Our Psychologists

Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Buikstra is a Registered Psychologist with 23 years’ experience in clinical, project management, research and leadership including a wide range of areas such as resilience, mental health, human factors, rural and remote mental health, and health generally.

For more than 20 years, Simone has worked as a Registered Psychologist within the private, community, allied health and educational sectors. She is a Board Registered Supervisor and an Adjunct Lecturer at James Cook University. She has established a reputation of building genuine connections across cultures, age, vocational and societal groups.

Dr Annelies is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist originating from Belgium, who moved to Australia in 2017. Dr Annelies completed her training as a medical doctor in Belgium in 1999 and then moved to the Netherlands to complete her training as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in 2004. For 14 years she provided specialised care in assessing and treating children and young people with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and their comorbidities, both in a clinical and out-patient setting. Dr Annelies worked passionately for 5 years as the Clinical Director of a day-clinic facility for children with severe mental health problems, where she pioneered a clinical enhancement program informed by the well-known collaborative problem-solving method (Greene). Dr Annelies believes that medication can be helpful in the treatment for children and young people with ADHD and ASD, but also believes that therapeutic interventions, like family work and skill development in the child are equally important.

Jack is a Registered Psychologist with a special interest in complex trauma (CPTSD), dissociative disorders and addiction. Jack works from a standpoint of collaboration and compassion, emphasising working at his clients’ pace. He focuses both on managing symptoms and understanding and treating their underlying causes.

Ashley is a Clinical Psychology Registrar who completed her Clinical Psychology Masters at Central Queensland University  Rockhampton, with thesis research exploring bariatric surgery patient’s wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. She previously completed a Master of Professional Psychology degree at UNE and bachelor’s degree in psychology at JCU, which included a thesis component focused on the benefits of psychological interventions for bariatric patients. She also has an Honours degree in Anthropology, to enable a greater understanding of cultural practices and diversity.

Bernadette is a passionate and empathetic clinical psychologist who takes a strength-based approach working with families, adults, adolescents and children. Bernadette’s focus is on a range of psychological testing and treatment planning for mental health conditions, emotional regulation and behavioural problems. She has dual master degrees in Forensic Mental Health and Clinical Psychology.

Tamera is a Registered Psychologist with 20 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Through her down to earth, easy-going, and thoughtful manner, Tamera’s primary focus is on building a strong therapeutic relationship with a focus on the personal progress for her clients. Encouraging clients to improve their personal self-awareness and self-mastery of emotional skills. She is experienced in working with many presenting issues including mental health issues, realtionship problems, stress, burnout, and work life balance.

Sari is a Registered Psychologist who specialises in working with children and families. She has a particular interest in the assessment and treatment of mental health concerns in the perinatal period, including ante natal and post-natal depression, anxiety and transition to parenthood. Sari has specialised, for many years, in the effects our early attachment relationships have on relationships throughout our lives. She has extensive experience working with parents and carers and has worked with a wide range of clients with a trauma background, including developmental trauma. Sari believes helping new parents understand their children and their needs is key to being able to enjoy happy and secure relationships. Where a child or parent has more complex needs, Sari is committed to working, as a team, with any other health service providers involved in the client’s life, thus ensuring the best outcomes for the client. Sari has worked in both public health sector and in several non-government agencies. She is working towards full accreditation in EMDR trauma therapy and is a trained Circle of Security Facilitator. Age groups: • Infants • Children • Adolescents • Adults Therapeutic modalities: Children and Adolescents • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) • EMDR • Narrative therapy • Play therapy Therapeutic modalities: Adults • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) • EMDR

Ruth is a registered Psychologist with qualifications including a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). During her studies, Ruth worked for five years supporting those in crisis following trauma. This was followed by a two-year internship and practical application of her learnings at Ramsay Clinic in Cairns. Ruth has  a special interest working with adults and adolescents.

Hugh is an enthusiastic and passionate Clinical Psychologist who is curious about people and takes a holistic view of each individual to assist them in obtaining a sense of well-being and a positive view of themselves.