High standards have been set in place, such that we continuously shape and challenge each other’s practice. Therefore, when you see one of us, you get the benefit of all of our collective experience. We know each other’s strengths and passions. Considering your unique situation, we will provide you with the therapist that suits your needs best.
Clinical Team Lead
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Board Approved Supervisor
Clinical Team Lead
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Board Approved Supervisor
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist
Provisional Psychologist
Provisional Psychologist
Psychologist
Valerie Ling, PhD (candidate), MClin Psych, M Leadership, BA(Hons), MAPS. Valerie Ling is a clinical psychologist, leadership consultant, and PhD candidate with over two decades of experience working at the intersection of mental health and leadership sustainability.
As the founder of Effective Living, Valerie brings deep clinical expertise and a passion for restoring each individual to a life of dignity and wholeness.
Michelle (MAClin Psych, BEdPsych(Hons), BA(Hons)-with distinction) is a warm, compassionate psychologist who works collaboratively with clients to foster emotional safety, build insight and create meaningful change. She is passionate about creating a space where people feel seen, heard and supported, and where therapy begins with trust, openness and curiosity.
Drawing on a range of approaches, including Psychodynamic and Attachment-informed practices, Eye-movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Michelle tailors her approach to each person’s unique needs, presenting concerns and goals. Her colleagues often describe her as calm and gently curious, and she tries to bring this energy into every session.
Since completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2012, Michelle has worked in non-profit organisations focusing on parent–infant psychotherapy, tertiary hospitals, community clinics and private practices, supporting clients across the lifespan and from diverse cultural backgrounds. These experiences have shaped her adaptable approach and deepened her interest in trauma, attachment, emotional regulation, and relationship patterns. While she has a particular interest for trauma and attachment-focused work, Michelle values the diversity of issues her clients bring. She sees this as a rich source of learning, helping her stay open, flexible, and responsive to each person she works with. Michelle is committed to lifelong learning and recently completed Level 1 and 2 EMDR training to enhance her trauma-informed practice. She has also trained as a board-approved supervisor and finds value in guiding early-career psychologists in fine-tuning their skills and reflectivity.
Outside of work, Michelle thrives in nature, enjoys a good book, and is restored through time spent deepening connections with her loved ones and her cat.
Jennifer Chu, MPsych (Clinical), PGDip ClinPsych, BA (Hons – First Class), is a warm and approachable clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience. She believes that meaningful therapy begins with a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. Clients often describe her as genuine, easy to talk to, and someone who creates a safe, respectful space where they feel heard and supported.
Jennifer has worked across a range of settings, including health psychology and general mental health, supporting both adults and children. These experiences have given her a deep understanding of the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health concerns. She draws on a broad repertoire of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). In addition, Jennifer is a board-approved supervisor, and has in-depth knowledge and experience in supporting individuals living with tinnitus.
Jennifer has a special interest in adult mental health, trauma and cross-cultural issues. Recognising that each person’s story is unique, Jennifer works collaboratively with her clients to tailor interventions that support their individual needs and goals. Her approach is guided by curiosity, compassion, and a belief in each person’s capacity for growth and healing. Fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and English, she is mindful of the influence of family, value, belief, and cultural context on mental health and integrates this awareness into her practice.
In her spare time, Jennifer can usually be found with her nose in a good book, wandering art galleries, or happily making a mess while creating things by hand.
Rinet is committed to supporting individuals in their pursuit of personal growth and wellbeing. She works collaboratively with clients to broaden how they respond to life’s challenges and to reconnect with what brings purpose and joy. Rinet primarily draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and integrates elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), alongside insights from current psychological research. Her approach is grounded in the belief that therapy is most effective when it is responsive to each client’s unique context, evidence-based, and shaped by a strong therapeutic relationship.
Rinet holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a research-based Doctorate. Before joining the Centre for Effective Living, she led mental health services at a general hospital, where she supported individuals presenting with a wide range of psychological concerns. This experience deepened her commitment to providing care that is both practical and grounded in an understanding of each person’s circumstances and values. Rinet works with both adolescents and adults, and enjoys supporting young adults navigating the ups and downs of early adulthood, professionals looking to enhance their wellbeing in the workplace, and those exploring questions of purpose and direction in life. Rinet values lifelong learning and is especially interested in questions of identity and meaning, as well as the personality processes and enduring patterns that shape how people respond to the world.
Outside of work, Rinet enjoys bushwalking, creating art, reading books that stretch her thinking, having weird and wonderful conversations, and (sometimes successfully) experimenting with new recipes as she builds her culinary skills.
Lauren (MPsych (Clinical), BSci (Hons – First Class)) is a Clinical Psychologist who seeks to create a therapeutic space filled with compassion and curiosity in order to help individuals tell their stories, manage life challenges effectively and move towards their goals. She endeavours to come to know each individual she works with deeply so that they feel seen and understood. This enables her to build a genuine therapeutic connection with her clients, which is the foundation from which she can provide individuals with the support they need in their unique situation.
Lauren has worked in various mental health settings, including psychiatric hospitals and schools, and has found that her passion lies in providing therapy to individuals in private practice. Her training in trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches equips her to lead clients towards healing and growth in a meaningful and safe way. She integrates a number of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Internal Family Systems and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). By drawing from this broad base of psychological knowledge, Lauren can ensure that the therapy she provides is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. She enjoys working with individuals aged 16 and above from a range of different backgrounds.
When Lauren isn’t working, she enjoys being out in the sunshine, making simple watercolour cards, and reading a good book.
Katelyn (BA (Hons – First Class); M Psych (Clinical) is a warm, compassionate Clinical Psychologist who is committed to providing a safe, supportive space where her clients can share their stories and work towards meaningful change. She is committed to building a strong, genuine therapeutic relationship with each client to enable a starting point for them to work towards managing life’s challenges and achieving their individual goals.
Katelyn has experience working at a leading university research clinic in the area of anxiety disorders, as a school psychologist and in private practice work for adult mental health. She uses a range of evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Schema-informed Therapy and supportive counselling with the overall aim of helping individuals utilise their strengths to achieve their desired outcomes and enhance their quality of life.
Katelyn’s approach takes an evidence-based focus, while maintaining a flexible and collaborative manner, to ensure that treatment is in line with her clients’ needs.
As a clergy wife and mother she has a particular interest in supporting other clergy wives and families cope with the unique challenges that ministry can present.
When Katelyn isn’t working she enjoys finding places to eat brunch at any time of the day, working through her ever-growing pile of ‘to be read’ books and spending time with her family and friends.
Monica Jacob, MPhil (Clin Psych), MSc (Clin Psych), BSc (Psych), is a Clinical Psychologist who values trust, respect, and creativity in the therapy room. She is passionate about creating a therapeutic space where clients feel truly known, and works collaboratively with them to move towards meaningful change.
She has worked across a variety of settings, including private practice, tertiary hospitals, and rehabilitation clinics, supporting individuals across the lifespan. Through her experience, Monica has seen the powerful influence of culture in shaping people’s stories and seeks to honour this in her work.
To provide her clients with a uniquely integrated experience, Monica draws from a range of evidence-based approaches, including Attachment-focused practices, Psychodynamic theory, Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution-Focused Therapy, Schema-informed Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). For her, therapy is not just about what happens in the room, but how those insights ripple into everyday life. Monica remains committed to ongoing growth through regular supervision and engagement with current research, ensuring her practice is responsive and effective.
Outside of work, you’ll find Monica absorbed in her Kindle, searching for the next great mystery show, experimenting with watercolour and faux calligraphy, or trying to keep her one resilient plant alive.
Thomas (Registered Psychologist) is focused on supporting clients to feel comfortable and build a genuine therapeutic relationship. He seeks to work with clients to create an open, non-judgemental, and warm space to explore thoughts, emotions, and challenges. Thomas aims to use integrated psychological tools and approaches to support positive wellbeing outcomes. He uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema-informed Therapy to tailor therapy to best suit the client’s needs.
Thomas has a variety of experience and training that supports his work with clients of different backgrounds and needs. He has worked in a non-profit organisation within the NDIS which has allowed him to grow in working in systems, supporting clients with psychosocial disabilities, and training in mindful responding. It has emphasised the importance for Thomas of balancing person-centred practice with evidence-based therapy. Thomas loves working with clients from different demographics, including across ages with children, adolescents and adults.
When Thomas isn’t working, he enjoys spending time at the beach, watching the footy, and spending time relaxing with friends.
Johanna (BAPsych(Hons), MProfPsych) is a warm and compassionate psychologist who values creating a collaborative space where people feel safe, understood, and supported. She approaches each session with curiosity, openness, and genuine care, working alongside clients to explore their concerns, life experiences, and hopes for change.
Johanna is passionate about helping people work through life’s challenges while reconnecting with who they are, rediscovering meaning and purpose, or creating new meaning in their lives. She understands that every journey is unique and believes therapy works best when it is collaborative and tailored to each person’s needs and pace.
With a strong commitment to client-centred and evidence-based practice, Johanna draws on a range of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based strategies. She continues to deepen her skills through regular supervision and professional development, recently expanding her knowledge in Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychoanalytic approaches.
Johanna has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds, supporting them to build self-understanding, resilience, and well-being.
Outside of work, Johanna values time in nature and connecting with loved ones. She enjoys exploring local markets, bush walks, good books and is always keen to try out a new hobby.
Nicola (BPsychSc(Hons), MClinPsych) is dedicated to providing therapy grounded in empathy, warmth and acceptance. Nicola brings curiosity and openness to every session, helping you to reflect deeply about yourself, cultivate self-compassion and manage the challenges that life throws your way.
Nicola has worked with clients across the lifespan, supporting children, adolescents and adults in both private and public settings. These experiences have shaped her flexible, strengths-based approach and reinforced her commitment to providing therapy that is responsive and creative, and values the therapeutic relationship as a vital foundation for meaningful change.
It is important to Nicola that therapy is a collaborative process that tailors evidence-based treatments to your needs. She practices from a foundation of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy. She continues to expand her repertoire of therapeutic modalities, seeking out new perspectives and insights in psychology to better support her clients. Nicola stays engaged in professional development through regular supervision, ongoing training, and active involvement in research.
Outside of work, she enjoys dance and yoga classes, discovering new music, decorating her home with her latest marketplace finds and unwinding with a good mystery show.
Natasha (MClinPsych, BSc(Hons) – First Class) is a dedicated and caring psychologist who strives to foster a safe, non-judgemental, and supportive space where clients feel understood as they navigate life’s challenges and work towards meaningful change. She believes that therapy begins with a genuine and trusting therapeutic relationship, which forms a strong foundation for working collaboratively towards client goals.
She works from an evidence-based framework, guided by curiosity, and thoughtfully tailors her approach to each client’s unique needs, experiences, and strengths. She practices from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) foundation, while drawing from other modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy. She is committed to continuing to broaden her therapeutic repertoire through ongoing professional development and regular supervision, as she works towards obtaining her endorsement in clinical psychology.
Natasha has worked with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of presentations. Her experience in public health settings has provided a strong basis for her work and deepened her appreciation of the intricate overlap between physical and mental health. She looks forward to extending this to, and continuing to build on this within, private practice.
Outside of work, Natasha enjoys playing racquet sports, exploring new restaurants (purely for “research”, of course), visiting local markets, watching live shows, and going on little day trips.
Miki (BPsych[First Class Hons], MProfPsych, DipMin) is a warm and compassionate provisional psychologist in the final year of her training. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. Miki works collaboratively with individuals to help them navigate challenges, live in alignment with their values, and build meaningful, fulfilling lives. She believes that genuine empathy and kindness are at the heart of effective psychological support.
Miki works supporting clients of all ages and stages of life (children, adolescents, and adults) to strengthen personal growth, develop coping skills, and enhance overall wellbeing. She uses a range of evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema-informed approaches to work collaboratively with each client and their unique experience.
With eight years of experience as a youth pastor, Miki has a particular interest in supporting individuals who are training for or serving in ministry
Outside of work Miki enjoys going to the gym, bushwalking, op-shopping and – when adventurous – skateboarding and snowboarding.
Michelle (BSci[Psy], GradDipPsych[Adv.], MProfPsych) is a friendly and empathetic provisional psychologist who is completing her final year of provisional registration under clinical supervision. She is dedicated to creating a collaborative and client-focused therapeutic space where individuals feel understood and empowered. Michelle works alongside her clients to clarify goals, build life skills, and foster meaningful improvement in psychological wellbeing.
Michelle works with clients across the lifespan (children, adolescent and adults) utilising a variety of evidence based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy.
Michelle has a wide range of clinical interests and supports clients experiencing depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety and panic adjustment disorders.
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys quality time with family and friends, trying a new restaurant/cafe or taking a scenic walk in the sunshine.
We make it easy to get started with therapy. Here’s how we support you through every step.
You’ll receive step by step support to help you feel prepared to attend your first session either in person or online, and complete any required documentation. We will also share some ideas about what to expect in your first appointment.
Together we will explore your goals, challenges and life story in order to have a clear plan for how to move forward.
You and your psychologist will continue to work towards your goals. The duration of therapy may vary depending on your needs.
