PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
We support people experiencing a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges. We provide an inclusive, non-judgmental and welcoming space to share experiences. We identify client strengths and share our knowledge to help clients build skills to address their needs. A broad range of evidence-based therapeutic strategies are drawn upon and tailored to suit each individual.
DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
We utilise the following gold standard instruments to assess cognitive functioning, academic ability and functional capacity.
WAIS IV: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is a Cognitive Assessment used to identify an adults Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and is used in conjunction with the ABAS to assess intellectual disability.
WISC V : The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children is a Cognitive Assessment used to identify a child's Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and is used in conjunction with the ABAS to assess intellectual disability.
WIAT III: The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test is a Children's Performance and Learning assessment, used in conjunction with the WISC V to aid diagnosis of Specific Learning Disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia).
ABAS III: The Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System is used to assess functional capacity when investigating intellectual abilities and limitations.
We support people experiencing a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges. We provide an inclusive, non-judgmental and welcoming space to share experiences. We identify client strengths and share our knowledge to help clients build skills to address their needs. A broad range of evidence-based therapeutic strategies are drawn upon and tailored to suit each individual.
DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
We utilise the following gold standard instruments to assess cognitive functioning, academic ability and functional capacity.
WAIS IV: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is a Cognitive Assessment used to identify an adults Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and is used in conjunction with the ABAS to assess intellectual disability.
WISC V : The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children is a Cognitive Assessment used to identify a child's Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and is used in conjunction with the ABAS to assess intellectual disability.
WIAT III: The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test is a Children's Performance and Learning assessment, used in conjunction with the WISC V to aid diagnosis of Specific Learning Disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia).
ABAS III: The Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System is used to assess functional capacity when investigating intellectual abilities and limitations.
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 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, children’s development, and attachment-based parenting are a strong focus of Janelle’s professional work. Janelle supports NDIS clients and also enjoys assessing intellectual 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, Midfulness 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.
REFERRAL PROCESS FOR PSYCHOLOGY
You may opt visit a psychologist directly without a referral however you will not be able to access Medicare rebates. A Medicare rebate significantly reduces your out of pocket "Gap". To access Medicare rebates a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral must be completed by your Doctor, prior to your first consultation, and after every 6th consultation. Your Doctor will determine whether you are eligible for a MHTP.
You may opt visit a psychologist directly without a referral however you will not be able to access Medicare rebates. A Medicare rebate significantly reduces your out of pocket "Gap". To access Medicare rebates a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral must be completed by your Doctor, prior to your first consultation, and after every 6th consultation. Your Doctor will determine whether you are eligible for a MHTP.
- Eligible people can access rebates for up to 20 individual consultations in a calendar year (1 January to 31 December).
- After the first 6 consultations your psychologist will provide a report for your doctor and your doctor will assess your progress to determine whether further sessions are approved.
- When you have utilised 20 rebates in a calendar year you will not be eligible for any further Medicare rebates. Additional consultations incur full fees.
- Medicare is only available for therapeutic services and is not availale for assessment services.
growth - balance - renewal
