Dadirai is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years post-registration experience as a psychologist. Dadirai is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland. With a steadfast presence in the Ipswich area for more than 14 years, Dadirai has worked in private practice and has also held diverse roles within public community mental health teams. Dadirai has also spent a vast majority of her career working in inpatient mental health settings. She has also held a Senior Psychologist role at one of Queensland Health's Forensic and Secure Services, delivering vital psychological support to individuals within correctional facilities across South East Queensland.
Dadirai's areas of interest include working with children, adolescents, and adults with adjustment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic illnesses, personality disorders and eating disorders. Dadirai has a genuine passion for assisting clients navigating through severe mental illnesses. Within her role at PsychCare Psychology, Dadirai also undertakes cognitive and psychological assessments, further contributing to diagnostic clarification and comprehensive and effective care.
Dadirai is an approved Psychology Board of Australia Supervisor with a fervent dedication to clinical supervision. Her commitment extends to supervising psychology students completing placements within both the public sector and at PsychCare Psychology. Dadirai is approved to supervise registered psychologists or provisional psychologists in the following pathways:-
Qualifications
Registrations and Memberships
Jess (Pronouns: She/Her) is a Clinical Psychology Psychologist who holds a Master of Clinical Psychology. Jess joined the PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health team as a Provisional Psychologist in 2021. Prior to this, she worked as a Provisional Psychologist at the USQ Psychology Clinic and in Correctional settings. Jess has also done sports psychology work in the past.
Jess strives on creating a warm, gentle, and non-judgemental therapeutic space for individuals. Jess highlights early on in the therapeutic process the importance of finding a Psychologist who is the right fit for each client. She has a passion for client-therapist collaboration.
Jess’ areas of interest include working with neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults (autistic individuals and ADHDer’s), mood disorders, anxiety disorders, phobias, and adjustment difficulties. She is an inclusive practitioner who shares progressive values. Jess enjoys working with a range of sexual health issues, is a sex-positive clinician and is supportive of diverse relationship structures and practices. She enjoys working with young people and adults in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Part of Jess’ role at PsychCare Psychology &
Mental Health also involves conducting psychological & cognitive assessments.
Using a client centered approach, Jess utilises a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Informed Therapy (DBT), Schema Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Qualifications
Registrations and Memberships
Hannah is a registered psychologist who completed her training in Child and Family Psychology at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Prior to joining Psychcare Psychology & Mental Health in 2024, Hannah spent 6 years with the Ministry of Education in New Zealand, supporting children and young people with varied presentations including those related to anxiety, neurodiversity, social difficulties, trauma and/or difficulties with emotional regulation.
Hannah is experienced in both psychological assessment and intervention across these areas. She provides evidence-based interventions to both children, young people as well as support and guidance for parents and families.
Hannah’s practice is guided by utilising an ecological approach, viewing the child as developing in a nested set of interacting ecologies. She also draws upon psychological theories such as attachment theory, behavioural theory, family systems theory and her knowledge of child development to guide her practice.
Hannah values creating a space where children, young people and their families feel safe and empowered to engage in a collaborative therapeutic relationship.
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Registrations and Memberships
Amber is a registered psychologist with 10 years experience who has worked within the private sector and not-for-profit sector within the Newcastle/Maitland area in NSW. Most recently, Amber has worked in private practice for the past seven years.
Amber has worked with clients across the lifespan with a wide range of presentations including trauma, personality issues, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, work-related issues, relationship issues, behavioural issues, and adjustment related issues. She has worked for several years in the workers compensation industry under multiple roles including case management, occupational rehabilitation and as a treating psychologist. Apart from working in private practice, Amber works with the Australian Defence Force providing support to serving members.
In therapy, Amber enjoys creating a safe and trusting environment, and connecting with her clients. She has a laidback and conversational style of communication, and believes it’s important to learn about her clients and work collaboratively with them to work towards their goals. Sincerity is important in the therapeutic relationship. She works with a range of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In her spare time, Amber enjoys exploring Queensland, catching up with friends and family, spending time with her partner, running, swimming, hiking, and beekeeping (and of course eating honey!).
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Registrations and Memberships
Jasmine is a Registered Psychologist who completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Jasmine provides a client-centered approach, tailoring specific therapeutic skills and interventions to best support each client’s unique experience. Jasmine has a warm, friendly, and non-judgemental approach and believes in the importance of having a good therapeutic relationship and providing a safe space for each of her clients. Jasmine utilises evidence-based therapeutic approaches, most commonly Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
Jasmine has had experience in a range of psychological settings including private practice, research, community-based, and occupational rehabilitation. Jasmine has been a part of the team at PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health for almost 2 years. She has a keen interest in conducting psychological assessments and providing psychotherapy. Jasmine enjoys working across the lifespan with children, adolescents and adults with varying presentations, including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment difficulties, neurodiversity, behavioural issues, and psychotic illnesses.
In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys catching up with friends and family, doing art/crafts, spending time with her fur-baby (Nala), and spending time outdoors at the beach or on a nice walk.
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Registrations and Memberships
Paul is a Psychologist with over 16 years experience working as a Psychologist. Before this Paul began his career as a Social Worker focusing on Child Safety and Youth, working with families where a child was at risk from neglect, physical or sexual abuse, and with Youth under supervision orders from the Court.
Paul has held the position of Manager of Primary Care Mental Health for Auckland, Waitemata, the only Psychologist to hold such a position (it is normally held by a Psychiatrist). This was a strategic and clinical leadership role, responsible for the quality of primary care mental health services. He also worked seeing clients at this time.
Paul is regarded as warm, accepting and capable. He works collaboratively with clients to find the right solution that the client feels comfortable with. Currently he is working with those 18+ to older adults. Paul has a keen interest in working with mental health conditions, which include Trauma and complex trauma (an extensive history of trauma that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood with ongoing emotional and social difficulties), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and compulsions, anxiety problems including GAD (or Generalised Anxiety Disorder), Social Anxiety, Phobias and Panic attacks, bipolar, mood and emotional problems, Borderline Personality Disorder, addictions (drug and alcohol) and Men’s issues.
Paul has an integrated approach to Psychology, which includes whole-being wellness - socially, psychologically and physically.
Qualifications
Registrations and Memberships
Nikola (Pronouns: She/Her) is a Counselling Psychology Registrar and General Psychologist who holds a Master of Counselling Psychology. Nikola comes from a background of working with young people in various community and educational services in Australia and the U.K. Nikola has also gained experience working in rural and regional areas, with clients of all ages.
Nikola is an open-minded LGBTIQA+ friendly, neurodivergent-affirming psychologist who values diversity, individuality, radical compassion, and endless learning. Nikola appreciates the process of therapy, and is focused on developing a warm and collaborative therapeutic space. She believes in being flexible in sessions and responding to your needs, using feedback to guide the process and support movement in therapy. She believes in creating good connections with her clients and is committed to providing a safe space to work together towards your goals.
Nikola currently works with older teenagers and adult clients and her areas of interest include working with trauma and traumatic stress conditions, anxiety and mood conditions, adjustment difficulties, life transitions, recovery from workplace injuries, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem/confidence issues.
Nikola draws from a range of therapeutic approaches Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, and is trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Qualifications
Registrations and Memberships
Garima (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers) is a Provisional Psychologist who completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at the University of Queensland (UQ). Garima joined the PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health team in 2022. Prior to this, Garima has worked within the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector in a counselling role and has facilitated group substance use intervention programs.
Garima uses a client-centred approach in therapy and enjoys working collaboratively with the client. Garima also strives to create a non-judgemental, comfortable, and safe therapeutic environment. Garima utilises various evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Informed Therapy and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Additionally, Garima also conducts psychological and cognitive assessments.
Garima enjoys working with clients of all ages, with varying presentations including but not limited to neurodivergence (autistic people and ADHDer’s), mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress, adjustment difficulties, behavioural difficulties, and substance use disorders. Garima is an inclusive practitioner with progressive beliefs, and is an advocate for positive attitudes towards race, sexuality, gender and various relationship structures. Garima is passionate about working with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community and culturally & linguistically diverse clients.
In her spare time, Garima enjoys dancing, playing musical instruments, discovering new restaurants, baking, reading, and spending time with her rescue dog Mocha! Garima also speaks fluent English and Telugu.
Provisional psychologists at PsychCare Psychology work under the supervision of the Principal Clinical Psychologist (Dr Dadirai Gara). Garima works with NDIS, EAP, WorkCover and private fee-paying clients. Garima does not see patients who are under a mental health care plan.
Qualifications
Registrations and Memberships
Pavani Boralessa is a Provisional Psychologist who spent the last 10 years working in the mental health sector in Sri Lanka. She is currently completing her AHPRA Transitional Program for Overseas-trained psychologists. Pavani completed her BA (Hons) Psychology from India, her MSc in Applied Psychology from the UK, and her MPhil in Clinical Psychology from Sri Lanka. She has experience working with children and adults with a variety of mental health conditions and she has worked in the Higher Education Sector in Sri Lanka at a private institute as the Head of Department in Psychology.
Pavani enjoys working with depression, anxiety and behavioral issues, as well as family and couples therapy. She believes in providing a non-judgmental approach in therapy, with the client as the main focus. Pavani has training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and uses approaches such as Acceptance Based Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Behaviour Therapy, Systemic Approach and Motivational Interviewing in her sessions.
In her spare time Pavani, enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, watching movies, and baking.
Provisional psychologists at PsychCare Psychology work under the supervision of the Principal Clinical Psychologist (Dr Dadirai Gara). Pavani works with NDIS, EAP, WorkCover and private fee-paying clients. Pavani does not see patients who are under a mental health care plan.
Qualifications
Registrations and Memberships
Jay (Pronouns: She/Her) is currently enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Southern Queensland. Prior to joining the team here at PsychCare she has had experience working as a Provisional Psychologist at the UniSQ Psychology Clinic.
Although she early in her career as a psychologist she has had over 12 years’ experience working with children, parents, and families as a teacher. Teaching has seen Jay fulfil many roles such as a classroom teacher, teaching life skills to refugees, and the Director / early childhood teacher of C&K Springfield Central Kindergarten since 2013.
Jay hopes to provide a safe, warm and calm space for clients to share and collaboratively work together. Jay is a welcoming, supportive and inclusive clinician. She enjoys working with clients of all ages, backgrounds and communities, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Jay is eager to continue her learning journey here, provide the best care for her clients, and is passionate about the work psychologists do.
Using a client-centred approach, Jay has had training in evidence-based therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Provisional psychologists at PsychCare Psychology work under the supervision of the Principal Clinical Psychologist (Dr. Dadirai Gara).
Qualifications
Registrations and Memberships
Drew is a Provisional Psychologist who completed his Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Griffith University and his Master of Professional Psychology at the University of New England (UNE). Drew became a part of the PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health team in 2024, bringing with him a background enriched by academic training and practical experience gained through volunteer work as a crisis support worker.
In therapy, Drew hopes to offer clients a warm, safe, caring, and non-judgmental experience. His goal in psychology is to work collaboratively to help each client find a path to psychological wellbeing, and a life which is experienced as truly positive. Drew has had training in evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Drew works with clients at all ages and is welcoming of clients from all backgrounds. He has had training in working with a range of psychological hardships including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment in the face difficult life situations, and behavioural difficulties.
In his free time, Drew enjoys the company of friends and family, listens to music, and indulges in reading.
Provisional psychologists at PsychCare Psychology work under the supervision of the Principal Clinical Psychologist (Dr. Dadirai Gara).
Qualifications
Registrations and Memberships
Sai is a Provisional Psychologist who is currently enrolled in the Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Monash University. With a diverse background spanning roles in child safety, youth justice, positive behavior support and youth work, Sai brings a rich tapestry of experience to her work at PsychCare.
Dedicated to fostering a safe, warm, and non-judgmental environment, Sai endeavours to create a collaborative space where clients feel empowered to share and engage in their therapeutic journey. Recognised for her welcoming demeanour and inclusive approach, Sai is committed to supporting individuals of all ages from all walks of life, including those within the LGBTQIA+ and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. Sai is passionate about working with individuals facing a variety of challenges, including, and not limited to those related to neurodivergence (such as autism and ADHD), mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress, adjustment difficulties, behavioural issues, work-related concerns, and relationship issues.
Drawing from evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy, Sai adopts a client-centered approach tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Additionally, Sai also conducts psychological and cognitive assessments. Her passion for learning fuels her commitment to providing the best possible care for her clients as she truly believes in the power of psychology to make a positive change in people’s lives.
In her spare time, Sai loves spending time with her loved ones, exploring new brunch spots, taking her adorable sausage dog, Arlo, for walks and satisfying her wanderlust through travel. Sai is also fluent in both English and Telugu.
Provisional psychologists at PsychCare Psychology work under the supervision of the Principal Clinical Psychologist (Dr. Dadirai Gara).
Qualifications
Bachelor of Behavioural Science – Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours) – Queensland University of Technology
Registrations and Memberships
Oscar is a Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health and addictions field. He is a highly qualified, experienced and dedicated clinician with a background in mental health and addictions treatment. Oscar commenced his career in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2003 where he completed his mental health nursing degree and then pursued postgraduate studies in dual diagnosis (mental health and addictions) at Middlesex University in London, UK. He obtained endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner in Australia in 2020. Whilst in the UK, Oscar worked for the National Health Services (NHS) and the private sector. Since migrating to Australia from the UK in 2013, Oscar has worked for New South Wales Health and Queensland Health. In addition to being an Endorsed Nurse Practitioner, Oscar is both a credentialed mental health nurse and a credentialed drug and alcohol nurse. Oscar has worked in acute, community and forensic settings, offering services to people with severe and/or complex mental health issues. As a Nurse Practitioner, Oscar is authorised by the Australian Health Practitioner Agency to assess mental conditions, offer formal diagnosis and prescribe medications. At PsychCare Psychology, Oscar works with adolescents and adults. Oscar’s areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety and related disorders, psychotic illnesses, drug use disorders and personality disorders.
Part of Oscar’s role at PsychCare Psychology involves:
• Assessing and diagnosing a range of psychiatric conditions
• Prescribing medications
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests
• Formulating treatment plans
• Providing therapy/counselling or psychotherapy
Just like seeing a GP, one does not need a referral to see a Nurse Practitioner. Medicare Rebates are available for Nurse Practitioner Services. Nurse Practitioners are endorsed and regulated by AHPRA’s Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and have prescribing rights & access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Qualifications
• Master’s Degree – Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner – Flinders University, South Australia
• Master’s Degree – Dual Diagnosis – Middlesex University – UK
• Associate Degree – Registered Mental Health Nurse – Bucks New University - UK
Registrations and Memberships
• Endorsed Nurse Practitioner - APHRA – Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registration # NMW0001810167
• Credentialed Mental Health Nurse – Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
• Credentialed Drug and Alcohol Nurse – Drug and Alcohol Nurses Australasia
Awards
• Hidden Gem Award for recognizing extraordinary efforts in exceptional quality of work and exemplifying the core values of Central North West London NHS Trust: 2008
• Certificate of Appreciation: West Moreton Dual Diagnosis Forum, 2018
• Chancellor’s Letter of Commendation for excellent performance in the Master of Nurse Practitioner Program: Finders University, 2020
Emma Anderson is an enthusiastic and dedicated administration assistant with over two decades of experience in medical administration. Her career spans various healthcare settings, including medical and specialist centres, diagnostic imaging facilities, and, for the last three years, in psychology practices. Emma holds several qualifications that bolster her expertise, including a Certificate IV in Allied Health, a Certificate III in Business, a Certificate IV in Practice Management, as well as certificates in ECG & Pathology, and First Aid, Triaging & CPR. Her profound dedication to operational efficiency and her strong commitment to aiding others resonate deeply with our organisational values and goals. Emma excels in managing diverse administrative tasks and swiftly resolving client issues, consistently demonstrating her adaptability and skill. Emma contributes her expertise across both of our clinics, always ready to lend her support wherever it's needed.
Emma Spiteri is an empathetic, caring, and diligent administrative assistant with experience in administration across several sectors, including a Registered Training Organisation, Allied Health, and Psychiatric services. Emma holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of New England and a Bachelor of International Development from the Australian Catholic University. Emma is currently enrolled in a Master of Learning and Teaching (Secondary) with the University of Southern Queensland.
Emma believes strongly in the importance of creating a comfortable, safe, and welcoming atmosphere from the moment clients enter the clinic, ensuring personalized care throughout their Mental Health Care journey. She brings her extensive skills to both of our clinics, consistently demonstrating a readiness to assist wherever and whenever needed.
Child and Youth Psychiatry
PsychCare Services is a psychiatry tele-health service which provides assessments and management services for Developmental and Mental Health Disorders in children and young people up to the age of 25. Click on the PsychCare Services logo to view their website.
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Psychologist Ipswich - Ipswich Clinical Psychology
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