admin@mindmatterscairns.com.au

more than just talk therapy . . .
                                                 . . . because a healthy mind
matters


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. Her post graduate studies have focused  on increasing her knowledge in this area to help her clients deal with life's challenges in more productive ways, primarily through the use of psycho education and by offering 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 trained in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and clinical hypnosis, 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.

Elizabeth (Liz) Latchford

BPsych
Liz is a registered psychologist. 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), Mindfulness Neurofeedback and Interactive Metronome Training. 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.

Samantha Mills

BPsych (Intern)

Sam is a provisional psychologist with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults facing a range of psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, substance misuse, and complex trauma histories. She is particularly passionate about working with individuals suffering from Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and PTSD.  She provides a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to therapy and has worked with clients who are engaged with youth justice.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic modalities, Sam is skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and somatic-based therapies. She integrates these approaches to help her clients develop coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and foster resilience, particularly in those recovering from trauma.
After hours, Sam and her partner care for a menagerie of scaly critters. 

Stephanie Geck

BPsySc/BBus/DipCouns
Stephanie is a neurofeedback therapist working towards her biofeedback certification (BCIA) and has completed a diploma of counselling. Her 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 Neurofeedback Therapy, 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, interpersonal psychotherapy and is trained in Neurofeedback and Interactive Metronome Therapy. 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 and cycling. She is an animal lover and especially crazy about dogs.

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 spe nding time with family, is married and mum to children.

Max Walton

BOccTh
Max gained his Bachelor in Occupational Therapy at JCU Townsville. He has spent the majority of his career working in Paediatrics and really enjoys helping young people and their families build skills and work towards their goals. He also loves matching people with assistive technology to suit their needs, and to explore how technology can be used to help people maintain their independence.

In his spare time, he leads an active and creative lifestyle, enjoying drawing, working on home improvement projects, and learning new recipes.  Max also likes running with his dog Terry and you may recognise them both from their matching running shoes!

Max's active and creative pursuits blend well with his professional interests. He always brings the same energy to his work and allows others the space to problem solve and explore unique solutions to the challenges they experience.

Carly DeBroughe

Allied Health Practitioner
With a passion to empower individuals to achieve mental wellness and overall flourishing, Carly brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to her work. As a certified allied health assistant, personal trainer, rhythm to recovery facilitator and positive psychology practitioner, Carly has a wealth of experience and expertise to empower people from diverse backgrounds in both adults and children to develop a growth mindset, fostering resilience, confidence and a sense of achievement.
Her approach is characterised by kindness with a calm and caring nature but also drive to motivate and challenge individuals to break down any barriers, and have fun. With many years of experience in the field, she has developed a deep understanding on what it takes to live a fulling life. 
Carly is dedicated to supporting individuals in achieving their goals and cultivating a sense of wellbeing. Whether it’s through personal training, mindfulness exercises, therapy drumming or positive psychology practices, She is committed to helping others develop the confidence and skills they needed to thrive.

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