HOW DO I KNOW IF BROULEE PSYCHOLOGY WILL BE RIGHT FOR ME?
It is important to choose the right psychologist to assist you to address your concerns and issues. Psychologists have varying specialities, professional interests and years of experience.
It makes sense to find someone who is well suited to your needs. Furthermore, psychologists each have their own individual approaches and personality. It is important to find someone with whom you feel comfortable, share a sense of connection and who seems to understand you. Often it takes a few sessions to know whether a psychologist is the ‘right fit’.
​
There is well established research suggesting that the foundation of successful therapy is the relationship between a psychologist and client. However, the use of evidence-based therapy is also important. Therapy is not just talking. It is about helping people find ways to make change and create a life that is more fulfilling and rewarding.
Local
Psychologists
Broulee Psychology has several local psychologists on the team with a high level of experience in working with children, adolescents and adults with a range of mental health presentations. They provide face to face sessions in the Broulee office.
STACY SHEPHERD
Director, Clinical Psychologist
B.Psych, M.Psych (Clin), M.Psych (Ed. & Dev.), MAPS, FCCLIN
​
(Stacy is not currently taking new clients)
​
Stacy Shepherd has been practicing psychology for over 15 years. She is endorsed as a Clinical Psychologist as well as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist. Stacy has extensive experience working across the lifespan.
​
Stacy has worked in a range of settings, including schools, hospitals, not-for-profit organisations and now in private practice. She has a particular passion for supporting individuals who have experienced trauma to be able to move on with their lives rather than being haunted by past memories. Stacy also provides a range of psychometric assessment for children, adolescents and adults.
Stacy completed a Bachelor of Psychology at the University of North Carolina in America before migrating to Australia to complete her Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Western Sydney University. Stacy has also completed a Master of Clinical Psychology at Charles Sturt University. Stacy is certified as a schema therapist and a board approved supervisor. She provides regular supervision to psychologists across all stages of their career.
GEMMA ISSAAKIDIS
Senior Clinical Psychologist
​
Gemma relocated to the south coast from Sydney four years ago. She has over 15 years experience working with children, adults and families in government and non government agencies.
Gemma grounds her work in attachment and trauma informed frameworks and incorporates various therapies depending on what fits for the client and their current reason for seeking help. Gemma really values the lived experience of the client and works hard to ensure every client feels heard and is able to express what is happening for them.
Gemma has a breadth of experience in working with acute mental health issues and suicidality. She not only focuses on improving current functioning in line with a clients goals, and will also explore the origins of particular symptoms and coping modes.
Gemma is an endorsed clinical supervisor and provides clinical supervision to psychologists and other allied health workers at all stages of their career.
CHLOE HAYWOOD
Clinical Psychologist
​
Chloe is a Clinical Psychologist who relocated from Brisbane to the South Coast in 2021. She completed her Bachelors Degree and Clinical Psychology Masters back in Brisbane, and has since gained experience working with a range of presentations in adults, adolescents and children, in both public and private settings.
Chloe’s approach is eclectic, warm and non-judgemental. She draws from trauma-informed, attachment-based frameworks and incorporates various evidence-based therapies into her practice to suit individual needs and goals. She is trained in Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectal Behaviour Therapy.
When working with individuals Chloe can help to compassionately increase the self-awareness necessary to break unhelpful coping patterns and will support them to create meaningful, positive change in their lives.
Chloe is also passionate about working with couples in the therapy space. She finds it a privilege to help vulnerable couples in crisis to re-form deep emotional bonds and to help support them to navigate the conflicts that inevitably occur within our closest and most important connections. When working with couples, she utilises an Emotionally Focused Therapy approach and incorporates the Gottman Method.
SEMA TAYLOR
Registered Psychologist
​
Sema is a registered psychologist who is committed to providing a collaborative and safe space in the therapy room. She has experience working with adults and young people (over 16) from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental health issues. Sema is trained in a number of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, schema therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and draws upon these to best suit her clients’ needs.
Sema’s passion is to help her clients improve their quality of life, learn to understand themselves better and cultivate a sense of self-compassion. She has specific interests in working with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and/or grief and loss, as well as those who have lived through trauma.
Sema is also currently completing her Master degree in Clinical Psychology.
JANELLE DE FRENZA
Registered Psychologist
​
Janelle has recently gained full registration as a registered psychologist. With a background in healthcare leadership, Janelle values working alongside people to make a positive difference. Originally from New Zealand, Janelle has lived in the Eurobodalla region for the past 15 years where she and her husband have raised their children.
Janelle is interested in supporting young people and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties with the goal of improving their overall wellbeing and daily living. Having a strong interest in the field of positive psychology, Janelle is passionate about using a strength-based perspective to help her clients build self-awareness and a knowledge of how their strengths and values can be developed to create a life of meaning and purpose.
​
Janelle is committed to providing a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment where all clients feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to reach their goals.
VICKI LLOYD
Registered Psychologist
​
Vicki is a newly registered psychologist with a warm and friendly manner. She has grown up in the local area and is excited to provide support for our local community. Vicki has previously worked as a teacher for many years and loves working with children and adolescents to help build their resilience and emotional maturity. Vicki also works with adults and has experience working with a range of mental health presentations, including anxiety, depression and trauma. Vicki enjoys working alongside her trained therapy dog, Oscar, who is a border collie. He provides comfort to clients of all ages as they attend their sessions.
Remote
Psychologists
We also have three psychologists providing therapy offsite. These psychologists are based interstate and provide therapy online via Telehealth. This helps us to meet the growing demand for appointments despite having a shortage of local psychologists in our area.
SIAN DUFTY
Clinical Psychologist
Sian is a clinical psychologist meaning, she has completed additional training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of adult mental health disorders. With 10 years’ experience, she has worked mostly in private practice settings, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to treat disorders such as mood, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, grief, stress and major life transitions such as parenthood and divorce.
Sian blends professionalism with her warm, empathetic approach to ensure you will feel heard, understood and supported with your issues.
HUGH HARMAN
Registered Psychologist
​
Hugh is a Registered Psychologist with a passion for supporting personal growth and well-being. He completed his Masters in Professional Psychology from the University of New England. He has over two years of experience in private practice working with individuals across the lifespan. Hugh previously worked as a Rehabilitation Consultant, helping adults recover from work injuries and return to work.
Hugh firmly believes in a collaborative approach, by understanding each client's specific needs and tailoring the therapeutic approach that will work best for them. Hugh offers a flexible range of evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Schema Therapy.
Hugh resides in the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. He has a passion for cooking and board games. He enjoys playing both field and ice hockey and using other physical activities as a means of maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Provisional Psychologists
These are psychologists in training. They have completed their university studies and now work for 1-2 years under the close supervision of Stacy Shepherd and Gemma Issaakidis to provide the best possible care for their clients. They come with life experience and an abundance of training.
KIT KALMS
Provisional Psychologist
​
Kit previously worked as a Family Therapist in the Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven regions and with a variety of non-government organizations supporting young people in out of home care and individuals with disabilities. Kit is experienced working with children and adults including older adults and men and offers culturally sensitive approach. She has recently completed her Masters in Professional Psychology with the Institute of Social Neuroscience and is in the final stage of training for full registration.
Kit enjoys working with neurodiverse populations with an affirming approach and applies a trauma informed framework with individuals who have experienced trauma. She has a particular passion for working with adolescents and supporting them in developing a positive sense of self, embracing their strengths and overcoming their challenges.
​
BRIDGET DALY
Provisional Psychologist
​
Bridget has over a decade of experience working in mental health and education, supporting children, youth, and families.
Bridget treats a range of psychological concerns including anxiety, depression, behavioural difficulties, and enjoys working with neurodiverse clients. Bridget fosters therapeutic relationships that encourage honesty, inclusion, positive mental health, and respect. Bridget employs evidence-based strategies in collaborating with parents to support the wellbeing of their families, and with individuals to achieve their therapeutic goals.
Bridget has experience working in primary and secondary education and prioritises lifelong learning. She has a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced from Monash University and a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from Australian National University. Bridget also holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) and Masters of International Relations (Peace and Conflict Resolution).
RACHEL ROSE
Provisional Psychologist
​
Rachel has previously worked as a nurse in various metropolitan Melbourne hospitals. She has experience in both public and private mental health settings, as well as in a high school setting. Rachel employs a neuroaffirming approach and practices from a trauma-informed perspective. She is dedicated to meeting clients where they are, with a strong emphasis on creating a safe and secure environment where clients feel seen and heard. Rachel utilizes evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Schema Therapy. She is currently in the final stages of completing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology.
Administration
Broulee Psychology’s administrative team are the backbone of our practice. They answer the phone, greet our clients and make sure your experience with our team is as stress free and easy as possible. They keep the wheels running so that the clinicians can support more of our community.
KALISSA EDWARDS
Practice Manager
​
Kalissa moved from Canberra last year. She has extensive administration and practice management knowledge. Kalissa is always happy and welcoming with clients and has a passion for helping others. She is hoping to enrol in a counselling course in the future.
STEPHANIE WILLIAMS
Administrative Assistant
(Currently on maternity leave)
​
Stephanie grew up in the Eurobodalla and loves being on the coast. Stephanie has the travel bug and enjoys finding tropical destinations to relax. Stephanie is highly skilled in Administration and is extremely welcoming to everyone. Stephanie always has a smile on her face and provides a warm welcome to all.
RUBY WILSON
Administrative Assistant
​
Ruby has recently joined our administration team. She is excited to support clients to ensure they have a smooth transition into their appointment and feel safe and welcome from the moment they enter the practice. Ruby is also studying psychology and is in her third year of university.
Therapy
Dogs
Broulee Psychology now has two therapy dogs working with clinicians and clients at the practice. Our therapy dogs are certified and highly trained dogs that provide support and comfort for clients coming to our practice.
BELLA
Certified Therapy Dog
(Currently on extended leave)
​
Bella is a six-year-old golden retriever. She is a family pet but also has trained as a therapy dog for Broulee Psychology. She was specifically chosen for her calm temperament and gentle nature to provide support to clients.
​
Bella has now completed her six-day intensive training with Lead the Way Institute in Victoria. She passed her final assessment and is now a certified therapy dog.
​
Bella is currently taking time away from the clinic but it is hoped that she will return in 2024.
​
When Bella is not working, she enjoys running around and wrestling with other dogs at the beach.
She also loves playing with our other dog, Rosie and cuddling up on the couch in the evenings.
​
FUN FACT - Rosie (our beautiful groodle puppy) will also be training as a certified therapy dog when she is old enough. Watch this space :)
OSCAR
Certified Therapy Dog
(Oscar works with Vicki)
Oscar is a five year old, tri-coloured border collie. He has trained with Therapy Dogs Australia as a certified therapy dog at Broulee Psychology. He is also a much-loved family pet with a beautiful temperament and gentle nature.
Oscar will be working with Vicki at Broulee Psychology on Wednesdays and Fridays. Oscar is loving spending time in the practice and greeting all the clients that come through the door.
Oscar’s favourite things are running along the beach, playing wrestles and tug-of-war with his brother, and snuggling up with the kids on the lounge.