Melissa Farr

Clinical Psychologist 

Melissa opened Bold Psychology in 2015 with the aim of providing a warm, family friendly environment in which people of all ages could access quality psychological treatment. Melissa is a clinical psychologist with a strong background in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Body Image issues. She sees clients of all ages and has a variety of therapeutic approaches which can be individualised to suit the client’s needs. 

• Kids can expect sessions to include games, drawing/art, chatting and skill development. Parents are always included for part of the session to ensure open communication, feedback and involvement in practicing skills outside of session.
• Adult sessions are client-centred and follow the path that the client wishes to take. This typically involves developing a sense of personal values, processing and experiencing emotions, and re-framing thought patterns. Activities can include mindfulness, relaxation, cognitive restructuring and gradual exposure. 

Clients are encouraged to include family members in their treatment where suitable, as each person has an important role to play in the web of family!

Qualifications:

Clinical Psychologist

MA (Psych) Clinical; BA (Psych) hons.

Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

Member of the Association for Psychologists in Developmental Disability

Approved service provider for Medicare Autism Services

Approved service provider for Medicare Pregnancy Support

Publications:

Rachel Dryer, Melissa Farr, Izumi Hiramatsu & Stephanie Quinton (2016); The Role of Sociocultural Influences on Symptoms of Muscle Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders in Men, and the Mediating Effects of Perfectionism. Behavioural Medicine, 42:3, 174-182.

Georgia Heraghty

Registered Psychologist 

Georgia is a qualified counsellor and psychologist and is passionate about helping people of all ages.  She has experience in working with clients managing depression, anxiety, stress, grief, identity issues, bullying, learning difficulties, disability, and life on the Autism Spectrum.

Georgia is motivated to assist both individuals and their families to reduce their stress by improving support and communication to make meaningful changes in their lives. 

Georgia draws upon knowledge from various evidence-based theories and modalities of therapy, including cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, person-centred therapy, and family systems therapy. 

Georgia values a collaborative and inclusive approach to therapy, with a focus on building self-confidence, independence, and empowerment to promote healing change.   As Georgia is a registered psychologist, you may access rebates for sessions through the Medicare Better Access initiative, private health funds, and NDIS funding. 

Qualifications: 

• Registered Psychologist 
• Bachelor of Arts - Psychology with the degree of Bachelor of Health – Macquarie University 
• Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) – Deakin University 
• Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy – Australian College of Applied Psychology 
• Member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 

Kirsten O'Halloran

Provisional Counsellor 

Kirsten is a valued facilitator within our group programs. As a provisional counsellor Kirsten provides services to clients for vocational and education support, developing social skills and emotional regulation skills.

Sessions with Kirsten use evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focussed Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Mindfulness.

Kirsten strives to ensure each client feels heard, placing great emphasis on engaging with her clients and tailoring interventions to their needs.

Kirsten is passionate about helping children and adolescents find balance in managing moods and anxiety through creative and innovative approaches. Kirsten can assist individuals with issues in relationships, career, emotional regulation, interpersonal skills and self esteem.

Kirsten is well on her way to a successful career in Psychology having achieved First Class Honours and being placed on the Dean’s Merit List.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) - University of Wollongong (UOW) 
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – University of Wollongong 
• Diploma of Counselling 
• Member of the Australian Counselling Association M.A.C.A 
  

Lexie

Resident Therapy Dog

Lexie the Toy Cavoodle is the cuddliest member of the team at Bold Psychology.  Lexie holds a unique role as a therapy dog to help calm the space and teach many important skills that us humans may need assistance with.  Some of the reported benefits of pet therapy include:

• lower blood pressure
• release of endorphins (happy, calming affect)
• reduction of physical pain
• increased mood - reduced depression
• reduced anxiety
• increased focus
• increased literacy skills
• provides a non-stressful, non-judgemental environment
• increased self-esteem and self confidence

(Information retrieved from www.pawsforpeople.org)

We respect that dogs may not provide comfort for all, and therefore will always check how you feel about Lexie's presence in sessions prior to attending.