The Launceston practices are conveniently situated on 26 Brisbane Street and 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 many of the original clinicians have chosen to continue to work here, now under the umbrella of Synapse Psychology. Our rooms are clean, comfortable and inviting. Our other location is in Devonport on 81A Gunn Street.
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 35 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 Monday to Friday 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.
PSYCHOLOGIST
David Belsham
David is a Registered Psychologist with 20 years experience working in both Australia and the UK. He has experience working in specialist trauma services, eating disorder units, as well as in the education sector. David works uses a variety of evidence based approaches that are tailored to the individual. He is particularly interested in Psychodynamic approaches and enjoys ongoing study of these as well as Criminology. David is currently not taking on new clients.
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, 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
Emily Fowler
Emily joined the Synapse Psychology team in 2022 as a provisional psychologist and has remained part time with Synapse Psychology following her registration in 2023. She’s interested in all aspects of mental health, and provides care to all age groups. She has special interests in child and adolescent mental health, neurodiversity, parent and caregiver mental health, and resilience during times of major change. Emily is able to deliver social and emotional learning programs, cognitive behavioural therapies, and provide supportive counselling. She has experience working within multidisciplinary support programs, such as the NDIS, and is happy to consult with GPs, schools, and other allied health professionals as needed. Emily enjoys getting to know her clients and finding the best approaches and techniques to meet their needs and goals. She is warm, compassionate and strives to provide high quality, evidence-based assessment and support. Outside of work, Emily enjoys drinking tea, reading, and spending time with her family.
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. 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.
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Shannon Klekociuk
Shannon is a provisional psychologist with an interest in supporting individuals experiencing a range of mental health challenges. Shannon received her PhD in neuropsychology (UTAS, 2014) where she examined the profile of Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on the brain. Before joining the team at Synapse, Shannon worked as an academic at the Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, where she taught and researched in the psychology of dementia and public health. Whilst Shannon is drawn to therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), she aims to find the best fit for her clients and their needs. Shannon can provide practical and effective psychological support to clients across the lifespan but is particularly passionate about supporting parents and families. When she is not being kept busy by her two young boys, Shannon likes to cook and garden.
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dan Zuj
Dan has been working at UTAS as a lecturer in Psychological Science for the past 12 months. Previous to this he has been working in the UK as a lecturer/researcher in the field of PTSD. He completed his PhD on the topic of PTSD and Avoidance and continues to have a strong interest in the area of PTSD. Dan has accrued a lot of knowledge and practical experience in the field of psychology and is looking forward to expanding his interests and knowledge under the umbrella of Synapse Psychology. Daniel is completing his Masters of Professional Psychology and will be working at Synapse Psychology three days a week from March 2024 to complete his registration as a psychologist.
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.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Jane Hyde
Jane Hyde is a Clinical Psychologist who works with late-teen adolescents, adults and older adults who are experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma, grief, and attention difficulties. Jane has skills in a wide range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR. Jane performs pre-operative bariatric assessments and is skilled in the use of psychometric testing and assessment of cognitive and learning abilities and difficulties. Additionally, Jane has an interest in challenges people face at work. As part of her PhD, she published several research papers examining emotional manipulative behaviours in the workplace. Jane has a warm and compassionate approach and enjoys collaborating with clients in helping them to achieve their goals.
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.
PRACTICE MANAGER
Stacey Thomas
Stacey manages the day to day operations at Synapse Psychology, making sure that the practice runs efficiently for clinicians and clients. Stacey has been working in Mental Health for over 10 years and has gained a wealth on knowledge over that time. Stacey enjoys weekends with her partner, kids and pets, and enjoys keeping fit and active and exploring Tasmania
RECEPTION AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Laura Howard
Laura has previously worked as a Dental Assistant and has joined Synapse Psychology to further her skills in Administration. Laura has completed a Certificate 4 in Medical Administration. When you visit, call or email our Canning Street office you will be greeted by Laura, who can assist you with all your enquiries. In Laura’s spare time she enjoys hanging out at the farm with her partner and thoroughly enjoys the rural life.
Brisbane Street Clinicians
PSYCHOLOGIST
Emma Johnson
Emma is a psychologist with experience working with a range of mental health concerns across the lifespan. She has a PhD in social and behavioural changes in frontotemporal dementia, and previously worked in the neurodevelopmental space providing therapy for young people with ADHD and ASD. Emma currently works with adults and adolescents for depression, anxiety and various life and relationship stressors. She can provide cognitive and academic assessments to investigate learning and school difficulties. Emma is also available to work with couples in therapy, for people who would like to develop their skills to communicate their needs, resolve conflict and strengthen their relationships. Her approach is focused on developing a supportive, calm and collaborative environment with clients and empower them to make positive changes toward healing their relationship. Once a fortnight Emma provides an outreach service to the Cape Barren Island.
PSYCHOLOGIST
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.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Claire Goulston
Claire has been working as a psychologist for 14 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.
COUNSELLOR
Marion Thomas
Marion is a registered counsellor with experience in working with teenagers, young adults and adults with issues such as anxiety, stress, self-esteem and confidence. Marion's approach to counselling is collaborative and person-centered. She uses therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy and Strength-Based Therapy. Marion has a Level 1 certificate in Gottman's couples counselling, and she is currently working on completing Level 2. Marion has studied extensively and has completed a degree in Criminology, holds a Bachelor of Psychology as well as a Bachelor of Educational Sciences. Marion has a background working with people on the autism spectrum and also has a personal interest in working with clients from the LGBTQIA+ community. Outside the counselling room, Marion is a keen swimmer and hiker: she's looking forward to exploring the Tasmanian national parks.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
Tamara Clayton
Tamara works in our St John Street office and manages all our referrals and new client bookings. Tamara has been working in the Mental Health industry for 3 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 in St John Street. Tamara enjoys playing netball and spending time with her very active family.
ADMIN SUPPORT
Georgia Soros
Georgia works in our St John 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.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Georgia Burke
Georgia is a Psychologist with experience in providing therapy to people across the lifespan. She has an interest in working with trauma related difficulties, anxiety and mood disorders, gender related issues, and various life stressors. Georgia tailors her therapeutic approach to the individual, to focus on meeting the person’s need in session. She adopts therapeutic modalities such as Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy and EMDR. Georgia believes it is important to create an environment of trust, genuineness, and non-judgment. In her spare time, Georgia loves time by the beach, reading, and enjoying good food. Georgia's services will be available through Telehealth only (video or phone sessions) until further notice. Georgia or our admin team will endeavour to help with any telehealth-related enquires or issues, ensuring that a session can run smoothly via this platform.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Kathryn Mullen
Kathryn is a warm, compassionate, and experienced Psychologist who values her role in improving the mental wellbeing of clients. She has worked as a psychologist for 13 years and is passionate about creating a warm and safe environment in which to understand her clients, their goals and collaborate with them in achieving meaningful change. Kathryn works with individuals who are 16 years and over and is committed to the well-being of all her clients and helping them to flourish, grow and heal. Kathryn has had extensive experience working in the areas of anxiety, stress, depression and eating disorders, including inpatient, intensive outpatient, community and private practice settings. She uses an integrative approach, drawing on evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Schema Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Kathryn loves to spend her weekends with family and friends, camping, bushwalking, exploring garage sales and being creative.
Kathryn can help you with adjustment to life change and transitions, anorexia Nervosa (AN), avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), anxiety and anxiety disorders, binge Eating Disorder (BED), bulimia Nervosa (BN), depression, life Coaching, otherwise specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED), self-esteem issues, social Anxiety, stress, burnout and compassion fatigue.