Meet the Team


Feel to Heal Leadership

Nicola Cohen 

Director & Clinical Psychologist
BPsych(Hons), MClinPsych

My name is Nicola.

I work with children, adolescents, and their families in addition to young adults. I pride myself on my openness, relatability, and ability to make clients feel safe, validated, and heard. As my clients know, one of my favourite sayings is ‘you can’t heal it, until you feel it’ and from this, Feel to Heal Psychology was born. As an avid Harry Potter fan, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to use the beautiful reference of Fawkes, a phoenix, to represent this practice. This is because my very essence as a psychologist is to support my clients to rise up from their difficulties, and look inwards to feel and process their emotions to become the best version of themselves. 

I have a special interest in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, in addition to trauma, parenting support, infertility, and ante and postnatal anxiety and depression. I am trained to utilise a range of evidence-based therapies including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour informed therapy (DBT), in addition to some schema therapy work and I am also a trained EMDR therapist. Ultimately though, I am an eclectic practitioner, meaning I will draw from various modalities depending on the needs of the client.

Outside of work, I am a wife and mum of three beautiful children and two wonderful fur babies. We love spending time as a family and with friends, travelling, adventuring outdoors, are board games and movie nerds, and I also love curling up with a book and a cup of tea!

Dylan Cohen

Owner and Business Manager

Hi there, my name is Dylan. 

I’m the face you will never see, working behind the scenes ensuring the practice is functioning and all our psychologists are happy! While psychology and business management are not typically my forte, I love working with our clients and psychologists to ensure the family of Feel to Heal Psychology is well looked after.

Outside of Feel to Heal, I work as an Engineering Consultant, have 5 beautiful children (3 human and 2 fur), and enjoy spending time with my closest friends.

Leah Rackemann

Clinical Lead & Registered Psychologist (Clinical Registrar)
BPsych(Hons), MClinPsych
Hi, my name is Leah. 
 
I work with children, adolescents and adults. I pride myself on being empathetic, genuine, non-judgemental, and allowing my clients feel understood, validated, and empowered to live authentically. I value being able to provide a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment for all clients and am a neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTQIAP+ affirming psychologist. I also have a lived experience of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and have undergone my own therapeutic journey. I believe these lived experiences are one of my strengths as a psychologist, as they allow me to have a deeper, more genuine understanding of my client’s challenges that extends beyond my clinical training.
 
I have experience treating a broad range of presentations, with a particular interest in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias (including emetophobia), anxiety-based conditions, trauma-related conditions, and in providing parenting support.

 

I am trained in a range of evidence-based therapies that I draw from to support the individual needs of my client, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Schema Therapy, Exposure and Response-Prevention (ERP), and Metacognitive Therapy (MCT). I am also an accredited Circle of Security (Parenting) Program Facilitator and take an attachment-based approach to support parents to better understand and connect with their children.
 
In addition to my therapeutic work, I also have a particular interest and experience in conducting cognitive and neurodevelopmental assessments across the lifespan, including the assessment and diagnosis of intellectual disability, specific learning disorders, giftedness, ASD, and ADHD.

 

Outside of work, I enjoy reading books, practicing reformer Pilates, playing board-games with friends, and spending quality time with my sweet ex-working dog Socks, and my ragdoll cat, Cleo.


Admin Team

Maddy Towill

Receptionist

Hi, I’m Maddy!

My role at Feel to Heal is Receptionist. You will see me at the front desk or chat with me on the phone/email in the afternoons, Monday through Wednesday.

Outside of Feel to Heal, I am a cat mum to my baby Stormi, an avid crocheter, and a student working my way through a Bachelor of Psychological Science. I have a keen interest in behavioural psychology and hope to become a clinical psychologist myself one day!

My goal is to assist clients as best I can by ensuring the start, end, and everything in the middle of your journey with us is as stress-free and welcoming as possible.

I look forward to chatting with you!

Lauren Jespersen 

Receptionist

Hi, I’m Lauren! 

You can find me at the front desk at Feel to Heal, welcoming you in and answering any questions you may have! I come from a psychology and social work background and am here to make you feel welcome.   

When we chat, you might notice my funny accent… I’m Canadian, born and raised! I moved to Australia over 6 years ago and after many adventures around the country, I have landed in Canberra with my partner. 

Outside of Feel to Heal, you’ll find me either in the mountains or the coast camping, hiking, biking and exploring. 

I looking forward to meeting you and helping in any way that I can.


Psychologists

Stephanie Herrmann

Registered Psychologist
BSc(Psych)(Hons), MProfPsych

Hi, I’m Steph!

I’m a registered psychologist and enjoy working with individuals of different ages, with a particular passion for supporting children and their families. I aim to provide a warm, client-centred, strengths-based approach, and an environment where my clients can feel comfortable and empowered.

I offer therapy and a range of assessments, with a particular interest in cognitive, academic, and behavioural assessments, and assessments for ADHD. I have experience providing therapy for behavioural concerns including emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, school-based difficulties, as well as interpersonal difficulties, and utilise a range of evidence based psychological techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness.

My experience in the education setting has helped develop my understanding of the importance of collaborative care across therapy, home and school settings.

Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with my family and much-loved spoodle (Archie), running outdoors, and sharing good food with friends.

Beau Mostyn Sullivan 

Registered Psychologist (Clinical Registrar)
BSocSc, GDipPsych, BScPsych(Hons), PhD(ClinPsych) candidate
Hi, I’m Beau!
 
At Feel to Heal, I work therapeutically with adults and teens, and offer cognitive assessments for people of all ages. I believe in tailoring treatment plans collaboratively with my clients, ensuring a flexible, non-judgemental, and empathetic approach that addresses their specific needs.
 
I have a particular interest in working with borderline personality disorder, emotion dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. I am trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. I aim to support clients to feel validated and skilfully engage in effective coping behaviours that enhance their overall well-being and help them achieve their life worth living goals.
 
Outside the therapy room, if I’m not finishing the last bits of my PhD in Clinical Psychology, I’m probably hanging with my dogs Bruce and Morty, lifting weights in the gym, doing some bouldering, or spending time with friends. 

Thomas Pearson

Registered Psychologist (Clinical Registrar)
MClinPsych
 

Hi there, I’m Thomas,  

At Feel to Heal, my practice aims to support meaningful change in the lives of the people I work with. I work hard to create a space where people feel heard and understood. My focus is on fostering new understandings, cultivating skills, and instilling confidence to confront significant life challenges. I work with clients from a range of backgrounds, with specific interest in anxiety, depression, stress, emotional, and interpersonal dysregulation. I work to integrate a diverse range of therapeutic approaches where appropriate, including cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), ensuring a flexible and personalized approach.  

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my two young children, glassblowing, painting, cooking, and undertaking various gardening projects.

Hannah Black

Registered Psychologist (Clinical Registrar)
BPsych(Hons), MClinPsych
Hi, I’m Hannah!

At Feel to Heal, I therapeutically support children and adolescents. You’ll also find me facilitating group programs and conducting cognitive/learning assessments for people of all ages. I aim to support people with difficulties such as depression, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, adjustment, stress and body image concerns. I’m passionate about building strong and trusting alliances with young people and allowing them to feel safe and heard. 

I use a variety of evidence-based therapies, depending on the needs of each person. My approach is primarily based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and I also incorporate aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour informed  Therapy (DBT). I frequently use play, humour, self-compassion and creativity as I believe these tools allow young people to engage with therapy in a strengths-based way.

Outside the office, you’ll find me baking, camping, hiking and listening to music or podcasts.

Mackenzie Sternbeck-Rutter

Registered Psychologist (Clinical Registrar)
BPsych(Hons), MClinPsych

Hi, I’m Mackenzie!

At Feel to Heal, I work therapeutically with young people and adults. I’m passionate about providing a warm and safe space for clients to explore their experiences and develop coping strategies tailored to their unique needs. I also have experience with and aim to provide a secure and collaborative environment for neurodivergent, LGBTQUIAP+, and First Nations people.

I have a particular interest in helping clients navigate the complexities of trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger. I have training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Psychotherapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). I am an accredited Confident Carers and Cooperative Kids (CCCK) facilitator and have facilitated group therapies for families with children with anxiety and autism.

Outside of Feel to Heal, I enjoy swimming in the ocean, re-watching the same TV shows, and spending time with family.

Jaimee Forster 

Registered Psychologist (Clinical Registrar)
BPsych(Hons), MClinPsych
Hello, I’m Jaimee! 
 
At Feel to Heal, my role is to conduct cognitive and learning assessments for children and adults. My aim in these assessments is to make people feel comfortable and heard, and work hard to collect as much information as possible so we can better understand what may be happening for them. 
 
Outside of Feel to Heal, you’ll find me walking my dog, reading a book, playing board games with friends, or cooking.  
Emily Denny

Emily Denny

Registered Psychologist
BPsych(Hons)
Hey there! My name is Emily

I am a Registered Psychologist working at Feel to Heal. My role at Feel to Heal is to provide therapeutic and psychological support to my clients. I have a special interest in the Autism Spectrum and working with children and young adults. My goal is to provide a safe and warm environment for my clients, so they may feel comfortable and supported.

Outside of the practice, you’ll find me hanging with my cat (Nimbus), reading, or spending time with my siblings and niece.

Caitlin Starink

Registered Psychologist

BA, BPsychSc(Hons)

Hi! My name is Caitlin.

I’m a generally registered psychologist with a strong and personal passion for supporting and working with neurospicy children, adolescents and their families. My background has primarily been in helping neurosparkly clients navigate a range of common co-morbidities such as anxiety and mood dysregulation. This starts with the belief that neurodiversity is just a difference with it’s own strengths, not something that wrong or bad or needs to be fixed.  

Often we find that an environment the person is situated in is not currently suited or supportive of their needs and I love working with families and young people to develop supportive strategies that help empower them and help them grow the skills they need. In an age appropriate way, I aim to help clients and their carers develop an understanding of themselves and a acceptance of all aspects of who they are, their unique strengths and gifts. Whilst developing those skills to help them navigate the ‘seas of life’ with all it’s ups and downs.    

Therapy is not a one-size-fits all, and with this in mind I aim to tailor the therapeutic approach to the individual client needs and preferences. Depending on what the core issues impacting the client are therapy may incorporate aspects of CBT, ACT, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy or IPT (areas I am currently furthering my education in).  

Nakiya Xyrakis

Registered Psychologist (Clinical Registrar)
BPsych(Hons), MClinPsych

Hello! I’m Nakiya (like Nikita without the T). 

At Feel to Heal, I work therapeutically with adults and teens, and also offer cognitive assessments for people of all ages. I am passionate about creating inclusive and respectful therapeutic spaces, and I like to take a strength-based and collaborative approach with each client.

I have particular interest in working with anxiety, stress, self-confidence, trauma, and supporting members of the LGBTQI+ community. I have training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and I am an accredited Cool Kids facilitator and Circle of Security (Parenting) program facilitator. I am also a qualified yoga instructor and will often draw from this to include mindfulness and self-compassion approaches within therapy.

Outside of work I’ll likely be on the yoga mat, hanging out with my dog Baxter, enjoying delicious food and chats with friends, or trying to keep up with the entire RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise!

Georgina Jepsen

Registered Psychologist
BPsych(Hons), DPsych
Hi, my name is Georgie. 

I started my psychology career as a school psychologist and completed my Doctorate on ADHD in the school environment. I have always enjoyed working with children, adolescents and their families and believe in working as a collaborative team. 
After taking a break from clinical practice to have children I am delighted to be part of the Feel to Heal team.  

I am passionate about creating a space where people feel heard and understood. I have a strengths-based approach with a background in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have a keen interest in cognitive and ADHD assessments and providing helpful follow-up support.  
 
Outside of work, I have a busy home life with four school-age children and a very loving (and occasionally exuberant) puppy. Our weekends are usually taken up with a variety of different sports and we also love a walk or bike ride through our local nature reserve.  

Lisa Hansen

Registered Psychologist (Clinical Registrar)
BA (Hons), PhD(ClinPsych) candidate

Hi, my name is Lisa

At Feel to Heal I conduct autism assessments for children and adults. People have all sorts of mixed feelings about having an autism assessment, I try to make sure that my clients feel relaxed about the process and that the experience is as engaging and thorough as possible, so that we can ensure they get the answers they need from the assessment.

Outside of Feel to Heal, I spend my time working on my PhD research and I love hiking, skiing, reading, playing tennis and spending time with my husband and 3 children.

Bolun Zhang

Provisional Psychologist
BPsych(Hons)

Hello! I am Bolun Zhang. 

I am a provisional psychologist working at Feel to Heal Psychology as a part of the clinical training experience for my Ph.D. degree in clinical psychology at the Australian National University. I have had approximately 180 hours of clinical experience working with adults and children. I have received training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT; specifically the Unified Protocol), the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and components of the Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).

As a provisional psychologist, I am keen to keep building my skill set by working with a wide range of clinical presentations. Meanwhile, I have particular interest in anxiety disorders (specifically health anxiety), and supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the mental health well-being of immigrants and international students. I speak fluent English and Mandarin Chinese and am keen to provide my service in both languages. 

Outside of work, I enjoy books and films, Pokémon, and hanging out with my cat Dora. I am also a certified fashion nerd who spent way too much time staring at runway videos with some Madonna, NewJeans or Tinashe on. 

 

您好，我叫张博伦。很高兴能向您介绍自己。

我现在在Feel to Heal Psychology担任一名provisional psychologist，同时在澳大利亚国立大学攻读临床心理学博士学位。迄今，我已经积累了大约180小时的与成人和儿童来访者工作的临床经验，并接受了行为认知疗法（CBT），接纳与承诺疗法（ACT），以及部分辩证行为疗法（DBT）的相关培训。作为一名provisional psychologist，我很期待能与更多的来访者一同工作，在了解您的心声的同时提高自我。我对焦虑症（尤其是健康焦虑）有格外的临床兴趣，也希望能在我的工作中支持LGBTQIA+社群成员，以及移民和国际学生的心理健康。我讲流利的英文和中文普通话，可以用中文提供心理咨询服务。

闲暇时间，我喜欢读书，看电影，做宝可梦，和我的小猫朵拉（见图）一起玩。更重要的是，生活里绝不能没有流行乐和时装秀！

Charlie Cohen 

Therapy Dog

Charlie is an 9 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the cutest colleague I could ask for!

While his favourite working past time is to sleep (and snore!), he is a very tuned in pup who always knows when clients need a cuddle and can make even the hardest times feel that little bit more manageable. 

 

Location

Unit 6, 2 Phipps Close, 
Deakin, ACT 2600

Open Hours

Monday – Friday |  8am to 5pm
Session times vary by psychologist 

Contact

e. hello@feeltohealpsychology.com.au
p. (02) 6189 4840‬       f. (02) 6100 9244