The Launceston practices are conveniently situated on 54 Canning Street, close to the LGH and Brickfields Park, with convenient street parking along the streets nearby. This building used to house the previous practice of Launceston Therapy Clinic and some of the clinicians previously affiliated with LTC have chosen to continue to work here, now under the umbrella of Synapse Psychology. Our rooms are clean, comfortable and inviting. There is a 2nd location in 26 Brisbane Street, Launceston. This beautiful building offers inviting rooms and little haven of peace right in the city centre. We are also located in Devonport at 1/55 Best Street, close to the KMart with plenty parking space around.
Phone: 6364 3880
Fax: 6364 3862
Email: admin@synapsepsychology.com.au
Meet our team of Psychologists in Launceston
Canning Street Clinicians
DIRECTOR, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dee Cooper
Dee is a Clinical Psychologist with over 38 years experience, having worked in a range of different settings both in the public sector as well as private practice. She has a specific interest in working with adults with PTSD, anxiety, depression. A specific area of focus for Dee has been working with ex-service personnel as well as first responders. Dee has a preference for using EMDR as the main therapy modality. She is an accredited EMDR Consultant as well as an accredited EMDR trainer. Dee is an AHPRA approved supervisor and is passionate about mentoring psychologists and mental health professionals to grow and develop their skills. Dee currently consults at Synapse Psychology Tuesdays to Fridays and due to her training and consultancy commitments has limited capacity for new referrals. In her spare time, Dee enjoys bush walking, gardening and painting.
EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Paul Bertoia
Paul came to Tasmania as a child and trained at UTAS (and later Monash University). In an extensive career he’s worked in schools and government mental health and community settings, as well as private practice. He’s been a senior psychologist, leading large teams, and has delivered professional supervision to psychologists and a range of other medical, allied health and education professionals. He’s a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and a past national Chair of the APS College of Educational & Developmental Psychologists. Paul’s enthusiastic about helping people to learn new skills, across the lifespan, to help them cope with challenges and live rewarding lives. He has experience in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of developmental issues (for example, autism, dyslexia, ADHD), and has collaborated with many people with disabilities and their families. Paul works mainly with a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) framework as well as EMDR, seeking to quickly develop treatment programs which can help people manage their learning, behavioural or mental-health problems (including depression and anxiety). Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with family, reading and listening to music.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Tom Fegent
Tom is a warm, insightful, and client-centered psychologist dedicated to helping you move toward a life that feels more meaningful and balanced. He believes that understanding your unique perspective (your values, experiences, and how you see the world) is the most powerful path to healing and growth. By collaborating with you, Tom supports you in identifying your personal goals and building the emotional strength and clarity needed to reach them.
Tom works with adults navigating a variety of challenges, including:
Anxiety (stress, worry, overwhelm)
Depression and other emotional challenges
Stress and workplace difficulties
Specialized expertise in alcohol and drug misuse, offering compassionate, evidence-based support for recovery and lasting change.
Tom’s approach is grounded in proven, evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
If you're ready to explore new ways of coping and commit to your wellbeing, Tom welcomes you to a collaborative and supportive space. Tom will be working at Synapse Psychology on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Alec Hamilton
Alec is a distinguished psychologist with over thirty years of face-to-face practice, working with clients across the lifespan. He is a board-approved counselling psychologist and supervisor and has lectured in psychology and counselling at universities in Australia and Canada.
Alec’s metaphor for life draws inspiration from his fondness for the cartoon character Snoopy. Snoopy is playful, curious, and imaginative but can still stay grounded. Alec combines evidence-based practices with a flexible methodology, utilising CBT, mindfulness, narrative therapy, playfulness, and, most recently, EMDR, ensuring clients receive personalised support.
Alec is regularly invited to share his insights on engaging topics such as brain function, parenting, and child development. One of his recent achievements includes co-authoring "Seriously Therapeutic Play with LEGO®," a book that uncovers the remarkable potential of using LEGO® in therapy. Alec relocated to Tasmania, lured by the food, stunning scenery, and adventure.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Shannon Klekociuk
Shannon is a psychologist who works with adults experiencing a range of mental health challenges, with a particular interest in attachment and trauma. She completed her PhD in neuropsychology at the University of Tasmania and has a background in dementia research and teaching.
Shannon integrates Schema Therapy alongside Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), aiming to provide thoughtful, tailored support that meets each client’s needs. She focuses on helping clients understand longstanding patterns to work towards meaningful change. Outside of work, Shannon is kept busy by her two young children and enjoys spending time gardening and weight training.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Elly Knowles
Elly is a registered psychologist who is passionate about supporting people to better understand their experiences, draw on their strengths and enhance their mental wellbeing while working towards lives aligned with their values. She works across the lifespan with concerns including anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout and challenges related to self-esteem and identity.
Her work is grounded in a person-centred approach, creating a space where clients feel understood and supported as they explore what matters most to them. She draws on evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to build practical skills and support meaningful change. In her free time, Elly enjoys bushwalking, knitting, reading, and cooking.
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Kirstie Vosloo
Kirstie is a qualified and registered Organisational Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, recently arrived in Australia and calling Launceston home. She has worked across employee wellbeing, trauma-informed practice, medico-legal settings, psychometric assessment, coaching, and workplace mental health. She has been recognised with the Emerging Psychologist of the Year Award, the Presidential Award for Service Excellence, and was twice nominated for the IOP Impact Award by the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa. Kirstie is currently working towards achieving registration as a psychologist with AHPRA and is supported by the senior psychologists at Synapse Psychology to achieve her goal.
Kirstie’s core focus has always been people, supporting individuals to leave sessions feeling strengthened, understood, and better equipped than when they arrived. She is passionate about working with those navigating stress, burnout, life transitions, and career challenges. Her approach is grounded in ethics, compassion, evidence-based practice, and genuine human connection.
Outside of work, she values family time, nature, and a good cup of tea with biscuits.
PSYCHOLOGIST
David McCormack
David is a Registered Psychologist with experience supporting children, adolescents, and young adults. He enjoys completing assessments to investigate cognitive ability, academic skill development, adaptive functioning, and potential neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and ASD. Outside of work, he enjoys creating digital art, martial arts, and spending time with friends and family.
RECEPTION AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Laura Howard
Laura has previously worked as a Dental Assistant and has been part of Synapse Psychology since 2022. Laura has completed a Certificate 4 in Medical Administration. When you visit, call or email our Canning Street office the first person you will most likely meet will be the bubbly and friendly Laura, who can assist you with all your enquiries. In Laura’s spare time she enjoys hanging out with friends or pampering her spoilt pooch Teddy.
Brisbane Street Clinicians
COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST
Zhel-Anne Delport
Zhel is a registered counselling psychologist with experience in working with adults and young people. Her approach is integrative; weaving a variety of evidence-based therapies to meet her clients’ needs in the present moment. Her areas of personal interest include working with mood difficulties, anxiety, trauma, social and relationship difficulties, as well as other life stressors. Zhel uses therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Zhel is a qualified EMDR clinician. She works towards building a collaborative therapeutic relationship that creates space for curiosity and honest communication. Outside of the therapy space, you’ll find Zhel scuba diving Tassie’s cold waters in search of weedy seadragons, and binge-watching anything cooking and travel related.
Social Worker
Jen Duong
Jen is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working within the community sector. In her role as a community health social worker for THS, she provides clinical support to staff and students, and therapeutic counselling with adults (18+) impacted by significant health and life changes. Jen also has experience supporting individuals navigate the NDIS, Aged Care, and health systems whilst liaising with other allied health professionals, doctors, and specialist services. Jen believes every individual has the capacity to overcome adversity and have a quality of life. Jen draws from various evidence-based therapeutic models such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
Jen’s areas of interest include anxiety, depression, effects of historical or recent trauma including PTSD, suicidal ideation, and other life stressors. She enjoys the collaborative process of helping people find their sense of self and belonging, identity, and life purpose.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Claire Goulston
Claire has been working as a psychologist for 17 years and has extensive experience working with young people through to adolescents in an educational setting. She can provide cognitive and educational assessments to assess cognitive functioning, screening for neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, and has a particular interest in the identification of learning difficulties and disorders. Claire is also able to provide adult assessments. She is also trained in therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and has experience in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Claire consults at Synapse Psychology every Wednesday and every 2nd Friday. In her spare time Claire enjoys exploring the Tasmanian wilderness and horse riding.
Claire is currently receiving referrals for assessments only.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Abbey Lack
Abbey is a registered psychologist who is passionate about helping people improve their psychological wellbeing and cope with life stressors. Her approach is collaborative and client centred. She aims to provide a place where clients feel comfortable to explore their difficulties and empowered to make changes in their lives. She draws from a variety of evidence based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and EMDR. Abbey has broad experience and has worked across the lifespan in a variety of settings, including supporting people with assessment and treatment of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as assisting with social and relationship difficulties and managing stress. Abbey is an accredited Circle of Security facilitator and is experienced in supporting parents with attachment and early parenting concerns. In her spare time Abbey enjoys cooking, gardening, and bushwalking.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Emily Nason
Emily is a registered psychologist who enjoys working alongside children, adolescents and adults to improve mental wellbeing across the lifespan. She has an interest in working with individuals with a wide range of social and emotional difficulties including anxiety, depression, social and relationship difficulties and managing life stressors. Emily uses a range of evidenced-based therapeutic approaches including CBT, EMDR, ACT and Schema therapy that can be adapted to suit your needs. Emily is also an EMDR trained clinician. She also enjoys completing assessments to identify cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses, adaptive functioning and potential neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD. Outside of work, Emily enjoys crocheting, reading, hiking and spending time with her dogs.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Clare Pitt
Clare is a psychologist with experience supporting adults, teenagers, and children. She has a calm and friendly approach and enjoys providing a space for her clients to feel heard and understood. Clare draws on a range of evidence-based therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema therapy, Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprogramming (EMDR) and narrative therapy, as well as compassion and mindfulness-based approaches. Clare is a climate-conscious psychologist who acknowledges the connection between the environment, climate change, and mental health, and her PhD research focuses on this area. Prior to her psychology training, Clare spent many years running Bush Adventure Therapy and Outdoor Education programs for young people. Clare’s has many hobbies outside of work, including bushwalking, gardening, yoga, arts and music events, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog.
COUNSELLOR
Marion Thomas
Marion is a registered counsellor with experience in working with teenagers, young adults and adults with anxiety, stress, relationships and self esteem. Marion also has experience working with neurodiverse clients. Marion’s approach is collaborative and person-centered. She is experienced in modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Marion has a level 2 certificate in Gottman’s Couple Counselling, holds a Bachelor of Psychology, a Bachelor of Educational Science as well as a Master’s in Counselling. Marion has an interest in working with clients from the LGBTQIA+ community. Outside of the counselling room Marion is a keen swimmer and hiker as well as an avid reader.
Appointments with Marion can be booked directly from this website by clicking on the light green button on the left.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Dan Zuj
Dan is a psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and adults to support their wellbeing and personal growth. He has experience supporting people with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, insomnia and trauma. Dan takes a collaborative and client-centred approach, tailoring therapy to meet each person’s individual needs. He draws on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to find the most effective path forward. Dan is also available to complete cognitive and psychoeducational assessments. Alongside his clinical work, Dan is a Lecturer in Psychological Science at the University of Tasmania and has extensive experience in teaching and research, both in Australia and overseas. His research focuses on fear, anxiety, avoidance and trauma – particularly how these responses are learned and unlearned. Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, exploring new places, and reading. From 2026 onward, Dan will be available for consultations with Synapse Psychology on Wednesdays.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
Tamara Clayton
Tamara works in our Brisbane Street office and manages all our referrals and new client bookings. Tamara has been working in the Mental Health industry for 4 years. Prior to that Tamara and her Husband Adam ran their own business for many years. Tamara brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to the Synapse Team. Tamara also works in reception at Canning Street. Tamara enjoys playing netball and spending time with her very active family.
ADMIN SUPPORT
Georgia Soros
Georgia works in our Brisbane Street office, alongside Tamara assisting in reception. Georgia is currently studying Psychological Science at Utas and is enjoying learning about Private Practice. Georgia’s first love is art and is incorporating art-based subjects into her study. When Georgia is not at work or studying, she is of course indulging in her creative passion.
Dedicated Telehealth Clinicians
SOCIAL WORKER /COUNSELLOR
Sel Cooper
Sel (they/them) grew up on Palawa Country (Tasmania) and has ancestral ties to the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation (Victoria). Sel is a qualified Social Worker of many years and also has a Master’s in Clinical Family Therapy. Sel is currently working as a Lecturer in Counselling on Ngunnawal /Ngambri Country (ACT) and is available to see clients online as well as offer availability after hours. As a highly dedicated therapist with two decades of experience, Sel offers counselling to individuals, couples and families. Sel employs an eclectic humanistic approach with a therapeutic framework grounded in narrative and relational techniques. Sel draws from various therapeutic modalities to create tailored support for each client. In addition to integrating evidence-based practices such as acceptance and mindfulness techniques, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and strength-based methods, Sel also prioritises cultural sensitivity. Sel is passionate about creating a caring, holistic and personalised healing journey that supports people on their path of healing and enhances their social and emotional wellness.
Sel’s professional journey is extensive and includes working across govt and NGOs and they have held many senior leadership positions. They have worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, trans, gender diverse and intersex folk, people affected by family and domestic violence and those caught up in child protection and the criminal justice system. Sel is available to provide cultural and clinical supervision to individuals and groups.