Our Team

Our team with attendees of our official opening in 2021

Ms Katherine (Kate) MacDonald

BEd/BPsych, GCM, MPhil, MAPS

Psychologist

Kate commenced her training to become a psychologist in 1988.  After completing a double undergraduate bachelor degree in both Education and Psychology, (BEd/BPsych) Kate subsequently completed a Graduate Certificate of Management, (GCM) in 1998 and then a Master of Philosophy, (MPhil) in 2009. The research topic for the MPhil pertained to the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, (CBT) delivered in a group format to individuals suffering from mixed anxiety and depression, often in the context of multiple mental health diagnoses.

 Kate is also intensively trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, (DBT). She completed her basic training with the Centre for Psychotherapy in 2004 and her Intensive training with Marsha Linehan’s company Behavior Tech, in 2005. Since then, Kate has completed several other training courses delivered by Marsha Linehan’s company Behavior Tech including training with Dr Linehan and training in DBT Prolonged Exposure, (DBT-PE) with Melanie Harned.

Following years of practice as a psychologist in both the fields of sexual assault and adult mental health, Kate became one of the founding members of the DBT Program in one of the Public Mental Health Services which commenced in 2003. She coordinated that program from the position of Personality Disorder Specialist from 2012 to 2021. Kate was also the inaugural coordinator of a second public mental health DBT Program from 2012 to 2013. Kate has also been one of the Directors of DBTBrisbane since 2012.

Kate is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, (AHPRA).

Ms Jenny

Practice Manager

Jenny is our Practice Manager who is available to answer your enquiries and assist with making referrals and appointments. Her friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming manner will make this process as seamless as possible.

Prior to working with Dandelion Suites, Jenny had an extensive history in working in administration within the banking industry.  She then moved into reception in general practice before specialising in reception within psychiatry where she worked for several years.  Jenny is now the indispensable Practice Manager for Dandelion Suites.

Amanda Hefez

BA Psych Hons

Psychologist

Amanda is a highly experienced psychologist who is passionate about helping people improve their mental health and general wellbeing. She has been working as a psychologist since 2001. She created her practice InSync Psychology in 2006.

Her philosophy is to create a safe supportive environment to help people work through concerns, problems or challenges. Amanda has extensive experience providing therapy and training covering a broad range of issues including: 

mental health, relationship issues, trauma, addictions and workplace assistance.

Amanda applies an integrative approach tailored to an individual’s specific needs. She utilises evidence-based strategies and incorporates a number of approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy, solution focused therapy, trauma therapy, emotion focused therapy, interpersonal therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.  

Amanda’s counselling services are eligible for Medicare and Private Health Insurance Rebates. Amanda receives referrals from medical practitioners, as well as self-referrals.  

Areas of Interest: Anxiety and depression, emotional wellbeing, trauma and grief, relationship issues & workplace conflict or stress.

Clientele: Adults, couples & families. 

Ms Kathleen (Kathy) Bermingham

MCoun, MEd(SchCoun), GradDipPsych, GradCertSFT (Solution Focused Therapy), GradDipTch, BA, Level 4 Counsellor (ACA)

Counsellor

  • Adults
  • Adolescents
  • Children (intake interview required)
  • Family counselling
  • Parenting
  • Relationships
  • General counselling for life direction and wellbeing
  • Depression and loneliness
  • Grief and loss
  • Anxiety
  • Life transitions
  • Life Coaching

 

Accepting New Clients

Head shot

Alaina Westaway

BEd/BPsych

Psychologist

Alaina is a highly skilled and experienced Psychologist who loves helping people become the best version of themselves despite what life throws their way. She has been actively working in the field for over 30 years, commencing working in private practice in Tasmania over 25 years ago. Alaina has also worked part time in an acute mental health private hospital in Brisbane for the last 18 years, running psychoeducational groups for both inpatients and outpatients.

Alaina has significant experience working in the fields of trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression. She utilizes a broad range of evidence-based therapeutic strategies, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), trauma therapy and solution focused therapy.

In her spare time Alaina loves heading to the beach and spending time with her family.

Dr Melissa Straiton

BSci, MSc,D. ClinPsych, MAPS

Clinical Psychologist

Melissa is a clinical psychologist with more than ten years of experience in treating a variety of mental health challenges. She specialises in the treatment of anxiety disorders and complex, long term mental health issues, but will approach any presentation with the same warmth, compassion, understanding and dedication to helping. Melissa’s catchphrase is “that makes sense to me”. She strives to connect the dots and support her clients in understanding themselves, and thus navigate towards effective treatments and positive outcomes. She utilises a number of evidence-based treatments, including CBT, DBT, schema therapy and EMDR.

Melissa is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS).

To book an appointment with Dr Melissa Straiton please call:

0409 846 036

Kate Langdon

BA Psych Hons

Psychologist

As a Registered Psychologist Kate is trained in mental health treatment and assessment. Kate treats a variety of psychological conditions and supports people with all disabilities. Kate is experienced in Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual disability assessment, but also works across a wide variety of ages and conditions. Kate uses a collaborative approach to provide a healing space for you to explore what’s impacting your happiness and growth so you can embody the changes you want to make for yourself.

To book an appointment with Kate Langdon please call:

0493 119 921

Could this be you?

Dandelion Suites currently has rooms available for lease for mental health professionals wishing to branch out into private practice or extend their existing practices.  Please enquire by contacting us on: (07) 3924 6633