stress management
  • Vulnerable and marginalized communities
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Life transitions and adjustments

Olivia Cherry

Olivia completed her psychology training at Melbourne University, having previously lived and studied abroad.  She brings significant experience working with children and adolescents, including her work delivering Early Start Denver Model and her past role with Headspace. Oliva recognises the value of working with young people to identify and manage challenges earlier in life, before they become more entrenched patterns.  Olivia also values working with adults of all age groups, guiding them to understand the origins of difficulties and the pathways toward positive and lasting change.

Olivia approaches her work drawing on a range of evidence-based strategies and approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Olivia is passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative, and caring space to help her clients work towards their goals and, where appropriate, involving parents, carers, and/or other health professionals to further support her clients’ progress.  She approaches her work with warmth and compassion, always seeking to understand her clients’ experiences and perspectives, and to meet them where they’re at.

 

Olivia’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Neurodiversity – including supporting clients, and parents/carers of neurodiverse children
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Behavioral issues
  • Interpersonal relationships
  • Stress
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression

Kimberley Levick

Kimberley approaches her work in psychology with a strong sense of collaboration, working from a client-centered philosophy. Kimberley encourages and enables clients to reflect on directions and goals, while always offering professional direction where appropriate.

Kimberley has worked with clients across the lifespan, including adolescents through to older people. She brings experience across a range of settings, including private practice, disability services, youth settings, and NDIS work.

Kimberley draws on a range of well-established evidence-based interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and motivational interviewing.  Alongside this technical knowledge, she also brings empathy and warmth to her work, always aiming to create a safe and accepting environment from which to work on change.

Kimberley’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Neurodivergence
  • Stress
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Relationship challenges
  • Academic and learning support

Winnie

Hi, my name is Winnie! I am a 5-year-old ‘Westiepoo’ (Scottish west highland terrier crossed with a poodle). I was rescued from a puppy farm and am excited to have been trained to be a therapy dog so I can work alongside my mum, Emma. I love exploring the outdoors, trying new things, and especially love cuddles! I love meeting people of all ages and hope to be able to provide support to you as a co-therapist with Emma. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Public Holiday Closure Notice

Laburnum Psychology will be closed on Monday 27 January 2025. The Practice will reopen on Tuesday 28 January 2025 at 9.00am. Please let us know by 10.00am on Friday 24 January if you need to cancel or reschedule appointments for Tuesday 28 January or Wednesday 29 January.

Thank you for your understanding.

Thank you for your understanding.

In the event of a crisis or emergency, please call 000 or lifeline 13 11 14

Alicia Fisher

Alicia works with clients across the lifespan. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience assisting her clients to feel comfortable and supported to embrace their individual differences and create a fulfilling and meaningful future. She is passionate about working with neurodiversity (i.e., autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety (inclusive of obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias), trauma and eating disorders. Alicia prides herself on providing individually tailored therapy whilst ensuring warmth, compassion and empathy. She draws upon a wide variety of evidence-based approaches, inclusive of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT and CBT-E), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, exposure therapy and mindfulness. Alicia is also experienced in conducting cognitive, educational and diagnostic assessments (including ASD and ADHD). She ensures the assessments and recommendations are tailored to the individual.

Alicia’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Neurodiversity (i.e., ASD and ADHD)
  • Child, adolescent and adult psychology
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Parenting support
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Cognitive, educational and diagnostic assessments

Simone Ray

Simone is an Advanced Certified Individual Schema Therapist with the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST). She completed her schema therapy training through the Schema Therapy Institutes of New Jersey and New York City, with Wendy Behary and Dr Jeffrey Young.

Simone is a warm and empathic psychologist, who prioritises creating a safe, non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic environment. She works collaboratively with her clients, to identify their core emotional needs and effective strategies for therapeutic change. Simone has clinical experience in corrections, community mental health (headspace and drug and alcohol) as well as schools. She has a deep passion for working with clients who have experienced trauma, dissociation and personality difficulties.

Simone is a board approved supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia. She offers primary and secondary supervision to psychologists (provisional and registered) and clinical psychology registrars.

Simone’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Trauma
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Social anxiety
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Fears of abandonment or rejection
  • Shame, self-criticism or low self-esteem
  • People pleasing/approval seeking
  • Perfectionism
  • Emotional detachment
  • Identity confusion
  • Relationship difficulties

Mili Vukalo

Mili holds a Master of Clinical Psychology. She has experience working across a range of settings, including educational institutions (secondary and tertiary) as well as geriatric settings (working with adults aged 65+). Mili brings a strong sense of peace and calmness to her work, as well as her strengths in compassion.  She has an excellent capacity to help clients feel safe and at ease in exploring challenging areas of their lives.

Mili’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Trauma
  • Grief and loss
  • Academic difficulty
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Interpersonal difficulties
  • Self-esteem challenges

Latha Iyer

Latha has completed a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology.  She approaches her work with a strong sense of compassion and a desire to understand the uniqueness of each individual client and the situations they face.  Latha utilizes a strong blend of interpersonal skills, empathy and technical ability.  Latha’s warm and personable manner helps her clients to feel at ease in their sessions with her.

Key Interest Areas

Fina Triany

Fina is a Clinical Psychologist who brings a depth of experience working across a very broad range of life issues and clinical presentations.  Fina is fluent in both English and Indonesian.  Fina always aims to work collaboratively with clients, drawing on their own unique strengths and capacities to achieve change, and find greater peace and contentment in their lives.

Key Interest Areas:

Elizabeth Charalambakis

Elizabeth works with adults from the age of eighteen with a range of mental health issues. Elizabeth particularly enjoys working alongside people seeking to make changes in their lives consistent with their values, needs, preferences, and life stage. Operating within a framework of psychological safety, acceptance, understanding and empathy, Elizabeth is committed to working collaboratively with clients towards an improvement in satisfaction and meaning in life, whatever that may look like for each individual.

 

Elizabeth incorporates acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with behavioural and compassion-focused approaches.

 

Elizabeth’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Phobias
  • Relationship issues
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Larissa King

Larissa has twenty-four years counselling experience and has been with Laburnum Psychology for over ten years. She brings a breadth of experience to her clinical work. She works with individuals aged thirteen and above. Larissa’s approach is to develop a safe, warm and trusting relationship and to use an eclectic range of evidence-based psychological approaches matched to each individual’s needs. Her therapy approaches include schema therapy, trauma-informed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, as well as relationship counselling. Larissa has worked in a range of counselling settings including Gambler’s Help, youth sexual assault counselling and generalist counselling.

 

Larissa’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Workplace bullying
  • Postnatal depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Problem gambling
  • Relationship challenges
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Grief and loss
  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Trauma

Kylie Allen

Kylie is a registered clinical psychologist and board approved supervisor with over twenty-five years of experience.  Kylie approaches therapy with a strong focus on empathy, understanding and compassion.  She aims to assist her clients to build greater insight and understanding of themselves, and work with this to achieve long-term, lasting change.  Kylie helps her clients to achieve a stronger and more conscious sense of self, so they can live with greater alignment to their core values and life goals.  She works with a wide variety of people to help them understand the impacts of early life experiences, be that trauma or deprivation, or more subtle influences.  Kylie will work with you to address and change whatever it is that brings you to therapy, and to find your way to a greater overall sense of peace, wellbeing and satisfaction in your life.

Kylie’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Trauma
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Shame, low self-worth and self-criticism
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Mental health in menopause
  • Perinatal mental health
  • Parenting difficulties (Tuning into Teens facilitator)

Tim McCorriston

Tim is a registered clinical and counselling psychologist and one of the Practice Principals at Laburnum Psychology.  Tim has over twenty years experience as a psychologist, working primarily with clients, as well as supervising other psychologists. Tim places high value on creating a comfortable environment for people to explore change.  Tim assists people to become conscious of their patterns, identify their change goals, and find practical and relatable ways to intentionally work toward these goals.  Tim has an interest in the neurology of change.  He assists people to understand, from a neurological perspective, the ways that they can intentionally drive and practice their own change processes.  From this base, Tim works with his clients to better understand themselves, manage difficult situations, and improve sense of peace, wellbeing and contentment in their lives.

Tim’s areas of expertise and interest include:

Dr Carissa Kuswanto

Carissa holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and has published a number of research publications in international peer-reviewed journals. Having achieved a high degree of academic training and clinical research, she now focusses her efforts upon applying these learnings in her work as a psychologist. As a psychologist, Carissa values empathy, authenticity, curiosity and compassion. Carissa has worked with a variety of clients across the lifespan at different settings, such as hospitals, aged care residences, universities and community settings. Having lived in Canada, Singapore and Indonesia, Carissa appreciates the diversity of religions, gender identities and sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds. In addition to creating a safe therapeutic space, Carissa aims to individually tailor and blend evidence-based therapy approaches for each unique individual. Carissa works across all age ranges, which include older adults, adults and adolescents. Carissa also speaks fluent Bahasa Indonesia.

Special Interest Areas:

Dr. Josie Sinni

Josie is a highly experienced member of the Laburnum Psychology team, bringing fourteen years of experience to her work.  Josie holds a Doctoral degree in Clinical Neuropsychology and has worked both as a neuropsychologist and a generalist psychologist. In her generalist work, Josie works with clients who experience anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress, adjustment issues, and low self-confidence.  Josie values building strong rapport with her clients and will work with you to identify meaningful goals and work toward building positive change in your life.  Josie is conscientious to base her interventions in evidence-based therapeutic frameworks, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Key Interest Areas

Hilary Austin

Hilary is a highly experienced Psychotherapist and Mental Health Social Worker. She has worked in acute mental health, educational and community settings.

Hilary has a depth of experience working with adults & adolescents facing acute and complex mental health difficulties.  She has a keen interest in psychoanalysis and approaches this with deep value of helping in pragmatic and sensible ways.  Hilary will work closely with you to identify your goals for change, and to navigate the path. Hilary brings warmth and pragmatism to her work, which is of immense value in helping her clients to feel comfortable and understood.

Key Interest Areas

Lisa Jones

Lisa specializes in working with children and young people, aged four to early twenties. She holds a Master of Education and Developmental Psychology degree and is a board-approved supervisor. She brings considerable expertise in children’s education and development, having worked across many settings, including multidisciplinary teams, private practice, primary schools, community health, outreach, and early intervention environments.

Lisa is experienced in individual and group therapy with children. She approaches her work with a strong value base for assisting children in their development. She works conscientiously to identify early intervention opportunities that assist children onto the best possible developmental pathway. She brings warmth and compassion to her work to create a safe and fun environment where children can feel at ease as they engage in the therapeutic processes. She draws on a range of modalities and principles, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), person-centered counselling, emotion coaching, social learning, play therapy, family therapy, schema therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Lisa also provides developmental, cognitive and educational assessments for children and adolescents.

Lisa acknowledges the importance of supporting parents and families to understand and navigate the needs of the child. Lisa works holistically with families, carers, school staff, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a systemic approach to supporting the child.

Lisa’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Behavioural challenges (e.g. tantrums, non-compliance, anger management, managing meltdowns)
  • Parenting and family relationships
  • Attachment challenges
  • Social skills development
  • Play skills
  • Learning and educational needs
  • Trauma
  • Separated families
  • Life transitions and adjustments

Rob Cole

Rob is an experienced psychologist, with a Masters in Counselling Psychology and over twenty years experience as a counsellor. Rob brings a breadth of knowledge and insight to his work, and works with adults who may present with a broad range of mental health issues.

Rob is motivated to help his clients achieve their potential drawing on evidence-based therapy approaches appropriate for each unique client. Rob holds strong values around collaborative therapy, drawing on clients’ unique strengths. He supports equity and diversity, and is well able to build strong empathic therapeutic processes. He will work with you to identify your own goals and directions for counselling, creating a safe environment to explore possibilities for change.

Key Interest Areas:

Dr Mateja Popovic

Mateja is a registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She completed a Professional Doctorate in Clinical and Forensic Psychology and has worked in community mental health and forensic settings.

Mateja focuses on working in a collaborative and non-judgmental way to create a safe space for clients to share their stories and develop goals that they would like to work toward in therapy.  She draws upon a range of interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, interpersonal therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

Mateja’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Stress reduction
  • Family challenges
  • Interpersonal and relationship challenges
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Goal setting and motivation

Dr. Sarah Khor

Sarah is a registered psychologist with clinical endorsement, having completed a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology. She works with adults across the lifespan of diverse backgrounds to identify change goals and negotiate the best pathways toward a greater sense of peace in your life.

Sarah blends a strong sense of compassion and empathy, together with a strong value on evidence-based interventions. She will work collaboratively to tailor her interventions to achieve her clients’ therapeutic goals utilising a range of therapy techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), schema therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. 

Sarah’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Parenting support
  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Men’s mental health
  • Adult mental health
  • Trauma
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Cross-cultural issues
  • Self-esteem challenges

Holiday Closure Notice

Laburnum Psychology will be closed on the following dates:

Wednesday 25 December 2024 – Public Holiday
Thursday 26 December 2024 – Public Holiday
Friday 27 December 2024 – Practice Closed
Monday 30 December 2024 – Practice Closed
Tuesday 31 December 2024 – Practice Closed
Wednesday 1 January 2025 – Public Holiday

The Practice will reopen on Thursday 2 January 2025 with limited appointments available at our Main Street office only. We will return to normal business hours starting Monday 6 January 2025, with Main Street, Connect, and Blackburn Clinic all open.

Cancelling or Rescheduling:
2 January 2025 appointment
**Please let us know by 10.00am on 30 December
3 January 2025 appointment
**Please let us know by 10.00am on 31 December

In the event of a crisis or emergency, please call 000 or lifeline 13 11 14

Cameron Walsh

Cameron brings empathy, compassion and composure to his work in psychology. He holds a Master of Professional Psychology. Cameron possesses a strong work ethic and a commitment to working in collaboration with his clients. Cameron values open-mindedness and brings great warmth to his work. He is committed to meeting people where they are at and working together to identify goals and effective strategies for change.

Cameron’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Neurodiversity
  • Emotion regulation
  • Stress management
  • Trauma
  • Performance anxiety and stress management, especially in sport
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Life transitions and adjustments

Melbourne Cup Public Holiday Closure

Laburnum Psychology will be closed on Tuesday 5 November 2024 for the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday. The Practice will reopen on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 9.00am.

Thank you for your understanding.

In the event of a crisis or emergency, please call 000 or lifeline 13 11 14

Grand Final Public Holiday Closure

Laburnum Psychology will be closed on Friday 27 September 2024 for the Grand Final Public Holiday. The Practice will reopen on Monday 30 September 2024 at 9.00am.

Thank you for your understanding.

In the event of a crisis or emergency, please call 000 or lifeline 13 11 14

Jasmine Randone

Jasmine is dedicated to creating a warm and safe environment for all her clients. She ensures to always meet her clients with empathy, to foster a person-to-person connection. She works collaboratively to understand her clients, meet them where they are at, and work together to meet their needs in therapy.

Jasmine is qualified with a Master of Clinical Psychology. Before this, she completed a Bachelor of Psychology and Criminology and Honours in Psychology.  Jasmine draws on a range of evidence-based interventions, ensuring that all her work is tailored to her client’s needs, and stage of therapy. Her main therapy modalities include schema therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Jasmine works with adolescents and young adults. She has experience across community and youth mental health services, university mental health clinics and forensic settings.

Jasmine’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Trauma, including complex trauma
  • Personality disorders
  • Interpersonal difficulties
  • Adolescent mental health
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Stress
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Depression

Donna Pasco

Donna brings a depth of experience to her counselling role, specializing in family therapy, relationship counselling and parenting. She provides her services to individuals of all ages. She has worked extensively with children and adolescents, which further informs her works with parents. She has worked across a range of settings, including schools and a variety of community organisations, both in Australia and abroad. Donna works with a broad range of family constellations, in addition to her work with couples, individuals and group work. Donna is trained in Gottman method couples therapy, emotion focused therapy (EFT), shame informed therapy and trauma informed therapy.

Donna brings energy and passion to her role and is committed to creating a safe environment for people to work on family and relationship challenges. Her work with families is invaluable and she has assisted many families on their journey to finding greater peace, connectedness and harmony.

Donna’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Stress management
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Neurodivergence
  • Mediation and conflict management
  • Narcissistic behaviors and gaslighting
  • Separation and divorce
  • School refusal
  • Child and adolescent wellbeing
  • Grief and loss
  • Trauma
  • Bullying and friendship issues
  • Student welfare
  • Sexuality

Maggie Treppo

Maggie brings great passion to her work in psychology. She brings experience from previous work in a not-for-profit community and the family violence sector. Maggie holds a strong desire to help others overcome personal barriers that undermine wellbeing or prevent them from living a life that they value.

Maggie brings a strong client-centered philosophy to her work, placing great emphasis upon her counselling relationships. She brings a friendly, kind and non-judgmental nature to her work, and possesses a natural capacity for empathy. Maggie values strong and trusting counselling relationships, such that her clients can feel comfortable working in a safe, open and collaborative manner.

Having completed many years of formal training, Maggie strongly values the scientist-practitioner approach to treatment planning and intervention. She is committed to continuous learning and equipping herself with strategies and techniques to inform her work.

Maggie’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Parenting support
  • Perinatal mental health
  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Stress
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Psychological assessments

Elaine Mong

Having worked with children, adults, and families, Elaine brings experience from a range of settings. She holds a Master of Criminology degree along with extensive training in psychology, honing her capacity to be thorough and meticulous. She brings great warmth and sincerity to her work, in turn fostering a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients to feel at ease.

Elaine values person-centered and holistic approaches. She is passionate about empowering her clients and enjoys working collaboratively to promote positive change. Being multilingual (conversational Cantonese and Mandarin) further enables her to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. While tailoring treatment to meet her clients’ individual needs, she is committed to incorporating evidence-based strategies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), play therapy and mindfulness-based therapy.

In addition to working with children, adolescents, and parents, Elaine is also experienced in offering therapeutic services to adults. She provides support around a range of mental health issues and is also available to administer cognitive and educational assessments.

Elaine’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Grief and loss
  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Parenting support
  • Behavioural challenges
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Relationship challenges

Madeleine Newmarch

Madeleine is known for bringing a strong sense of warmth and compassion to her work. She is passionate about creating a safe space for her clients to explore their experiences. She will work collaboratively with you to help you identify your goals, and the steps you can take to find peace and to thrive.

Madeleine utilises a client centered approach, drawing from a range of evidence-based interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Madeliene’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Depression
  • Perinatal mental health
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Pregnancy support counselling (MBS item number 4001)
  • Parenting difficulties (Tuning into Kids facilitator)
  • Self-esteem challenges
  • Domestic abuse
  • Trauma
  • Sleep disorders
  • Grief and loss
  • Life transition and adjustments
  • Neurodiversity
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
    • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – adult

Paulene Acluba

Paulene is a highly motivate provisional psychologist who aims to provide exceptional care, drawing on Solution Focussed Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She works collaboratively with her clients to formulate a treatment plan, tailoring strategies for the unique needs of each individual.

Having completed a Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) overseas, Paulene has worked with a range of client groups. She brings experience from private practice, NDIS, and WorkCover settings. She has experience in the provision of assessment, diagnosis and delivery of therapy.

Paulene approaches her work with warmth and compassion, and will work together with you to find the best pathways forward.

Key Interest Areas

  • Major Depression
  • Social Anxiety
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Self Esteem
  • Life adjustments & Migration Issues
  • Stress Management & Goal Setting
  • Trauma

Brenda Wong

Brenda holds a Bachelor of Psychology from The University of York in the United Kingdom, and a Master of Clinical Psychology from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Prior to joining the Laburnum Psychology team, Brenda accumulated invaluable experience at the child and adolescent psychiatry department of Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong, where she provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care as well as community services.

Brenda possesses a strong passion for working with adolescents and young adults. She values the opportunity to support the mental health of young people through the provision of high-quality evidence-based interventions. Most particularly, Brenda values the opportunity to work with young people before negative patterns become further entrenched. This greatly assists in setting young people up for a more positive and fulfilling future.

Brenda works collaboratively with her clients and where appropriate, will work in tandem with parents. Brenda brings warmth and compassion to her work and seeks to create a safe and nurturing environment.

Brenda’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Life transitions and adjustments
  • Self-esteem challenges

Dr. Jen Trimpey

Dr. Jen Trimpey joins the Laburnum Psychology team bringing a breadth of experience as a seasoned clinician, researcher and presenter. Jen underwent her training in psychology at The University of San Francisco and the University of Colorado, followed by a doctoral internship at Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio where she honed her clinical skills.

Over the early years of her career Jen worked as a therapist in the field of HIV prevention in the LGBTQI+ community in San Francisco. More recently she has worked in New York City focusing on psychological assessment and working with individuals who experience developmental disabilities.

She possesses a strong passion for psychological assessment, and the ways that this can inform and support people who are seeking to understand themselves or their children better.

Jen approaches her work with a strong sense of compassion, warmth and empathy. She holds strong values around respect and equity, most particularly when it comes to the work she has done for marginalized groups and individuals. She approaches her work with kindness and will work collaboratively with you as you find your best pathway forward.

Jen’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment
  • Educational assessments
  • Cognitive assessments

Roohi Ahmad

Roohi brings a depth of experience to her role as a couples’ therapist at Laburnum Psychology. Beyond her Master of Arts, she is trained in Gottman method couples therapy, family therapy, emotion focused couples therapy (EFT) and emotion focused individual therapy (EFIT). Roohi draws on her clinical trauma training to ensure a trauma informed counselling process.

Roohi is a warm and compassionate individual who brings care and empathy to her work. She draws on her own experiences of life and combines this with a person-centered approach. This greatly assists her clients to feel understood and heard as they venture through counselling.

Roohi brings extensive knowledge of interpersonal and relational communication patterns and underlying emotional needs. She works to support her clients identify underlying self-defeating thoughts and behaviours and help them to successfully resolve intricate interpersonal issues

Roohi’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Addictions within relationships
  • Relational trauma
  • Culturally diverse clients
  • Trust and communication issues
  • Building intimacy and desire
  • Supporting couples to heal from attachment injuries
  • Interpersonal conflicts
  • Infidelity/betrayal
  • Women’s mental health issues
  • Attachment issues

Tim Harmer

Tim implements a practical approach into his work and seeks to meet clients where they are at, so as to navigate their challenges and offer ways to solve complex issues collaboratively. Tim puts emphasis on empowering clients to see their worth and take control of the challenges they are facing.

Tim draws upon multifaceted and evidenced-based approaches to meet clients’ needs including dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution focused therapy, schema therapy, and trauma informed therapeutic approaches. Tim offers an understanding and empathetic voice in his work and enjoys working with clients to build their sense of mastery.

Tim has experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across the lifespan. Prior to his work in psychology, Tim worked in the forensic field with individuals exiting the justice system. Furthermore, Tim has a background in elite level sport and the stress and challenges that come with this. Tim offers a lived experience perspective into navigating these challenges alongside balancing the demands of everyday life.

Tim has particular interest and experience working within a dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) framework and runs the DBT programs offered at Laburnum Psychology. This includes individual DBT for complex issues associated with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.

Tim’s areas of expertise and interest include:

  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • Relationship and communication issues
  • Self-esteem and self-worth challenges, particularly in young males
  • Performance anxiety and stress management
  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Life transitions and adjustments

Susanna Sibillin

Susanna brings a depth of experience to her work at Laburnum Psychology. She has worked in counselling roles for twenty five years, across the disciplines of psychology and social work. Susanna brings experience from a breadth of settings, including private practice, hospitals, community health, the mental health network, alcohol and drug addiction network, family violence network, and courts.

Susanna engages in both short and longer-term therapy, such as CBT, psychodynamic, and DBT. She brings a person-centered approach to her work, reflecting the importance of the counselling relationship. Susanna values collaborative work, in an environment where her clients feel safe and supported to explore the issues they bring into therapy.

Key Interest Areas

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Grief and loss
  • Life adjustment
  • Addiction

Sivan Hadas

Sivan is a Clinical Psychologist who brings vast and varied experience to her work.  She has a high level of professional experience and expertise.  Sivan builds very strong rapport with her clients.  She works with integrity and authenticity, and creates a very secure and calming space in which to conduct her sessions.  Sivan possesses great strengths in case conceptualization and formulation.  She works with adults and adolescents, and is fluent in English and Hebrew.

Key Interest Areas