About Us

Kirstie Missenden

I am a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of experience in public and private health settings. I work mostly with women with a wide range of emotional and/or mental health issues, who may be experiencing relationship problems or a sense of feeling ‘stuck’ in their lives. Often people will have been diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety or PTSD before being referred for therapy or seeking help for themselves.

I also have a special interest in working with adult survivors of what is now called ‘Developmental Trauma’ (difficult experiences in childhood which might include abuse, emotional/physical neglect, and attachment issues) as well as Adulthood Trauma. I use a variety of trauma-based psychological therapies, including EMDR and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), as well as CBT and Mindfulness based approaches, to help people overcome their trauma-related issues.

It has now been widely recognised within the trauma literature that traumatic experiences impact not only our brains, emotions and sense of self, but also our bodies. Where appropriate, I draw on researched Trauma Sensitive Yoga ideas and techniques and run Trauma Sensitive Yoga Courses (see Sutherland Yoga for details).

I completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in London, UK in 1996 and completed several post-qualification trainings, including EMDR Level I and 2, Cognitive Analytic Therapy Practitioner Training and Cognitive Analytic Therapy Supervisor Training. I am also a qualified yoga teacher.

You will be able to claim the Medicare Rebate if you have been referred by your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan or on an EPC Care Plan.

Kirstie is available for appointments on Wednesdays and Thursdays 8am to 6pm and can be contacted on 0406 481 093.

Associates

Karen Doherty

I am an accredited mental health social worker with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work from Sydney University and over 20 years’ experience with clients who have been through trauma, violence and abuse. I specialise in counselling with people who have experienced complex childhood trauma as well as those who have experienced trauma as adults. I have a particular interest in working with young people and adults who have experience sexual abuse as children /adults.

I use a variety of evidence based approaches in my work with clients who have symptoms of trauma, anxiety and depression, including Sensory Motor Psychotherapy techniques and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. My professional development and practice is framed around the impact of early experiences on the brain, on the life course and on future steps toward wellness.

I also happily work with clients who are struggling with relationships, work, parenting and interpersonal issues.

I provide professional supervision and debriefing.

As a mental health social worker, I am able to see people who have been referred by their GP so they can receive a Medicare rebate.

Karen is available for appointments on Saturdays between 9.30 and 3.30 pm and can be contacted on 0407 952 350.

Karin Polaine

Karin is a fully qualified and experienced Clinical Psychologist in Germany, where she treated patients across all age groups both in private and clinical settings. One of Karin’s treatment approaches is psychodynamic psychotherapy, a goal-oriented and interactive therapy that looks at specific recurrent conflicts in the here and now, such as relationship issues, feelings of stagnation, mid-life crisis or loss that manifest in symptoms, such as anxiety, low or heightened moods, problems with sleep or eating, excessive anger, feelings of shame and guilt, or a lack of self-worth.

Karin holds a Masters of Clinical Psychology from Konstanz University, Germany and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Macquarie University, Australia. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), has trained as an Analytic and psychodynamic Psychotherapist, first at the C.G. Jung Institute in Stuttgart, Germany and now at the Australian and New Zealand Society of Jungian Analysts (ANZSJA).

Following her re-location to Australia, she is currently undergoing the process of registration as a psychologist with AHPRA.

Karin is available for appointments on a Wednesday and Friday within usual office hours and can be contacted on 0413 191 343

Karen Duncan

I am a Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in a wide range of settings. I enjoy working with adults, adolescents and children on a broad range of issues including self-development, anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anger, addiction, childhood trauma, work, study and school issues, health, sexuality and gender identity.

I have Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Master of Arts (Psychology) and have completed several post-qualification trainings including a Diploma in Narrative Therapy, EMDR Level 1, and workshops on Brief and Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Trauma Informed Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Suicide Prevention.

It I have a special interest in working with the body-mind connection and holistic treatment approaches and run meditation, mindfulness and stress management groups. I also run other special interest groups including anxiety, anger management and healing from childhood trauma.

You will be able to claim the Medicare Rebate if you have been referred by your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan or on an EPC Care Plan. I am also a registered provider with ATAPS (Access to Allied Psychological Services) the Work and Development Order scheme and with Workers Compensation.

Karen is available for appointments on Fridays from 10am to 2pm and can be contacted on 0425 381 680 and mskarenduncan@hotmail.com