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.
Peter Brown
Psychologist
Specialising in: Adults (18+)
*Available for Face-to-Face and Telehealth (Video) sessions
About Peter
Peter is an experienced psychologist with extensive experience in private practice and Community Health.
Peter’s areas of practice include:
Personality disorder, identity issues and low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional and behavioural problems, family violence, anger management, stress management, assertiveness, as well as psychopathology assessments.
Peter has a Master’s degree in Professional Psychology from Monash University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science (Honours) from Deakin University. He has also completed numerous other qualifications in psychology, including qualifications in counselling, family violence counselling, and group facilitation from Swinburne University and an Advanced Diploma in Gestalt Therapy. He has also trained in a wide range of therapeutic modalities that he incorporates in his treatment sessions.
These include:
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
- Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (Psychodynamic)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Gestalt therapy
- Clinical Hypnosis
- Family Violence Men’s Behaviour Change Programs
Peter works with adults (18+). His holistic approach to therapy involves actively and collaboratively working with clients in a safe and supportive environment to achieve their goals. Peter is available for Face-to-Face and Telehealth (Video) 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.
Demi Adams
Provisional Psychologist
Specialising in: Specialising in Children & Adolescents.
About Demi
Demi is an early career psychologist who brings a wealth of life experience alongside a strong academic foundation.
She is currently working within community and school settings, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our practice team on a part-time basis while she continues to broaden her clinical expertise.
Demi has a natural ability to connect with children and adolescents, building warm and supportive therapeutic relationships. She is skilled in conducting a wide range of cognitive, neurodevelopmental, and academic assessments, including those related to ADHD, executive functioning, intellectual ability and learning difficulties such as trauma and adjustment to parental separation, oppositional behaviours, anger difficulties, developmental delays, and autism spectrum presentations.
Demi’s relaxed inclusive, and child centered approach helps young people fee at ease, supporting meaningful therapeutic engagement and positive outcomes.
Rita Newman
General Psychologist – BA (Psych); Grad.Dip.Applied Psych; MAPS; MCOP. Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (via AHPRA)
Specialising in: General Counselling for Adolescents and Adults. *Available also for telehealth, telephone and video sessions.
About Rita
Rita is a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience supporting individuals to improve their mental health, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges. She combines a warm, practical, and evidence-based approach, drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and holistic wellbeing principles to help clients achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Rita supports adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, life transitions, relationship challenges, trauma and grief, and goal setting. She is particularly passionate about empowering individuals to build confidence, manage overwhelming emotions, and develop the tools they need for long-term wellbeing and personal growth. Rita also offers ADHD assessments for adults and teens.
In addition to her clinical work, Rita has held senior roles in corporate psychology, organisational development, and coaching. She brings deep experience in psychometric assessments, executive coaching, and behaviour change – supporting people at all levels to thrive personally and professionally.
Rita is a Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (via AHPRA), a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS), and a Member of the APS College of Organisational Psychologists (MCOP). She was formerly the Chair of the College of Organisational Psychologists in Victoria and a National Committee Member, and has completed executive coach training with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL). Rita is also an experienced Non-Executive Director (NED), currently serving on the Board of a not-for-profit organisation, and has previously held Board roles in the corporate sector.
Rita is known for her empathetic, down-to-earth style and commitment to helping people overcome barriers and move forward with purpose.
Nele Lowrie
Clinical Psychologist – B.A Hons (Psych), M. Psych (Clinical)
Specialising in: Specialising in Children, Adolescents & Adults.
About Nele
Nele is an experienced clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and adults across all ages and backgrounds. Nele has a warm and empathetic approach to supporting her clients. She values creating a safe space and trusting therapeutic relationship so that her clients are heard and supported during difficult times facilitating positive change and to help them, deepen their understanding of themselves and find solutions to move forward, and increase their overall well being. Nele loves working collaboratively with people to draw upon their strengths and assist them to overcome problems and create a better future.
Nele has gained experience over many years working with adolescents and adults, and their families, across various settings within public mental health and in community mental health organisations, providing psychological therapy, assessments, and parent-child interventions. She has expertise in diagnosing, assessing, and treating various psychological problems, including depression, anxiety disorders (e.g. social anxiety, phobias, general anxiety), trauma-related conditions (including PTSD, complex PTSD, developmental trauma), stress, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, parent-child conflict, low self-esteem, difficulties in regulating emotions, and behavioural difficulties.
Nele is passionate about providing assessment and therapy that is evidence-based, flexible, and personalised, drawing upon a number of approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and family-based therapies.
Nele is also a trained practitioner in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), which is an evidence-based therapy modality that focuses on supporting individuals and families to recognise and work towards shifting unhelpful patterns that are present in their lives and relationships which often present a barrier in moving forward.
Outside of work, Nele enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family, going on bike tours, hikes, or spending a day at the beach.
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.