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Dione Freedman is a Psychologist with a Masters degree in Educational and Developmental psychology. With a decade of experience across a broad range of community, government, private and school settings, Dione utilises an holistic approach with individuals and their families to achieve and maintain sustainable outcomes. Dione has extensive experience working with young people and their families to identify and address educational, behavioural, emotional and social challenges whilst also enhancing positive family interactions. Using a strength-based model, Dione offers clients a space to safely and comfortably explore and process challenges and improve self-regulation and success in home, school or workplace contexts. Formal training and professional competence, enables Dione to utilise a range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Process Experiential Emotion Focused Therapy (PEEFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Clinical Hypnotherapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Family Systems Therapy and individual and group parenting therapies. Dione’s practice supports a whole-person centred approach with the goal of long term neurological change and psychological wellbeing. Dione’s academic background and her employment within school settings have consolidated her skills in assessment of young people. Dione offers a comprehensive and individually tailored assessment process, which can articulate cognitive profiles, strengths and challenges and the conduits for academic success. Dione’s reports synthesise information and include practical recommendations, liaising with families, schools and doctors.

Candice is a registered Psychologist with a post graduate diploma in psychotherapy and counseling. She has worked over the years in both acute (in-patient and out-patient psychiatric settings) and private practice. Candice has specialized in adolescent mental health for several years and this remains a strong interest of hers. Candice also has experience working with children (12 and under) and young adults with depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, relationship issues and family conflict. Candice engages with parents, where appropriate, to assist and guide them when facing the difficulty arising from having a child with mental health concerns. Being a mother herself, Candice also has a great interest in perinatal health and wellbeing and also has clinical experience from working on mother baby units in the past. Candice employs an holistic framework when working with her clients, with each therapy session and treatment plan designed specifically to individual needs. She has extensive training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy. She values working within a care based model, where appropriate, including liasing with school psychologists and counselors, teachers, GPs and Psychiatrists on a regular basis.

Sharon Kirschner is a registered psychologist with over a decade of experience in government organisations, community settings and private practice. She has worked in Australia and overseas, and sees clients from around the world. Sharon offers therapy to individuals as well as couples, and takes a holistic approach focusing on the individual/couple and their specific needs. Sharon has extensive experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, adjustment and transition difficulties, relationship issue and performance anxiety; specialising in working with actors and performers. She also has expertise working with expatriates (xpats) dealing with the challenges of living in a new country and adjusting to a new culture. As well as working with couples, including multicultural couples. Sharon is trained in and utilises a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance (MBEB), Drama Therapy and Couples Therapy. Sharon also offers Skype session to individuals and couples living overseas.

Marisa Rossignolo is a registered Psychologist with over three decades of experience in educational settings, as a Registered Teacher, School Psychologist and Assessment Psychologist. Marisa provides assessments across the lifespan in the following areas: Specific Learning Disorders (such as Dyslexia), Gifted and Talented, Intellectual Disability and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Marisa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. She has a calm and organised approach to her work. Marisa is passionate about helping people to reach their academic potential and succeed in life. She is committed to helping people to access the services and programs that best meet their educational needs. She has expertise in the assessment and diagnosis of Giftedness and neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD, Reading & Spelling (Dyslexia), Mathematics (Dyscalculia), Written Expression (Dysgraphia) and Intellectual Disability. Clients present to her service requiring an assessment to inform an Individual Learning Plan, for NDIS support, Special Examination Arrangements, accommodations for work and tertiary studies, Early School Entry, or greater insight into how they learn. Marisa provides a feedback meeting where results are explained in a way that is easily understood. She provides comprehensive reports with clear, practical recommendations and strategies. ​Marisa Rossignolo is a registered Psychologist with over three decades of experience in educational settings, as a Registered Teacher, School Psychologist and Assessment Psychologist. Marisa provides assessments across the lifespan in the following areas: Specific Learning Disorders (such as Dyslexia), Gifted and Talented, Intellectual Disability and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. More information about Marisa can be found at: https://educationalassessmentsmelbourne.com.au/

Kelly Heideman is a registered psychologist with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Her background extends across community health, education and organisational settings. Kelly takes a humanistic, holistic and strengths-based approach to counselling. She provides individual counselling to people aged 16 through adulthood. Kelly is experienced working with a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship and family difficulties, academic and occupational stress. Kelly also has vast experience with workplace issues including stress, trauma, bullying and harassment. She has a particular interest in working with younger adults experiencing distress around transitional stages and adjustment issues. ​Kelly focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship with each client to create a safe space to help them move through their issues. Kelly tailors therapy to each client’s needs, drawing from a range of interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused and Interpersonal Therapy. Kelly is warm and empathic in her approach, and aims to encourage self-awareness and growth throughout therapy. ​Kelly is also an Accredited Mediator and a registered WorkCover psychologist.

Memberships Registered Psychologist - Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Endorsed Counselling Psychologist - Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) Full Member - Australian Psychological Society (APS) Shantal (Shanty) Lourie has extensive experience working with a range of individuals including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Shanty is skilled in delivering many evidence-based psychological approaches, including (but not limited to): Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Mindfulness; Solution Focused Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as well as Positive Psychology techniques. Shanty values the importance of providing genuine and specific care. She is skilled in carefully considering her clients' needs and tailoring evidence-based interventions to best support each individual. Shanty believes that a strong working alliance between the client and Psychologist is pivotal for creating successful and meaningful therapeutic outcomes. As such, Shanty prioritises building rapport and working in partnership with each client, ensuring that counselling progresses effectively and at a comfortable pace. Shanty fosters a positive, warm and safe space that supports clients to work through their concerns and is known for her approachable, practical, caring and encouraging nature.

Rivkah is a trained counsellor dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve balance and purpose. With a background in education and a passion for wellbeing, including a masters degree in teaching, Rivkah brings a unique perspective to her work. Her empathetic approach supports clients in building emotional resilience and personal growth. Rivkah specializes in managing stress, anxiety, and burnout, offering a compassionate space for clients to explore their personal journeys. She works with individuals on a variety of concerns, including depression, grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem and confidence, anger management, personal growth and self-development, and parenting challenges. As a mother with lived experience, Rivkah has a particular interest in perinatal mental health and supporting parents through the complexities of family life. She understands the pressures of balancing personal, family, and professional responsibilities, and this experience drives her passion to support others, particularly parents or those aspiring to become parents, as they face these challenges. Rivkah takes an eclectic approach to counselling, drawing from a range of therapeutic practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She believes that effective counselling begins with genuine listening, providing a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and supported. Rivkah tailors each session to meet the unique needs of her clients, empowering them to move forward with clarity, confidence, and resilience. For more information please visit https://fingertip.com/inner-calm-counselling