The Team
Dr Ea Stewart
Dr Ea Stewart is a Clinical Psychologist and the Director of MDC. Ea found her passion and drive for working with individuals who struggle with difficult mood issues (particularly those following complex posttraumatic stress disorder) after working in Kenya with highly traumatised individuals, and those facing some of the worst circumstances imaginable. Her desire to work with other mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, was enhanced by the number of cases she has seen with misdiagnosis and under diagnosis of this significantly impacting disorder. In addition, Ea has a personal drive to help improve the lives of those suffering from depression, a disorder which impacts so many lives.
With her Doctorate thesis focusing on developing a clinical tool used to help identify the early signs of depression, in those with brain injury, Ea also gained a passion for working with people who suffer from the effects of brain injury and other illnesses. Working as the research coordinator on the World's first study to trial a psychotherapy intervention for those with brain tumour, her interest was piqued regarding understanding and treating the various mood issues that can result from changes occurring to the brain.
Ea is a published author with a therapist manual and articles focusing on brain injury and brain tumour, and has been a speaker on ABC radio. She is a fully registered psychologist with endorsement as a clinical psychologist; she is a member of the Psychology Board of Australia and is accredited as a board approved STAP supervisor (Clinical Psychology). Ea is practising Monday, Tuesday and Friday, and is available to treat adolescents and adults.
Areas of treatment
Mood Disorders:
- Major Depression
- Bipolar Disorders
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Postnatal Depression
- Dysthymia
- Brain Injury related mood issues
- Late-Life Depression
- Stress Related mood issues
Other Areas:
- Complex PTSD
- OCD
- Social Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Self-esteem issues
- Specific Phobias
- Adjustment Disorder
Dr Miyuki Ono
Dr Miyuki Ono is a clinical psychologist holding a PhD in Clinical Psychology. With her Doctorate thesis focusing on the effects of childhood complex trauma to individuals’ cognition, memories, and mental health; her special interest is working with adults with a history of childhood complex trauma. Miyuki aims at helping her clients learn and grow from their experiences and she utilises evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as Schema Therapy. Miyuki has also done the advanced level training in EMDR.
Miyuki has experience in working with adults in a variety of settings, including private/public hospitals and the private sector, treating all age groups. Miyuki helps clients develop an understanding of their unhelpful coping styles and replace them with more helpful coping styles.
Miyuki a fully registered Psychologist with endorsement as a clinical psychologist; she is a member of the Psychology Board of Australia and Japanese Psychological Association. Miyuki is accredited as a board approved STAP supervisor (Clinical Psychology). Miyuki is available to treat individual adults on Tuesdays.
Other Languages: Japanese
Areas of treatment
Mood Disorders:
- Major Depression
- Perinatal Depression
- Dysthymia
- Stress Related mood issues
- Grief and Loss
Other Areas:
- Complex PTSD
- PTSD
- Social / Performance Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Self-esteem issues
- Adjustment Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Difficult Life Transitions
Dr Vanessa Bruce
Dr Vanessa Bruce is a Clinical Psychologist who has extensive experience working with clients adjusting to illness and other major life challenges, including; trauma, relationship issues and low self-esteem.
Vanessa’s interest in working with mood disorders grew from more than 10 years experience working with people with cancer at all stages, from diagnosis, through to treatment and survivorship, as well as end of life and bereavement.
In addition to working with individuals, couples and families, Vanessa is trained in the delivery of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and has been facilitating MBCT groups since 2007.
Vanessa holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Griffith University and has a Clinical Endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). Vanessa has also co-authored publications in the area of relationship outcomes for couples in stepfamilies.
Vanessa has experience working with clients of all ages, from children to older adults, and is available Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Areas of treatment
Mood Disorders:
- Cancer and Depression
- Postpartum Depression
- Major Depression
- Bipolar Disorders
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Depression in Children and Adolescents
Other Areas:
- Illness-related Anxiety
- PTSD
- Social Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Couples Therapy
- Self-esteem issues
- Bereavement
Tracy McLean
Tracy is a Clinical Psychologist who has a passion for assisting clients to achieve genuine and self determined change. She regularly evaluates her own effectiveness as a therapist to fine tune her approach to better meet her client’s needs.
Her therapy style can be best described as warm, flexible and attuned to the unique aspects of each person’s life. Her combined training in physiology and psychology allow for a holistic approach in supporting and treating individuals. She is enthusiastic to support both individuals with serious concerns and those who are hindered by normal life events and challenges.
Tracy's qualifications include a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, First Class honours in Psychology and Bachelor of Science (majoring in Psychology and Human Physiology). She has since gained experience working in a community mental health setting, assessing and treating adults with acute and chronic mental health and behavioural problems. She also has considerable experience working within a private practice setting supporting a broad range of people with their concerns.
Tracy is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Areas of treatment
Mood Disorders:
- Depression
- Bipolar Affective Disorder
- Postnatal Depression
- Working with Emotions
Other Areas:
- Adult Survivors of Abuse (Sexual, Emotional and/or Physical)
- PTSD and Complex Trauma
- Anxiety concerns; panic attacks, social anxiety, generalised anxiety and specific phobias
- Attachment injuries and personality issues
- Stress reduction and management
- Gender and sexuality concerns
- OCD and intrusive thoughts/ worrying
- Couples counselling and relationship work with individuals
- Assistance with drug and alcohol use and abuse
Annabelle Young
Annabelle Young is a Clinical Psychologist with over ten years experience. She is passionate about helping clients to become aware of, and shift long-held patterns that contribute to negative emotional states, interpersonal difficulties and interfere with enjoying optimal health and wellbeing. Annabelle has worked in both the public and private sector, and holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of Queensland and a Masters of Psychology (Clinical) from the University of Tasmania.
Annabelle adopts a Schema Therapy framework in her work, taking a warm and individualised approach; she creates a comfortable space in which to explore beliefs, emotions and behavioural patterns to improve psychological and physical health outcomes. With a special interest in working with individuals with Heart Health Concerns and Diabetes, Annabelle assists clients to address their blocks to optimal health, including addressing difficulties with health behaviour change, establishing and maintaining healthy habits, and addressing underlying coping responses and emotional wounds that may keep people stuck. Annabelle is currently undergoing the accreditation process to become an Accredited Schema Therapist with the International Society of Schema Therapy.
Annabelle works with adults and is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Areas of treatment
Mood Disorders:
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Dysthymia
- Working with emotions
Other Areas:
- Emotional difficulties and chronic condition management with individuals with Heart Health Concerns (following heart attack/diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease) and Diabetes
- Health behaviour change
- Anxiety concerns; generalised anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety
- Adjustment difficulties
- Stress management and coping with work stress
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Self-esteem issues
- Grief and loss
Dr Elyse Williams
Dr Elyse Williams is a clinical psychologist with experience working with adults experiencing mood disorders in private practice. She creates a safe and compassionate space for her clients to open up about their difficulties. Elyse works collaboratively with her clients to explore the origins of their symptoms and develop skills for managing difficult emotions. To tailor her approach to each individual’s goals and needs, Elyse seeks her clients’ feedback throughout treatment.
Whilst working in community mental health, Elyse developed a passion for helping people to overcome social isolation, interpersonal difficulties, and experiences of stigma. She is the author and co-author of various academic papers on social identity and arts-based interventions for mental health recovery. Accordingly, Elyse takes a holistic approach to helping clients meet their psychological needs.
Elyse has undertaken training in a variety of evidence-based therapies. She has a PhD in psychology from the University of Queensland, a Master of Clinical Psychology from University of New South Wales, and has Clinical Endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Elyse works with adults and is available on Mondays and Fridays.
Areas of treatment
Mood Disorders:
- Major Depression
- Post-natal depression
- Bipolar disorders
- Grief and loss
- Stress-related mood issues
- Dysthymia
Other Areas:
- Social Anxiety
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Adjustment disorder
- Difficult life transitions
- Interpersonal difficulties
Ella Shinners
Areas of treatment
Mood Disorders:
- Major Depression
- Depression in children and adolescents
- Bipolar disorders
- Stress-related mood issues
- Dysthymia
Other Areas:
- Social Anxiety
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Complex PTSD
- PTSD
- Specific phobias
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Self-esteem difficulties
- Grief and loss
Sara Carrio
Areas of treatment
Mood Disorders:
- Major Depression
- Depression in children and adolescents
- Bipolar disorders
- Stress-related mood issues
Other Areas:
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Problematic sexual behaviours
- Gambling
- Substance addiction concerns
- Stress management
- Hoarding
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Grief and loss
Nicolette Bock
Nicolette is a registered Psychologist with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. Nicolette is passionate about adopting a client-centred, collaborative approach and facilitating a space where clients can feel safe, heard and valued. She engages in a holistic approach with her clients, drawing on the insight and support from allied health professionals in order to ensure that the client’s wellbeing is assisted from every perspective. Nicolette makes it a priority to adopt a welcoming and sensitive approach for clients with diverse needs, backgrounds and cultures. Nicolette has experience across sectors, including meeting the needs of clients in government organisations, hospital and community settings. Nicolette has helped enhance the wellbeing of individuals across the lifespan (including children and adults), and has a keen interest in working with presentations such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, gender and identity, stress management, workplace and career challenges, adjustment difficulties, Autism and self-esteem difficulties.
Nicolette values the importance of tailoring therapy to the needs of the client and meeting the client where they are at. Nicolette’s approach is warm, adaptable and responsive, and she integrates the notion that the client is the expert in their own life. Nicolette draws from a range of evidence-based psychological approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Positive Psychology, Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness based approaches, and systems and attachment frameworks. Nicolette is eager to continuously develop as a clinician and is open to adopting emerging evidence-based approaches and techniques, where appropriate.
Nicolette is available to treat clients on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Areas of treatment
Mood Disorders:
- Major Depression
- Depression in children and adolescents
- Bipolar disorders
- Stress-related mood issues
Other Areas:
- Anxiety concerns- generalised, social, panic attacks, health, phobias
- Adjustment difficulties
- Stress management
- Coping with career difficulties and transitions
- Grief and loss
- Gender, sexuality and identity difficulties
- Addiction difficulties, including alcohol, substance use and compulsive spending
- Self-esteem difficulties
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Obsessive-compulsive issues
- The Autism Spectrum
Dr Jacob Sorbello
Jacob is a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Registrar who completed his Clinical Psychology Ph.D in 2022. Jacob is passionate about helping clients overcome and grow from psychological suffering. He has a warm, collaborative and genuine approach to help clients develop a shared understanding of their difficulties and develop adaptive responses to meet these challenges.
Jacob’s practice draws from a range of experience in public health settings, community clinics and non-government organisations. He has worked with people across the lifespan experiencing mood disorders, anxiety and specific phobias, substance and behavioural addictions, grief and loss, trauma, emotional struggles and adjustment disorders. He uses evidenced based frameworks of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to assist clients with their difficulties. Jacob regularly uses feedback informed approaches throughout treatment to monitor client outcomes and improve his practice.
Jacob’s Doctoral thesis examined the motivations underlying alcohol and substance preloading (also known as pre-gaming, pre-drinking or pre-partying) and the hazards associated with these behaviours in entertainment districts. During his field-based research, Jacob learned that many individuals who had experienced harm often consumed substances to comfort or enhance their mood before a night-out. His clinical and research interests continue to align with substance use and the co-occurrence with psychological problems.
Jacob works with adults and is available on Mondays and Fridays
Areas of treatment
Mood Disorders:
- Major depression
- Stress-related mood issues
- Dysthymia
- Grief and loss
- Bipolar disorders
Other areas:
- Substance use disorders
- Gambling disorders
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Specific phobias
- PTSD
- Adjustment disorders
- Difficult life transitions