The Practice
Your Local Kingston Psychologists
The Practice
Your Local Kingston Psychologists
Our Team
- Dr Rachel Avery
- Shanti Saraswati-Hindle
- Annia Baron
- Arthur Li
- Emma Schubert
- Phoebi Miller
- Monique Williams
- Merle Allie
Director
ABOUT ME
As Director and Principal Psychologist of The Practice, my aim is to support clients using the most up to date evidence-based treatments to ensure they reach their goals of improved mental health and life satisfaction. I have worked as a Clinical Psychologist since 2004 in community and acute mental health settings, helping adolescents and adults experiencing mental health concerns. I have extensive experience working with complex mental health issues including developmental trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mood and anxiety disorders and dual diagnosis (i.e. mental health & alcohol and other drugs). I am a Board-approved Supervisor and have been a Clinical Associate at Latrobe University and Swinburne University of Technology where I have over 10 years experience supervising postgraduate Clinical Psychology students. I also provide supervision to individuals seeking clinical endorsement.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is pragmatic but warm with a sense of humour. I work collaboratively to ensure the work remains focused on the client’s personal goals. My goal is to help you develop the tools and insights that will enable you to live the life you wish to live.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Anxiety disorders and stress management
- Depression & mood disorders
- Trauma & PTSD
- Dual diagnosis (Alcohol and other Drugs & Mental Health)
- Adjustment to life changes (e.g. work, relationships etc)
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Solution Focussed Therapy
- Schema Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Motivational Interviewing
ABOUT ME
I have worked as a Clinical Psychologist in interstate public and private sectors since 2010. I have experience with multiple evidence-based therapeutic approaches and have worked with most ages and mental health issues and enjoy running CBT and DBT skills training groups. I have worked in a variety of settings in public health in both community and acute mental health settings helping people with complex mental health issues. I also have a background of working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families and conducting cognitive assessments to help determine a person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
I am down to earth, warm, and empathic. I endeavour to build a collaborative and therapeutic relationship as a “good fit” is so important in this process. I am client-centred and draw on a variety of evidence-based interventions best suited to your needs and preferences. I have been privileged to work with a variety of people of all ages and walks of life. Thus I enjoy helping you understand yourself and your experiences and to manage your challenges and strengths accordant with your life stage and values.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Anxiety and Stress
- Depression and Mood issues
- Trauma (including Developmental Trauma and PTSD)
- Personality issues
- Self-esteem issues
- Assertiveness
- Relationship difficulties
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Schema Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ABOUT ME
As a Clinical Psychologist, Mindset Coach and Yoga Teacher, I am passionate about integrating evidence-based research, neuroscience, and holistic wellbeing practices that empower people to free themselves from unworkable coping mechanisms, and live as their most authentic, successful and impactful self.
Creating a genuine working connection with my clients is where it all starts, and so cultivating compassion and kindness is key. With a focus on my client’s personal values, I work to support adolescents, adults, and couples in gaining clarity of what truly matters to them and help them through a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, addiction, and emotional dysregulation. I support clients to take control over stress, build assertiveness skills and set healthy boundaries, enhance interpersonal relationships, and overcome weight and body issues.
Whether guest Lecturing in Psychology with the University of Tasmania or contributing monthly psychology articles for The Hobart Magazine with ReMind Yourself, my focus is helping people close the gap from where they are to where they want to be.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is authentic, compassionate, and a pinch of humour. I am client-centred and believe that working collaboratively, with a genuine sense of connection, is key.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety
- Boundary Setting and Building confidence
- Life adjustments (relationships, career, relocation)
- Stress Management
- Sleep difficulty
- Grief and Loss
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Addiction
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness-based approaches (e.g. MBSR)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Registered Psychologist/Clinical Psychology Registrar
BBehSc (Hons), MPsych (Clin), PhD candidate (Psych) MAPS, MAusPainSoc
ABOUT ME
I am a Registered Psychologist and a PhD (Clinical Psychology) candidate at the University of Tasmania. I incorporate various evidence-based treatment approaches to support my clients and to address their personal needs.
While I have experience working with people from all age groups, and with a range of mental health conditions (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood and anxiety disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders), I have a special interest in supporting people with (persistent) pain-related mental health issues – affected by injury, trauma, chronic illness, substance use, stress and sleep problems. Pain management is also the topic of my PhD studies, which keeps me abreast of the latest research to support my clients.
I am multilingual and am proficient in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. I was a national-level athlete of Hong Kong and participated in various international competitions, including the Asian Olympic Games; this experience helps me understand the potential of personal strengths, and I am very interested in exploring and integrating clients’ strengths to improve their wellbeing.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is collaborative and personable. I listen carefully to my clients; I establish therapeutic goals and tailor individual treatment plans collaboratively. I love to use metaphors, interesting tools and simple examples to assist our work. My therapeutic aim is not only to bring the negatives back to neutral/normal, but also to assist you in developing a nourished life.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Pain Management (persistent or illness-related)
- Depression & Anxiety Treatment
- Stress, Trauma & PTSD Management
- Substance Use & Addiction (e.g. alcohol, other illicit drugs)
- Insomnia & Sleep-Related Problems
- Psychological Assessment (e.g. Specific Learning Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Disorder)
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Positive Psychotherapy (PPT)
- Play Therapy
ABOUT ME
I intend to establish a genuine professional relationship through kindness, warmth and care to foster trust and comfort for my clients. I work closely and collaboratively with children, adults and couples using integrated evidence-based methods, and in the past have worked across various settings including private practice, schools and community organisations.
At the core of my work is an empathic curiosity for individuals and their relationships. I employ holistic techniques to assist clients’ experiences of depression, anxiety, phobias, difficulties with physical and emotional intimacy, relationships, assertiveness, low self-esteem and parenting techniques. I also support individuals coping with persistent pain, perinatal distress and childhood and family difficulties. My previous work as a dance teacher and studio owner to children and adults translates through my therapeutic style, where my nurturing, understanding and humorous approach allows clients to feel fully relaxed, supported and motivated to strive for positive change.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and client-focused. Our time together is dedicated to better understand you, your key concerns and what you would like to gain from therapy. Through my collaborative and strength-based approach, an appropriate treatment plan will be tailored for you to provide a framework around our time together. Within this framework, I aim to provide a supportive environment to facilitate an open, honest and empathic working relationship to explore your deeper concerns, thoughts, feelings and values. For my younger clients, I bring a fun, playful, versatile, creative and playful approach to therapy and personalise my approach to meet each child’s individual interests and needs. Lastly, I am not only dedicated to help clients work through their key concerns, but am also passionate about empowering individuals to realise their strengths, resilience and potential – thereby helping individuals reach their personal, therapeutic and broader life goals.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Therapeutic interventions in child populations (anxiety, depressed mood, school refusal & behaviour management, sleep & eating difficulties)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and Mood disorders
- Relationship and Intimacy difficulties
- Adjustment to Persistent Pain and Perinatal Concerns
- Stress Management
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches (ie. Compassion Focused Therapy)
- Relaxation Strategies
ABOUT ME
I am a Registered Psychologist, with experience and interests in a variety of areas. I place value on creating genuine, caring and empathetic therapeutic relationships, where people can feel heard. I have experience working in both individual and group therapy with adults, adolescents and children. I’ve also worked in community health programs, broader community programs, with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and individuals, and within the disability sector.
I have a Masters of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) which has provided me with both clinical competencies, alongside Community Psychology perspectives: including embracing and valuing diversity, promoting empowerment, understanding of people in the context of broader structural systems, understanding power dynamics and promoting social justice principles. I endeavour to use these skills to provide a broader context to the way I understand and work with individuals in a therapeutic setting.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is warm, empathetic and personable. I like to work in a holistic and collaborative manner to create a space where people feel comfortable, safe and supported. I take a client-centred approach and my focus is on listening to my clients and providing tools and insights to help them reach their goals and individual needs.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Anxiety disorders
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Depression and mood disorders
- Low mood
- Adjustment to life changes (work, relationships, illness, relocation, etc.)
- Stress management
- Carer burnout
- Intellectual disability
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Mindfulness Techniques
- Motivational Interviewing
ABOUT ME
I am a Registered Psychologist and current PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania. My aim is to assist individuals to identify and to reach their personal goals by forming a genuine and trusting therapeutic relationship, using evidence-based strategies.
I have experience in both individual and group therapy working with adults and children. I have also worked in multiple community organisations that deliver mental health services to adults. I have a special interest in anxiety disorders and have worked with individuals with various anxiety-related difficulties (e.g., social anxiety, panic symptoms, worry, trauma-related anxiety) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. My current PhD project focuses on the effects of mindfulness meditation in generalised anxiety, keeping me aware of the latest research and evidence-based approaches to support my clients.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is warm, empathetic and client-centred. I strive to listen carefully with a non-judgemental attitude to form an understanding of your key concerns and what you would like to gain from therapy. I will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs as a unique individual and assist you to adopt evidence-based strategies to help achieve your therapeutic goals. I take a strengths-based approach to help clients not only identify areas of difficulty but to build on areas of strength in order to work towards their potential.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or mood disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive disorder
- Alcohol and/or substance-related issues
- Self-esteem
- Stress management
- Assertive communication
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness techniques
- Relaxation strategies
Office Manager
ABOUT ME
As customer service manager, I ensure that clients requesting to see a Psychologist are allocated to the most appropriate clinician in a timely manner.
I have extensive experience in customer service gained through working as customer service and finance officer in the health system for more than 30 years. I am empathic, and understand that for many seeking psychological support at a time when they are most vulnerable, is a difficult experience and ensure they feel supported during the referral process.
- Dr Rachel Avery
- Shanti Saraswati - Hindle
- Annia Baron
- Arthur Li
- Emma Schubert
- Phoebi Miller
- Monique Williams
- Merle Allie
Director
ABOUT ME
As Director and Principal Psychologist of The Practice, my aim is to support clients using the most up to date evidence-based treatments to ensure they reach their goals of improved mental health and life satisfaction. I have worked as a Clinical Psychologist since 2004 in community and acute mental health settings, helping adolescents and adults experiencing mental health concerns. I have extensive experience working with complex mental health issues including developmental trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mood and anxiety disorders and dual diagnosis (i.e. mental health & alcohol and other drugs). I am a Board-approved Supervisor and have been a Clinical Associate at Latrobe University and Swinburne University of Technology where I have over 10 years experience supervising postgraduate Clinical Psychology students. I also provide supervision to individuals seeking clinical endorsement.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is pragmatic but warm with a sense of humour. I work collaboratively to ensure the work remains focused on the client’s personal goals. My goal is to help you develop the tools and insights that will enable you to live the life you wish to live.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Anxiety disorders and stress management
- Depression & mood disorders
- Trauma & PTSD
- Dual diagnosis (Alcohol and other Drugs & Mental Health)
- Adjustment to life changes (e.g. work, relationships etc)
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Solution Focussed Therapy
- Schema Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Motivational Interviewing
ABOUT ME
I have worked as a Clinical Psychologist in interstate public and private sectors since 2010. I have experience with multiple evidence-based therapeutic approaches and have worked with most ages and mental health issues and enjoy running CBT and DBT skills training groups. I have worked in a variety of settings in public health in both community and acute mental health settings helping people with complex mental health issues. I also have a background of working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families and conducting cognitive assessments to help determine a person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
I am down to earth, warm, and empathic. I endeavour to build a collaborative and therapeutic relationship as a “good fit” is so important in this process. I am client-centred and draw on a variety of evidence-based interventions best suited to your needs and preferences. I have been privileged to work with a variety of people of all ages and walks of life. Thus I enjoy helping you understand yourself and your experiences and to manage your challenges and strengths accordant with your life stage and values.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Anxiety and Stress
- Depression and Mood issues
- Trauma (including Developmental Trauma and PTSD)
- Personality issues
- Self-esteem issues
- Assertiveness
- Relationship difficulties
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Schema Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ABOUT ME
As a Clinical Psychologist, Mindset Coach and Yoga Teacher, I am passionate about integrating evidence-based research, neuroscience, and holistic wellbeing practices that empower people to free themselves from unworkable coping mechanisms, and live as their most authentic, successful and impactful self.
Creating a genuine working connection with my clients is where it all starts, and so cultivating compassion and kindness is key. With a focus on my client’s personal values, I work to support adolescents, adults, and couples in gaining clarity of what truly matters to them and help them through a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, addiction, and emotional dysregulation. I support clients to take control over stress, build assertiveness skills and set healthy boundaries, enhance interpersonal relationships, and overcome weight and body issues.
Whether guest Lecturing in Psychology with the University of Tasmania or contributing monthly psychology articles for The Hobart Magazine with ReMind Yourself, my focus is helping people close the gap from where they are to where they want to be.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is authentic, compassionate, and a pinch of humour. I am client-centred and believe that working collaboratively, with a genuine sense of connection, is key.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety
- Boundary Setting and Building confidence
- Life adjustments (relationships, career, relocation)
- Stress Management
- Sleep difficulty
- Grief and Loss
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Addiction
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness-based approaches (e.g. MBSR)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Registered Psychologist/Clinical Psychology Registrar
BBehSc (Hons), MPsych (Clin), PhD candidate (Psych) MAPS, MAusPainSoc
ABOUT ME
I am a Registered Psychologist and a PhD (Clinical Psychology) candidate at the University of Tasmania. I incorporate various evidence-based treatment approaches to support my clients and to address their personal needs.
While I have experience working with people from all age groups, and with a range of mental health conditions (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood and anxiety disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders), I have a special interest in supporting people with (persistent) pain-related mental health issues – affected by injury, trauma, chronic illness, substance use, stress and sleep problems. Pain management is also the topic of my PhD studies, which keeps me abreast of the latest research to support my clients.
I am multilingual and am proficient in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. I was a national-level athlete of Hong Kong and participated in various international competitions, including the Asian Olympic Games; this experience helps me understand the potential of personal strengths, and I am very interested in exploring and integrating clients’ strengths to improve their wellbeing.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is collaborative and personable. I listen carefully to my clients; I establish therapeutic goals and tailor individual treatment plans collaboratively. I love to use metaphors, interesting tools and simple examples to assist our work. My therapeutic aim is not only to bring the negatives back to neutral/normal, but also to assist you in developing a nourished life.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Pain Management (persistent or illness-related)
- Depression & Anxiety Treatment
- Stress, Trauma & PTSD Management
- Substance Use & Addiction (e.g. alcohol, other illicit drugs)
- Insomnia & Sleep-Related Problems
- Psychological Assessment (e.g. Specific Learning Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Disorder)
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Positive Psychotherapy (PPT)
- Play Therapy
ABOUT ME
I intend to establish a genuine professional relationship through kindness, warmth and care to foster trust and comfort for my clients. I work closely and collaboratively with children, adults and couples using integrated evidence-based methods, and in the past have worked across various settings including private practice, schools and community organisations.
At the core of my work is an empathic curiosity for individuals and their relationships. I employ holistic techniques to assist clients’ experiences of depression, anxiety, phobias, difficulties with physical and emotional intimacy, relationships, assertiveness, low self-esteem and parenting techniques. I also support individuals coping with persistent pain, perinatal distress and childhood and family difficulties. My previous work as a dance teacher and studio owner to children and adults translates through my therapeutic style, where my nurturing, understanding and humorous approach allows clients to feel fully relaxed, supported and motivated to strive for positive change.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and client-focused. Our time together is dedicated to better understand you, your key concerns and what you would like to gain from therapy. Through my collaborative and strength-based approach, an appropriate treatment plan will be tailored for you to provide a framework around our time together. Within this framework, I aim to provide a supportive environment to facilitate an open, honest and empathic working relationship to explore your deeper concerns, thoughts, feelings and values. For my younger clients, I bring a fun, playful, versatile, creative and playful approach to therapy and personalise my approach to meet each child’s individual interests and needs. Lastly, I am not only dedicated to help clients work through their key concerns, but am also passionate about empowering individuals to realise their strengths, resilience and potential – thereby helping individuals reach their personal, therapeutic and broader life goals.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Therapeutic interventions in child populations (anxiety, depressed mood, school refusal & behaviour management, sleep & eating difficulties)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and Mood disorders
- Relationship and Intimacy difficulties
- Adjustment to Persistent Pain and Perinatal Concerns
- Stress Management
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches (ie. Compassion Focused Therapy)
- Relaxation Strategies
ABOUT ME
I am a Registered Psychologist, with experience and interests in a variety of areas. I place value on creating genuine, caring and empathetic therapeutic relationships, where people can feel heard. I have experience working in both individual and group therapy with adults, adolescents and children. I’ve also worked in community health programs, broader community programs, with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and individuals, and within the disability sector.
I have a Masters of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) which has provided me with both clinical competencies, alongside Community Psychology perspectives: including embracing and valuing diversity, promoting empowerment, understanding of people in the context of broader structural systems, understanding power dynamics and promoting social justice principles. I endeavour to use these skills to provide a broader context to the way I understand and work with individuals in a therapeutic setting.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is warm, empathetic and personable. I like to work in a holistic and collaborative manner to create a space where people feel comfortable, safe and supported. I take a client-centred approach and my focus is on listening to my clients and providing tools and insights to help them reach their goals and individual needs.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Anxiety disorders
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Depression and mood disorders
- Low mood
- Adjustment to life changes (work, relationships, illness, relocation, etc.)
- Stress management
- Carer burnout
- Intellectual disability
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Mindfulness Techniques
- Motivational Interviewing
ABOUT ME
I am a Registered Psychologist and current PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania. My aim is to assist individuals to identify and to reach their personal goals by forming a genuine and trusting therapeutic relationship, using evidence-based strategies.
I have experience in both individual and group therapy working with adults and children. I have also worked in multiple community organisations that deliver mental health services to adults. I have a special interest in anxiety disorders and have worked with individuals with various anxiety-related difficulties (e.g., social anxiety, panic symptoms, worry, trauma-related anxiety) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. My current PhD project focuses on the effects of mindfulness meditation in generalised anxiety, keeping me aware of the latest research and evidence-based approaches to support my clients.
HOW I WILL WORK WITH YOU
My therapeutic style is warm, empathetic and client-centred. I strive to listen carefully with a non-judgemental attitude to form an understanding of your key concerns and what you would like to gain from therapy. I will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs as a unique individual and assist you to adopt evidence-based strategies to help achieve your therapeutic goals. I take a strengths-based approach to help clients not only identify areas of difficulty but to build on areas of strength in order to work towards their potential.
MY KEY SKILLS:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or mood disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive disorder
- Alcohol and/or substance-related issues
- Self-esteem
- Stress management
- Assertive communication
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness techniques
- Relaxation strategies
Office Manager
ABOUT ME
As customer service manager, I ensure that clients requesting to see a Psychologist are allocated to the most appropriate clinician in a timely manner.
I have extensive experience in customer service gained through working as customer service and finance officer in the health system for more than 30 years. I am empathic, and understand that for many seeking psychological support at a time when they are most vulnerable, is a difficult experience and ensure they feel supported during the referral process.