Today's Psychology

Our Psychologists pride themselves on their ongoing commitment to professional development and use of current therapeutic strategies. Our Psychologists regularly attend training programs, seminars and conferences to ensure they have cutting edge knowledge, skills and therapeutic style.

Our Psychologists are part of a diversified team of professionals who have extensive training and experience in the vast range of psychological conditions. To this end, we often rely on each other to provide additional support and guidance in working with clients. We provide backup if a Psychologist is on leave, sick or attending training, to ensure your care is not interrupted or delayed.

Our Psychologists work with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples and families. Our Accredited Mental Health Social worker works with adults and older adults.

Our Today's Kidz Psychologists have a special interest in providing assessment and counselling for young people under 17 years and their families. Please see our website for more specific information about our Kidz Clinic www.todayskidz.com.au

Dr Jan Parr and Dr Vanessa Winchester are Clinical Psychologists. Maggie Riggs, Naja Wilke, Matt Hall and Danielle Brazel are Clinical Psychology Registrars. Huan Ruan is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.

Naja Wilke, Matt Hall and Danielle Brazel work with children, young people and families in our Kidz Clinic.
Expert knowledge and Genuine Care Meet our team...
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Dr Vanessa Winchester

Vanessa is a Clinical Psychologist and full member of the Australian Psychological Society. Vanessa works with adolescents, adults, older adults, couples and families. Vanessa's psychology practice encompasses over 20 years experience working with adolescents, adults and older adults experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety and panic, alcohol and drug misuse, relationship problems, parenting issues, perinatal and postnatal depression, womens health and motherhood issues. She has a particular interest in adolescent issues, including school to work/uni transition, peer group conflict, parental conflict and self-esteem. In addition, she has worked extensively with Queensland Health, providing clinical counselling with young people and their families effected by alcohol and drug abuse.

Vanessa has a keen interest in using DBT-informed therapy approaches with people who are struggling with trauma and intense emotions. Vanessa has also co-developed the Dealing with Distress groups (run through Today's Psychology), a DBT-based skills group for people suffering with intense negative emotions.

Vanessa has extensive experience and training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, brief interventions and solution-focused therapies. Vanessa's therapeutic style can best be described as warm, collaborative, practical and outcome oriented.

Vanessa has completed a PhD through the University of Queensland researching the impact of drug and alcohol misuse on family members. Vanessa has a strong interest in working with parents, families and individuals struggling to manage alcohol and/or drug problems (addictions).


Emma-Kate Muir

Emma-Kate is a Registered Psychologist with over 10 years experience working with a variety of clients, including people with disabilities, injuries and illnesses, unemployed persons and athletes. Emma-Kate works with adolescents, adults, older adults and couples. Emma-Kate's areas of experience and passion incorporate management of depression, anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), self-esteem, relationship and conflict issues, anger management, vocational guidance, mens health, illness management, alcohol and drug use, weight management and performance coaching.

Emma-Kate has also co-developed the Dealing with Distress groups (run through Today's Psychology), a DBT-based skills group for people suffering with intense negative emotions.

Emma-Kate's main therapeutic approach is using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. Emma-Kate strives to help people be the best they can be in a world that is uncontrollable and full of stress. Emma-Kate aims to help clients accept and thrive in an uncertain world.

In addition, Emma-Kate enjoys working with clients using communication skills training as it applies to relationship difficulties and conflict. In particular, Emma-Kate works with parents of adolescents and adults who are getting stuck connecting with their children.

Emma-Kate provides vocational guidance for school leavers, unemployed, and people looking for re-deployment based on injury or illness.


Stacey Gossip

Stacey is a Registered Psychologist with almost 20 years experience in providing therapy to adults presenting with a range of issues. Her focus is on providing a safe environment in which adults of all ages can explore and resolve issues relating to emotional distress. Stacey has experience delivering care and therapy for people experiencing depression, anxiety (including panic attacks), stress, loss and grief, relationship concerns, living with illness (life threatening, acute and chronic illness), phase of life issues including retirement, parenthood, and spiritual crisis.

Stacey primarily employs mindfulness integrated cognitive and behavioural therapies, the aim of which is to allow people to become more aware of and to relate differently to their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and bodily sensations. Mindfulness integrated therapies have been shown to be highly effective in the reduction of stress, including the severity and occurence of anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Mindfulness is also a core component of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Stacey is also trained in delivering clinical hypnosis for a range of issues. Hypnosis is a safe context for delivering meaningful therapeutic interventions of all kinds. Research on the effectiveness of hypnosis highlights the fact that hypnosis enhances treatment outcomes. Stacey is happy to answer your questions about hypnosis and will tailor a personalised hypnosis session for you to optomise effectiveness.

Stacey has a personal interest in Tibetan Buddhism and is also skilled in teaching relaxation and meditative techniques for the promotion of general wellbeing.


Dr Michelle Vickers

Dr Michelle Vickers is a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and personal circumstances. Michelle will work with those struggling with daily challenges, to those needing help with long term or chronic issues. She has practiced in both national and international settings - helping both individuals and organisations.

Michelle draws on a toolbox of different therapeutic approaches to find what would best suit each individual client, and she will discuss and adjust the approach as required to achieve the client’s goals.

A former Commissioned Officer and Psychologist in the Australian Army Reserves, Michelle has a particular interest in working with veterans and other Defence personnel. This includes helping clients with post ADF life adjustments and post traumatic stress.

In addition to her helpful, genuine approach and breadth of experience, Michelle provides an opportunity for her clients to safely consider their work and life challenges as a complex, integrated story through which they can journey during their sessions with Michelle, to make meaning, explore possibilities and find their full potential.

Michelle has a life long passion for personal improvement and development. She continues to leverage this passion for education and knowledge into to her daily work as a psychologist. She is currently studying a Master of Clinical Psychology degree to compliment her existing post-graduate (Doctorate) degree in Organisational Psychology.


Dr Jan Parr

Jan is a Clinical Psychologist, a full member of the Australian Psychological Society, a Clinical College member, and a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society. Jan's psychology practice encompasses over 20 years experience primarily working with adults and older adults experiencing difficulties with alcohol and drug use, anxiety and depression. Jan has worked extensively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to address alcohol and drug problems.

Jan has worked in private practice for over 5 years and her practice includes working with anxiety, depression and PTSD as well as health psychology including chronic diseases such as COPD, diabetes, pain, arthritis and healthy aging. Jan also works with individuals with cancer and assisting older adults to adjust to changes in their physical and psychological functioning.

Jan accepts referrals through Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, DVA and Workers Compensation.


Naja Wilke - currently on leave

Naja Wilke is a Registered Psychologist who enjoys learning about and sharing her knowledge of the incredible power of the human mind. She has a warm and genuine approach, working collaboratively with clients to overcome life challenges, build resilience, achieve personal goals, and lead more happy, health and connected lives. She assists individuals in addressing a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, body image, relationship difficulties and personality issues. Naja’s therapeutic approach encompasses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy. She has also completed training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and incorporates related strategies in her practice. Naja has completed a Masters Degree in Psychology (Clinical) at Queensland University of Technology, and is currently working towards endorsement in this area.

Danielle Brazel

Danielle is a Registered Psychologist holding qualifications in a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons I), and a Master of Clinical Psychology. Danielle has undertaken specialist training in the evidence-based therapeutic approaches of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Danielle’s particular areas of interest involve providing psychotherapy for adults in the areas of anxiety, stress, depression and relationship difficulties.

Danielle has an empathic and warn therapy style and adapts each treatment to suit the individual’s needs. Danielle is passionate about her work and deeply respects an individual’s courage in seeking psychological assistance. She views it as great privilege to assist an individual to address their needs and create meaningful change.


Maggie Riggs

Maggie is a Registered Psychologist holding qualifications in a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Honours, and a Masters in Clinical Psychology. She has undertaken specialist training in major evidence-based modalities including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Beahviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Maggie provides psychotherapy and psychological assessment to adults of all ages. Her areas of interest and specific training involve provision of psychotherapy for depression, stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, work-related difficulties and substance use.

Maggie has an empathic and nurturing approach to working with people. Maggie is dedicated to providing individualized treatment that is both practical and assists people to develop a greater understanding of themselves and their relationships with other people to achieve symptom relief. She also aims to help people take steps towards living a life of personal value and meaning.

Matthew Hall Matthew is a Registered Psychologist holding the qualifications of Bachelor of Psychology with Honours, and Master of Clinical Psychology. He has worked in government and non-government organisation roles with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) populations, and the LGBTQI community. Matthew has experience in providing individual and group interventions, and formal psychological assessments.
As a psychologist Matthew believes that each client's challenges are unique, and a client-focused approach is important to understanding and supporting them. Matthew integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, with elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Psycho Therapy (IPT) where appropriate. Matthew focuses on developing a warm, safe, and engaging environment for each client, working collaboratively and respectfully with them to achieve their goals by developing insight into how thoughts, feelings and behaviours and can effect and maintain emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties.
Matthew has a strong interest in the treatment of anxiety, stress, depression, grief and loss, chronic pain, self-harm, substance abuse, trauma, emotional difficulties, and relationship issues across the life-span. Matthew has an interest in the treatment of emotional difficulties, and treatment of learning and attention difficulties in children. Mental Health Accredited Social Worker Huan Ruan Huan has a Masters Degree in Social Work & has additionally attained the qualification of Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. Huan is experienced in treating depression, anxiety, as well as tobacco, alcohol and drug misuse. She has special interests in trauma, social anxiety and multicultural mental health.
As a priority, Huan strives to provide a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for her clients. Her passion is to assist & support those she works with, move towards the full and meaningful lives they desire, and to become the best possible versions of themselves.
She has a keen interest in using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy, to assist people resolve the impacts of past trauma or disturbing memories, which may impede upon their current lives & lifestyles.
Huan assists people develop the vital life skills of mindfulness and acceptance, and expand their capacity to deal with painful emotions by using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy).
Using CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), Huan assists clients challenge and adjust certain unhelpful and negative ways of thinking, to achieve an empowered understanding of their own state of mind and behaviours.
Huan works with adults of all ages. She is bilingual, offering services in both English and Mandarin.
In her free time, Huan is a qualified horticulturalist & regularly practices yoga. She enjoys cooking & values the company of friends and family.



Our Reception Team
Jane leads our Reception team, providing much valued reception support and direction for both administration and accounts payable departments.

Melissa and Evelyn are our receptionists at our Strathlink consult rooms. Talina manages our accounts department. Jane, Melissa and Evelyn are always approachable and willing to discuss any client feedback, suggestions or concerns.

If you have any questions or would like any further information, please contact our reception team on: 3205 4881 or 0466542722.
Today's Psychology.....we make a difference