Our Team
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Tania Alexander
Qualifications: Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, (University of St. Petersburg, Russia)
Master of Science in Medicine (Psychotherapy), University of Sydney
Memberships: Member of Australian Psychological Society (APS), Fellow of College of Clinical Psychologists, Associate Member of Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists (AABCAP)
Tania has over 20 years experience providing psychological treatment based on the DBT principles. Over the years she participated in the development of DBT programs in the public mental health services and private sector. One of her DBT programs was nominated as runner up for the NSW Health Award (former Baxter Award) in 2009. Tania received DBT Intensive training in 2007 in Melbourne through Behavioural Tech and Advanced Intensive training in 2010 by Dr Marsha Linehan at the University of Seattle, Washington, USA.
Bianca Dos Santos
Qualifications: Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Memberships: Member of Australian Psychological Society (APS), Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Bianca has worked across public health, not-for-profit and private practice settings. She is passionate in supporting individuals to meet their goals in achieving the quality of life they wish for themselves. Bianca has participated in the development of a DBT program within a residential mental health setting. She has received DBT Intensive Training through Behavioral Tech (training institute established by Dr Marsha Linehan).
Louise Fisher
Qualifications: Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Memberships: Member of Australian Psychological Society (APS), Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, Member of Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists (AABCAP)
Louise has been in private practice in Potts Point since 2011. She has led a DBT skills training group at St John of God Hospital in Richmond. Louise received DBT Intensive Training through Behavioral Tech (training institute established by Dr Marsha Linehan). She has previously run a mood disorder therapy group at South Pacific Private Hospital, and a depression and bipolar support group for the Black Dog Institute. Louise was formerly Director of Training of the Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists (AABCAP) Professional Training Course.
Michaela Lakota
Qualifications: Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Memberships: Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Michaela is a warm, down-to-earth psychologist with a focus on teaching evidence-based skills and practices to help her clients cope better with the challenges of life. Michaela spent five years living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, giving her a unique perspective on cultural, religious, and social issues and their impacts on mental health across various life stages. She has completed the Foundational DBT training through Behavioral Tech (training institute established by Dr Marsha Linehan).
Bernadette Fitzgerald
Qualifications: Graduate Diploma of Psychology, Graduate Diploma of Counselling
Memberships: Member of Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Bernadette has worked across not-for-profit and private health settings. She lead a DBT Skills Training Group at Northside West Wentworthville and also ran Mood Disorder Groups for inpatient and outpatient groups. Bernadette has completed the DBT Foundational Course through DBT Behavioral Tech (training institute established by Dr Marsha Linehan).
Lara Kocijan
Qualifications: Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Memberships: Member of Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Lara has worked across private hospital and private practice settings. She worked as an inpatient therapist at South Pacific Private for five years, including one year as (Acting) Program Director. She also worked for The Indigo Project, a progressive psychology practice, for a number of years before opening her own private practice. Lara has extensive experience working with adults in the areas of substance use, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. She feels privileged to be allowed into the intricacies of a client’s private world and to bear witness to their process of transformation. Lara has received DBT Foundational Training through Behavioral Tech (training institute established by Dr Marsha Linehan).
Trish Risk
Qualifications: Bachelor of Counselling (ACAP)
Memberships: Provisional member of Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Trish is passionate about mental health and supporting individuals to shape their own happier, healthier outcomes. Her recent experience includes involvement in a private health setting where she has run inpatient and outpatient mood and anxiety disorder groups for adults and adolescents. Trish believes that one of the most important aspects of counselling is the support that is found in a trusting therapeutic relationship. Trish has completed DBT Foundational Training through Behavioral Tech (training institute established by Dr Marsha Linehan).
Prachi Savani
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (Hons)
Memberships: Occupational Therapy Australia
Prachi began her career in mental health as an Occupational Therapist supporting adults and adolescents with depression and anxiety through individual and group therapy. This background has helped her develop excellent problem-solving skills to determine the best course of action for each unique situation. It has also helped her to develop patience and flexibility when dealing with the high and low points throughout the therapy process. Prachi aims to provide a safe space for clients to connect with their emotional world in an effective and compassionate manner. She is careful to tailor her approach to the needs of the client, through building meaningful relationships and helping to manage the difficult and painful aspects of their lives.
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Ileana Hatton
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (DCP), Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) (University of Sydney)
Memberships: Member of Anxiety Practitioner’s Network
Ileana is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience. She has worked across community mental health settings, youth health, sexual assault as well as private practice settings in Australia. She also worked for 5 years from 2010 - 2015 for Medecins sans Frontieres providing psychological support in the Occupied Palestinian territories (West Bank), and Ethiopia. She is passionate about the connection between body and mind and strives to bring this to her work as a therapist.
Reach out today on on 0434 595 195 or email info@dbtpsychologyclinic.com.
