Our Team

We are a team of nine clinical psychologists, psychologists, therapists, and facilitators, dedicated to bringing these important services into our community. All of us share a deep love and respect for the natural world. We believe in the transformational power of connection, and endeavour to make all of clients feel welcome and respected.

We welcome members of LGBTIQA+ communities.

 

Psychologists & Clinical Psychologists:

 

Clemmie Wotherspoon- Owner, Director, Clinical Psychology Registrar/ Psychologist (Ages 4 yr- 35 yr)

Available now: M-F

Qualifications: MA of Clinical Psychology (USQ); MA of Professional Psychology (USQ); BA of Psychology (Honours); AHPRA; MAPS; Certified Equine-assisted Psychotherapist (Equine Psychotherapy Institute); NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner

Clemmie’s focus is on paediatric neurodevelopment conditions, with a special focus on Autism/PDA, ADHD, and other neurotypes. Clemmie has a neurodiversity-affirming (NDA) approach- supporting the strengths and uniqueness of human brains, and working against stigma and pathologising. She is trained in clinical psychology, providing assessments, and works under the mentorship of experienced ND-affirming clinical supervisors. She frequently supports children under the NDIS.

She is registered as a psychologist under AHPRA and recently completed a Master of Clinical Psychology (USQ) with Distinction. She has a BA in Psychology with first-class honours from Reed College, with a thesis in behavioral neuroscience on the neural circuitry of trauma under Dr. Paul Currie, and a Master of Professional Psychology with Distinction from the University of Southern Queensland.

She is trained as an Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist with the Equine Psychotherapy Institute.

She has completed multiple apprenticeships in Natural Horsemanship and the Horse-Human Connection Academy under Madison Shambaugh. She has worked full-time in the equine industry since 2016, mostly as a guide for trail rides and multi-day horse treks.

Clemmie has nurtured a dedicated meditation practise for 15 years in the Vipassana (Insight) tradition and a Qi Gong practise for 6 years. She has completed Jon Kabat Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program and is currently studying mindfulness under Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach with the goal of completing her training as a meditation teacher.

Clemmie is excited about incorporating aspects of Animal-assisted Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy into her work with children and youth.

To book a session with Clemmie, please submit your info here, and our admin team will be in touch.

Facundo Cuesta- Psychologist (All ages)

Available now: Wednesdays, Fridays

Qualifications: BA of Psychology; MAPS; AHPRA

Languages: English and Spanish

Facundo is a Psychologist registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA) and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Facundo has experience in the Mental Health field with a focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and evidence-based therapies that are client-centred. Facundo has a broad range of experience working with children, adolescents and adults as well as extensive knowledge on how to navigate the Mental Health System in the Northern Rivers Region, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Facundo is skilled in supporting people across a broad range of issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, schizophrenia, autism, and addictions. Facundo is an active, curious, sociable person who strongly believes that recovery is seeing beyond a person’s mental health issues, recognising and fostering people’s abilities through the understanding of the cognitive triangle of thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Facundo was born in Argentina and migrated to Australia 5 years ago. Issues caused by the psychological impact of immigration and post-migration adaptation are also his areas of interest. He uses a compassionate, empathic, and holistic approach to support clients in difficult times and to gently guide them in reaching their full potential.

Facundo has an unwavering love for horses and a deep connection with nature. Facundo finds solace and purpose in the practice of equine therapy, incorporating horses with therapeutic tools to help individuals overcome emotional and mental challenges. Facundo's bond with these majestic creatures, combined with his understanding of their intuitive nature, allows him to create a safe and nurturing environment for his clients.

To book a session with Facundo, please submit your info here, and our admin team will be in touch.

Libby Tooth- Psychologist/ Clinical Psychologists (Adults)

Available now: Thursdays

Qualifications: BA of Psychological Science;  Grap Dip Psychology; Master of Psychology (Clinical); MAPS; AHPRA

Libby is a General Psychologist registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA), currently undertaking Clinical Endorsement. Libby has experience working with children, adolescents and adults with a particular interest and experience in working with parents. She has a background in youth homelessness service provision, foster care and children’s residential care. Libby is skilled in current evidence-based therapies and has a strength based, holistic, person-centred approach, that is underpinned by an understanding of developmental neurobiology, attachment and trauma informed care.

She has specialised training in Evidence-based Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Bringing Up Great Kids parenting program. Libby strongly believes in empowering individuals to learn or develop the skills necessary to enable them to support themselves, and has a respectful understanding of each individual’s journey.

Libby has completed Perinatal Mental Health specific training through the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) and the Seleni Institute.

Libby has a long history with horses and nature having spent her formative years in a small bush village with 8 horses - trekking and riding in the surrounding bush and national parks. This has developed in Libby a deep understanding of the value of nature based experiences to support and balance physical and emotional imbalances.

To book a session with Libby, please submit your info here, and our admin team will be in touch.

Cath Fleming- Registered Psychologist (All ages)

Available now: Wednesdays

Qualifications: Master of Psychology (Clinical, expected Dec 2024); BA of Psychology; MAPS; AHPRA

As a Child and Family focussed Psychologist, Cath works primarily with children and families and has a particular interest in working with anxiety, autism, ADHD and OCD. Cath has specialist training as a Child and Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional, CBT, EMDR and CBIT for treating tic disorders.

Cath enjoys working with young people and families who are goal focused and motivated to make real progress and change. She has a down-to-earth and child-friendly manner, with lived experience in the challenges of modern everyday family life. While having a keen interest in supporting the needs of children and families, Cath also provides support for individuals across the lifespan, supporting adults across a broad range of areas including trauma therapy and providing EMDR.

Cath has a long relationship with the healing power of horses and nature.

To book a session with Cath, please submit your info here, and our admin team will be in touch.

Equine-assisted Therapists:

 

Brittany Sabat- Equine-assisted Therapist & Counsellor

Available now: Thursdays; Saturdays

Qualifications: Double degree of Animal Science and Zoology majoring in Animal Behaviour; Diploma of Counselling in Equine Assisted Mental Health (Equine Assisted Therapy Australia); member of the Australian Counselling Association

Brittany is a popular equine therapist and counsellor with clients of all ages. She is registered with the Australian Counselling Association, with special training in Equine Assisted Mental Health.

Brittany supports clients of all ages, including NDIS participants. She brings her valuable lived experience to her practice, including trauma in childhood and adolescence which affected her life’s path, bringing her to healing work.

Brittany is trained in EMDR- an intervention designed to support trauma, PTSD and cPTSD. She has been supporting clients with trauma for over 8 years.

Brittany has a warm, down to earth approach. As a lifelong equestrian, she has a unique and gentle bond with horses. She had her life trained after adopting and rehabilitating an ex-racehorse.

Brittany is available on Thursdays and Saturdays.

To book a session with Brittany, please submit your info here, and our admin team will be in touch.

Stephenie Bruce- Equine-Assisted Therapist & Counsellor

Available now: Wednesdays

Qualifications: BA of Psychology (Honours); Diploma of Counselling in Equine Assisted Mental Health (Equine Assisted Therapy Australia); member of the Australian Counselling Association and the International Institute for Complementary Therapists

Stephenie is a qualified Equine Assisted Counsellor with a Diploma in Counselling, a Certificate in Equine Assisted Mental Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours). Stephenie is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and the International Institute for Complementary Therapists. Stephenie has worked in community services with adults and children, including work in disability services, for over 13 years. Most recently, Stephenie worked as a therapeutic support practitioner with foster carers and children for 3 years. 

Stephenie has experience supporting children, adolescents and adults with trauma, ADHD, ASD, behavioural difficulties, PTSD and mental health concerns. Stephenie currently works as a disability support worker with children and adults to complement her practice as an Equine Assisted Counsellor. 

Stephenie has a passion for helping others, a love for horses, and personally discovered the powerful healing that comes with Equine Assisted Counselling through her own personal and professional development journey during 18 months of intensive study with Equine Assisted Therapy Australia. Stephenie has a calm, gentle and caring nature, and adopts a person-centred, strengths-based and trauma informed approach to supporting others. Stephenie supports individuals in sessions using art therapy, mindfulness, nature-based therapy and gestalt therapy techniques to assist individuals to become aware of their body sensations and emotions, remain present and grounded, explore distressing and traumatic experiences, and learn healthy ways to cope with stress by providing a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship and space.

To book a session with Steph, please submit your info here, and our admin team will be in touch.

Maxime Willems- Equine-Assisted Therapist & Equine-assisted Learning Facilitator & Counsellor
*MAXIME OFFERS EQUINE THERAPY & EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING

Available now: Thursdays; Fridays; Saturdays

Qualifications: Equine-Assisted Learning facilitator (Equine Psychotherapy Insititute); Masters degree in Education; Masters degree in Sociology; Certificate IV (800hr) in Yoga Teaching; specialisation in Children and Teen’s yoga, and Trauma-informed Yoga; 20+ years of equine experience

Before transitioning into equine-assisted learning, Maxime worked as an NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner in the Northern Rivers NSW. Within this role, she noticed the powerful addition of Equine-assisted therapies to Behaviour Support Services, Occupational Therapy and room-based therapies. As Maxime is deeply passionate about providing a safe space for people to heal, grow and explore what is important to them. Maxime fosters a gentle, client-focused approach which helps people to feel comfortable and supported.

Maxime works with an array of clients and presenting concerns, from Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Social, Emotional, Behavioural, Relational and Parenting-related concerns.

To book a session with Maxime, please submit your info here, and our admin team will be in touch.

Equine-assisted Learning Facilitators:

 

Mandy Hunt- Equine-assisted Learning Facilitator

Available now: Wednesdays & Saturdays

Qualifications: Equine-assisted Learning Facilitator (Equine Psychotherapy Institute); Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Certified Art for Youth Wellness; 6+ years experience in Psychology admin support; 250 hour Yoga Teacher training

Mandy is a passionate and gentle facilitator with a keen interest in horse-human connection. She works with children and adults with a variety of mental health concerns or disability needs. Mandy has a client-centred approach with a focus on supporting your unique strengths which you bring to the world. Her background in Psychology and horsemanship give her a wonderful foundation to support a diverse range of presentations. Mandy has a sense of humour and playfulness which resonates with people of all ages.

To book a session with Mandy, please submit your info here, and our admin team will be in touch.

Maxime Willems

Maxime Willems- Equine-Assisted Therapist & Equine-assisted Learning Facilitator & Counselling student

*MAXIME OFFERS EQUINE THERAPY & EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING

Available now: Thursdays; Fridays; Saturdays

Qualifications: Equine-Assisted Learning facilitator (Equine Psychotherapy Insititute); Masters degree in Education; Masters degree in Sociology; Certificate IV (800hr) in Yoga Teaching; specialisation in Children and Teen’s yoga, and Trauma-informed Yoga; 20+ years of equine experience

Before transitioning into equine-assisted learning, Maxime worked as an NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner in the Northern Rivers NSW. Within this role, she noticed the powerful addition of Equine-assisted therapies to Behaviour Support Services, Occupational Therapy and room-based therapies. As Maxime is deeply passionate about providing a safe space for people to heal, grow and explore what is important to them. Maxime fosters a gentle, client-focused approach which helps people to feel comfortable and supported.

Maxime works with an array of clients and presenting concerns, from Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Social, Emotional, Behavioural, Relational and Parenting-related concerns.

To book a session with Maxime, please submit your info here, and our admin team will be in touch.

 
 

Occupational Therapist:

Clara Tommasone- Occupational Therapist

Available now: Fridays

Qualifications: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, National University of General; Equine-assisted Learning Facilitator (Equine Psychotherapy Institute)

Children ages 0- 14 yrs.

Clara is a popular occupational therapist with a gentle and warm approach, who combines assessment, therapy and treatment with nature and equine therapy activities. She supports children from 0-14 years old with diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia), intellectual difficulties, and degenerative and genetic conditions.

Clara believes the best way to improve a child’s life is by having solid teamwork where the family is included in the therapy and planning of treatment. She has also worked with adolescents and adults with different syndromes and diagnoses focusing rehabilitation, developing skills for daily life activities and inclusion in the community.

She is passionate about her work as an occupational therapist as it gives her the tools and experience on how to help others live their lives independently by looking for support in the client’s real context.

To book a session with Clara, please submit your info here, and our admin team will be in touch.