MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
At Cocoon we offer a broad range of Mental Health & Wellbeing Services delivered by experienced university qualified psychologists and mental health social workers. Collectively, our team cater for children, adults, neurotypical, neurodivergent and gender diverse folk.
Types of therapy and courses available include:
Types of therapy and courses available include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness
- Schema Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Play Therapy
- Prolongued Exposure Therapy
- Gottman Couples Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
- Parenting support programs including 123 Magic and Emotion Coaching
- Attachment focused parenting support programs including Circle of Security
OUR PSYCHOLOGISTS
Janelle Nichols - Psychologist & Owner/Director
Janelle Nichols (Nel) is the owner and director of COCOON Psychology & Allied Health, formerly known as Huon Valley Psychology. A long-term local of the Huon Valley, Nel has spent more than 20 years supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families across a range of community, education, and health settings.
Throughout her career, Nel has worked in diverse roles including supporting Aboriginal communities and women and families through wayraparattee Child and Family Centre, counselling and assessing children as a school psychologist within both the public and Catholic education systems, volunteering with Lifeline and the Domestic Violence Helpline, supporting at-risk young people in college settings, and providing professional supervision to team members at Colony 47 and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Nel also works with clients accessing Mental Health Treatment Plans, MAIB, Workers Compensation, and NDIS funding.
Nel’s approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each individual. Whether you are looking for a safe space to feel heard or practical support to manage difficult emotions and experiences, sessions are adapted to meet your needs and goals. She is passionate about helping people gain greater clarity, self-understanding, and direction in their lives. Together, therapy may explore how past experiences have shaped who you are, the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and ways to move forward with greater intention and meaning.
Central to Nel’s therapeutic work is building trust and helping clients identify and transform unhelpful — often unconscious — patterns that can affect self-esteem, confidence, relationships, parenting, behaviour, mood, and overall wellbeing. Nel is experienced in a range of evidence-based therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). She supports people experiencing a broad range of concerns, including:
Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Psychology with a sub-major in International Studies, and Honours in Psychology.
Outside of work, Nel enjoys spending time at home with her family and border collies, Lily and Rosie. She loves cooking vego meals, garden design, and dreaming up future adventures in the family coaster bus, “Myrtle the Turtle.” You might also spot her wearing a tool belt on a building project or tackling a long country run.
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $170 (Concession) $190 (Employed).
These rates apply for clients who do not have access to insurance and may have a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Medicare rebate: $98.95 available with a current MHTP
Reduced NDIS rate: $232.99
Standard rate: $330 (AAPI recommended rate)
This rate is applicable for all insured clients except NDIS participants as outlined above.
Please contact directly to confirm applicable rate.
To enquire or arrange an appointment text the practice on:
Phone: 0432 951 133
Email: [email protected]
Throughout her career, Nel has worked in diverse roles including supporting Aboriginal communities and women and families through wayraparattee Child and Family Centre, counselling and assessing children as a school psychologist within both the public and Catholic education systems, volunteering with Lifeline and the Domestic Violence Helpline, supporting at-risk young people in college settings, and providing professional supervision to team members at Colony 47 and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Nel also works with clients accessing Mental Health Treatment Plans, MAIB, Workers Compensation, and NDIS funding.
Nel’s approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each individual. Whether you are looking for a safe space to feel heard or practical support to manage difficult emotions and experiences, sessions are adapted to meet your needs and goals. She is passionate about helping people gain greater clarity, self-understanding, and direction in their lives. Together, therapy may explore how past experiences have shaped who you are, the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and ways to move forward with greater intention and meaning.
Central to Nel’s therapeutic work is building trust and helping clients identify and transform unhelpful — often unconscious — patterns that can affect self-esteem, confidence, relationships, parenting, behaviour, mood, and overall wellbeing. Nel is experienced in a range of evidence-based therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). She supports people experiencing a broad range of concerns, including:
- anxiety, panic, and specific phobias
- depression and grief
- trauma, dissociation, and derealisation
- health conditions and physical impairment
- gender and sexual identity concerns
- interpersonal difficulties and attachment patterns
- psychodynamic and self-development concerns
Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Psychology with a sub-major in International Studies, and Honours in Psychology.
Outside of work, Nel enjoys spending time at home with her family and border collies, Lily and Rosie. She loves cooking vego meals, garden design, and dreaming up future adventures in the family coaster bus, “Myrtle the Turtle.” You might also spot her wearing a tool belt on a building project or tackling a long country run.
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $170 (Concession) $190 (Employed).
These rates apply for clients who do not have access to insurance and may have a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Medicare rebate: $98.95 available with a current MHTP
Reduced NDIS rate: $232.99
Standard rate: $330 (AAPI recommended rate)
This rate is applicable for all insured clients except NDIS participants as outlined above.
Please contact directly to confirm applicable rate.
To enquire or arrange an appointment text the practice on:
Phone: 0432 951 133
Email: [email protected]
Gerald Haslinger - Psychologist
Gerald is an experienced psychologist who is dedicated to supporting individuals in their recovery, fostering empowerment and self-direction throughout the process.
Gerald possesses expertise across numerous evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
He applies techniques from these methodologies to support clients in enhancing their current abilities and achieving therapeutic objectives. He maintains the view that individuals hold expertise regarding their own experiences; the psychologist’s responsibility is to identify maladaptive coping mechanisms, explore their roots, perhaps, and collaboratively develop effective strategies for managing life's difficulties.
Gerald provides support to individuals facing various difficulties, such as:
He holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) with Honours, which he earned in 2012, as well as a Degree in Economics, completed….some years ago. Alongside helping clients on their recovery journeys, Gerald also runs Mental Health Training Australia (MHTA), a training organisation through which he has provided mental health and suicide intervention training to over 10,000 participants across Australia.
Away from work, he enjoys spending time at home with his partner, his two sons (aged 27 and 4 – a long story), two huge puppies, three cats, three goats and nine chickens. As a former tennis coach, he still loves playing tennis regularly and tackling new building projects around the house.
Gerald is available to accept new referrals for individual psychological support.
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $170-$190. Please contact directly to confirm applicable rate.
Medicare rebate: $98.95
Reduced NDIS rate: $232.99
Standard rate: $330 (AAPI recommended rate)
To make an appointment contact Gerald directly
Gerald is available Thursdays from April 30
Phone: 1800 504 020
Email: [email protected]
Gerald possesses expertise across numerous evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
He applies techniques from these methodologies to support clients in enhancing their current abilities and achieving therapeutic objectives. He maintains the view that individuals hold expertise regarding their own experiences; the psychologist’s responsibility is to identify maladaptive coping mechanisms, explore their roots, perhaps, and collaboratively develop effective strategies for managing life's difficulties.
Gerald provides support to individuals facing various difficulties, such as:
- Trauma, whether recognised or not - particularly among men who often struggle with its effects.
- Addiction and its underlying causes.
- Depression and navigating tough life circumstances.
- Anxiety and effective stress management.
- Self-esteem issues.
- Grief and coping with loss.
- Managing anger constructively.
He holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) with Honours, which he earned in 2012, as well as a Degree in Economics, completed….some years ago. Alongside helping clients on their recovery journeys, Gerald also runs Mental Health Training Australia (MHTA), a training organisation through which he has provided mental health and suicide intervention training to over 10,000 participants across Australia.
Away from work, he enjoys spending time at home with his partner, his two sons (aged 27 and 4 – a long story), two huge puppies, three cats, three goats and nine chickens. As a former tennis coach, he still loves playing tennis regularly and tackling new building projects around the house.
Gerald is available to accept new referrals for individual psychological support.
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $170-$190. Please contact directly to confirm applicable rate.
Medicare rebate: $98.95
Reduced NDIS rate: $232.99
Standard rate: $330 (AAPI recommended rate)
To make an appointment contact Gerald directly
Gerald is available Thursdays from April 30
Phone: 1800 504 020
Email: [email protected]
Bethany Smith - Clinical Psychologist
Bethany is a caring and compassionate registered Clinical Psychologist with 15 years experience working with adults and adolescents.
Bethany believes person-centred therapy, with a focus on building rapport and trust, is essential to assist people reach their goals. Bethany draws upon several evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), in her work to understand the complex issues people face in life. Bethany uses strategies from these approaches to assist her clients to build upon their skills and address their needs in therapy.
Bethany has experience providing care and support to people with the following concerns:
Bethany studied at the University of Adelaide and completed her Master of Psychology (Health) in 2009. Since then Bethany has worked in government, not for profit organisations, and private practice in Melbourne and Hobart, including:
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $185
Medicare rebate: $145.25
Reduced NDIS rate: $232.99
Standard rate: $330 (AAPI recommended rate)
To make an appointment contact Bethany directly
Bethany is available Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Phone: 0473 611 479
Email: [email protected]
Bethany believes person-centred therapy, with a focus on building rapport and trust, is essential to assist people reach their goals. Bethany draws upon several evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), in her work to understand the complex issues people face in life. Bethany uses strategies from these approaches to assist her clients to build upon their skills and address their needs in therapy.
Bethany has experience providing care and support to people with the following concerns:
- Mood issues including, depression and adjustment to challenging life situations
- Anxiety and stress management
- Self esteem
- Grief and loss
- Experiences of trauma
- Managing chronic health conditions, including diabetes, chronic heart and lung disease, and pain management
- Anger management
- Transgender and other identity based challenges
Bethany studied at the University of Adelaide and completed her Master of Psychology (Health) in 2009. Since then Bethany has worked in government, not for profit organisations, and private practice in Melbourne and Hobart, including:
- The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (Melbourne)
- Southern Health (Melbourne, hospital setting)
- Relationships Australia Tasmania
- headspace Hobart (youth focus)
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $185
Medicare rebate: $145.25
Reduced NDIS rate: $232.99
Standard rate: $330 (AAPI recommended rate)
To make an appointment contact Bethany directly
Bethany is available Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Phone: 0473 611 479
Email: [email protected]
Dr Sue Crebbin - Clinical Psychologist
Sue has worked in counselling, health, and academic settings for many years and uses a person-centred collaborative approach to identify practical changes and strategies that will meet the individual needs of the client. Sue considers psychoeducation, to increase knowledge, understanding and insight into the associations between thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and physiological responses, a good starting point for change.
She draws upon several evidence-based therapeutic interventions in treatment to assist clients with improving coping skills and emotional regulation - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema-focused Therapy, and Mindfulness - to enhance mental and emotional wellness and facilitate optimal functioning. Sue works with young people and adults presenting with:
- Anxiety and stress management
- Depression/low mood
- Health conditions/issues
- Self-esteem, confidence, motivation, meaning and purpose
- Grief and loss; adjustment to challenging/new life situations
- Trauma/PTSD
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $185
Medicare rebate: $145.25
Reduced NDIS rate: $232.99
Standard rate: $330 (AAPI recommended rate)
To make an appointment, contact Sue directly
Sue is available on Mondays
Phone: 0407 802 258
Email: [email protected]
Anna Hopwood - Psychologist
Anna will be leaving Cocoon on June 26th.
Anna is a lifelong resident of the Huon Valley, deeply committed to the wellbeing of people in her local community. She is skilled in supporting people who fear they will not be understood and may therefore hesitate to seek help.
Anna believes that every person should feel valued and heard. She offers thoughtful understanding, a compassionate presence for exploring life’s challenges, and gentle support to foster courage, strength, and contentment.
Anna works with clients from older childhood and early adolescence through to older adulthood, and welcomes people from a wide range of cultural, gender, and neurodiverse backgrounds. She has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent adults, including those who identify as gifted or twice-exceptional, in exploring wellbeing, identity, and belonging.
She has a background in philosophy, which informs her understanding of psychology as both an empirical and reflective discipline. This integration allows her to bring depth and clarity to her work, helping clients connect practical understanding with personal meaning. The principles of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) run through much of her practice, supporting emotional regulation, self-kindness, and easing the discomfort that can come with therapeutic work. These principles complement and strengthen other approaches, offering particular support for people struggling with shame, self-criticism, or depression that has resisted other treatments.
Anna is a registered psychologist with a background in professional counselling and has worked in the Huon Valley since 2017. She is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) and the Compassionate Mind Foundation, an international organisation dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of compassion and its therapeutic applications.
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $140-$190. Please contact Anna directly to confirm applicable rate.
Medicare rebate: $98.95
Reduced NDIS rate: $232.99
Standard rate: $330 (AAPI recommended rate)
To make an appointment, contact Anna directly
Anna is available on Wednesdays and Fridays
Phone: 0497 386 405
Email: [email protected]
Anna's website: https://www.huoncounselling.com.au/
Anna is a lifelong resident of the Huon Valley, deeply committed to the wellbeing of people in her local community. She is skilled in supporting people who fear they will not be understood and may therefore hesitate to seek help.
Anna believes that every person should feel valued and heard. She offers thoughtful understanding, a compassionate presence for exploring life’s challenges, and gentle support to foster courage, strength, and contentment.
Anna works with clients from older childhood and early adolescence through to older adulthood, and welcomes people from a wide range of cultural, gender, and neurodiverse backgrounds. She has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent adults, including those who identify as gifted or twice-exceptional, in exploring wellbeing, identity, and belonging.
She has a background in philosophy, which informs her understanding of psychology as both an empirical and reflective discipline. This integration allows her to bring depth and clarity to her work, helping clients connect practical understanding with personal meaning. The principles of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) run through much of her practice, supporting emotional regulation, self-kindness, and easing the discomfort that can come with therapeutic work. These principles complement and strengthen other approaches, offering particular support for people struggling with shame, self-criticism, or depression that has resisted other treatments.
Anna is a registered psychologist with a background in professional counselling and has worked in the Huon Valley since 2017. She is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) and the Compassionate Mind Foundation, an international organisation dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of compassion and its therapeutic applications.
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $140-$190. Please contact Anna directly to confirm applicable rate.
Medicare rebate: $98.95
Reduced NDIS rate: $232.99
Standard rate: $330 (AAPI recommended rate)
To make an appointment, contact Anna directly
Anna is available on Wednesdays and Fridays
Phone: 0497 386 405
Email: [email protected]
Anna's website: https://www.huoncounselling.com.au/
OUR SOCIAL WORKERS
Stephen Fletcher - Mental Health Social Worker
Steve is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, with over 25 years of experience of working within the health and community sector. He enjoys working with young people (aged 16 plus) and adults. Steve works with a sensitive, holistic, solution focused and empathetic approach with all of his clients.
He offers a warm, friendly and professional approach to enabling clients to move forward in their lives. Steve specialises in working with adults who experience anxiety and depression, PTSD and complex trauma, relationship/separation support, grief and loss, anger management, alcohol and other drug support and many other complex mental health needs.
Steve has a strong commitment to client centred therapy and utilises numerous recognised therapeutic frameworks to achieve success such as:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy and he combines mindfulness skills into every care plan.
In 2018, Steve completed his second masters in mental health - a Masters in Social Work. Whilst Steve has a high level of academic training, Steve has grounded experience, which has developed in varied roles across youth mental health, corrections, and Aboriginal mental health. Steve is available at Cocoon two days a week and spends his other workdays at Open Arms, Hobart, where he supports Veterans and their families. Steve also continues to participate in professional development and is an experienced supervisor.
To arrange an appointment contact Steve directly. Available: Mondays & Tuesdays at Cocoon.
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $145
Medicare rebate: $87.25Reduced NDIS rate: $193.99
Standard rate: $290 (AASW recommended rate)
Couples: $190 (90 mins)
To arrange an appointment contact Steve directly
Steve is available Mondays and Tuesdays
Phone: 0409 469 325
Email: [email protected]
Steve's Website: sjfcounselling.com.au
He offers a warm, friendly and professional approach to enabling clients to move forward in their lives. Steve specialises in working with adults who experience anxiety and depression, PTSD and complex trauma, relationship/separation support, grief and loss, anger management, alcohol and other drug support and many other complex mental health needs.
Steve has a strong commitment to client centred therapy and utilises numerous recognised therapeutic frameworks to achieve success such as:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy and he combines mindfulness skills into every care plan.
In 2018, Steve completed his second masters in mental health - a Masters in Social Work. Whilst Steve has a high level of academic training, Steve has grounded experience, which has developed in varied roles across youth mental health, corrections, and Aboriginal mental health. Steve is available at Cocoon two days a week and spends his other workdays at Open Arms, Hobart, where he supports Veterans and their families. Steve also continues to participate in professional development and is an experienced supervisor.
To arrange an appointment contact Steve directly. Available: Mondays & Tuesdays at Cocoon.
- Medicare subsidies are available if a current MHCP and referral is in place.
- Services funded by Employment Assistance Programs (EAP) are also available.
- High quality supervision to social workers and those working towards their mental health accreditation is available.
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $145
Medicare rebate: $87.25Reduced NDIS rate: $193.99
Standard rate: $290 (AASW recommended rate)
Couples: $190 (90 mins)
To arrange an appointment contact Steve directly
Steve is available Mondays and Tuesdays
Phone: 0409 469 325
Email: [email protected]
Steve's Website: sjfcounselling.com.au
Lili Su - Mental Health Social Worker
Lili’s passion in the counselling space is helping her clients rise from their self-defeating thoughts and behaviours to realise their potential. Lili views her clients as the experts in their lives. As a therapist, she would walk alongside her clients and assist them in tuning into their strengths and resilience. Lili’s therapeutic style is focused on building trusting relationships with her clients through compassion, collaboration, care and respect. Lili believes trust in the counselling space is important to support clients to feel safe emotionally and physically.
The therapeutic approaches Lili utilises range from a strength-based approach, person-centred therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, trauma-informed frameworks, attachment theory, Polyvagal theory, family systems theory, and neuroscience of trauma. Lili is open to hearing your feedback and willing to adjust her approaches to tailor what works best for you.
Lili studied and trained in Australia as a Social Worker. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science at Monash University. She studied for this degree with a double major in Psychology, History and Politics. Lili studied various units in human behaviours, motivations, developmental psychology, personalities, and research methods.
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $120-$170. Please contact Lili Su directly to confirm applicable rate.
Medicare rebate: $87.25
Reduced NDIS rate: $193.99
Standard rate: $290 (AASW recommended rate)
To arrange an appointment contact Lili Su directly
Lili Su is available Thursday to Saturday
Phone: 0402 594 975
Email: [email protected]
Lili's Website: https://www.mindknitcounselling.com.au
The therapeutic approaches Lili utilises range from a strength-based approach, person-centred therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, trauma-informed frameworks, attachment theory, Polyvagal theory, family systems theory, and neuroscience of trauma. Lili is open to hearing your feedback and willing to adjust her approaches to tailor what works best for you.
Lili studied and trained in Australia as a Social Worker. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science at Monash University. She studied for this degree with a double major in Psychology, History and Politics. Lili studied various units in human behaviours, motivations, developmental psychology, personalities, and research methods.
COUNSELLING FEES FOR INDIVIDUALS - 50 mins
Reduced uninsured private rate: $120-$170. Please contact Lili Su directly to confirm applicable rate.
Medicare rebate: $87.25
Reduced NDIS rate: $193.99
Standard rate: $290 (AASW recommended rate)
To arrange an appointment contact Lili Su directly
Lili Su is available Thursday to Saturday
Phone: 0402 594 975
Email: [email protected]
Lili's Website: https://www.mindknitcounselling.com.au
