Our team
We have a multi-disciplinary team on hand to assist.

Carolyn Toon
Director + Psychologist
Carolyn has experience as a clinician and manager across a range of mental health settings in Queensland and Victoria.
She has experience working with complex trauma, emotion instability, self-harm, substance use, complex and co-morbid mental health issues, psychosis, early intervention for adolescents and young adults, indigenous psychology and sexuality.
Carolyn draws on a range of psychological approaches including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy and Psychodynamic ideas.

Kylie Copeman
Director + Clinical Psychologist
Kylie has provided psychological services across a number of psychiatric and counselling settings as both a clinician and manager.
She holds an interest in many areas of mental health, and in particular complex trauma, personality difficulties, emotion dysregulation, suicidality and self-harm, parenting, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and the psychological impact of physical health issues including infertility and chronic skin conditions.
Kylie’s approach is warm, flexible, compassionate and non-judgemental. Kylie works collaboratively with her patients and draws on a range of psychological approaches to suit each person including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Psychodynamic ideas.
Kylie is also a STAP accredited supervisor.

Rebecca Harrison
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)
Therapy
Working from a morally neutral stance, Rebecca develops a therapeutic relationship with individuals to be curious and explore shame, guilt and the short and long term impacts of trauma across the lifespan. Rebecca offers a safe, curious, non-judgemental space. She is a proponent of confidentiality that can assist the person in developing or re-establishing a sense of their whole selves that supports development, confidence and renewed vitality. Something that is often damaged when a person faces relationship difficulties or has experienced trauma.
Rebecca works with individuals, couples and children from a range of backgrounds including those that identify as LGBTIQA. In working holistically, Rebecca works collaboratively with other Allied Health Professionals, schools and organisations to better support her clients and foster emotional wellness and better mental health.
In addition to this, Rebecca also works therapeutically with children 4-17yo, through early intervention and in support of their mental health. For younger children, Rebecca uses play therapy modalities to engage in play with the child to express and support their wellbeing. Using an eclectic and trauma informed approach, children may experience grief and/or loss through separation, divorce, death or trauma. A safe space for children to explore and process their big feelings. In working collaboratively and holistically, Rebecca works with the parents/guardians and other professionals to support the child’s development and recovery in the home also by optimising conditions and developing the parent/child relationship that foster the child’s emotional wellness.

Dr Nakeeta Sturgess
Clinical Psychologist
Nakeeta’s Doctorate of Psychology was completed at The University of Queensland and her clinical experience has spanned private practice, public hospital and psychiatric inpatient settings.
She has helped clients from a range of life stages through a broad spectrum of difficulties. These include anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, acute and post traumatic stress disorders, psychosis and personality disorders.
Nakeeta applies a range of clinical therapeutic interventions tailored to the needs of her clients. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Schema Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness.

Pejman Hoviatdoost
Clinical Psychologist
Accepting new referrals from October 2020.
Pejman Hoviatdoost is a clinical psychologist and has extensive experience in working with a broad range of adult psychological problems including anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, interpersonal difficulties and drug and alcohol problems.
Pejman specialises in Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) with more than seven years of training and experience in this model. Pejman provides workshops on ISTDP for Australian Psychological Society (APS).
He is currently undertaking a PhD with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT); his research aims to better understand the mechanisms of change in ISTDP across the spectrum of psychological disorders.
Pejman is a registered clinical supervisor, he provides supervision for private psychologists and psychology students at Griffith University.

Vanina Marietti
Clinical Psychologist
Vanina has experience working with adolescents, adults and older adults. She also works with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Vanina follows a client-centered approach which uses evidence based strategies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.
She aims to help individuals with their current difficulties, to improve their resilience and to facilitate their engagement in the community. This include working with people with a mood disorder, anxiety, trauma, adjustment difficulties, low self-esteem, loss of personal values, relationship issues and struggles in managing and understanding emotions.

Nadine Piot
Clinical Psychologist
Nadine has provided psychological services across multiple settings, including private practices, corporate organisations and public psychiatric hospital.
She has a genuine interest in all areas of mental health and has helped clients with anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, post-traumatic stress disorders, psychosis and personality disorders.
Nadine has co-facilitated therapeutic workshops for confined patients, perinatal mental health groups, social skills enhancement therapies for children and young adults with Asperger’s syndrome and led mental health first aid courses in corporate settings.
In addition to her psychology qualifications, Nadine holds a Masters in Management and worked in Human Resources functions within major international companies, giving her a sound knowledge of workplace dynamics and the related psychological implications.
Building on a collaborative alliance, Nadine applies an integrative approach tailored to the specific needs of each individual, informed by Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, Emotion-Focus Therapy and Psychodynamic ideas.
Her caring style establishes a safe and stigma-free environment in which people feel heard. Nadine embraces multi-cultural matters drawing from her life in Europe, the US and Asia, and she welcomes clients from all backgrounds. Sessions can be offered in English or in French.
BPsych (Hons) MPsych (Clin) MMngt (Int) Assoc MAPS

Aaron Kirkpatrick
Clinical Psychologist
Aaron is a registered clinical psychologist who holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology. He works for QLD Health (substance misuse) and Toowong Private Hospital (Trauma) in conjunction with his role in private practice.
Aaron is passionate about mental health issues and aims to provide a safe, collaborative, and non-judgemental therapeutic space to promote a better quality of life for his clients. He has experience working with individual across the lifespan with a range of psychological difficulties including mood difficulties (anxiety and depression), stress, anger, trauma, grief and loss, sleep disturbance, interpersonal difficulties and drug and alcohol problems. Aaron has a clinical interest in trauma, anxiety, phobias and substance misuse.
Aaron adopts a client-centred framework that draws primarily from Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) however he is flexible in his approach incorporating other interventions to suit the individuals needs such as Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) therapy, Schema Therapy, Trauma focused therapies and mindfulness.

Dr Zahra Izadikhah
Clinical Psychologist
Zahra is a registered clinical psychologist with over 18 years experience. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and a STAP accredited supervisor.
Zahra has worked extensively with adult clients who have experienced depression, anxiety, complex trauma, personality problems, emotion dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties. She also has worked with clients who experience chronic pain, and unexplained medical symptoms.
Zahra’s main approach in treatment is “Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy” and she enriches her practice with emotion, attachment and experiential based techniques and understanding.
She has 11 years’ experience teaching at university and has enjoyed supervising honours and postgraduate psychology students.

Allanah Hockey
Psychologist
Allanah holds a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and is currently a Clinical Psychology Registrar working towards obtaining her Clinical Endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia. She is also in the process of completing her PhD, which is primarily focused on body image.
Allanah is passionate about mental health and enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults. She has experience working with individuals, groups, and families experiencing psychological disorders and symptomology such as depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioural difficulties, grief and loss, stress, and interpersonal difficulties. Allanah has also been involved in teaching positive psychology at a university level and maintains an interest in its application within therapeutic contexts.
Allanah’s approach is warm, compassionate and flexible. She works collaboratively with her patients and utilises a range of evidenced based strategies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Kathryn Hendry
Psychologist
Kathryn is a warm, understanding and compassionate psychologist who utilises a flexible and collaborative approach to therapy. She is passionate about mental health issues and enjoys working with clients of all ages. Kathryn draws on a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour modalities and Mindfulness.
Kathryn is a fully registered psychologist with AHPRA, who holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology, and is currently working towards her Clinical Endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia. She has experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan, in education and health settings, and with a variety of presentations (including; mood and anxiety disorders, grief and loss, adjustment and relational issues, self-esteem, personality vulnerabilities, and emotion regulation difficulties). Kathryn is currently working with adults, and her clinical interests include anxiety, depression and trauma.

Andrew Forrest
Psychologist
Accepting referrals currently.
Andrew Forrest is a psychologist who offers therapy to individuals and couples in each stage of adulthood and adolescence. He has experience with a range of presentations including anxiety and mood disorders, life stress, personality and eating disorders, and has a specific interest in existential stress, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and relationship counselling.
Therapeutically, Andrew focuses on Person-Centred Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and Couples Therapy.
Andrew works from a centre of compassion and honesty and finds that therapy progresses in the most meaningful direction when the client feels understood and safe within the therapeutic relationship. It is the creation of this space for the individual which can allow for change and healing to take place, supported by practical techniques and the maintenance of progress.

Elena Yusim
Psychologist
Elena is a qualified psychologist with 13 years of field experience and is a results driven and goal oriented practitioner.
Elena has skills and expertise in optimal performance coaching, team development, job analysis and competency profiling, behavioural interviewing and consumer and marketing psychology. She employs a unique mix of psychological understanding and coaching methodology, which creates an engaging and technically sound journey to facilitating and influencing change. She possesses an approach that is sophisticated, efficient, yet deeply human.

Mike Spiller
Psychologist
Mike Spiller is an experienced, energetic and results oriented psychologist who works with adults, adolescents and their families. Mike seeks to connect with clients by engaging with them in the story of their life. He has trained in a range of therapy methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy (for couples), Family Therapy and Group Psychotherapy.
Mike’s work includes assisting people to identify and achieve their goals and address the difficulties and challenges they are experiencing. This includes supporting people to identify their strengths, learn a range of coping skills and deal with problems relating to anxiety, depression, anger, grief and loss, trauma, sexual behavior, stress, substance use, relationship issues and general life concerns.

Jenny Lynas
Psychologist
Jenny is a registered psychologist with over 15 years of experience as a psychologist working across community, government and forensic settings. Jenny attained her Master of Clinical Psychology at James Cook University and is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society. She is currently in the process of obtaining Clinical Endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Jenny adopts a client-centred and strengths based approach in her work and is committed to working collaboratively with clients to enhance their quality of life and reach their potential.
In her clinical work, Jenny draws primarily from the Cognitive Behavioural, Interpersonal, Acceptance and Commitment and Dialectal Behaviour modalities.
Jenny is experienced in working with a range of concerns including mood difficulties, stress, grief and loss, self-esteem, sleep disturbance, substance use disorders, interpersonal difficulties and personality disorders.
Jenny is only available for after hours and weekend appointments.
Ben De Young
Psychologist
Ben is a registered psychologist with a passion for wellbeing and helping his clients achieve their goals. Through his client centred approach he partners with individuals to create a collaborative and supportive environment where they can focus on the things that are important to them. Ben works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety and stress and holds a has a particular interest in the impact of workplace stress, interpersonal and relationship issues on individual mental health.

Meg Chadwick
Psychologist

Melissa Hager
Psychologist
Melissa is an experienced psychologist with a warm and compassionate approach. She is experienced in working with a range of psychological presentations including anxiety disorders (social anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder), depression, bipolar and other mood related disorders, self-harm, substance use issues, eating disorders and body image issues, low-self esteem, relationship issues, performance related stress and anxiety, school stress, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and trichotillomania.
Melissa has knowledge and experience in the application of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focussed Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and mindfulness practices.
Melissa has also had experience with various psychometric assessments including cognitive assessments, drug and alcohol assessments as well as experience in return to work and vocational assessments to help guide work goals.

Elly Smith
Psychologist
Elly is a registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Agency with a passion for helping people to improve their mental health and wellbeing. As your psychologist her approach to therapy is genuine, warm and collaborative, and aims to empowers you to reach their therapeutic goals whilst facilitating positive and intentional change. Understanding mental health is not one size fits all, Elly uses a number of evidence- based approaches to effectively support you and tailors therapeutic interventions to suit your unique needs. Elly’s primary therapeutic model is Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), providing you with the clarity and focus to help you commit to actions which allow you to live a meaningful and enriched life. As your Psychologist, Elly will help you apply and practice psychological tools and strategies to inspire balance, curiosity, clarity and confidence in face of life’s challenges. These evidence- based approaches may include, but are not limited to: Solution Focused therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural therapy.

Leanne Wagner
Dietitian - Brisbane Nutrition Services
Leanne completed a Science degree and post graduate qualifications in Nutrition and Dietetics. Further study improved counselling skills and as a Dietitian for over 25 years, Leanne has established a private practice and developed long term consultancies with many private hospitals and nursing homes.
Leanne is now the Director of Brisbane Nutrition Services, employing Accredited Practicing Dietitians to provide quality dietetic advice. She specialises in both inpatient and outpatient management of eating disorders.
Leanne also has experience in many areas of dietetic practice including weight management, Diabetes and food intolerance with particular interest in gastrointestinal disorders (Coeliac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Leanne also has a real interest in aged care and is passionate about ensuring good nutrition for older Australians.
She is a member of the Dietitians Association of Australia, the Academy of Eating Disorders, the Obesity Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Australia and New Zealand Obesity Society.

Dr Rob Wishart
Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician
Dr Robert Wishart is an Australian medical doctor and Consultant Specialist in Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics. Trained at Monash University, the University of British Columbia, Canada and the University of Massachusetts, USA, he has more than thirty-five years international experience committed to helping families realise hopes for their special children.
He is delighted to join the team of exceptional professionals at Axis Clinic, New Farm.
His priorities are to help children function as successful members of families, schools and friendship groups, make successful transitions through life stages and meet their potential
Dr Wishart helps parents identify key issues and solutions through the development of a comprehensive, individualised management plan for their child incorporating respect for parent and carer opinions and choices for their child, in the context of their religious and cultural values. He contributes to multidisciplinary assessments, arranges investigations when needed, provides diagnoses, initiates and supervises medical management, collaborates with other healthcare professionals with parent/carer consent, and advocates tirelessly for children in preschools, schools and the wider community.
He is dedicated to exceptional care of infants, children and teenagers with learning, behavioural and developmental challenges such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD), Learning problems, Disruptive Behaviour, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, Asperger’s) and disorders associated with Drug or Alcohol Exposure During Pregnancy (FAS, FASD),
Dr Wishart provides a wealth of caring expertise for these children.
Parenting a child or adolescent with serious problems is often stressful, worrying and exhausting. Dr Wishart helps parents answer complex questions, provides time for explanation, caring support and helps parents achieve peace of mind about their child’s future.
A qualified teacher and practitioner of Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn’s widely researched “Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)” meditation program, Dr Wishart is also interested in child, adolescent and parent focused meditation.

Dr Jacqueline Boon
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Jacqueline is a clinical neuropsychologist / health psychologist who has been working in private practise in Queensland for more than 18 years providing specialist neuropsychology, developmental and educational assessments to families; schools; GP’s; paediatricians; neurologists and psychiatrists.
She provides educational and diagnostic assessments and management of childhood/adolescent disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autistic spectrum disorder, reading/writing (dyslexia) and other learning disorders as well as adult neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and other neurological problems such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy, cognitive changes following chemotherapy and/or cranial irradiation.
To solicitors, Legal Aid, WorkCover and detention centres she provides comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and medico-legal reports for children and adults following a traumatic brain injury such as a motor vehicle accident, sporting or work injury.
Jacqueline has a strong interest in neurodevelopment across the lifespan. As well as private practice she has a wide range of clinical experience in paediatric rehabilitation, Development and Autistic Disorders Clinic, adult rehabilitation and community brain injury support. Jacqueline is actively involved in her profession and supervises post graduate students and provides guest lectures and workshops to students of psychology and also psychologists.
B.A. Psychology (Hons), Masters of Clinical Neuropsychology, Doctorate of Health Psychology

Dr. Angela Kelly
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr Kelly has trained in psychiatry in both Queensland and London and has clinical experience in adult psychiatry. She has worked as a consultant psychiatrist in Queensland Health since 2005 in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation and older persons mental health.
She has also worked in private practice in Toowoomba and is currently a Medical Member of the Mental Health Review Tribunal, Queensland. Dr Kelly welcomes referrals from general practitioners for assessments and both short and long term management, with an interest in mood and anxiety disorders.
Dr Kelly’s practice is part time. She offers an outpatient based service and does not provide an out of hours service or inpatient services.

Hayley Toon
Child and Families Coordinator, Assessor

Kristen Benson
Assessor
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