Our Staff
Mr Ian Stapleton
Clinical, Child and Educational Psychologist – B.A., B.Ed., Grad.Dip.Clin.Hyp., MAPS, MASH, MISH
Specialising in: Clinical Psychology, Relationship Issues, Adolescents, Child & Educational, Counselling, Hypnotherapy
About Ian
Ian is a clinical psychologist with many years experience in private practice. He is also a child and educational psychologist and was previously a senior psychologist with the education department as well as officer in charge of several psychology and counselling, guidance and clinical service centres.
Ian is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and the International Council of Psychologists. He is also a fellow of the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists and also the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists.
Ian is also a family therapist and sex therapist.
Ian is an experienced and talented hypnotherapist who achieves exceptional outcomes for his clients. He is a member of the Australian Society of Hypnosis and also the International Society of Hypnosis.
Ian has a keen interest in flying and is an associate member of the Aerospace Medical Society. He is also an avid fly fisherman and Rotarian.
Ian works with adults, families, teenagers and children, across all areas of psychology. Ian was formally a consultant clinical psychologist with the Australian Defence Force and is currently a consultant clinical psychologist with Ambulance Victoria.
Ian has had many years experience working with clients using the full range of therapeutic strategies and behavioural interventions including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), hypnotherapy, counselling, and solution focused therapies based on mindfulness and wellbeing.
Ian has an easy rapport and a belief based on experience that all people can change and achieve their goals with the help of psychological insight spelled out in the adage “you’ll see it when you believe it”.
Rachel Pulfer
Clinical Psychologist
B.A.,Grad.Dip.Psych., M.Psych.Clinical, MAPS
Specialising in: Clinical Psychology, Children, Adolescents, Adults, Couples and Families
About Rachel
We are very pleased that Rachel has now joined the team of experienced psychologists at Bayside Psychology commencing on 13 April 2021.
Rachel is an experienced clinical psychologist who works across all areas of clinical psychology. She works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Rachel has an extensive background in both private practice and mental health organisations with adults, adolescents and children. Rachel has particular expertise working with behaviour problems and social emotional issues.
Rachel is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and a Fellow of the Australian Psychological College of Clinical Psychologists.
Rachel is highly trained and experienced in utilising a wide range of assessment measures and therapeutic strategies including cognitive Behaviour therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Positive Psychology, Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Family Therapy, Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, non-directive Play Therapy, Circle of Security, family based therapy and others.
Rachel has an extensive history of working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults and families affected by psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, school refusal, stress, grief, trauma, autism, eating disorders, personality disorders, relationship issues, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and low self-esteem.
Rachel’s approach to treatment is evidence based, client centred and flexible. She has an approachable style that provides support and understanding to support her clients during difficult times fostering behaviour change and lifelong learning and development.
Christie McKay
General Psychologist
B.A.Hons.(Psych.),Dip.ED
Specialising in: Adults, Couples & Adolescents (15+)
About Christie
Christie is a highly experienced psychologist who brings a mature approach to treating a wide range of DSM-5 presenting problems. Christie has worked in private practice for 15 years and takes a holistic approach to therapy.
Christie uses a variety of therapeutic interventions to assess, diagnose and treat the broad spectrum of presenting psychological problems.
These include:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPL), Schema Therapy, Mindfulness and Mindful CBT, Self-Compassion Therapy and Solution Focussed Therapy (SFT).
Christie works with Adults, couples and adolescents.
Christie has particular training and experience in relationship counselling and couples therapy. She has a special interest in attachment disorders and how these playout over a persons lifetime and have a significant impact on forming and maintaining cohesive relationships.
Christie is also highly experienced in treating other areas of presenting problems including depression, anxiety, phobias, addictions, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety, lonliness, self-esteem and personality disorders.
Christie works with issues involving domestic violence, anger management, problem solving and communication skills. She has an approachable, friendly therapeutic style and is committed to helping her clients achieve positive outcomes.
Tim Davern
Psychologist
Specialising in: Children, Adolescents, Adults & Older People
About Tim
Tim is a psychologist who can work with a variety of clients, including children, adolescents, adults and older people. Tim has experience with a range of conditions, including mood disorders (i.e., depression, anxiety), personality disorders, stress, anger, substance misuse and other complex presentations (i.e., psychosis). Tim is particularly passionate about tackling men’s mental health issues and breaking down the stigma associated with blokes experiencing emotional problems.
Tim has previously worked in private practice settings and is currently developing his knowledge and competencies in a range of evidence based therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, schema therapy, and interpersonal therapy, amongst others. Tim’s approach to therapy aims to integrate an adaptable evidence-based approach tailored to each client’s values, beliefs, circumstances, characteristics, culture and goals.
Tim also has over a decade of experience working as a policy professional, where he has been involved in developing population-based behaviour change initiatives and regulatory reform for state and national government in the areas of child road safety, young driver safety and for older road users. His clinical role at Bayside Psychology is complemented by his work as a Senior Policy Advisor with the Australian Psychological Society.
Peter Brown
Psychologist
Specialising in: Adolescents & Adults
*Available for Telehealth, Telephone & Video sessions
About Peter
Peter is an experienced psychologist who has extensive experience working in private practice and Community Health.
Peter’s areas of practice include: depression, anxiety, phobias and panic disorder, personality disorder, anger management, family violence, stress and coping, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional regulation issues, sexual abuse, self-esteem issues, assertiveness, and psychopathology assessments.
Peter has a Masters degree in Professional Psychology from Monash University, and a Bachelor degree of psychological science with honors from Deakin University. He has completed numerous other qualifications in psychology, counselling, family violence and gestalt therapy from Swinburne University.
Peter incorporates a wide range of therapeutic modalities in his treatment sessions.
These include cognitive Behaviour Therapies (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Transference Focused Psychotherapy (Psychodynamic), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Gestalt therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Mindfulness.
Peter works with adolescents and adults. His approach to therapy is holistic where he works actively and collaboratively with clients in a safe and supportive environment to assist them to manage their problems and achieve their goals.
Peter is only available for Telehealth, Telephone & Video sessions at this time. He is no longer available for face to face sessions.
Dr Amanda de Joinville
Counselling Psychologist & Psychotherapist
Specialising in: Adults, Couples and Families.
About Amanda
Amanda is an experienced counselling psychologist and psychotherapist oriented in both analytical and process oriented psychology. Amanda works across all areas of psychology with adults, couples and families. Amanda treats each client as a unique individual as issues are addressed, helping clients find and follow their own path. Emphasis is put not only on problems, but also connecting with one’s deeper self, creating the power to make one’s life meaningful which leads to sustainable change.
Amanda has excellent academic credentials which include a Ph.D. from studying at the University of California, Berkeley, a Master’s degree in psychology from Sonoma State University, a B.A., in psychology and criminology from the University of Melbourne, a B.Ed in counselling psychology from Latrobe University and extensive training in psychodynamic and analytical psychotherapy and process oriented psychology both in Australia and abroad.
As well as therapeutic approach to conscious concerns and issues which form the basis of many presenting problems leading to depression, anxiety, work place stress, family conflict, anger, sleep difficulties, eating disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, body symptoms, and family and relationship difficulties, Amanda also uses a “depth” psychological approach which lends itself to a deep listening to the symbolic language and narrative of each individual to awaken new awareness and possibilities leading to creating the opportunity for a renewed sense of self as well as a sense of wonder and awe.
Amanda has an easy communication style and a relaxed open sense of self and a belief that understanding and commitment can lead to change and the achievement of a happy, fulfilling and rewarding life.
Amanda has a particular interest and expertise in the material culture of wall painting in antiquity, specifically ancient Egypt and Greek and Roman wall painting on the Bay of Naples. Along with practical skills in wall painting (fresco), Amanda has her own clothing label Clos d’ Amand and loves all things French.
Candice James
Provisional Psychologist
Specialising in: Children, Adolescents and Adults.
About Candice
Candice has a background in private practice and school settings. Her expertise is in providing assessments, diagnoses and therapeutic interventions across a broad range of educational and behavioural problems with children, adolescents and adults. These include intellectual and educational assessments, ADHD for children and adults, autism, educational and schooling issues, behaviour problems, bullying, school refusal, gender issues, performance anxiety, giftedness, study techniques, memory improvement, parenting, stress management, sibling rivalry, adolescent counselling, anger, oppositional behaviour, making friends, sleep issues, grief and loss, social anxiety, eating disorders and trauma.
Candice takes an integrative, holistic approach to her clinical intervention practice and she uses a wide range of psychotherapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Clinical Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution Focussed Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing and Triple P Parenting. She also applies this holistic approach to her psychological and psychoeducation evaluations which are comprehensive and person-centred.
Psychology is a second career for Candice. She has previously had extensive experience working as a principal advisor in governance and compliance. After accruing more than 20 years of corporate work experience, as well as education in areas such as law, economics, linguistics and various languages, she has realised her vocational dream to serve the community as a psychologist.
With her focus on education, Candice believes in life-long learning, from gaining knowledge about the world around us to developing personal insight. One of her favourite quotes is from a poem by Walt Whitman, “I am large. I contain multitudes”. Candice can help you identify, acknowledge, and cultivate your strengths, so that you can live up to your potential and lead a joyous and fulfilling life.
Jacqueline Brannan
Provisional Psychologist
Specialising in: Children, Adolescents and Adults.
About Jacqueline
Jacqueline is a Provisional Psychologist who has experience working with people of all ages to reduce feelings of dissatisfaction, distress, anxiety or depression and improve self-esteem.
Jacqueline draws upon evidence based therapeutic interventions effective for a variety of presentations / circumstances including: performance/social anxiety, general anxiety, depression, attachment issues, relationship challenges, neurodiverse conditions, changes to health or life circumstances incl. grief and loss, personal development, victims of crime/traumatic events and self-destructive behaviours. Jacqueline utilises psychometric tools and processes to assist an individual, couple or family to identify and understand problems, perpetuating factors and core beliefs that hinder true potential, ability to achieve desired goals or live their best lives.
Jacqueline draws upon evidence based therapeutic interventions including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing and solution focussed therapy. Jacqueline works in a non-judgmental, collaborative and individualised manner to support her clients in achieving healthy balanced relationships with themselves and others.
Rita Newman
General Psychologist – BA (Psych); Grad.Dip.Applied Psychology; MAPS; MCOP
Specialising in: Specialising in General Counselling for Adolescents, Adults and Couples *Available also for telehealth, telephone and video sessions.
About Rita
Rita has been a registered Psychologist for over 20 years. During this time, she has worked in corporate environments in senior HR, Learning, Organisational Development and Psychology roles. During this time, she has provided counselling and coaching to a range of individuals across multiple organisations. She has also deep expertise in a range of psychometric tools and has led various teams in managing psychometric practices. Her approach is evidence based, client centred and flexible helping support people during difficult times fostering behaviour change and lifelong learning and development. This includes trauma and grief, relationship and family challenges, anxiety and depression, anger management and violence.
She is a member of the Psychology Board of Australia and Victoria College of Organisational Psychologists and has also completed executive coaching training with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership. She was also the recent Chair of the College of Organisational Psychologists and National Committee member, committed to progressing the psychology profession in Australia.
Rita has a warm and empathic style and is committed to helping her clients achieve positive outcomes.
Need to Talk?
Our professional and skilled psychologists are available to help you find solutions to a broad range of life problems including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, workplace stress, parenting and educational problems, anger, addictions and many more.
We are open Monday to Friday from 9am - 6pm.