CAYA Psychology
Geelong
Trusted Adolescent Therapist
Qualified
- Masters Level Trained
- AHPRA Registered
- Advanced Education & Developmental Training
Experienced
- 7,700 hours + Therapy & Assessments provided
- 12 Years of practice
- Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
Trusted
- Trusted by 400+ clients since 2016
- Provides supervision & training to schools & clinics across Victoria
How I work with teens
When working with teens, I focus on understanding behaviour in the context of development, environment, and relationships.
I provide teens with a safe and respectful space where they can talk openly and feel heard. Sessions are collaborative and practical, focusing on emotional regulation, coping skills, relationships, identity, and managing stress or anxiety. Where appropriate, I also involve parents or schools, while maintaining respect for the teen’s autonomy and confidentiality.
Who I'm a Good Fit For
This service is likely a good fit for teenagers and families who are looking for thoughtful, developmentally informed psychological support during adolescence.
I work well with teens who:
- Want a space where they feel listened to and taken seriously
- Prefer practical strategies to manage emotions, anxiety, and disrupted mood.
- May not know exactly what they need, but know something isn't quite right
- Might be hesitant about attending therapy
I also work well with parents who:
- Want to support their teen without pushing or being overly controlling
- Want to understand their teen better
This service may be less suitable if you're seeking:
- Out-of-hours crisis support
- A "quick" behavioural fix without parent involvement
- Therap that is highly directive or compliance-focused
Qualifications & Associations
Qualifications
2008 - Bachelor Psychology (Hons), Murdoch University
2015 - Master Psychology (Education), The University of Melbourne (MGSE Valedictorian)
Associations
AHPRA Registration
Psychology Board Approved Supervisor
Medicare Provider
Member Association of Australian Psychologists (MAAPi)
Member Pacifica Congress
Counselling Services
Mental Health Issues
- Depression and low mood
- Anxiety and panic
- Stress and worry
- OCD and tics
- Fears and phobias
Behavioural Issues
- Risk taking behaviour (Drug, Alcohol & Self-Injury)
- Anger management
- Oppositional and defiant behaviour
- Pathological Demand Avoidance
Learning Difficulties
- Developing school based accommodations
- School refusal and avoidance
- Career guidance / Transition to Tertiary studies
Peer relationships
- Confidence
- Social skills
- Romantic relationships
Emotional challenges
- Identity and self-esteem
- Personal growth
Family and Relationship Support
- Separated and Blended Families
- Reportable Family Therapy
- Non-reportable Family Therapy
Neurodiversity
- Autistic People (ASD, Asperger's)
- ADHD
Begin with the form below
Frequently asked questions
A psychologist provides a structured space to talk through thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be contributing to stress or difficulty. Sessions focus on understanding what's going on, identifying unhelpful patterns, and developing practical strategies to manage challenges more effectively
In Australia, psychologists (and other health professionals) are not allowed to use client testimonials. This rule is to protect clients' privacy and to avoid creating unrealistic expectations about outcomes.
Instead of reviews, it can be more useful to focus on the connection with your therapist. The first session is an opportunity to get a sense of how we work together and whether the approach feels right to you.
No. Many people start therapy without a clear explanation of what's wrong. Part of the process of therapy is working together to clarify concerns and priorities over the first few sessions.
The first session usually focuses on understanding your background, current concerns, and goals. You can ask questions about the process and discuss what you would like to get out of therapy. There is no expectation to share everything all at once.
Therapy is a confidential, structured conversation guided by professional training. The focus is on patterns, strategies, and practical change rather than informal advice or reassurance.
Sessions focus on current challenges, relevant past experiences, and patterns that affect how you think, feel and respond. The content is guided by your priorities and what feels most useful to address
Therapy is collaborative. Rather than giving instructions, the aim is to help you understand your options, learn about your experience of symptoms, develop skills and strategies to try, and make informed decisions about your situation.
Sessions are purposeful and guided by agreed goals. Some people prefer a more structured approach with specific strategies, while others benefit from open exploration. The approach can be adjusted over time.
No. Some people attend for a small number of focused sessions, while others choose to work together for longer. This can be reviewed regularly.
That's common. Your psychologist helps guide the conversation. You don't need to prepare or organise your thoughts beforehand.
No. Many people attend therapy to navigate stress, changes in life, or improve coping skills. Seeking support is a practical step rather than a sign of failure.
Talking about difficult topics can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Sessions are paced carefully to keep the process manageable and focused on constructive change.
Fit is important. If something is not helpful, it's discussed openly and the approach can be adjusted. You are not obligated to continue if it doesn't feel useful.
This varies depending on your goals and the issues involved. Some people notice useful shifts within a few sessions while more complex concerns can take longer. Progress is reviewed regularly.
Therapy aims to increase understanding, reduce distress and build practical coping strategies. Outcomes differ between people and depend partly on engagement with the process.
Some approaches include practising strategies between sessions. Consistent attendance and active participation tend to support better outcomes.
Many people start with weekly or fortnightly sessions and adjust frequency over time depending on their needs and availability
50 minutes (plus 10 minutes for your therapist to write notes and complete any administrative tasks).