Thrive Psychology
 

Staff Profiles

 

Candour Hu

Candour Hu

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Candour is a Psychologist, initially from Sydney who commenced work with our Wagga team in 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Macquarie University and has particular interests in areas such as social anxiety, ASD, autobiographical memories and trauma.

Candour likes to take a client-centered approach incorporating elements of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and Structured Problem Solving to tailor strategies for assisting clients with their mental health. He has experience working in a clinical setting with a variety of presentations such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication difficulties, anger management and stress reduction.

Chloe Backen

Chloe Backen

BPsycSc & GradDipPsychAdv

Chloe is based in our Wollongong office and also works in our Nowra office. Chloe has been registered as a provisional psychologist working with various presentations for the past two years.

Chloe currently works with private referrals, NDIS participants, employee assistance program, assisting individuals to return to the work force after a physical or psychological injury and has experience with a variety of ages including early adolescents through to the elderly.

Chloe believes in a holistic approach and understands that many factors can contribute to mental health. Chloe favours lifestyle methods including diet, sleep, physical activity, behavioural activation and dearousal management as a basis for positive change. Chloe utilises a range of therapeutic modalities and techniques depending on her clients’ needs.

Chloe holds value in a collaborative approach with other allied health practitioners treating her clients, this may include Psychiatrists, Exercise Physiologists, Physiotherapist, Dieticians, GP’s and Specialists.

Chloe has a compassionate style and seeks to truly understand her clients struggles by allowing them to feel safe and relaxed in session.

Daniel Ponepaseut

Daniel Ponepaseut

B Psychology, B Laws

Daniel is a Provisionally Registered Psychologist working in Wollongong. Daniel completed his Bachelor’s degree at Western Sydney University. Daniel has experience assisting people with anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol dependency and interpersonal issues using a variety of therapeutic interventions such as Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Daniel uses an empathic approach to clients to achieve their goals using strategies individualised for each person. Daniel has a particular interest in working with clients who have experienced trauma, depressive and adjustment disorders.

Erin Hawksworth

Erin Hawksworth

B. Psych Sc (Hons)

Erin is a Provisional Psychologist based at Albury Thrive Psychology. She completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at La Trobe University. Prior to her work with clients at Thrive, Erin assisted children and families as a Kinship Care Case Manager, then later under the NDIS as a support worker and coordinator. Erin has experience with assisting clients from a range of age groups, backgrounds and presentations. Erin uses evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to assist clients with concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal difficulties, and trauma. She has particular interest in working with adult and adolescent anxiety, and women’s health. Erin knows that making the choice to come to therapy can be tough, and aims to make the experience as warm and humanistic as possible.

Isabelle Velkov

Isabelle Velkov

Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

Isabelle is an AHPRA registered provisional psychologist who has recently begun working in our Sydney branch. Isabelle completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degree in 2021 from the University of Newcastle. Isabelle made the decision to study psychology as she felt that her kind and empathic nature would be suited to guiding and assisting others through times of need. Isabelle is also passionate about helping people to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives through a combination of evidence-based interventions and nurturing.

Isabelle studied the effects of physical and mental illness on mothers’ relationships with their children during her fourth year at university. Her research sparked a particular interest in personality assessment, stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression. Isabelle’s previous experience in home care services has also contributed to her interest in enhancing the psychological wellbeing among older adults.

Josh Forbes

BPsych, Assoc MAPS

Josh is a Registered Psychologist who has been with Thrive Psychology Griffith since 2018. Josh holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Charles Sturt University (CSU).

Josh believes in the importance of providing evidence-based treatments to support clients achieve their goals. Josh works with clients across the lifespan. He uses a variety of treatment interventions which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills, and Mindfulness. Josh has experience with a variety of presentations including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, anger management, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, and trauma.

Leah Roscoe

BSc Hons Psych

Leah Roscoe is a Registered Psychologist, working with Thrive Psychology since 2014. Following her graduation from Glasgow University with Honours in Psychology, Leah began working in Edinburgh. Leah worked predominately with children with a history of trauma, developmental delay and behavioural issues; however she also provided psychological interventions to adult clients diagnosed with anxiety disorders and depression.

Since beginning at Thrive Psychology Leah has provided therapeutic interventions to clients across the lifespan using strategies drawn from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, ACT, Mindfulness, and Psychoeducation to clients.

Louise Scobell

Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement/Psychology) Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Louise has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement/Psychology) and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology and is a member of the Wagga Wagga team. Louise is an experienced Psychologist with more the ten years’ experience providing assessment and treatment/counselling services across a range of psychological issues affecting both adolescents and adults. Louise is accredited to provide Medicare services and treatment under the NSW workers compensation scheme.

In addition to providing psychological services Louise has experience in vocational rehabilitation including the provision of Employee Assistance Program counselling, conducting vocational assessments, managing psychological injury in the workplace and redeployment assistance.

Matthew Taylor

BSoScPsy BA (Hons) Psy
Registered Psychologist

Matt works with clients of all ages undertaking individual, relationship and family counselling. His experience comes from working in a variety of settings including community based practice, private practice and primary and secondary schools. Matt works with a range of mental health issues including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma, personality and identity, interpersonal and behavioural difficulties and childhood developmental disorders including Autism and ADHD. Matt is able to offer a range of cognitive and behavioural assessments for both children and adults.

Matt’s ability to conceptualise core issues and provide this in plain language helps clients put talk therapy into practice. His strength in building a relationship quickly paired with a direct yet humanistic approach puts clients at ease and in a position to self-manage their issues in both a timely and sustainable way.

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Michelle Irwin

B Psych

Michelle Irwin is a registered psychologist who commenced working with Thrive Psychology Wyong office in 2020. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons, Psych) from Sydney University and completed a Diploma of Psychological Practice in 2009. Michelle has experience with assisting clients through work and life transitions as well as clinically with clients experiencing psychological distress. Michelle currently divides her time between delivering psychological services in a clinical setting and assisting clients who have experienced a workplace injury to return to the workforce. Michelle has experience working with clients who have suffered trauma to fully engage in their lives and return to meaningful work.

Michelle incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Integrated CBT and Motivational Interviewing into her treatment. Her approach is client-centred and aims to assist clients to independently manage their mental health. Michelle has worked with clients of all ages and has a strong focus on assisting adults and teens with various psychological disturbances, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma (adjustment disorder and PTSD), work stress and assistance with relaxation.

Russell Killick

Russell Killick

Russell is a registered psychologist based at Wagga Wagga Thrive Psychology. He completed a Bachelor of Science, majoring in psychology, at The Australian National University and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology at the University of Canberra.

Russell has worked as a psychologist for over 20 years and has experience providing treatment to people experiencing a broad range of conditions. He is approved to work in worker’s insurance and CTP schemes and has a particular interest in assisting people who experience mood and anxiety disorders.

Samantha Parsons

BSocSc(Psych)(Hons), Grad Dip Psych, BA-BCom

Samantha Parsons is a Registered Psychologist, commencing with Thrive Psychology in 2016.

Samantha began Psychology with the interest in aiding people to find lasting ways of coping and achieving overall wellbeing in their lives. Samantha draws upon the theoretical foundations of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT for Eating Disorders, Motivational Interviewing and change management. Samantha is interested in psychological issues of depression, anxiety, child and adolescent concerns and relationship issues.

Samantha holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) and Graduate Diploma in Psychology from Charles Sturt University. Samantha previously completed a double degree from University of Wollongong, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management).

Sarah Feng

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Sarah is a Provisionally Registered Psychologist currently working in our Newcastle Office. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of New England, Armidale. Sarah incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectic Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her treatment. Working collaboratively with clients she treats a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, personality and identity concerns, interpersonal, and behavioural difficulties

Using a warm and down-to-earth approach Sarah provides a supportive place for her clients to work through their concerns and create meaningful change. Drawing on her own lived experience, she has a special interest in working with individuals participating in the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Passionate about supporting people to live meaningful lives, she enjoys helping her clients grow, adapt and thrive.

Sebastian Barbero

Bachelor of Psychology, Master of Psychology (Clinical)

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sebastian completed a Bachelor of Psychology degree at the Argentinian Catholic University. In 2012, he moved to Adelaide to study a Master of Psychology (Clinical) at Flinders University. In 2021, Sebastian joined the Thrive Psychology team in Griffith where he works as a Registered Psychologist. He is also currently undergoing the Psychology Board of Australia Clinical Psychology Registrar program in order to become a registered Clinical Psychologist.

Back in Argentina, Sebastian became trained mainly in Psychodynamic therapies, as well as Logotherapy and Attachment theory. While in Australia, Sebastian was exposed to another whole range of psychotherapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness.

Sebastian’s wide experience comes from working in a variety of settings, both in the public and private sectors. He is particularly interested in working with adolescents and adults who are experiencing a range of mental health issues including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress, drug and alcohol dependency, anger management, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, family issues, and trauma.

It is also worth noting that Sebastian is both fluent in English and Spanish, and can also communicate with ease in Italian and Portuguese.

Tania Bocher

Tania Bocher

BA Health Sciences and Social Services, BA Psychological Counselling (Honours)

Tania is a Provisional Psychologist based in Wyong. Tania holds a Bachelor of Arts Health Sciences and Social Services, and Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychological Counselling from the University of South Africa. Tania is an experienced Mediator registered with SAAM (South Africa).

Tania’s Integrative Approach is Person-Centered and incorporates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology and Systemic Psychology. Tania also has been trained in Logotherapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Through Mediation she has facilitated and assisted families and couples in improving communication to ensure the best interests of their children.

Tania works with individuals facing everyday challenges who want to become the best version of themselves to live happy, meaningful lives. Her focus is on working with adolescents and adults who experience anxiety or mood disorders, depression, interpersonal or family issues. She can assist clients in English, Portuguese or Afrikaans.

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