Mind Potential Psychology: Our Team
Mind Potential Psychology was established with the aim of delivering high level, evidence-based psychological treatment to individuals across the Sunshine Coast.
Founding Director, Danielle McCarthy, recognised that not only is skill important in treating psychological concerns, but so too is getting the right fit between psychologist and client.
This is a very important relationship after all and one that is so crucial to getting right.
Our Team
Clinical Psychologist / Clinic Director
Dr Danielle Mccarthy
Sometimes life can throw us a curveball and we need assistance to help us through. If you’re an adolescent or adult and you could use a little support, book an appointment with Danielle today.
- Adults
- Adolescents
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress Management
- Post-natal Depression & Anxiety
- Grief and Loss
- PTSD and Trauma
- Body Image Concerns
Psychologist
Anita Hosking
ON LEAVE
Anita is a Registered Psychologist and STAP accredited supervisor, recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia. She has been practicing in the field of psychology since 2009.
Recognising the unique individuality of each person, Anita is passionate about providing an individualised, holistic, compassionate, and down-to-earth approach in supporting clients towards improved well-being.
Anita has a solid background in working with adult individuals of diverse genders and sexualities, as well as tackling issues around life, work, and relationship challenges, and those struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, and stress. She uses a variety of therapeutic frameworks to tailor creative and solution focussed approaches for individual counselling guided by the needs of the client.
Anita has a special interest in working with and supporting clients of diverse sexualities and genders (LGBTIQAP+).
Some areas Anita is able to provide support and guidance for include:
- Adults/Adolescents (16+)
- Diverse Genders and Sexualities
- Gender Identity
- (Individual) Relationship Counselling
- Anxiety (general anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety)
- Depression (including peri-natal or post-natal depression)
- Work-Life Balance (workplace stress, career change, transitions)
- Grief and Loss
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- PTSD and Trauma
- Body image
- Stress
- Burn out / feeling overwhelmed
- Career and/or life dissatisfaction
- Loss of focus or motivation
- Career transition – retirement, return to work, career change
- Return to work from injury or illness
Psychologist
Michael Pastorello
Michael uses a flexible client centred approach to help people find their own pathway to improving mental health and well-being. He believes in the importance of creating a safe place and a genuine therapeutic relationship for clients to grow. Michael has completed a Master of Psychology at the University of Queensland and has experience working with individuals’ experiencing depression and anxiety, life change, and those that just need some support in their day-to-day lives.
Michael is familiar with a variety of evidence-based psychological interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing and psychological skills training. He also has experience in sport, exercise, and performance psychology settings and can work with elite and amateur athletes in improving well-being, performance, sport enjoyment, and managing burnout/mental recovery.
- Adults
- Adolescents (16+)
- Mood Disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Grief and Loss
- Stress Management
- Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
- Mindfulness
- Work/life balance, burnout
- Career and/or life dissatisfaction
- Chronic pain
- Dependence/substance abuse
- Pain and/or injury management
- Psychological skill training
- Performance psychology
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
- Substance Use
Clinical Psychologist
Breanna Holden
Breanna works from a place of acceptance, providing a safe and non-judgemental space, allowing her clients to explore their concerns that may be preventing them from living a meaningful life. She believes that change is possible for everyone and feels privileged to be able to work alongside her clients on their unique journey.
Breanna has provided psychological intervention in private practice, employee assistance programs, inpatient settings and non-government
organizations. She has a special interest in working with adults who have had adverse childhood experiences, such as adult survivors of childhood
sexual, physical and emotional abuse, as well as adults who have experienced a single event trauma. Breanna also has a special interest in supporting mothers in the post-natal period.
- Adults
- Anxiety Disorders
- PTSD
- Complex trauma
- Depression
- Perinatal and Postnatal mental health
- Self-esteem
- Body Issue concerns
- Adjustment difficulties
- Stress management
- Grief and Loss
- Workplace stress/burnout
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Schema Therapy
- Compassion focused intervention
- Mindfulness
Psychologist
Julie Bignill
Julie is a psychologist who believes in working collaboratively with individuals from a holistic framework to improve their mental health and overall well-being. Julie works with adults and adolescents providing evidence-based psychological treatment tailored to their individual needs. Julie is keen to work with you on your journey towards improved mental health.
- Adults
- Adolescents
- Depressive Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Panic Disorders
- Substance Use
- Stress Management
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Metacognitive Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Clinical Psychologist
Nicola Mitchell
Nicola offers a warm, supportive and compassionate space for people experiencing emotional and/or mental health difficulties.
Nicola has 18 years experience as a psychologist and has had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients this time including people of varied ages, cultural backgrounds, and presenting difficulties. Nicola holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, Honours in Psychology and Master of Clinical Psychology.
Whilst Nicola can assist with a range of issues, she is particularly interested in working with adolescents and adults to assist with difficulties including anxiety disorders, trauma and complex trauma, adjustment, grief, and loss, eating disorders, and body image concerns.
Nicola provides a range of evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-based therapies, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Schema Therapy. Nicola will work collaboratively with you to work out what will be the right approach for you.
Nicola is also a Board Approved Supervisor and is very passionate about supervising and supporting early career psychologists to grow in their competence and confidence in the role.
Nicola can assist with:
- Children (10 years and up), adolescents, adults, older adults
- Depressive disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Adjustment difficulties
- Grief and loss
- Trauma-related disorders and problems (PTSD, complex trauma)
- Eating disorders and body image concerns
- Substance use problems
- Chronic pain and/or adjustment to injury
- Psychosis
- Clinical supervision (Board Approved Supervisor)
Psychologist
Melanie Williams
Melanie is passionate about helping people live happy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. She brings a warm and engaging nature to her practice and genuinely seeks to understand her clients and support them to become their best selves.
Working from a client-centred approach, Melanie draws on evidence-based therapies that best meet her client’s needs. Melanie works with clients across the lifespan, from children 7+ years through to adulthood, supporting them to reach their therapeutic goals. She also has experience within the Disability Sector developing Positive Behaviour Support Plans that focus on improving individuals’ quality of life.
Melanie is a registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
- Adults
- Adolescents/Children
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress management
- Interpersonal difficulties (individual counselling)
- Emotion regulation
- Communication/assertiveness
- Adjustment difficulties
- Self-Esteem
- Grief & Loss
Psychologist
Graeme Rawson
Graeme worked for Child and Youth Mental Health services for 6 years from 1999, specializing in working with adolescents and young people. Graeme commenced private psychological practice in 2000, and has worked in private practice exclusively since 2006 where his clinical training and background allow him to work successfully with a broad range of clients and presenting difficulties. Graeme provides Psychological therapy based on the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model.
Graeme sees his role as a psychologist as being able to assist clients to identify those areas in which they are not happy with and not functioning as well as they could be – whether physically (doing), emotively (feeling), and/or cognitively (thinking) and then provide strategies and guidance for doing this differently … better, making life a little simpler.
- Adults
- Adolescents
- Anxiety disorders
- Issues with coping and stress management
- Self Esteem
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Phobias
- Workplace stress/Burnout
- Life Transitions
- CBT
- Workcover
- DVA
- NDIS self or plan managed
Psychologist/ Psychotherapist
Emanuele Latino
After an initial career in organisational psychology in Europe, Emanuele acquired a Master in Relational Intervention in Emergency Contexts. He participated in numerous missions in Rwanda, South Sudan, Kenya and Swaziland. Those experiences led to an increased interest the treatment of Psychological Trauma. Since then Emanuele has acquired a Master in Gestalt Therapy and specialised in Somatosensory psychotherapy. For few years has worked as a Program Director in a retreat that helps people struggling with their Mental Health, using a Biopsychosocial approach. At present, he is teaching Counselling at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Works with adults, adolescents, couples and families.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma (PTSD, C-PTSD)
- Substance misuse / addictions
- Grief and Loss
- Dissociative states / Psychosis
- Relational struggles
- Existential angst
Provisional Psychologist
Louise Read
Louise, a Provisional Psychologist with prior experience as a Counsellor, frequently employs a client-centered methodology, placing trust in clients’ inherent insights while offering guidance. She instructs Circle of Security principles and employs Sandtray therapy techniques. As a parent of four children, Louise empathizes with the difficulties of parenting and is passionate about aiding fellow parents in overcoming challenges, drawing from personal experiences and evidence-based interventions.
- Children/Adolescents/Adults
- Parents and soon-to-be parents
- Families
- Circle of Security (0-5 years)
- Incredible Years (0-12 years)
- Sandplay therapy
- Mindfulness
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Trauma
- Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Expressive Therapies
Psychologist
Bridget O’Brien
Bridget is a psychologist who completed a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Monash University, Melbourne. Bridget has experience providing therapy and assessment services to children and adolescents in private and school settings. Bridget is passionate about creating a warm, supportive and non-judgmental environment for clients to work towards their therapeutic goals.
Areas Bridget can provide support in include:
- Children (5+)
- Adolescents
- Cognitive and academic assessments
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Emotional regulation
- Self-esteem
- School-related challenges (school refusal, peer relationships)
- Cognitive behaviour therapy
Psychologist
Patrick O’Brien
Patrick is a Registered Psychologist, recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia. He has been practising as a psychologist since 2006. The focus his work is to:
- Support and journey with people through challenges and difficulties they are experiencing.
- Help meet the increasing need people have for deeper meaning and purpose in their lives.
Each person Patrick works with is accepted, listened to and guided, to foster greater personal insight and growth. Patrick has been lucky to experience many different people and cultures, to work in different roles and industries, and to have wonderful support through his own challenges and difficulties. A key learning for him has been that no one is perfect and nor should we try to be. However, it is possible for everyone to access their own unique potential – especially when receiving good psychological support through challenges and difficulties.
Patrick has developed skills in cognitive-behavioural therapy, solutions-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy. In recent years, he have undertaken skills development in somatic (body-based) therapy and Jungian psychotherapy. He finds these particularly helpful for people experiencing persistent psychological difficulties and suffering.
Patrick welcomes adults who have a clinical diagnosis or those who have become stuck by difficulties that hold them back from living a full life, including:
- Trauma (developmental, relationships, PTSD)
- Depression and Anxiety
- Anger issues
- Diminished satisfaction and engagement in life
- Leadership challenges
- Work and career issues
Executive Assistant to Director
Wendy Minchenton
Client Support / Administration
Chantel Major
Client Support / Administration
Cindy Perkins
Director of First Impressions
Charlie
Charlie is our 5-month-old border collie puppy. She loves meeting and greeting all clients. You will often find her relaxing in our waiting area. She loves cuddles and pats. She also likes going into some sessions, however, as she is a puppy she also enjoys long naps.
Charlie will be officially beginning her therapy dog training later this year.
Psychologist
Stephanie Price
Stephanie is a warm, caring and compassionate psychologist with a strong focus on supporting personal growth. She helps to create a judgement-free, open, therapeutic environment. She uses evidence-based models of therapy including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-focused Therapy.
Stephanie is currently completing her PhD in Neuroscience at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She is investigating the application of a cutting-edge therapy – flash technique on PTSD and trauma using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Stephanie has advanced training in flash technique, a new therapy described as pleasant and effective when treating trauma memories.
Stephanie has experience working with adolescents 16 years and up and has a special interest in working with adults, women’s mental health and trauma.
- Adults
- Adolescents (16 years and up)
- Specialising in Trauma
- Relationship difficulties
- Grief and loss
- Confidence and low self esteem
- Work or school-related stress
- Bullying and harassment
- Personal and professional coaching
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Advanced eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Advanced flash technique
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Reconsolidation Therapy
Psychologist
Sian Carr
Sian moved from the UK to the Sunshine Coast in 2022. Before Australia, she completed a Psychology with Sociology Bachelor’s degree and Clinical Psychology Master’s degree. She’s spent many years working for the British National Health Service in both community and inpatient settings, providing therapy for people experiencing acute and chronic distress.
She specialises in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), supporting people of all ages. She also delivers assessments for ADHD, Autism and cognitive functioning.
Areas of interest:
- Emotion regulation
- Improving communication
- Anxiety and panic
- OCD
- Stress management and burn out
- Dissociation
- Self-harm/ suicidality (DBT skills)
- Low self-esteem and inner critic (CFT)
- Depression/ low motivation
- Insomnia/ sleep problems (CBT-i)
- ADHD symptoms
- Autism awareness
- Cognitive functioning; examining memory, reading, writing and mathematical skills
Clinical Psychologist Registrar
Max Mack
Max is a dedicated and skilled Psychologist who works with individuals across all age groups. He addresses a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, such as mood disorders, anxiety, and developmental disorders, as well as other mental health challenges including complex presentations. Max has a particular passion for supporting neurodiverse children and adolescents, with a focus on improving their emotional regulation skills and managing co-occurring mental health challenges. Max has extensive experience with the NDIS and supporting individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Max has experience working with First Nations Peoples.
Max tailors therapeutic interventions and assessments to meet each person’s unique needs, focusing on empowerment and goal achievement. Max prioritizes establishing trust and rapport, creating a safe space for open communication and fostering a collaborative environment to address challenges. Max provides a holistic approach to therapy, addressing symptoms by exploring underlying thought processes and behavioural patterns. The goal is to improve overall well-being, fostering a deeper understanding and long-term resilience.
- Children
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Older adults
- Neurodiversity
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Bipolar and Related Disorders
- OCD and Related disorders
- PTSD Disorders
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Max also competent in providing cognitive assessments for clients seeking diagnosis and assessment for;
- ADHD
- ASD
- Intellectual disability or learning difficulties
Clinical Psychologist
Derek McLellan
Derek is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals across the lifespan, from children aged 5 and above to adulthood. With experience in working with a range of concerns such as anxiety, trauma, depression, and stress, Derek aims to create a therapeutic environment that is empathic, non-judgmental, and collaborative. His therapeutic approach is centred on creating a safe and validating space where clients feel comfortable exploring their concerns. Derek is committed to helping clients reduce distress and achieve lasting positive change.
Derek has a special interest in working with anxiety and trauma. He is an accredited EMDR practitioner, having completed training with the EMDR institute, and holds full membership with the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA).
- Adults
- Adolescents
- Children (5+ years)
- Anxiety (Generalised, Social, Separation, Selective Mutism, Specific Phobias, Agoraphobia)
- Trauma and PTSD
- Depression
- Grief and Loss
- Stress Management
- Emotional Regulation
- CBT and EMDR
Registered Counsellor
Alison Dobson
With Masters-level qualifications in both psychology and counselling, Alison provides an authentic, open, and non-judgmental environment that supports clients with mental health, wellbeing, and reconnecting with self at their own pace and direction.
Alison’s priority focus is supporting clients who are seeking positive behaviour change and are ready to do the work to achieve their goals. Using a flexible, person-centred approach, Alison can help clients attend to current and past challenges head on, whether they be related to emotional stress, anxiety, depression, grief or loss, trauma, addiction, compulsive behaviours, or maybe just curiosity about discovering ways to achieve personal goals.
Alison has lived internationally across a range of diverse cultural settings while raising four children into thriving, self-dependant adults and calls the beautiful Sunshine Coast home.
- Adults
- Adolescents
- Couples and Family
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Addiction
- Grief and Loss
- Trauma
- Person Centred Therapy (PCT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Motivation Interviewing (MI)
- Expressive Arts Therapy (EAT)
- Mindfulness
Psychologist
Brad Saunders
Brad is a warm and supportive psychologist who creates a relaxed and welcoming space where clients feel understood and supported to explore their concerns. He takes a collaborative approach with clients, working hard to find the best way forward with each person and tailoring sessions to their specific needs. Brad is passionate about creating space for clients to learn more about themselves and supporting them to move towards what is most important for them.
Brad has worked with adult clients across a variety of contexts as a psychologist, and enjoys finding creative ways to help them navigate the issues they face. He draws from a range of evidence-based interventions to find constructive and practical solutions that work for his clients, most often employing techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Solution-focused Therapy.
- Adults
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Mood Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Grief and Loss
- Insomnia and Sleep Issues
- ADHD symptoms
- Stress management
- Work-Life Balance, Burnout, and Career dissatisfaction
- WorkCover
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Psychologist
Kerstin Goellner
Kerstin is a registered psychologist and trained EMDR practitioner. She is passionate about providing a non-judgemental, culturally-sensitive, warm and empowering space for self-discovery and growth. Kerstin has a special interest in supporting adolescents and adults with a history of adverse childhood experiences, family-of-origin and attachment difficulties, as well as single incident trauma.
Kerstin uses a range of evidence-based and body-oriented treatment modalities and will collaboratively work with you to find the right approach:
- Eye Movement and Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Somatic Experiencing (SE)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques
- Schema Therapy
Some areas Kerstin is able to provide support and guidance for include:
- Adolescents
- Adults
- (Complex) Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety and phobias
- Depression and mood disorders
- Grief and loss
- Chronic pain
- Stress management
- Life transitions
- (Peri) Menopause
- Return to work from injury or illness
Psychologist
Laurie Lumsden
Laurie brings a lifetime of diverse psychological practice firmly anchoring his work with people in the practical realities of everyday life. His work spans several decades from young offenders, to community development work in Central Australia, to international development work in PNG, policy and service development work in alcohol and drugs, organisational development training and development, redundancy management in Queensland Health, health promotion work in public health, military service and psychology, university coaching and skills training in Ireland, and more recently running his own private counselling practice in Brisbane. He is now semi-retired here on the Sunshine Coast.
He holds a PhD in Psychology, is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society, and is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA.
- Men
- Depression, anxiety, and stress.
- Retirement and ageing.
- Academic reading, writing and exam performance.
- Psychological reactions to critical incidents.
- Domestic violence
Counsellor
Sharon van Oers
Sharon is a compassionate counsellor who brings a rich blend of experience to her practice. With a background in clinical nutrition and prior experience in NSW Health, including mental health services, Sharon offers a holistic understanding of wellness. She focuses on being fully present and gently holding space, creating a safe environment for healing and growth.
Sharon tailors her methods to meet you where you are, delivering sessions with sensitivity, focus, and encouragement. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed by emotions, or seeking change, Sharon offers a supportive space to explore your challenges and work towards greater fulfilment.
With a special focus on women’s health, Sharon supports clients experiencing PMS, PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), perimenopause, post-menopause, and other hormonal challenges. Sharon’s warm and soul-focused approach helps you navigate your personal journey.
Working with adolescents and adults, offering support for:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Building Healthy Relationships
- Grief and Loss
- Emotion Regulation
- Life Transitions
- Midlife Changes
- Self-Esteem and Personal Growth
- Sleep and Insomnia
- Stress and Burnout
- Women’s Health
Approaches:
- Compassion-Focused Therapy
- Expressive Therapies
- Mind-Body Integration
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Psychologists at Mind Potential Psychology have extensive training and experience working with a broad range of presenting concerns. We are likely to have a psychologist on our team who can assist you.
Call us to find out more
Therapeutic Frameworks
Depending on your specific needs and goals, psychologists at Mind Potential Psychology may utilise skills from one of the following evidence-based frameworks:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
- Meta Cognitive Therapy (MCT)
- Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E)
- Couples Therapy
Who We Can Help
- Child and Adolescent behaviour and emotional functioning
- Parenting skills
- Anxiety Disorders and excessive worry
- Coping with Stress
- Depression and Mood Disorders
- ADHD, ASD
- Stress Management
- Body Image Concerns and Eating Disorders
- Pain Management
- Peri and Post-natal Anxiety & Depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- Grief and loss
- Adjusting to change and life transitions
- Anger
- Sleep problems
- Transgender and Gender Diverse
- Substance Abuse
- OCD
- Self-esteem
- Workcover
- NDIS
- Department of Veteran Affairs
- Insurance, and much more