Our Team

OUR SERVICES
Logo of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc., featuring large purple 'A' and 'P' with smaller text below reading 'Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.'

Jodie Thelning

Director/Psychologist

Jodie 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, OCD, depression, trauma and abuse (C-PTSD), PTSD, grief and loss, stress management, self esteem issues, relationship concerns 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 registered with the Australian Board of Psychology, and is a full member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi). 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 to creating a safe space for clients, working collaboratively to help them achieve their goals.

  • Bachelor of Arts – Psychology

  • Masters of Science – Psychology

  • Graduate Dip. Emotionally Focused Therapy

  • EMDR Trained

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.

  • Bachelor of counselling

  • Dip Min

  • Gottman Level 2 trained

Natasha Searles

Psychologist

Natasha is a psychologist, committed to empowering individuals on their mental and emotional well-being journey. With a clinical background spanning community mental health, university clinics, and private practice and over 15 years of prior experience in community care and crisis support.

Natasha works with both adults and adolescents drawing from several therapeutic approaches to meet clients’ individual needs including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), as well as trauma-informed practice. She has experience working with a wide range of issues, including Anxiety and Stress Management, Depression and Mood Disorders, Trauma, Grief and Loss, OCD, Adjustment and Life Transitions, Neurodivergent and Behavioural Concerns (including ADHD and Autism), and Severe and Enduring Mental Illness.

Her work is grounded in the belief that healing and progress happen best when people feel safe, understood, and supported at their own pace. She also understands the realities of family life and the importance of care that feels compassionate, realistic, and grounded.

Natasha is in the final stages of completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology, with research focused on resilience and adjustment to stress and adversity in young people.

  • Bachelor of Psychology

  • Masters Clinical Psychology

  • Bachelor of Theology

  • PhD Candidate

Get in Touch

Do you have questions?
Please phone us on 0402 340 737 if you have any questions, to make a booking, or confirm our service is right for you.

For general enquiries you may like to write us an email via the form or info@bestlifepsych.com.au