PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
Our highly trained psychologists have extensive experience supporting people experiencing a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges. We provide an inclusive, non-judgmental and welcoming space to share experiences. Our team of psychologists have completed a minimum of 6 years training and must undertake 30 hours of annual professional development. We regularly attend conferences and workshops to maintain up to date and innovative approaches to assessment and treatment. As such we draw upon a broad range of evidence-based therapeutic strategies and can offer treatment for a wide range of mental health needs.
If you are seeking support, the first step is to visit your GP. Your GP will discuss your situation and determine your eligibility for a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral. A MHTP enables rebates for people who have the following conditions: anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, depression, sexual disorders, conduct disorders, bereavement disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, panic disorder, alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder, sleep problems, attention deficit disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, phobic disorders, and co-occurring anxiety and depression. People experiencing other conditions can also see a psychologist, however they will not qualify for a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Our highly trained psychologists have extensive experience supporting people experiencing a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges. We provide an inclusive, non-judgmental and welcoming space to share experiences. Our team of psychologists have completed a minimum of 6 years training and must undertake 30 hours of annual professional development. We regularly attend conferences and workshops to maintain up to date and innovative approaches to assessment and treatment. As such we draw upon a broad range of evidence-based therapeutic strategies and can offer treatment for a wide range of mental health needs.
If you are seeking support, the first step is to visit your GP. Your GP will discuss your situation and determine your eligibility for a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral. A MHTP enables rebates for people who have the following conditions: anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, depression, sexual disorders, conduct disorders, bereavement disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, panic disorder, alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder, sleep problems, attention deficit disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, phobic disorders, and co-occurring anxiety and depression. People experiencing other conditions can also see a psychologist, however they will not qualify for a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan.
OUR PSYCHOLOGISTS
Janelle Nichols - Psychologist & Director
Janelle Nichols is the founder and director of COCOON, formerly known as Huon Valley Psychology. Janelle is a caring and empathetic psychologist who welcomes people from all backgrounds. Janelle is a local with over fifteen years experience, supporting adults, adolescents and children. She has a deep understanding of factors affecting the local community. Her approachability and authenticity is relatable and enables clients to feel relaxed. During consultations, Janelle draws on client strengths whilst also imparting knowledge gained through extensive training in evidence-based therapies. Anxiety, depression, trauma, disability, gender identity, children’s development, interpersonal conflicts, psychodynamics and attachment-based parenting are a strong focus of Janelle’s professional work. Janelle supports NDIS clients and also enjoys assessing intellectual, academic and adaptive functioning with adults and children. Therapies drawn upon include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Mindfulness and Play Therapy. Periodic group therapy^ and training* outlined below are also offered by Janelle:
- ^Circle of Security Program: Attachment Focused Parenting Program
- ^123 Magic and Emotion Coaching: Parenting Skills Training
- ^Mooditj: Adolescent Relationships, Sexual Health and Life Skills Program
- ^Cool Kids Program: Anxiety Management Skills for Children and Parents
- *Family Partnership Model: Professional Development Training
Bethany Smith - Clinical Psychologist
Bethany is a caring and compassionate registered Clinical Psychologist with 10 years experience working with adults and adolescents. Bethany believes that 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) skills, 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:
Please contact Bethany directly to arrange an appointment.
- 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)
Please contact Bethany directly to arrange an appointment.
Irene MacFarlane - Senior Psychologist
Art by Irene
Resources and pathways to self-healing and life enrichment
Irene's practice provides clients with skills and resources for self-empowerment and building sustained resilience. Her approach is holistic, using a broad range of evidence-based interventions tailored to the presenting needs of the individual in the psychological, cognitive, emotional, interpersonal, spiritual and behavioural life domains.
Self-healing work with Irene entails both the challenges and the excitement of experiencing change and growth, for
Irene is the author of the Relaxercise stress management community based program, and Three R's - Resourced, Recovered, Resilient, a self-directed, therapist independent multi-psychotherapy depression treatment and relapse prevention program that can be delivered in groups or individually online. The program applies adult education, learning and feedback principles for greater effectiveness and for research purposes.
Irene has been in private practice for over 15 years, and endorses the Power-Threat-Meaning Framework of the British Psychology Society (Clinical Division). Initially trained as an artist, Irene subsequently taught in primary, secondary schools and adult education. An interest in innovative education led to the position of Coordinator, Blue Mountains Community School, Counsellor with the Australian Schools Commission Innovations Program, and Coordinator of Brisbane Independent School. Studies in Jungian, transpersonal and spiritual, and facilitating personal growth groups led to academic psychology training, and certificates in Gestalt Therapy and Family Therapy.
Psychologist positions held: Lifeline Brisbane, Southern Qld. Rural Division of General practice and Catholic Education (Psychologist and School Counsellor), Goodna Neighbourhood House, Australian Institute of Professional Counselling (Tutor), Child and Youth Mental Health Service Ipswich, and generalist private practice.
Please contact Irene directly to arrange an appointment.
Irene's practice provides clients with skills and resources for self-empowerment and building sustained resilience. Her approach is holistic, using a broad range of evidence-based interventions tailored to the presenting needs of the individual in the psychological, cognitive, emotional, interpersonal, spiritual and behavioural life domains.
- Learn to access and use your capabilities and skills and develop new ones
- Strengthen your sense of personal worth
- Find permission to better meet your needs
- Learn new habits and change those that influence your distress
- Build a tool-kit of self-help resources
- Implement effective strategies to bring the changes you want to see
- Understand how to better realise your potential
- Find positive meaning in your life-experiences
- See more clearly how to actualise your wellbeing future
Self-healing work with Irene entails both the challenges and the excitement of experiencing change and growth, for
- Stress and anxiety management
- Depression symptom mastery
- Lifestyle and wellbeing change strategies
- Relationship communication enhancement
Irene is the author of the Relaxercise stress management community based program, and Three R's - Resourced, Recovered, Resilient, a self-directed, therapist independent multi-psychotherapy depression treatment and relapse prevention program that can be delivered in groups or individually online. The program applies adult education, learning and feedback principles for greater effectiveness and for research purposes.
Irene has been in private practice for over 15 years, and endorses the Power-Threat-Meaning Framework of the British Psychology Society (Clinical Division). Initially trained as an artist, Irene subsequently taught in primary, secondary schools and adult education. An interest in innovative education led to the position of Coordinator, Blue Mountains Community School, Counsellor with the Australian Schools Commission Innovations Program, and Coordinator of Brisbane Independent School. Studies in Jungian, transpersonal and spiritual, and facilitating personal growth groups led to academic psychology training, and certificates in Gestalt Therapy and Family Therapy.
Psychologist positions held: Lifeline Brisbane, Southern Qld. Rural Division of General practice and Catholic Education (Psychologist and School Counsellor), Goodna Neighbourhood House, Australian Institute of Professional Counselling (Tutor), Child and Youth Mental Health Service Ipswich, and generalist private practice.
Please contact Irene directly to arrange an appointment.
growth - balance - renewal
