Here are answers to common questions clients ask about our psychologists, counselling services and mental health support at Happy Minds Psychology in Geelong and via telehealth across Australia.
No referral is strictly required to make an appointment. However, to claim a Medicare rebate, you will need a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP or psychiatrist.
We require at least 48 hours’ notice for appointment cancellations.
A provisional psychologist has completed their academic training and is completing supervised practice under our principal psychologist. Medicare rebates do not apply to sessions with a provisional psychologist, and fees are adjusted accordingly.
We see clients aged 6 years and older. For children under 6, we work with parents to support the child’s development and wellbeing.
This varies depending on your presenting concerns and readiness for therapy. Some clients notice progress within about six sessions when they engage actively in therapy work and apply insights between sessions.
Your first session will begin with basic paperwork and consent forms covering confidentiality, fees and session information. After this, your psychologist will explore the issues that brought you to therapy and start collaboratively developing a plan tailored to your needs.
It’s normal to feel nervous before seeing a psychologist—but there’s no need to be scared. Sessions are confidential and conducted in a respectful, supportive environment. Your psychologist is there to help you feel safe and understood.
Psychologists complete extensive training and supervised practice before becoming registered with AHPRA. They provide talk therapies and behavioural support. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and specialise in the medical treatment of mental health conditions.
In Australia, the title “psychologist” is legally protected and requires registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. A counsellor is not a protected title and does not necessarily indicate professional registration. At Happy Minds Psychology, all counselling services are delivered by fully registered psychologists.
Standard sessions with a psychologist are approximately 50 minutes in length.
Yes. All information shared in sessions is confidential, with exceptions only if there is risk of harm or specific legal requirements.
Each clinician has their own preferences when it comes to NDIS and WorkCover clients. Please contact us to enquire.
Yes. Happy Minds Psychology offers face-to-face appointments in Geelong as well as Telehealth sessions accessible Australia wide.
Sarah-Jayne Duryea is the Founder and Principal Psychologist at Happy Minds Psychology, with a strong clinical focus on supporting people in high-pressure and high-impact roles. She has a special interest in working with surrogacy teams, first responders, frontline workers, and individuals in demanding careers, including athletes, performers, and professionals navigating chronic stress, burnout, or trauma exposure.
Sarah-Jayne also works extensively in perinatal psychology, professional coaching, and clinical supervision. She is passionate about helping fellow professionals — including psychologists, counsellors, and leaders — build sustainable skills, emotional resilience, and effective strategies to thrive both personally and within their teams. She provides professional coaching and board-approved supervision, with a particular commitment to supporting provisional psychologists through the registration pathway.
In her family-building work, Sarah-Jayne supports individuals and couples pursuing parenthood through IVF, surrogacy, donor conception, and adoption. As an ANZICA-registered practitioner, she provides independent counselling and psychological assessments for surrogacy arrangements, offering informed, compassionate, and ethical support throughout the process.
Sarah-Jayne also contributes to the future of the profession as a member of the Psychology Industry Advisory Board at Deakin University.
Currently on Maternity Leave.
Hi, I’m Jessie.
I’m a registered psychologist with a particular interest in supporting families in the perinatal period. I understand that each individual experiences this transformative time in life uniquely, and I aim to meet you where you are at in your experience. I value the importance of the therapeutic relationship and aim to create a safe space where you can be yourself and get the most out of therapy.
I operate from a person-centred approach, working with each client to understand their individual, couple, and family goals. I tailor my therapy approach collaboratively with clients to assist them toward their goals. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as strengths-based approaches.
When I’m not at Happy Minds, I enjoy spending time with my family, music, attempting to bake, and time in nature.
Hi, I’m Gemma.
I’m an experienced registered psychologist and I enjoy working collaboratively with you to gain a shared understanding of your goals. I focus on building on your existing strengths and creating a warm and safe environment.
I use a client-centred integrative framework of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, and mindfulness approaches. I’m currently undergoing accreditation in evidence-based EFT tapping.
I work with children (14 years+), adolescents, and adults from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. I’m particularly passionate about supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and challenges during the perinatal period. I’m committed to helping parents and expecting parents make positive changes and manage the complexities associated with these conditions.
Hi, I’m Davina.
I’m a registered psychologist with a deep passion for supporting women and families through the emotional challenges of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered to heal.
My approach combines evidence-based therapy, trauma-informed care, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness practices. I work with a wide range of concerns including birth trauma, anxiety, postnatal depression, grief and loss, identity shifts, relationship stress, and early bonding challenges. As a qualified yoga teacher, I also integrate somatic awareness, breathwork, and movement principles to help you reconnect with your body, regulate your nervous system, and cultivate a sense of inner calm and safety.
In addition, I bring extensive experience working with adolescents and parent-child relationships, offering support for complex emotional and behavioural concerns. I have worked widely in the areas of suicide prevention and self-harm, supporting both young people and adults through crisis and recovery with compassion and care.
Hi, I’m Courtney.
At the heart of my work as a Registered Psychologist is a commitment to inclusive, person-centered care that fosters self-compassion and supports people in feeling more connected to themselves and others. I have experience across private practice, behaviour support, and crisis intervention, and I take a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed approach to care.
Whether I’m working with children, adolescents or adults, my focus is always on creating a safe, supportive space for meaningful growth and self-understanding. My therapeutic work is informed by evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR and relational therapies. I have experience supporting a variety of presentations, including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, ASD, trauma, behavioural difficulties and providing parenting and caregiver support. I’m currently expanding my capacity to offer somatic therapies.
Hi, I’m An, (pronounced like the “An” in Anya).
I’m a therapist supporting individuals and couples+ through relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, grief, and emotional expression. I have a particular interest in issues around communication, intimacy, infidelity, and identity.
I offer a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where therapy is shaped around your values and what matters most to you. My approach is grounded in client-centred care and draws on a range of modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and the Gottman Method. I bring empathy, humour, and curiosity into our work together to support meaningful change.
I welcome people from all backgrounds, including those from LGBTQIA+ communities and diverse relationship structures. Whether you’re coming on your own or with a partner or partners, I’ll meet you with care and respect.
I hold a Master of Counselling from Monash University and a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology with Honours. I’ve also contributed to research through the NTU Social and Affective Neuroscience Lab on topics such as parenting, relationship quality, bonding, and sleep.
My areas of focus include affairs and rebuilding trust, navigating parenthood and life transitions such as grief or having a baby, and helping couples reconnect in intimacy and sex.
Hi, I’m Harbir.
I’m a Registered Psychologist who offers a warm, compassionate, and client-centred space where you can feel safe, understood, and supported. I value the trust that comes with sharing your story and working collaboratively to explore your experiences with curiosity and care.
I prioritise collaboration and tailored support, drawing on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy-informed strategies, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed care.
I support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, disordered eating and body image concerns, shame, self-criticism, perfectionism, burnout, OCD, ADHD and Autism. I also have a strong interest in helping people navigate relationship and parenting challenges, and identity or life-stage transitions.
My practice is inclusive and neuro-affirming, with a focus on building insight, resilience, and meaningful long-term change.
Hi, I’m Ashlea.
I’m a Registered Psychologist with a strong interest in perinatal mental health. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed, client-centred space where you can feel safe, understood, and empowered. I prioritise the therapeutic relationship and draw on evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I work with a broad range of concerns including emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, identity transitions, and relationship stress. My practice is inclusive and affirming, with a focus on building trust, enhancing self-understanding and promoting wellbeing.
I bring a calm, steady presence, offering practical support and therapeutic care to help individuals move toward recovery. My work is guided by values of empathy, integrity, and collaboration, and I strive to foster a therapeutic environment that works alongside you.
Outside of work you’ll find me keeping active, at the beach or spending time with my young family.
Hi, I’m Joanne.
I’m a graduate of the University of Newcastle Social Work Program and an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 15 years of counselling experience. I support clients of all ages, with a special interest in the Perinatal Period (Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting), trauma, and post-trauma recovery.
My background spans various clinical settings, including Community Health, Sexual Assault, Palliative Care, Young Parents, Family Support, Community Mental Health, Hospitals, and Perinatal Mental Health. I’ve also worked in Private Practice in Newcastle and Taree, NSW for the past 10 years.
I work with a wide range of presentations including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, BPD, PTSD, trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse, carer stress, parenting issues, grief and loss. My approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence-based therapeutic frameworks, with a strong strengths-based focus.
I have post-graduate training in ACT (Mindfulness), Narrative Therapy, Trauma Therapy, EFT (Tapping), Grief and Loss, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, IFS Therapy, Perinatal Mental Health, and CBT.
As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker registered with Medicare, clients can access rebates through a Mental Health Care Plan. Sessions are offered via Telehealth for convenience and comfort.
Outside of work, I enjoy time with my wonderful, eclectic family of adults, children, and animals!
Hi, I’m Natalie.
I’m a Registered Psychologist with a particular interest in supporting women with ADHD and Autism. I emphasise the importance of therapeutic rapport in my practice, placing inclusivity and affirming care at the forefront of all my interactions. I strive to be collaborative, client-centred, empathetic, non-judgemental, and neuro- and gender-affirming in my practice. In addition to working with neurodivergent women, my other areas of interest include anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and perinatal mental health. I am also extremely passionate about supporting women with chronic pain conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and chronic pelvic pain.
I pull from a wide range of therapeutic techniques in order to customise my approach to the unique needs of my clients, I draw from Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and somatic and sensory-based approaches. I strive to view mental health from a holistic perspective and work toward overall wellness outcomes with my clients. I pride myself on establishing strong rapport with clients, and bring a relaxed and non-judgement approach to therapy.
I will also be expanding my skills further by undergoing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training in early 2026.
Hi, I’m Virginia.
I’m a Provisional Psychologist currently completing my provisional year with Sarah-Jayne at Happy Minds Psychology. I have a particular interest in perinatal mental health, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, parenting, infertility, and IVF.
I have a background in biomedical science and completed my psychology studies and Master’s degree at Australian Catholic University. As a mother of three, the ups and downs of the parenting journey deeply resonate with me.
My goal is to support individuals and families across the lifespan in achieving mental well-being and navigating life’s challenges, including eating disorders such as ARFID and BED. I aim to provide a safe space free of judgement, creating a supportive atmosphere where you can openly express your thoughts and feelings.
My professional experience lies in crisis counselling, and I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). When working with clients, I employ a client-centred, strengths-based approach to ensure that therapy is uniquely tailored to your needs and goals.
Outside of my therapeutic work, I enjoy running, working on home decorating projects, reading, and walking my two dogs.
Available from March 2026
Hi, I’m Lucy.
I’m a Provisional Psychologist currently completing my provisional year under the supervision of Sarah-Jayne at Happy Minds Psychology. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults and support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, grief and loss, and challenges related to life transitions and identity development. I also enjoy supporting parents and partners during the perinatal period.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centred, with a strong focus on building a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. I work from a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective and draw on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I aim to provide care that is inclusive, and non-judgemental, working alongside clients to support meaningful change aligned with their values.
