Joy is an experienced psychologist specializing in working with adults, adolescents, and children. With over 15 years in the field, she has accumulated extensive experience across a variety of clinical settings. Her areas of interest encompass mental health across the lifespan, including ante and post-natal mental health, fertility counseling, anxiety disorders, stress and coping strategies, and the psychological well-being of older adults. Joy employs a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness techniques. She provides services at PRA on Saturdays. Her areas of expertise include: Depression Anxiety Disorders (such as social anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, and general stress and worry) Pain Management Anger Management Stress Management Trauma (all types) Grief and Loss Perinatal Support for Mothers Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Relationship Counseling Mental Health in Older Adults Personal Growth (including assertiveness, self-esteem, and social skills) Workplace Issues

Dr. Angela Anthonysamy is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute and complex trauma, chronic depression, and anxiety, particularly in adults who have endured childhood abuse and other traumatic experiences. She has extensive experience working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and brings a deep understanding of child and infant mental health. Dr. Anthonysamy’s background includes serving as a Parent-Child Interaction Therapist (PCIT) at Griffith University, where she collaborated with families at risk of child abuse. She also worked as a psychologist at Lifeline Crisis Counselling Centre on the Gold Coast, addressing acute trauma in both children and adults. Her career includes significant roles in therapy, supervision, and training related to child sexual abuse. After relocating to the United States, she trained and worked at the YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health in New Jersey, focusing on high-risk families and mothers with postnatal depression and parenting challenges rooted in early childhood trauma. Dr. Anthonysamy's qualifications include Clinical Psychology Training and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, with additional training in Somatic Experiencing (SE), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Level 1), and Structural Dissociation Model Therapy for complex trauma. She is committed to ongoing Master-level training and supervision in PTSD and related fields. Her interests include neurobiology, spirituality in trauma healing, and meditative practices, all of which she integrates into her work. With a strong foundation in cross-cultural counselling, Dr. Anthonysamy is attuned to diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, having lived in various countries. Fluent in Malay and Tamil, she migrated to Australia as an adult. For appointments with Dr. Anthonysamy, please email drangelaanthonysamy@gmail.com

Dr. Elbina Avdagic is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in clinical and research roles across both public and private sectors, including Queensland Health, Griffith University, and private practice. While her current focus is on adult mental health, Dr. Avdagic also brings extensive experience working with families and children. At Griffith University, Dr. Avdagic contributed to the Family Interaction Program, delivering parenting programs such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Parent-Toddler Together, and the Circle of Security. Her diverse practice spans community, hospital, and private settings, addressing a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety disorders, behavioral and developmental difficulties, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment disorders, and personality disorders. She also conducts diagnostic, educational, adaptive behavior, and cognitive assessments for individuals of all ages. Dr. Avdagic earned her Bachelor of Psychology with Honours and completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Griffith University Gold Coast. During her PhD, she facilitated groups for individuals with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Her clinical approach is collaborative, client-centered, and strength-based, aiming to foster positive changes in clients' lives. Dr. Avdagic employs a variety of therapeutic interventions, including CBT, mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), attachment-based therapies, and motivational interviewing.

Dr. Jasmina Markovski is a clinical psychologist with 15 years of experience in psychiatric hospitals and private practice. She has extensive experience in providing both group programs and individual treatment for clients dealing with moderate to severe, often long-standing issues. Her areas of expertise include personality disorders, chronic depression, eating disorders, psychosis, bipolar disorder, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and addictions. While her primary experience is in outpatient settings, she also has substantial experience in hospital inpatient care. This comprehensive background equips her with the skills necessary for thorough assessment and the ability to select the most effective therapeutic interventions for various acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Markovski completed her PhD focusing on chronic, treatment-resistant depression, investigating how early childhood experiences influence personality and the development of chronic depression. Her research highlighted that individuals with severe depression often have underlying personality vulnerabilities, making them less responsive to biological or medical treatments. This means that medication alone is often insufficient, and even when not in a depressive episode, these individuals may struggle with persistent negative self-perception and dissatisfaction despite positive experiences. Driven by a passion for assisting those with long-standing emotional difficulties, Dr. Markovski is committed to helping clients who feel abandoned by traditional systems. These individuals may experience mood fluctuations, anxiety, pervasive self-doubt, negative self-criticism, low self-esteem, and perfectionistic tendencies. They often struggle with self-destructive coping mechanisms and may feel lost in their diagnosis or symptoms. Dr. Markovski is dedicated to providing a supportive space for clients to connect authentically with themselves and work towards meaningful, lasting change. She works with adults and older adolescents from all genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds, approaching each client with openness, honesty, and respect. Dr. Markovski's areas of interest and experience include: Chronic, treatment-resistant depression Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic, OCD) Complex trauma, PTSD, and dissociative phenomena Mood disorders (depression, bipolar, pre and post-natal depression) Eating disorders and body image issues Personality disorders and emotion dysregulation Addictions Psychotic disorders Grief and complicated grief reactions Dr. Markovski’s therapeutic approach is focused on addressing both current issues and underlying maladaptive patterns that perpetuate struggles. She integrates a range of therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic therapy, DBT, mindfulness, ACT, CBT, motivational interviewing, behavioral interventions, and somatic techniques. Her practice is largely informed by Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and incorporates research and insights from neurobiology and trauma-informed therapies. Committed to continuous learning and development, Dr. Markovski combines compassion with an active engagement in your healing and recovery process, using psycho-education and skills training as needed to optimize treatment outcomes.

Dr Kamal Singh Dhaliwal is a Clinical Psychologist with experience in working with adults and adolescent clients presenting with anxiety, panic, depression, workplace stress, post-traumatic stress, anger and OCD, as well as working with couples experiencing relationship/marital difficulties. He graduated with an Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Queensland in 1981, and obtained his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Griffith University on the Gold Coast. He is also a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and is registered to practice as a Clinical Psychologist with the national Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Kamal was a registered professional supervisor for the Queensland Psychologist’s Board for 15 years. In this capacity, he supervised both provisionally and fully registered Psychologists, as well as postgraduate Masters and PhD level psychology students for Griffith University. He was also Clinic Manager of the Nyunga Student and Family Counselling Centre, which was a joint project of Catholic Education and Griffith University. He is also a Professional Mentor to new psychology graduates under the Griffith University Industry Mentoring Scheme. Areas of Interest and Experience Depression Anxiety/panic disorders/OCD Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Grief/loss Couples therapy for Marital/relationship problems Divorce/separation Impact of childhood traumas on current functioning Anger Workplace stress Dr Kamal Singh Dhaliwal also has extensive experience in the area of child abuse, neglect and family dysfunction, and routinely conducts psycho-social assessments and prepares reports for the Department of Child Safety and the courts. He is accredited to provide therapy services for WorkCover Queensland, ComCare, Medicare, private health funds, insurance companies and Employee Assistance Schemes (EAS). Kamal works from a strong clinical, client-centered eclectic base which includes Psycho-education, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, existential/meaning oriented therapy, and is also trained in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Dr. Wai Ling Choi is a Consultant Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychiatrist who trained in Canberra (ACT) and Newcastle (NSW). He provides care to clients from infancy through age 25, as well as those in need of specialized perinatal psychiatric care. Dr. Choi recently served as a staff specialist at Cairns Hospital and continues to offer outreach child and youth psychiatry services at Cairns Children's Clinic. His expertise spans a broad range of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive issues in children and adolescents, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Choi has a particular interest in attachment and trauma disorders, especially when these issues significantly impact a child’s development. With a background as a General Practitioner, Dr. Choi is highly attuned to the importance of primary care in delivering collaborative, integrated, and holistic care to children and their families. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Wai Ling Choi, please contact the practice.

Kim Wood is a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of experience, having worked in a diverse range of roles across the Gold Coast, Australia, and London, England. She brings a warm and focused approach to her practice, blending challenge with compassion, and is fully committed to helping you achieve your lifestyle goals. Throughout her career, Kim has held several roles she finds particularly fulfilling: Assisting individuals with moderate to severe anxiety disorders or depression through GP referrals. Providing sexual health counseling, supporting adults and young people facing challenges such as sexually transmitted illnesses (including HIV/AIDS), questioning their sexuality, dealing with sexual dysfunction, or coping with sexual violence (supporting both male and female survivors). Working with offenders within the criminal justice system, addressing their mental health concerns. Helping individuals who are experiencing co-occurring mental health and addiction issues. Supporting those with severe and enduring mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, within the public health system. Gaining experience in working with refugees, asylum seekers, and non-native English speakers, many of whom have endured torture or trauma in their home countries. Kim is highly trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), having completed a Post-Graduate Diploma at Oxford University in England—a highly respected program—and further advanced her training with Master Classes at the London Institute of Psychiatry, a leading CBT training institute. This extensive training enables her to deliver one of the 'gold standard' interventions for a broad spectrum of mental health challenges. Kim is an endorsed Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), a 10-year member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and a member of both the APS Clinical Psychologists College and the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). She has published at least three papers (with another co-authorship on the way) and has presented at numerous conferences, including three presentations at the World Congress for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies in Melbourne in 2016. Areas of Interest and Expertise: Depression Anxiety disorders of all types Trauma (including sexual trauma) Substance abuse Anger management Relationship counseling Personality disorders Workplace difficulties Personal growth, including assertiveness and self-esteem Sexuality and gender identity issues Offending behaviors Sexual issues Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Motivational Interviewing Couple Counseling Mindfulness

Mark Nikolich (general psychologist): Psychologist working with adults and adolescents. Mark has had a broad range of experience helping people from general populations to older adult clinical settings. His areas of interest include men's health, anxiety disorders, depression, stress, burnout and coping strategies, anger management and support for older adults. Mark employs a wide range of therapeutic approaches including CBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, emotion-focused therapy and solution-focused therapy.

Patrick McGee earned his Bachelor of Psychology and Master's Degree in Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychology from the University of Western Sydney. With over 30 years of experience, Patrick has gained extensive knowledge across a wide range of psychological presentations and interventions. His primary focus has been on the well-being of children, adolescents, and their families. Patrick has extensive experience treating children with behavioral and learning difficulties, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety disorders, childhood depression, and issues related to harassment and bullying. He also has a decade of experience providing psychological services to individuals with developmental impairments, including Autism and pervasive developmental disorders. In addition to his work with children, Patrick is highly skilled in helping couples resolve marital and family conflicts. He has found that addressing the needs of children often involves the whole family, and he frequently employs the Systemic Family Therapy model in these cases. Patrick utilizes a variety of therapeutic interventions, including short-term solution-focused therapy, psychotherapy, rational-emotive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. He also has considerable experience using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to treat depressive and anxiety disorders, substance and process addictions, anger management, and sexual dysfunction related to men's health. Known for his thoughtful, calm, and caring approach, Patrick combines this demeanor with effective therapies to facilitate lasting change for his clients. Areas of Interest and Expertise: Anxiety Separation anxiety Obsessive-compulsive disorders Personality disorders Performance anxiety Depressive disorders Workplace stress and bullying Conflict resolution Assertiveness training Anger management Marital and couples counseling Family counseling Grief and loss Addictive behaviors Behavioral disorders in childhood Sexual dysfunction disorders in males Medico-legal reports Workers' compensation cases Life coaching Sexual, physical, and psychological abuse and trauma Therapeutic Approaches: Brief solution-focused therapy Motivational interviewing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Psychodynamic therapy Rational-emotive therapy Interpersonal therapy Systemic family therapy Art therapy for children Sand play therapy for children

Paul Rushton is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience, specializing in a wide range of issues, particularly anxiety disorders and acute trauma. For over 20 years, he has worked extensively with emergency first responders. As the Principal Psychologist of PRA Psychology, Paul has also held several academic positions, including Clinical Assistant Professor at Bond University, Lecturer at Griffith University, and Sessional Lecturer at the University of Queensland's Medical School. His career in Queensland Health's mental health services spanned over a decade until 2003, during which he held senior roles such as Senior Clinical Psychologist and Manager of the Gold Coast Mental Health Service, overseeing more than 200 staff. His expertise extends across clinical psychology, government mental health services, performance coaching, and employee assistance programs. Paul is deeply committed to helping people improve their lives. He excels in guiding clients to better understand themselves, identify what holds them back from achieving their goals, and build the relationships they desire. He also offers performance coaching for individuals seeking to enhance specific areas of their lives, such as business or sports performance. Over the years, Paul has provided consultancy services to various sporting and mid-sized organizations and has extensive experience working with emergency services personnel, including police, fire, and ambulance employees. Paul's vast experience enables him to meet the diverse needs of his clients, whether they seek sessions to process thoughts and feelings, learn strategies and skills, change unhelpful thinking and emotional patterns, gain deeper self-understanding, or resolve chronic and complex issues. In addition to his clinical work, Paul has delivered training workshops across Australia and internationally. Notably, he has trained staff within the Singapore Government in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Mindfulness. He is also a certified Trainer and Supervisor in Interpersonal Psychotherapy with the International Society of IPT. To book a session with Paul, please contact the practice.

Philippe Moll is bilingual in English and French, enabling him to interact confidently with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. His personal and professional experiences span five countries, including some Pacific Islands, enriching his ability to connect with clients from various walks of life. Philippe’s therapeutic approach integrates a broad range of evidence-based interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with a particular interest in mindfulness. His therapeutic style is non-judgmental and humanistic, with a strong clinical focus on addressing each individual's unique needs. Family is of great importance to Philippe, as he is married with three children. He is comfortable working with clients of all ages and has particularly enjoyed helping children and adolescents with developmental difficulties, such as ADHD, learning disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (including Asperger’s Syndrome). Philippe has also gained valuable experience in administering neuropsychological assessments and providing therapy to both younger and older individuals. Philippe has developed a professional interest in working with older adults, particularly those with neurocognitive disorders like dementia, as well as individuals experiencing depressive and anxiety disorders. His expertise extends to working with adults affected by psychotic symptoms, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, emotional dysregulation, grief and loss, trauma (including PTSD), and relationship difficulties. Additionally, Philippe has been actively involved in community compassion-related services and welfare projects. Areas of Interest and Expertise: Depression Anxiety disorders, including phobias Grief and loss Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Workplace stress Dementia-related disorders Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Narrative Therapy (NT) Reminiscence Therapy for older adults Play Therapy for children Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Bipolar and related disorders Trauma and PTSD Psychotic disorders Psychoeducation Mindfulness Motivational Interviewing (MI)

PLEASE NOTE THAT STEPHANIE ONLY WORKS WITH CLIENTS THAT HAVE ADHD OR ARE AFTER HIGH PERFORMANCE COACHING. Stephanie Plahn earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Clinical Psychology in the United States in 2007. She began her career working with government agencies and large non-profit organizations in underprivileged areas, collaborating with schools and specialists to support families and students with additional needs. Over the years, Stephanie has worked in various fields before transitioning into private practice. After her own diagnosis, along with her sons, she developed a strong interest in ADHD and its comorbidities, recognizing the need for more specialized support in this area. Her mission is to enhance treatment outcomes and challenge societal misconceptions about ADHD. With personal insight into the challenges of ADHD, Stephanie brings a dynamic and compassionate approach to her work. She has a particular focus on high-performing individuals, including young athletes and professionals who are motivated to advance their careers or sporting goals. ADHD and High-Performance Coaching Managing life with ADHD can be overwhelming, especially when trying to determine where to start making effective changes. Stephanie’s approach begins with helping clients assess what truly matters to them. Through an initial evaluation, she identifies areas where clients may be overcommitting or underperforming, creating a tailored plan for moving forward. The Importance of Routine: While most people benefit from routines, for individuals with ADHD, they are essential. With minds easily distracted by life’s constant stimuli, having a structured plan is crucial to staying on track. Stephanie helps clients identify and implement the most vital routines to support their immediate needs. Stephanie works with clients who are committed to self-improvement. She emphasizes that the process is not about perfection—each day brings unique challenges. Together, they aim to achieve more, pushing through obstacles while celebrating progress. Using integrative, evidence-based approaches such as mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Stephanie provides a nurturing yet motivating environment to help clients thrive on their ADHD journey and live the life they desire.

Deborah is a Registered Psychologist with nearly 40 years of experience across community, clinical, academic, and corporate settings. She has worked with individuals, couples, teams, and young people at institutions including Macquarie University in Sydney and Bond University on the Gold Coast. In recent years, Deborah has focused intensively on Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), also known as developmental or early life trauma. CPTSD can manifest in various ways, such as disproportionate reactions to current situations. It stems from how early life experiences shaped our nervous system and survival adaptations. As adults, these trauma impacts can make it challenging to consistently express our true selves in work, parenting, and relationships. Addressing trauma often requires more than cognitive approaches; somatic work is essential. Trauma can also have long-term effects on physical health through inflammatory processes. Clients may seek Deborah's help for issues related to childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety, sleep problems, feelings of being overwhelmed, loss of purpose, emotional shutdown, addiction, and general distress despite best efforts. Deborah examines both current issues and how patterns established in early life experiences may be perpetuated through nervous system dysregulation, not just through thoughts or behaviors. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge with the community, having developed trauma healing courses for young people, adults, and therapists, and created wellbeing resources for educational institutions and organizations. Her therapeutic modalities include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) / Mindfulness Somatic Psychotherapy and 'Parts Work' Interpersonal Neurobiology Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Positive Psychology Deborah views her work as a sacred task, committed to supporting you in your life, relationships, and healing journey. She believes everyone has the right to a fulfilling life that reflects their true nature, marked by secure and confident engagement with the world and the pleasure, purpose, and wholeness that come from experiencing life fully through your unique strengths and talents. Deborah is here to help you on this path.

Susan Crisford is a Clinical Psychologist with over a decade of experience, specializing in mental health concerns across all age groups. While she initially worked with clients as young as four years old to the elderly, she now focuses on individuals aged 18 and above. Her diverse professional background, developed through various settings, has given her a comprehensive understanding of mental health issues. Susan is deeply committed to helping her clients improve their lives, circumstances, and relationships. Her blend of honesty, authenticity, and expertise allows her to guide individuals toward a better quality of life and enhanced well-being. Over the past 12 years, Susan has worked extensively with children, adolescents, and their parents in a variety of settings. She has worked in numerous primary and secondary schools on the Gold Coast and spent five years at Headspace Southport. There, she supported teenagers and young adults aged 12 to 25 with a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, suicidal ideation, trauma, self-esteem issues, bullying, Autism Spectrum Disorder, behavioral problems, and early psychosis. She also has experience working with individuals from the LGBTI+ community. After earning her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2007, Susan worked with adults and the elderly in the government sector, focusing on Chronic Disease Management. She provided therapy for patients dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment to diagnosis, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes. Later, in the private sector, she conducted comprehensive clinical assessments, managed workers’ compensation claims, vocational assessments, rehabilitation/return-to-work management, and job recruitment assessments. She also consulted on organizational health reviews, team and leadership interventions, and coaching. Throughout this time, she continued to provide clinical assessments and treatment for a range of psychological issues affecting adolescents and adults, including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and stress. Today, Susan continues to work with a diverse range of clients, including performance-focused individuals such as business executives, professional athletes, and others motivated to optimize their performance in personal and professional domains. Susan holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, a Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours, and a Bachelor of Psychology. She is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and a Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Areas of Interest and Expertise: Depression Anxiety disorders of all types Trauma Relationship difficulties Bullying Grief and loss Workplace difficulties Anger management Personal growth, including assertiveness and self-esteem Athletic, business, and professional performance Life coaching Identity issues