MEET OUR TEAM

Meet Our Team

Nia Barnes

B.Psych; GradCertMMH; CertAdvClinHyp; GradCertNeuropsychophysiology; 
Nia works with adults, adolescents and children. She is passionate about the human brain and in particular how the events of the past have contributed to the current functioning of the brain and the nervous system. She has dedicated much time, money and energy in increasing her knowledge in this area and uses it to help her clients deal with life challenges in more productive ways primarily through the use of psycho education and in being able to offer a range of therapies that will suit each person’s individual needs and personality.

Nia provides qEEG assessments and neurofeedback therapy to address longstanding conditions in adults and adolescents as well as symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental conditions (ADHD, ASD) in children. She is also trained in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), as well as the more traditional therapies such as EMDR, Schema Therapy, CBT, ACT and Sandplay Therapy.

She has worked with individuals struggling with mood disorders including anxiety and depression, Trauma (Developmental Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bullying, Domestic Violence), Dissociative Disorders, ADHD and ASD in adults and children as well as working with high achieving individuals on peak performance to reach their full potential. She is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc and is an accredited neurofeedback practitioner with the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance – Australia (BCIA-A).

Nia is married with 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Marijke Keller

BPsych
Marijke works with adolescents, children (and the adults in their lives) and adults. She has specific knowledge of school systems, particularly the expectations and challenges for students and how neurodevelopmental conditions (ADHD, ASD) and trauma can impact on the learning journey. She actively seeks a team approach and encourages her client’s school to work with her.

She is passionate about neuroplasticity and the brain’s capacity to change, re-learn and grow. She will strive to identify the function behind presenting behaviours, and find individual solutions to grow a healthy mind and a love of learning. She is also keenly interested in the links between positive mental health and exercise.

Marijke provides psycho educational assessments, CBT, Sand and expressive therapies. She has experience working with individuals struggling with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, Trauma (developmental and complex trauma, bullying, domestic violence), ADHD and ASD. She has been fully registered as a Psychologist with AHPRA for 20 years.

Marijke is married with 1 child.

Stephanie Geck

BPsySc/BBus/DipCouns
Stephanie (also known as Stephsaveus) is a neurofeedback therapist working towards her biofeedback certification (BCIA) and currently completing a Diploma of Counselling. Stephanie’s passion is working with teens and young adults who find her easy to connect with. 
 Steph is trained in the PEERS program (assisting children and young people who want to improve their social skills). She assists high school students with developing good study habits, making the most of class lectures (how to stay engaged and take notes) and helping them break down and write assignments. Steph also facilitates our group and one on one self-esteem programs. She is also trained in Auditory therapy and Interactive Metronome therapy; neuromodulation therapies that stimulate brain networks for better mental health.

In her spare time, Steph likes camping, climbing mountains and paddle boarding over crocs.

Laura Phillips

BPsySc/DipCouns
Laura is a counsellor and neurofeedback therapist working toward her Biofeedback Certification (BCIA). She started with Mind Matters in 2014 and has been integral to the growth of our practice. 

 Laura provides Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution focused therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. Her gentle approach and great sense of humour make her a hit with the kids who are always eager to work with her and her compassion and understanding provide her adult clients with reassurance and security to do the necessary work required for better mental health.

Outside of work Laura enjoys keeping fit through weight training. She is an animal lover but especially crazy about dogs and will often be seen with her own two rescue dogs Doo-Dah and Buster. 

Emily Hayward

BOccTh
Emily is our Occupational Therapist who goes above and beyond to assist our clients and their families. Her soft and gentle nature ensures that anxious little rugrats warm to her very quickly. 

Along with traditional occupational therapy services, Emily also provides Interactive Metronome Training to assist with symptoms of ASD and ADHD, increase emotional regulation, and assist with movement disorders. She provides occupational therapy and assessments for children and adults.

Emily enjoys spending time with family, is married and mum to a gorgeous little 3 year old boy.

Elizabeth (Liz) Latchford

BPsych
Liz is a provisionally registered psychologist and is currently completing her interniship with us. She is passionate about helping individuals and families overcome adversity. In particular, assisting children and adolescents to deal with unhealthy thoughts; to develop better ways of coping and to help them work towards their life goals. 

 Liz has spent many years working with the foster and kinship sector and is passionate about assisting individuals in family relationships, responding to with challenging behaviours and helping others to understand trauma and the impact it has on development and behaviour. Liz works with individuals who have been through trauma and those who have diagnoses including ASD and ADHD, as well as people who are struggling with anxiety and depression. 

Her therapies include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Mindfulness. Liz believes that, for some, it can be hard to find the right words, so using techniques such as Sand play and Symbol work, children and adults are able to express themselves in a safe space.
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