Meet The Team
Who We Are. What We Do.
Better Self Psychology provides psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults. We aim to make therapy accessible and rewarding to engage with.
Our practice is built around a community of individuals and families, with the intent to provide clients with the skills, connection, and experiences that may otherwise be missing in their lives.
Our team is comprised of highly skilled psychologists who provide consistent positive outcomes in a warm and caring environment.
Clear action requires clear thought. Our psychologists are here to discuss your challenges and help find a way forward.
Psychologist
B Psych (Hons)
Location- Hutt Street
Caitlin is interested in supporting people to work through a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, communication skills, relationship issues and stress management.
Caitlin is committed to using a range of evidence-based therapy approaches within a calm and relaxed environment. She believes this combination is important for people to feel comfortable and supported. Caitlin is empathic, caring and down-to-earth. She encourages fun and light-heartedness. Caitlin currently utilises Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness-Based practices. Caitlin enjoys connecting through humour, creativity and collaboration with clients.
Provisional Psychologist
B Psych
Location- Hutt Street
Dana offers a warm, empathic, and non-judgmental approach to working with children, young people, and their families. Dana’s connection and relationship with her clients is central to her work, as she believes that the therapeutic relationship is central to supporting her clients as they work towards making positive changes.
Dana enjoys working with relationship challenges, resilience building, behavioural concerns, anxiety reduction and parenting challenges. She uses a variety of treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness practices and play therapy. She is also passionate about helping children and young people navigate their challenges through developing an understanding of themselves. Dana brings a wealth of experience from having worked in the roles of Teacher and School Wellbeing Leader.
Dana also offers psycho-educational assessments to children and young people to help with learning and school-based difficulties.
Clinical Psychology Registrar
B Psych (Sc) Psych (Hons) M Psych (Clin)
Location- Hutt Street and Plympton
Originally from Germany, Daniela has completed her psychology training in Europe and Australia. Daniela enjoys helping adolescents and adults to navigate their challenges and brings curiosity, warmth, and a pinch of German directness to her work.
Daniela believes that challenges can be viewed as opportunities to grow and that – while you cannot change the past – looking at your history can help you make sense of your present. Using techniques from Cognitive Behaviour and Schema Therapy, Daniela will help you gain insight, identify and break free from unhelpful patterns, and heal from past disappointment or trauma. Ultimately developing healthier and happier relationships with others – and, most importantly, yourself.
Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M Ed (Spec Ed)
Location- Plympton
Fei finds joy in working with children, adolescents and adults to navigate life’s challenges and achieve healthy emotional well-being. She has experience in supporting neurodivergent individuals as well as their families and works with a range of support needs such as anxiety, depression, stress, behavioural challenges, school difficulties, parenting challenges, communication skills and emotional regulation skills.
Originally from Singapore, Fei is able to provide support in English and Mandarin.
Fei’s therapeutic approach is authentic and compassionate. She utilises a range of evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Fei is passionate about empowering people of all ages to develop psychological flexibility so that they can be their authentic selves while journeying through life’s ups and downs.
Clinical Psychology Registrar
B Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin)
Location- Hutt Street
Also known as William, Guillermo is a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-trained psychologist from Spain. Guillermo enjoys working with teenagers, younger adults and their families, as well as with clients from diverse backgrounds to reach a common ground in understanding and create a sense of supportive connection.
Guillermo will assist you in understanding yourself and your struggles as he focuses his sessions on self-reflection and self-connection. With Guillermo, you will own your achievements, mistakes and learnings, as he will guide you through a deeper and better understanding of what took you there and how to get to where you want to be.
Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin)
Currently on leave
Kate brings a wealth of experience from having worked across public, private, and NGO sectors. She offers a warm approach, using honesty, humour, and empathy in each of her sessions.
Kate enjoys working with adults, particularly in the areas of relationship challenges, adjusting to motherhood and parenting, resilience building, and women’s well-being. As her client, you will develop a deeper understanding of yourself and what you bring to your relationships, learn new ways to manage difficult thoughts and emotions, and be supported to step out of your comfort zone to build confidence and healthy skill sets.
Psychologist
B. Soc. Sc., M. Psyc (Counselling)
Location- Plympton
Kathryn has been working as a psychologist for nearly 20 years. She has worked with clients across the lifespan but particularly enjoys working with young to middle-aged adults. Kathryn has worked in several different sectors, including community health and psychiatric services, but has vast experience working in educational settings in both secondary and tertiary institutions. For the last 3 and half years, Kathryn has worked in private practice settings.
Kathryn believes that the therapeutic relationship is paramount to effective therapy and takes the time to get to know her clients from a holistic/whole-person perspective. Kathryn utilises a broad range of therapeutic modalities in her therapy, including Person Centred, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy, Emotion Focussed Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She also has training in HAES (Health at Every Size), promoting health equity.
Provisional Psychologist
B Psych Sci (Hons), M Prof Psych, PhD
Location: Hutt Street and Plympton
Katya is a provisional psychologist who is passionate about helping children and adults to overcome their difficulties and navigate the complexities of life. Her approach is rooted in kindness and compassion, and she believes that a supportive and understanding environment is essential for personal growth and well-being.
Katya’s therapeutic methodology is grounded in evidence-based practices, and she is dedicated to developing her knowledge and skill set to help best support her clients. Katya has an interest in helping clients with anxiety, depression, stress-management, and sleep problems, utilising Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. In addition to therapy, Katya also offers psycho-educational assessments to children and young people.
Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), MPsych (Clin), PhD
Currently on leave
Lauren’s supportive manner will help you feel comfortable from the start. She enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults to address a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, school difficulties, stress management and behaviour management.
Lauren provides clients and their families with the skills to move towards positive change and optimum well-being.
Clinical Psychologist
B Arts (Hons Psychology) M Psych (Clin)
Location- Hutt Street and Plympton
Melinda works with teenagers and adults and provides a non-judgmental approach to working with people from all walks of life.
She has worked as a school psychologist and spent many years running her own private clinical practice. Prior to this, Melinda worked for CAMHS and has a wealth of experience in supporting people with trauma and attachment issues.
Melinda primarily uses Schema therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to assist clients. Incorporating principles of mindfulness and Yoga to create a space of calm and relaxed care. Melinda supports her clients to work at their own pace to navigate and move beyond the challenges life has thrown their way. She has extensive experience in working with a wide range of complex mental health presentations including eating disorders and sees clients under eating disorder plans.
Psychologist
B Psych (Hons)
Location- Hutt Street
Mikayla is passionate about working with adolescents and supporting them through the challenges experienced at this difficult developmental time. Mikayla believes that success looks different for everyone and provides individualised support in a caring environment. She has a holistic approach to well-being and utilises mindfulness practices when appropriate.
Mikayla’s practices are evidence-based, and she is always looking to expand her knowledge on topics relating to her clients’ needs. Mikayla has experience working with a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and friendship issues, and supporting children to develop their social and self-regulation skills.
Mikayla also offers psycho-educational assessments to children and young people.
Psychologist
B.A (Psych) GradDip (Psych)
Location- Hutt Street and Plympton
Monica has an interest in working with adults and teenagers. Monica follows an eclectic, evidence-based approach to therapy with a deep desire to see her clients achieve results. Monica holds a calm and warm space in her one one-on-one sessions, which are balanced with unpacking our past and learning practical skills to deal with the everyday. Monica’s balance of humour, direct communication, emotional insight and authenticity supports her clients to develop tangible skills that can assist them in the here and now.
Monica is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPI).
Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons) M Psych (Clin)
Location- Hutt Street and Plympton
Ned has more than 15 years of experience working in various mental-health roles. At Better Self Psychology, he sees adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship difficulties.
He is committed to an evidence-based understanding of psychology and mental health treatment and strives to provide this in a practical, individualised and unpretentious manner. He practices Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin)
Location- Hutt Street
Patrick has a special interest in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sleep Disorders, and issues with body image and eating, though he enjoys working with clients with a diverse range of presentations. He works with clients across the lifespan and has experience working with adolescents and young adults with complex mental health needs. He enjoys working collaboratively with clients to produce meaningful and long-lasting change and is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to all those experiencing psychological distress.
Patrick uses a variety of treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). He is mindful of the fact that coming to see a therapist is often an intimidating concept and is committed to developing a warm and non-judgmental environment for therapy.
Clinical Team Leader & Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin)
Location – Plympton
Rebecca is a senior Clinical Psychologist and one of our Clinical Team Leaders here at Better Self Psychology. She has a passion for breaking societal expectations, particularly regarding body image and gender norms. Rebecca is also a big advocate for inclusion and enjoys working with neurodiverse people particularly autism and ADHD in female presentations (and people assigned female at birth AFAB).
Rebecca is also passionate about supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and can communicate in Auslan (she has a diploma in Auslan). Rebecca draws upon a wide range of evidence-based treatments but has a particular focus on Schema therapy. Something she’s currently undergoing accreditation in.
Coming from Ireland you’ll notice she loves a cup of tea and her warm, caring and creative ways quickly places people at ease.
Clinical Team Leader & Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Sc), P GradDip (Psych), M Psych (Clin)
Location- Hutt Street
Tamika is a compassionate and empathic senior clinical psychologist at Better Self Psychology. She has a range of experience working across the lifespan and has a particular interest in supporting young adults as they navigate life changes and develop a sense of identity. She also enjoys working with anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem, behavioural concerns and adjustment disorders.
Tamika is a firm believer that the therapeutic relationship is one of the key drivers for change and as such, her connection and relationship with her clients is at the forefront of each session. Whilst Tamika has an interest in supporting young adults and adults, she is just as experienced working with children where she encourages the use of imagination and wonder, and incorporates fun, play and humour. Tamika predominantly uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy and Schema Therapy to assist clients in reaching their goals.
Tamika is also a Clinical Team Leader so when she is not working with clients, you will find her supporting the team through training and supervision to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin)
Location- Hutt Street
Tenille is committed to providing a genuine and supportive relationship where her clients feel safe and comfortable discussing their difficulties. She prides herself on working collaboratively with her clients to overcome their challenges, whilst also providing them with skills they can continue to utilise to overcome obstacles and achieve future goals.
Tenille is passionate about working with adolescents and adults to address various concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, body image and trauma. She utilises evidence-based techniques predominantly consisting of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Schema Therapy.
Psychologist
B.A (Psychology), B.Ed, P.Grad B. Psyc (Hon)
Location- Plympton
Tess has a compassionate, collaborative and non-judgemental therapeutic style. She takes an eclectic approach, drawing upon a range of evidence-based frameworks, including a blend of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as other practical and theoretical models. Tess adapts her approach to support the individual through identifying existing strengths, capacities and past successes, to plan for the future.
For over 24 years, Tess has worked as a teacher and psychologist with children, young people and adults across primary, secondary and tertiary education settings and the health and disability sectors. Tess’s roles have included: providing therapy, personal and professional skills development, and organisational leadership development.
Tess is passionate about assisting people to be their best and reach their goals by overcoming their personal, educational and professional barriers.
Clinical Psychology Registrar
B Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin)
Location- Hutt Street
Trephina enjoys working with children and parents, adolescents and adults and is just as comfortable playing therapy games on the floor as she is discussing vulnerable experiences on the couch. She worked in the not-for-profit sector for several years with children and adolescents before joining the team at Better Self Psychology.
Trephina believes every person is unique and draws from her understanding of a wide range of evidence-based therapies to tailor treatment to meet your personal goals and challenges.
Trephina is passionate about social justice issues and believes in the important role psychologists have in improving the mental health of people impacted by discrimination. Trephina has experience working with people who identify as: a person of colour (BIPOC), neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and first nation.
Trephina is warm, caring and genuine. She encourages play, creativity and humour in her sessions.
Practice Director & Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clin)
Location- Hutt Street
Tristan splits his time between working with families and supporting the Better Self team.
Tristan is interested in helping teenagers and has taken on a mentoring role for individuals without a healthy male role model. He sees the quality of the relationship with his clients as crucial for achieving a great outcome. Tristan also advocates for the positive benefits that physical activity plays in our health and well-being.
Tristan is not taking on new clients at present but has an active role in training and supervising the team to provide the best possible care for families
Melissa Persico
Practice Manager
Melissa is our practice manager and is responsible for overseeing all of the administrative and business operations at Better Self Psychology. She also provides support for the team and is always looking to make new connections with referrers and other organisations.
Our Reception Team
Receive a warm welcome and help with your questions.
Isabella, Sophie and Noush make up our reception team and are your first point of contact when visiting us. They will organise your information, book appointments, and help you feel comfortable the moment you enter the door.
