Jodie Thelning – Director/Psychologist
Jodie Thelning is a registered psychologist with over 25 years experience in providing counselling, therapy, psychological services, training, lecturing and small group facilitation. Working in a range of settings including community based services and education, and having been in private practice for over 20 years, Jodie has experience working with a range of areas including anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, stress management, self esteem issues, relationship concerns (individuals and couples) and has a particular interest in engaging in deeper therapeutic work that helps clients understand the patterns of behavior that may be holding them back from creating meaningful change.
Jodie is a registered psychologist with the Australian Board of Psychology, and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Jodie works predominantly from an emotionally focused perspective, while also utilising a range of counselling and therapy approaches including Schema therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprocessing) to achieve results with her clients according to their needs. Jodie is both passionate and committed in her work to help people achieve their goals.
- Bachelor of Arts -Psychology
- Masters of Science – Psychology
- Graduate Dip. Emotionally Focused Therapy
- EMDR Trained
Larissa Weston Olliffe – Psychologist
Larissa has experience working with children, adults, and couples in private practice and through NDIS providers. Her approach is informed by Family Systems Theory, Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, and Schema Therapy. Larissa thrives in meeting and relating to people from all different backgrounds and cultures. Among Larissa’s strengths is knowing that life can become easily complicated with everyday problems such as family, relationships, workplace stress, and coping with illness or crisis. Past and present issues can get in the way of living well. She has a strong commitment to helping people who are experiencing emotional distress and anxiety learn helpful skills and thinking to move forward positively.
When Larissa is not working, she loves early morning solitude, taking her kids to sport, bushwalking, volunteering in Youth group programs and a glass of wine!
- Larissa is a psychologist registered with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
- She has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science, and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced (Honours).
- Additionally, Larissa has a post-graduate theological qualification of a Bachelor of Theology (Sydney Missionary and Bible College).
- Larissa is currently training in the Advanced Certificate in Couple and Family Systems Therapy (Accredited by The Australian Association of Family Therapy, AAFT).
Sonya Brotherton – Relationship Counsellor
Sonya is a registered counsellor and full member of the Psychology and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) who specialises in couples therapy using the Gottman Method (Levels 1 & 2) and the Prepare Enrich program, to support couples at all stages of their journey, from pre marriage to long term relationships.
With nearly 30 years of marriage herself, she brings both professional training and personal insight to her work. Sonya understands the real-life challenges that come with sustained and healthy relationship, and she is passionate about helping couples build strong, lasting connections.
In her time as a counsellor, Sonya has had the privilege of working with individuals and couples from a wide range of cultural, relational and faith-based backgrounds. This experience has shaped her inclusive, respectful approach where each client feels heard, valued and supported.
Sonya’s counselling is grounded in evidence-based methods that can help couples improve communication, mange conflict, rebuild trust and deepen emotional and physical intimacy. Whether you’re a couple navigating a rough season in gridlock, or looking to enrich an already strong relationship, she is here to support you with empathy, clarity and practical tools.
