“Wholeness is not achieved by cutting off a portion of one’s being, but by integration of the contraries” – C.G. Jung

Contact Us

WELCOME

Thank you for visiting Connect Psychological Services website. Connect is a private psychology practice established in 2017. We are independent practitioners who offer a personalised service to clients for a range of presenting issues.

Our convenient location in Kearns Crescent, Ardross, is just a few minutes west of the Canning Highway exit of the Kwinana Freeway, which makes us readily accessible to clients from much of the Perth metropolitan area. Adding to the appeal, Kearns Crescent boasts free, one-hour street parking and a terrific range of cafes and restaurants.

A referral is not necessary to make an appointment, however a Medicare rebate may apply for clients referred under a GP Mental Health Care Plan. Please speak with your practitioner about additional information on fees and rebates.

Please note, our practice operates on a ‘by appointment only’ basis.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

We believe our clients are more than just their symptoms. People are, by nature, wonderfully complex beings comprised of thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and associated behaviours, which arise from their life history and personal circumstances.

At times we can feel hijacked by our thoughts, confused by feelings, or overwhelmed by seemingly inexplicable physical sensations, and even surprised by our own behaviours. This, understandably, can lead to distress.

We aim to help people to regain the connection between these various elements, to understand their experiences as they relate to their personal life context, and to experience a greater awareness of situations and experiences that can result in the loss of this connection. From these experiences, clients can begin to feel more connected with themselves, and with others, with a reduction in symptoms, and move towards greater psychological health. Our practitioners use a range of evidence-based methods and models, frequently in an integrated way, and carefully tailor therapy to suit an individual client’s personal needs and unique circumstances.

Because we recognise that some clients may benefit from a range of health interventions, we are committed to a whole-person approach in caring for our clients. We value the opportunity to work collaboratively with other health professionals as needed, and have established networks with:

 

 

  • General Practitioners
  • Pain Specialists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Exercise Physiologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Yoga Therapists

 

 

In addition to seeing clients for therapy, we enjoy mentoring and supporting psychology registrars, students and other mental health professionals in their professional development. Gemma and other practitioners are APS board approved supervisors. If you are seeking supervision, please contact the individual practitioner for more information.

OUR PRACTITIONERS

Our practitioners are committed to professional development. We believe it is essential to maintain knowledge of current theories and models of practice, and to continually develop and broaden our knowledge to ensure we can offer the best possible care to our clients. We achieve this by participating in professional development workshops, attending conferences, and utilising clinical supervision and peer consultancy on a regular basis.

GEMMA BARTER

MPsych, BPsych, DipModLangs MAPS FCCOUNP

Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, Member of Association of Counselling Psychologists, Member of Australian Pain Society, Yoga for Pain Care Practitioner (Health professional)

I have worked with adults and older adolescents in a number of different clinical settings, including the alcohol and other drug sector, Employee Assistance Programs and a multidisciplinary pain management clinic.

I have worked at universities in a teaching capacity and continue to lecture in postgraduate counselling programs. My areas of experience and interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Anxiety
  • Alcohol and/or other drug issues
  • Chronic pain
  • Depression
  • Interpersonal and relationship difficulties
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder and complex trauma
  • Self-esteem
  • Stress
  • Clinical supervision
  • Worker’s compensation/ Motor Vehicle Accident insurance claims
  • DVA clients

My overarching approach is working from a person-centred perspective. That is, working collaboratively with the person on what their needs and goals are at the time, and drawing on a range of evidence-based approaches to best meet the needs of the person. I use therapeutic models such as interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, schema focused therapy, EMDR, mindfulness and sensorimotor psychotherapy to assist clients resolve psychological problems and to improve their psychological health.

I am a PBA approved supervisor and offer group and individual clinical supervision to: provisional psychologists as part of their internship; counselling and clinical psychologists (registrars); M.Psych students; and to psychologists, counsellors, and mental health professionals.

0403 309 523
Email Gemma
0403 309 523
Email Gemma
Jennifer Loyd
JENNIFER LLOYD

Counselling & Clinical Psychologist
MPsych (Counselling),
MPsych (Clinical), DipEd

Jennifer is a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist with over 40 years of experience working with adults and older adults in counselling and mental health settings. Jennifer has gained a wealth of experience across public health, tertiary education, training, and private practice settings. 

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Psychology (UWA), Diploma in Education (UWA) and dual master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology (Curtin University) and Counselling Psychology (Curtin University).

Jennifer has experience in working with clients who have OCD. She uses Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to treat OCD, which is widely considered to be the evidence-based ‘gold standard’ therapy for OCD. Following ERP, Jennifer is able to draw on her experience of additional evidence-based psychological treatments, where clinically appropriate, to assist individuals experiencing treatment-resistant OCD and/or co-occurring psychological conditions. Jennifer is experienced in Imagery Rescripting, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Schema Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Jennifer has a special interest in assisting individuals with treatment-resistant OCD and co-occurring trauma. Jennifer’s experience includes a significant number of years working with individuals who have experienced trauma, sexual or physical abuse and with culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

Jenny takes a humanistic approach and has a trauma informed practice. Trauma-informed refers to being responsive to and understanding the needs of physical and emotional safety for clients. Empowering clients to make their own decisions in their own time and maintaining a sense of control. Jenny has compassion and concern for victims of trauma.

Jennifer is a board approved supervisor for endorsement and registration.

Areas of special interest and experience:

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Treatment-resistant OCD
  • PTSD
  • Vicarious trauma from provision of services to victims of trauma
  • Sexual Assault/Abuse
  • Overcoming shame, guilt, and violations of trust
  • General unhappiness and dissatisfaction with life
  • Depression
  • Stress management
  • Anxiety
  • General adjustment and life transitions
  • Chronic pain and adjustment to chronic health conditions
  • Grief & Bereavement
0427 910 777
Email Jennifer
0427 910 777
Email Jennifer
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VANESSA WATSON

Clinical Psychologist
BSc Hons (Psychology), Masters (Clinical Psychology)

Since graduating from Curtin University in 2006 I have worked as a clinical psychologist in adult, youth, and child/adolescent mental health services. My clients include individuals and groups that present with a range of difficulties.

More recently, I have worked within a specialist youth mental health service providing psychological treatment to marginalised young people, such as young people of diverse sexuality and gender. In addition, I have provided professional supervision and conducted training on a number of topics within the youth sector and am a member of the Trans Pathways research team. In my private practice adolescents and adults are welcome to seek my services for a range of difficulties. Additionally I work with children and families regarding gender issues.

Areas of practice
I provide psychological services to young people and adults with any of the following presenting problems:

  • Depression and mood-related disorders
  • Anxiety disorders, and other mental health concerns
  • Relationship and family issues
  • Trauma and stress
  • Grief and loss
  • Self-harm
  • School difficulties
  • Sexuality issues
  • Gender identity issues
  • Self-esteem and other identity issues

I am also a PBA approved supervisor and provide clinical supervision.

My therapeutic approach is to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for people to explore the meaning of their difficulties, to better understand themselves and their relationships, and to explore ways to resolve their current dilemmas and issues. My clinical practice is informed by the following models of practice:

  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Schema therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment therapy
  • Interpersonal therapy
  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy
0478 124 625
Email Vanessa
0478 124 625
Email Vanessa
image-jo-web1
JOANNE SKIPWORTH

Counselling Psychologist
MPsych (Counselling Psychology), PGradDip (Psychology), BA (Psychology & Addiction)

I am an endorsed Counselling Psychologist who works with adolescents, adult and couples. I have worked in employee assistance programs and private practice. I am experienced in the assessment and treatment of a range of moderate to severe mental health presentations.

This is including (but not limited to):

  • Anxiety and panic
  • Depression and mood disorders
  • Trauma (acute, post-traumatic, complex)
  • Relationship and interpersonal difficulties
  • Stress and coping
  • Workplace conflicts
  • Grief and loss

I believe the relationship with my client is an essential component of effective therapy and I provide a genuine and confidential space for the client to explore past and current life events. I work collaboratively to develop individual goals for therapy and provide support for clients to make their own choices and initiate desired change. I aim to assist clients to develop insight into the ways they interpret difficult life events, engage positive coping strategies, and enhance emotional wellbeing.

I use an integrative approach influenced by a range of evidence-based therapies including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Solution Focussed Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy, and Existential Therapy. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR).

0408 092 908
Email Joanne
0408 092 908
Email Joanne
Marieke Ledingham
MARIEKE LEDINGHAM

Psychologist and Burnout Consultant
BSc. (Psych), Post Grad Dip (Psych), MACouns, PhD, MAPS

As an AHPRA registered psychologist, full member of the Australian Psychological Society, Associate Academic member of APS College of Organisational Psychologists and recognised Medicare provider, I work with adults and couples on whatever they may be struggling with, whether that be your relationship, your mood, anxiety or your workplace.

I am an experienced, warm and down to earth psychologist who genuinely enjoys working with people to achieve their goals. I have a special clinical and research interest in work stress and burnout and help all kinds of professionals get back on track during and after burnout.

Areas of practice:

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Depression, low mood and dissatisfaction
  • Self-esteem and confidence counselling
  • Relationship counselling
  • Grief and loss
  • Work-related issues such as bullying, burnout, workplace stress
  • Teacher, Nurse, Doctor and Psychologist burnout and workplace issues
  • Separation and divorce
  • Stepfamilies and blended families

Key approaches to therapy:

  • Acceptance and commitment therapy
  • Schema therapy
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy
  • Positive psychology
  • Emotion-focused couple’s therapy
  • Gottman method couple’s therapy
0475 118 746
Email Marieke
0475 118 746
Email Marieke
Simone Bishop

SIMONE BISHOP

Counselling Psychologist
B.Psych, M.Psych (Counselling)

I am a registered Counselling Psychologist experienced in working with individuals, couples, children, families, and groups. I graduated from Murdoch University in 2004 and went on to complete my master’s degree in Psychology (Counselling) at Curtin University. In addition to working in private practice I have worked in multidisciplinary treatment settings, including private psychiatric hospitals and within the child protection field.

I work with a broad range of presenting issues and my specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • depression, anxiety and stress
  • chronic pain and health issues
  • trauma (including complex / developmental trauma)
  • grief & loss
  • relationships and interpersonal difficulties
  • parenting

Because each person’s experiences and challenges are unique, I bring a flexible and integrative approach to my work with clients. My approach is relaxed, person-centred and trauma informed. I draw on my training in modalities that include:

  • psychodynamic and attachment focused therapies
  • body-oriented psychotherapy (including Somatic Experiencing and NeuroAffective Touch)
  • family systems
  • schema therapy
  • cognitive behaviour therapy
  • dialectical behaviour therapy
  • mindfulness based therapy

I have also completed my Yoga (Hatha Vinyasa) Teacher Training, registered at 350hrs with Yoga Australia.

I am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and am a member of the Association of Counselling Psychologists (ACP).

0411 053 202
Email Simone
0411 053 202
Email Simone

CONTACT US

    FIND US
    Suite 18/18 Kearns Crescent, Ardross WA 6153

    Connect Psychological Services acknowledges the Whadjuk Nyoongar peoples as the custodians of the land upon which we operate, and their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We offer our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and we extend this respect to all First Nations peoples, as well as our gratitude for their contributions to health and healing.