Meet the Team

Dr Tory Bacon
Principal Clinical Psychologist
BPsychSci(Hons), DPsychClinPsych

Member of APS College of Clinical Psychologists (MAPS)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Association of Australia (Full Member)
Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria, Inc Member
Gottman Couples Therapy) Level 1 Clinician
AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor

Adults, Couples

Available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and every second Saturday

I am a director and principal psychologist at Align Psychology. I have worked in mental health for over 12 years.

I have worked for a number of years in the public and community mental health including youth residential services, sub-acute inpatient care (PARC), public area mental health service, barriers to employment, outreach psychosocial rehabilitation, co-facilitated a children’s therapeutic program and worked several years in private practice. I have also conducted research and I am published in the area of therapeutic interventions for psychosis having investigated the active components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for psychosis.

I have extensive experience and training in trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD including interpersonal trauma (such as family violence, sexual assault and sexual abuse), couples and relationship difficulties, personality disorders, mood & anxiety disorders such as depression, bipolar, panic disorder, generalised anxiety, chronic health conditions and pain management, substance use and addictions, stress, self-esteem, grief & loss, serious mental illness and anger management.

I embrace a professional, supportive and collaborative approach, working closely with clients to create safety and a shared understanding to work towards change. I adopt evidence-based practices including:

• • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• • Schema Therapy

• • Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)

• • Gottman Therapy, PACT, and attachment based therapy (couples)

• • PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples’ Therapy) Level 1 Clinician

• • Mindfulness-based therapy
    

               

Dr Kristy Phillips
Principal Clinical Psychologist
BA(Hons), GradDip Psych, DPsych(Clinical)

Member of APS College of Clinical Psychologists (MAPS)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Association of Australia (Full Member)
Dialectic Behaviour Therapy National Certification and Accreditation Association Member
Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria, Inc Member
PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples’ Therapy) Level 1 Clinician
AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor

Adults, Couples, Adolescents

Available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

I am a Director and Principal Psychologist at Align Psychology and I have worked in mental health for more than 13 years.

I believe in developing a respectful and authentic relationship with each client in order to understand their individual story. My approach is open, collaborative, and relaxed. I aim to make the difficult decision to seek support, one that is safe and helps empower people with knowledge and understanding about themselves. Self-awareness and guided techniques is then the catalyst for growth and change towards a more fulfilling life.

I have worked in residential youth work, crisis telephone support, public health, community welfare (working primarily with disadvantaged and traumatized adults and children), and for several years in private practice. I have also facilitated group children’s therapeutic programs, and group parenting programs. I have also researched and published in mind-body illness, focusing on Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and its psychological, social, and biological origins.

I specialize in PTSD and trauma (developmental and incident trauma), couples therapy, parenting support, and mind-body health. I also work with other mental health conditions and life difficulties including depression and bipolar, anxiety (panic, general anxiety, OCD, and phobias), ADHD, personality disorders, sexual assault, relationship issues, sexuality and sexual health issues, grief and loss, adjustment, addictions, chronic health conditions, eating disorders, and self-esteem.

My therapy approaches are evidence-based and include:

• • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• • Schema Therapy

• • Couples Therapy (including PACT, EFT, and Gottman therapies)

• • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• • Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• • Mindfulness-based therapy

• • Chairwork Psychotherapy

           

Jennifer Dix
Clinical Psychologist
BA (Psych) (Hons), MPsych (Clinical)

Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)

Adults, Adolescents (12yo+)

Available Thursdays and alternate Fridays

I have worked for several years in community welfare, specialising in working with children, adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma or are caring for others with a history of trauma. I also have experience in adult inpatient care and community mental health, as well as in facilitating therapeutic groups and workshops. I am particularly passionate about empowering adolescents and young adults to develop the tools necessary to reach their potential. I am a LGBTQIA+ friendly and neurodiversity-affirming therapist.
I work with a wide variety of presenting issues and life concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, interpersonal and relationship issues, neurodiversity, personality disorders, eating disorders and body image issues, parenting support, grief and loss, and self-esteem difficulties.
I am an experienced, warm and empathetic psychologist who will endeavour to create a safe space for you to share and reflect on your experiences. I strongly believe in building trust with each and every person I see, ensuring I adapt my therapeutic approach to suit your individual needs and preferences. My main therapeutic objective is to assist you in deepening your understanding of yourself and arm you with the tools to make positive and lasting changes in your life by using positive, evidence-based approaches.
My therapy approaches include:

• • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• • Schema Therapy

• • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• • Interpersonal Psychotherapy

• • Psychodynamic Therapy

• • Mindfulness-based therapy

Lisa Birch
Clinical Psychologist
BSci (Psych), Grad Dip Psych, MPsych (Clinical)

Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria, Inc Member

Adults, Adolescents

Available Tuesdays and Wednesdays

I have worked in the mental health field for almost ten years. I have gained experience working with adults and adolescents in a variety of settings, including community mental health counselling services, adult inpatient units and secondary school settings. I have experience in providing individual counselling and psychological intervention, in addition to facilitating both therapeutic and psychoeducational group sessions.

I work with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, grief, interpersonal and relationship issues, adjustment difficulties and have an interest in the area of maternal mental health. I have many years of experience working in secondary schools addressing issues including study anxiety, school refusal and academic performance, and am particularly passionate about supporting young people to achieve their full potential.

I have a warm and empathic approach in my work, and I aim to establish a trusting relationship with every person I see. This safe space allows my clients to reflect on their experiences and work towards overcoming their challenges and facilitating change in their lives. I use a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches in my work including:

• • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
    

• • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

• • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• • Mindfulness-based Therapy

Bec Chivell
Clinical Psychologist
B.Bus (Psych/HR), BA (Hons), MPsych (Clinical)

Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Association of Australia (Full Member)

Adults, Adolescents

Available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

I have worked in the mental health field for over ten years. I have gained experience working with adults and children in a variety of settings, including a community health counselling service; a community mental health service (providing case management to people with complex mental health issues); a child and adolescent hospital service, and an early parenting centre for parents with children under the age of three. Additionally, I have facilitated a range of group programs including the ‘Tuning Into Kids’ parenting program, parent-child therapeutic play programs, and an anxiety program for adults. I have been working in private practice over the last four years.

I have a particular interest in working with parents in the perinatal period (from conception to 3 years after birth), however I see adults presenting with a variety of issues/needs including anxiety, depression, interpersonal or relationship issues, adjustment issues, parenting, trauma, and grief and loss.

My style is collaborative and I strive to provide a warm, safe, and empathic space for people to reflect on and explore their experiences. I hope to assist people to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and simultaneously provide practical skills and strategies to support the change they are trying to achieve in their life. My therapy approaches include:

• • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
  • Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Family Systems and Attachment based therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Schema Therapy

Dr Anna Zapral
Clinical Psychologist
BPsych (Hons), DPsych (Clinical)

Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)

Adults, Couples, Adolescents

Available Saturdays

I have worked in mental health for over 10 years, including crisis telephone support, community organisations and private practice settings. I am a registered facilitator for Tuning Into Teens, a certified telehealth clinician, and have a Diploma in Psychosexual Disfunction.

My interests include working with survivors of trauma and people experiencing PTSD from various incidences such as isolated major traumatic experiences, domestic violence, sexual assault, and childhood emotional neglect. I enjoy the challenge of working with couples who are experiencing relationship difficulties such as struggling with communication, as well as other issues that can create a widening gap between you and your partner. I am also interested in and have experience in working with personality disorders including borderline personality disorder, various mood & anxiety disorders including depression and bipolar disorder, supporting people with chronic health conditions and pain management, assisting people to better manage stress, helping to bolster low self-esteem, and providing care with grief, loss, and adjustment.

I value and foster a collaborative approach within a relaxed yet ethical and professional framework, and work closely with clients to create a sense of empowerment and positive change. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, which ensures that we are also looking after our physical and social health as well. I adopt evidence-based practices including:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Schema Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Mindfulness-based therapy

Reshma Simon
Psychologist
BPsych, BPysch (Hons), MProfPsych

Children, Adolescents, Adults

Available Mondays and Wednesdays

As an experienced Psychologist, my professional experience spans NDIS, community mental health, private and in-patient psychiatric settings. I provide therapeutic interventions to a diverse demographic, from children to adults, addressing a comprehensive range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, neurodevelopmental disorders, adjustment difficulties, social difficulties, pain and chronic health conditions, psychosis, trauma, mood difficulties and neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, I conduct cognitive assessments for both children and adults. Committed to the transformative power of therapy, I believe in its ability not only to alleviate symptoms but also to enrich lives with meaning and fulfilment. I am particularly attuned to the cultural diversity of the city, and I leverage a culturally sensitive, evidence-based methodology to deliver personalised care to align with the cultural norms and values of the diverse groups.

Recognising the potential vulnerability in seeking psychological support, my approach is nurturing, insightful, and tranquil, fostering a safe space for self-awareness and personal growth. I employ a blend of evidence-based therapies to meet the unique needs and objectives of each client. Collaboratively, we work towards achieving reduced symptoms, enhanced mental well-being and self-empowerment. I believe in the importance of applying tools I teach in therapy to my personal life to enrich my own life and contribute to genuineness in the therapeutic relationship.

My practice is underpinned by an unwavering commitment to professional development, ensuring my proficiency in an array of evidence-based therapeutic modalities. My ultimate goal is to empower clients through tailored therapeutic interventions, steering them towards improved mental well-being and a more fulfilling life experience. I am adept in various evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including evidence-based therapies:

• • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Mindfulness-based Therapy
  • Schema Therapy
  • WISC and WAIS cognitive assessments

Maddy Haydar
Psychologist
BA (Psych) (Hons), ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential

Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)

Adults, Adolescents (12yo+)

Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays

I have worked within the mental health field for 10+ years in community mental health, tertiary services, education settings, high performance sport and private practice, including headspace, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Align Psychology, Collingwood Football Club, Hawthorn Football Club and the AFLPA. My experience has largely been working with adolescents, their parents, and adults up to the age of 60-years-old with presentations that include anxiety, depression, life stage transitions (including entry into sport and retirement), stress, life-balance, sleep difficulties, disordered eating, pain management, injuries, and comorbid physical health conditions. In addition, I have worked with athletes in community and high-performance environments, from various sports providing a holistic approach to their performance and wellbeing on and off the field.

My aim is to provide clients with a warm, safe and compassionate environment which will allow them to explore concerns and achieve positive change. I provide a holistic, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to therapy and believe in the importance of early intervention to improve outcomes for individuals. I have worked with teams and individuals to help establish healthy culture and enhance performance.

My therapeutic approaches and techniques include:

• • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – E for Adolescents (CBT-E)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Mindfulness-based Therapy
  • Play Therapy
  • Interpersonal psychotherapy
  • Strength-based therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Progressive Relaxation Training (PRT)
  • Mentalisation-based therapy (MBT)
  • Psychological skills training (goal setting, self-talk, imagery)
  • Arousal regulation (including music)
  • Pre performance routines

Nina Stefanac
Clinical Psychologist
BA, Grad Dip Psych, PGrad Dip Psych, MPsych (Clinical)

Member of APS College of Clinical Psychologists (MAPS)
Assoc. Member of Australian Clinical Psychology Association (AMACPA)

Adults

Available Tuesdays

I am a board-registered clinical psychologist and work with adults of all ages. I have extensive experience across a range of life adjustment, physical illness and mental health problems including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation and sensitivity, grief and loss, parenting and relationship difficulties, adjustment to chronic health conditions including cancer and chronic pain, traumatic injury rehabilitation and psychological trauma (PTSD and complex trauma).

As a trauma-informed therapist, I strive to foster a safe and nurturing relationship as the foundation for our work together. My approach is attachment-oriented, evidence-based and tailored to your needs. You will find my relational style prioritises your experience of me and our relationship as supportive, reflective and at times challenging, all in the service of your emotional needs and therapy goals. Together, we work to clarify and overcome current life challenges, and bring about meaningful change on a felt level. I see my role as to draw out your strengths and grow your resources – through collaboratively developing new perspectives, trying out new skills, building meaningful relationships and managing any obstacles to change.

In addition to private practice, I’m also working in a public hospital with adults diagnosed with cancer. I feel privileged to work alongside a variety of people receiving a new diagnosis, news of disease progression or recurrence, undergoing active treatment, transitioning out of treatment (into survivorship), and those with advanced disease receiving palliative care. Through this work, we are afforded time to focus on the existential concerns that come sharply into view when facing a chronic or life-limiting illness. My professional experience spans community mental health, public and private hospital settings. During my Masters training at the University of Melbourne, I completed internships with the Royal Women’s Hospital in perinatal mental health, oncology and chronic pelvic pain, and at Headspace in youth mental health.

I participate in regular professional development and clinical supervision to ensure my skills, knowledge and practice remains ethical and up to date. This also ensures I provide you with a thoughtful, considered and effective approach to your therapy. I am trained in a variety of evidence-based therapies, including:

• • Schema Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • DBT skills training
  • Mindfulness-based therapy
  • Motivational interviewing

Alessia Mattia
Psychologist
BAppSc(Psych), GDipPsych, MCounselling

Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Incorporated (AAPi)

Adults (18+)

Available Mondays and Wednesdays

I am a registered Psychologist with extensive experience working in the forensic field, as well as clinical experience in private practice and inpatient psychiatric hospital settings. My work has included facilitating both individual and group treatment to address a variety of psychological challenges for both mandated and voluntary clients. I work with adults with a wide range of clinical presentations including mood and anxiety symptoms, personality disorders, addictions, emotion regulation challenges, trauma, grief and loss, and relationship difficulties.

I find great value in working with clients towards building self-awareness to instil meaningful and sustainable change, leading to improved quality of life. Through a strong focus on a client’s life story, the origins and maintaining factors of the challenges brought into therapy can be identified and understood in order to plan for a future in which such challenges can be responded to in a healthy and productive manner. I provide a space in which clients feel safe, understood, validated, and supported as they navigate through their therapeutic journey, working at a pace directed by clients in order to foster nurturance and security.

My therapeutic approaches include:

• • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
    
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Schema Therapy

Dr Tara Smythe
Clinical Psychologist
DPsych (Clinical), BA (Psychology), GradDipEd, BSc (Hons)

Member of APS College of Clinical Psychologists (MAPS)

Adults, Adolescents (12yo+)

Available Mondays and Fridays

I have a background in education and have been working with young people for 17 years as a secondary teacher and more recently as a clinician at headspace. In addition, I have experience working in a number of mental health care and psychology research settings including adult primary mental health and university counselling.

I have a strong interest in neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD and autism and I am strong advocate for the neurodiversity paradigm. I work with a variety of mental health presentations including depression, neurodiversity, anxiety, eating disorders, school refusal, parenting, relationship difficulties, adjustment and trauma.

I utilise a flexible, collaborative and individualised approach to care. I am LGBTQIA+ friendly and neurodiversity-affirming and am passionate about supporting individuals to uncover and celebrate their authentic selves. I am committed to supporting individuals to build on strengths and create a life that meets their needs, and where they can thrive. I am warm, friendly and empathetic and value the role of a strong relationship between therapist and client. I adopt evidence-based therapeutic approaches to suit individual needs including:

• • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
    
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Person-centred therapy
  • Mindfulness-based therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)

Tyler Gitsham
Provisional Psychologist
BPsych, BPysch (Hons), MPsych (Clinical; Candidate)

Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (Assoc. MAPS)

Children, Adolescents, Adults

Available Thursdays and Saturdays

With experience in the area of mental health, I have worked with a range of clinical concerns and presenting problems, across many backgrounds and demographics. I use an evidence-based, collaborative approach to treatment, individualised to the needs of each client.

I have worked with clients across the lifespan, in a range of settings including in schools, outreach, in-clinic, and in the home. I work with my clients to build on their strengths and to promote sustained and lasting growth in different areas of life. I work with generalised anxieties, depression, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), chronic health conditions, adjustment difficulties, social concerns, trauma, and a range of additional clinical concerns.

I am experienced in conducting a range of cognitive assessments including Individual Achievement Tests, Intelligence Scales, and others. Assessments include a written interpretation of findings, with recommendations.

I am aware that visiting a psychologist can be overwhelming, and I aim to provide a calming, warm, confidential, and safe space for all clients. I see my role as working with my clients to identify and build on areas of strength, interests, preferences, goals, and values, to allow clients to become their own therapist, in time, with new skills, tools, and strategies to manage daily life.

My therapy approaches include:

• • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Mindfulness-based therapy

Rachel Brodie
Psychologist
BA/BSc, Grad Dip Psych, Post-Grad Dip Psych, MPsych (Educational)

Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (Assoc. MAPS)

Children, Adolescents, Adults

Available Mondays and Thursdays

I am a registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and have worked for over ten years in community and mental health sectors. My work experience includes crisis counselling, domestic and family violence support, youth drug and alcohol residential detox, and mental health research. I have worked as a psychologist in primary and secondary schools and in private practice settings.

My passion is working with children, teens, young adults and parents with a broad range of presenting issues and concerns including but not limited to anxiety, depression, self-harm, bullying, adjustment difficulties, interpersonal issues, emotion dysregulation, substance use, sleep disturbances, self-esteem and body image concerns, ADHD, Autism, learning difficulties, perinatal anxiety and depression, and parenting support. I value the opportunity to work with clients from diverse backgrounds including from the LGBTQIA+ community and neurodiversity and use a neurodiversity affirming approach in my work.

In counselling I strive to create a warm and non-judgmental space where clients feel safe and heard, and where we can work flexibly and collaboratively towards a client’s unique goals. My approach incorporates strengths-based, developmental, and bio-psycho-social perspectives.

In practice, I utilise a combination of evidence-based therapeutic interventions and theories including:

• • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Person-Centred Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Mindfulness-based Therapies
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Attachment Theory
  • Family Systems Therapy