Meet The Team
Dr Liza Chervonsky
Director
Clinical Psychologist
Board-Approved Supervisor
Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DCP), Sydney Uni
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Sydney Uni
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons-1), UNSW
Life can throw us many challenges and although we often manage fine on our own, sometimes some guidance can really help us get back on our feet. I am passionate about helping people of all ages work through their difficulties and it always brings me great joy to see my clients come out the other side feeling more equipped and skilled to take on any further challenges in their lives.
I believe that change comes through deep core work at a cognitive, emotional, behavioural, relational and experiential level, and incorporate all of these aspects in my therapeutic approach.
I am incredibly passionate about psychology and have dedicated over a decade of my life to learning psychology and developing my clinical skills. My aim is to create an environment in which my team and our clients can feel safe and supported, so that they can do their best work. I take time to get to know my team members and clients, which helps me match clients to clinicians who can best meet their needs.
Clinical approach
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Schema, CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused.
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In addition to the above, uses emotion coaching, attachment theory, circle of security, and triple P in work with children & adolescents.
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Works with adults, children, adolescents, and parents
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A balance between practical strategies and deeper core work
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Empathic, yet directive when needed
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Focus on attachments and relationships, and their role in current difficulties
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Enriching life with more meaning, enjoyment, and positive relationships
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Processing difficult past experiences
Experience
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Experience working in private practice, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient groups, youth and adult community mental health, university clinics, phone and video counselling, and corporate phone coaching.
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Delivering CBT, DBT, mindfulness and ACT therapy groups in psychiatric and community mental health settings, as well as general workshops for students and adults.
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PhD and published journal articles on the psychological and social impact of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies.
Learn more about Liza's approach in her article on therapy - click here
Amelie Nguyen
Clinical Psychologist
Master of Clinical Psychology, WSU
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons - 1), WSU
I am dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome isolation, low mood, worry, low self-esteem, stress, and interpersonal and relationship challenges. I am honest and respectful in my approach and provide a warm, supportive atmosphere for individuals to comfortably share their experiences in a way that makes them feel safe and valued.
At the heart of my approach is the belief in the importance in living a meaningful life. I work collaboratively with each person to overcome interpersonal challenges and equip them to make important life decisions using trusted strategies for effective communication, problem solving and decision making.
Clinical approach
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ACT, Mindfulness, CBT, DBT, Schema, Parenting Strategies
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Works primarily with adults, adolescents, and parents
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A balance between practical strategies and addressing underlying core issues
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Helping individuals to recognise and overcome negative lifelong patterns of thinking and behaving
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Focus on strengthening quality of relationships
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Empowering individuals to lead meaningful lives
Experience
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Experience working in private practice, inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, outpatient groups, community health settings, crisis support telephone counselling
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Trained in delivering manualised individual therapy to children with anxiety, and their parents
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Professional experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention
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Masters research comparing the precipitating factors of suicide and murder-suicide
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Psychology Honours research investigating the effect of social comparisons on social media between single people and people in intimate relationships
Kristy Jane
Psychologist
Master of Clinical Psychology, ACAP
Bachelor of Science Psychology (Hons), Uni of Newcastle
We are all unique human beings with our own journey. My role is to support you, helping you to release limiting thought patterns and behaviours. The intention is to move beyond primal negative beliefs and conditioned ways of thinking, so you can start to see the beauty in your tapestry of life. The goal is for you to understand your unique self better, to take better care of yourself and of those around you.
I like to extend the traditional model of psychology practice by incorporating evidence-based holistic approaches in sessions for example, meditation, and allowing for discussions on topics such as life purpose and spirituality.
Clinical approach
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CBT, Mindfulness, Meditation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Holistic, Integrative/Transpersonal, Positive Psychology focus.
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Works with adults, parents, and children.
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Supports clients in a safe and caring environment to reach their treatment goals while also empowering them to be the master of their own destiny.
Experience
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Experience in delivering individualised and group treatment in private practice, adult inpatient hospitals, and college clinics.
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Experience working with a variety of disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety/panic, stress, mood, bipolar, psychosis, addiction, grief, major life events/adjustments/career changes, life purpose questions).
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Considerable experience in working in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
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Honours dissertation in evolutionary psychology. Masters dissertation investigated indigenous mental health and indigenous healing practices.
Carla Ross
Clinical Psychologist
(On extended leave)
Master of Clinical Psychology, Macquarie University
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons-1), Macquarie University
I draw on several therapeutic models to address the individual needs of each client and situation. My approach is strengths-based with the aim of helping clients to make decisions and learn new coping mechanisms from a position of greater self-awareness and skill. This can include an understanding of the influence of their family of origin and early childhood experiences.
I find it very rewarding helping clients improve their lives by limiting the negative impact of emotions and behaviour that have prevented them from attaining their life goals and rewarding relationships.
Clinical approach
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CBT, Schema, ACT, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused
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Works primarily with adults and older adults.
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A balance between practical strategies and working on deeper underlying issues
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Warm and compassionate coaching style
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Helping people to make self-directed changes with a focus on one’s strengths and resources
Experience
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Experience in delivering individualised and group treatment in private practice, youth and adult inpatient and outpatient hospitals, and university clinics.
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Considerable experience working with a variety of disorders (e.g. anxiety, panic, stress, worry, mood, relationship difficulties, perfectionism, social difficulties, family difficulties, work and academic difficulties, and self-esteem issues).
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Has worked for Alzheimer’s Australia providing support to people with a diagnosis of dementia and carers/family.
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Honours and Masters dissertations both investigated the treatment of anxiety in adults and children.