Meet Our In Clinic / Walk-and-Talk Therapy Team

Waiting Period: 2 months

Welcome to Sunrise Peak Psychology and Adventure Therapy!  I am excited to be able to provide psychological services located both within the Work Well Health Centre in Paddington, Brisbane and via nature-based therapy in Toohey Forest, Nathan.

As a dedicated Clinical Psychologist, my passion lies in providing support to both young people and adults who may be facing various mental health concerns. I have a special interest in addressing issues such as anxiety, panic, depression, emotional dysregulation, neurodiversity, trauma, and grief and loss.

In my therapeutic approach, I prioritise warmth, compassion, empathy, and understanding. I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can explore their challenges and work toward healing and growth. To make the therapy process engaging and effective, I incorporate elements of fun and experiential activities, such as creative arts, nature-based interventions, and walk-and-talk therapy for those who prefer their therapy to be outdoors.

With a diverse range of experience, including work in hospitals, schools, and crisis support, I bring a well-rounded perspective to my practice. I believe in utilising an integrated approach to therapy, drawing from various evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Family Systems Approach, as well as Nature-Based and Adventure Therapy.

I warmly invite you to reach out for support by email, and together we can arrange our initial appointment. Taking this step towards seeking help can lead to profound positive change and I am here to support you on your journey.

Karen sees children, adolescents and adults at the Paddington clinic or via telehealth on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and in the Toohey Forest on Wednesdays.

To make an appointment with Karen at Sunrise Peak Psychology and Adventure Therapy, or for any queries, please click on the Enquire Now button below.

Currently accepting new clients at both Sunrise Peak Psychology - Paddington and Motion Health Rehab & Performance - Underwood (from 29 April)

Hi, I'm Jacinta. I'm a general psychologist with a passion for sport, exercise, and the outdoors. 

I love to provide support for adults and young people who are facing performance concerns and/or mental health challenges. I have a keen interest in addressing anxiety, perfectionism, self-esteem, social concerns, depression, ADHD, and emotional dysregulation. 

My approach to therapy is one of collaboration, evaluation, and flexibility. I aim to support my clients goals in therapy and life with compassion and understanding. I believe that consistent evaluation of progress is essential to achieving goals, celebrating success, and adjusting our plan when needed.

I work both in the clinic and in the outdoors to suit client needs and desires. I find nature to be a therapy on its own and walk and talk therapy a great way to connect with my clients and nature. I utilise a tailored integrated approach to therapy with elements of CBT, ACT, DBT, and MI depending on individual client needs and goals.

When I am away from the clinic you can find me playing footy, at the gym, hiking, camping, reading in my hammock or binging the latest tv shows.

Jacinta sees children, adolescents, and adults and is available at the Paddington clinic or via telehealth on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as outdoors on Tuesdays.  She has completed her Master of Sports and Exercise Psychology and is also a valued member of our holiday program team.

From 29 April, Jacinta will work from two locations - Motion Health Rehab and Performance in Underwood on Tuesdays and Sunrise Peak Psychology in Paddington on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  

To make an appointment with Jacinta at Sunrise Peak Psychology and Adventure Therapy or for any queries, please click on the Enquire Now button below.

Currently accepting new clients

Hi, I'm Naomi! I’m passionate about helping you feel safe and supported in therapy, where you can explore your experiences and grow.

My therapeutic style is warm, personable, and playful. Being my authentic self in sessions is important to me, as it helps build genuine trust and connection, which I believe is the foundation for meaningful therapy. I approach each person with genuine curiosity, aiming to understand your experiences. Your best interests are always my priority, and I'm dedicated to being on your team.

The therapies that I primarily draw upon include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, ensuring that treatment is tailored and effective for you.

I offer outdoor sessions to take advantage of the positive impact nature has on our well-being. Outdoor therapy offers a refreshing alternative to traditional settings, where the natural surroundings create a calming or revitalising space. This can help you feel more at ease while exploring your thoughts and emotions in a more casual, relaxed environment.

I work with a range of conditions, including:
* Anxiety (general, phobias, social, health)
* Interpersonal issues (e.g., friendships, family)
* Relationship issues
* Perfectionism
* Life Transitions and Adjustment Disorders
* Trauma
* Grief and Loss
* Health-related issues
* Self-esteem issues

Availability:

* Monday mornings for outdoor sessions at Shaw Park, Wooloowin
* Monday afternoons for in-clinic and Telehealth sessions (via phone or video)

I work with children, adolescents, and adults and look forward to meeting you!

To make an appointment with Naomi at Sunrise Peak Psychology and Adventure Therapy, or for any queries, please click on the Enquire Now button below.

Taking bookings from 6 June 2025

Hi, I’m Atholl. My work is focused on supporting people to find ways of being in their own lives that feel safe, alive and open to growth. I work with adults and with couples.

I’m experienced in building safe and supportive connections with clients as the foundation for therapeutic work. Warmth, openness, gentleness, compassion and a client-focused approach are important elements of my practice. I enjoy supporting clients to develop clearer understandings of
their needs and goals and offer processes for working towards meeting those. I come to psychology with a diverse range of experiences including government, not-for-profit and private practice organisations, providing short- and longer-term therapeutic care.

I am passionate about growth and supporting clients to live the life they want to live. I have a strong understanding of psychological needs, functioning and change, and I approach psychology with a
life-long developmental perspective. My specific ways of working include:

* Psychodynamic psychotherapy
* Person-centred therapy
* Focusing-oriented psychotherapy
* Emotion-focused therapy
* Couple-focused therapy
* Imago relationship therapy

Special Interests

I am able to offer general psychological therapy but also have some particular areas that I particularly enjoy working with, including identity, gender, sexuality, and relationships. Some of the difficulties I can assist with include:

For individuals…
* coming to terms with current or past life experiences
* adjusting to life changes and discovering who or how to be
* coping with strong emotions and finding more helpful ways to manage feelings
* navigating life when feeling very different to others

For couples…
* discovering a more rewarding relationship through greater connection
* addressing conflict, communication and adjustment to changes in life circumstances
* finding greater alignment in decision-making, parenting, finances or other major areas of couple life. 

I do not undertake assessments or provide clinical or court reports.

Availability:

Atholl sees individuals aged 16 years and above.  He is available from Friday June 6:

* Fridays from 10 am until 5 pm
* Alternating one week in-clinic at Paddington and one week outdoors

Currently accepting new clients

Hi, I'm Kylie.  As a psychologist experienced in a range of settings, I am excited to be able to provide nature-based therapy at Walkabout Creek, Enoggera Reservoir, and in-clinic counselling with Sunrise Peak Psychology.

I work mainly with adults who are experiencing a range of mental health challenges and neurosenstivities and have a special interest in addressing issues such as:

* Anxiety;
* Emotional dysregulation;
* Neurosenstivities;
* Trauma;
* Leadership coaching; and
* Post-concussion psychosocial impacts.

I have a quiet, calm, non-judgemental and compassionate approach and incorporate mindfulness, self-compassion, and biopsychosocial strategies. My practice is underpinned by evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness-based cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and DBT.

Availability:

* Tuesday mornings for outdoor sessions at Enoggera Reservoir
* Tuesday afternoons for in-clinic and Telehealth sessions (via phone or video)

I work with adolescents (16+) and adults and look forward to meeting you!

To make an appointment with Kylie at Sunrise Peak Psychology and Adventure Therapy, or for any queries, please click on the Book Now button below.

Not currently accepting new clients

As a psychologist, I provide a warm and non-judgemental environment in which clients can improve their mental health by processing past experiences and by learning new ways of responding to difficult situations. I believe that the relationship between a therapist and a client forms the best basis for recovery and healing. I am very passionate about working with clients from different cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. 

I use different approaches (e.g., Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness) in my work, depending on the needs of a client. I have worked with clients who experience anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting issues, domestic violence, relationship problems, grief and loss and work stress. 

I am originally from the Netherlands and moved to Brisbane in 2016. I completed my bachelor and master degrees at the University of Amsterdam. My PhD research (completed 2006) focused on understanding genetic contributions to childhood developmental disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

In 2021, I completed a Diploma of Counselling at the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors and in 2024, I completed the AHPRA 4+2 pathway to become registered as a psychologist in Australia. 

In addition to my work as a psychologist, I work as a researcher; I am the head of the Translational Neurogenomics Laboratory at QIMR Berghofer. My research focuses on the identification of genetic risk factors for psychiatric disorders and I have published >170 scientific articles describing my research. 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-27/qld-mental-health-genetics-paper-repurpose-drugs-/101474390

Radio interview: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/depression-and-anxiety-genetically-linked-for-the-first-time/13305484

Research pages: 

https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/people/eske-derks/

https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/our-research/mental-health-and-neuroscience/translational-neurogenomics/

In addition to the above, Eske sees adults with challenges related to:

* Anxiety
* Depression
* Emotional dysregulation
* Neurodiversity 
* Parenting
* Domestic Violence
* Relationships
* Work stress
* Grief and Loss
* Self-Esteem
* Trauma
* Couples counselling

Eske is not currently taking new clients.

If you would like to enquire about joining our team, please reach out using the "Enquire" button below.

BPsych(Honours), GradDipEd(Psych), BCom, BBA, PhD Doctoral Candidate, MAPS, MAAPi

Hi, I am Jo, an AHPRA Registered Psychologist and I provide a safe and non-judgemental approach towards helping people find their personal strengths and at the same time, explore and improve mental health challenges that may be interfering with you being able to live your best life.

I am particularly passionate about working with adolescents and have worked as a school psychologist for many years and believe I have a good understanding of the challenges teens face today. Nature and being in the outdoors are great for mental health and with my diverse range of skills and experience, I look forward to helping you build and maintain your physical and emotional wellbeing and my aim is to support you to become the best version of yourself.

* Jo will be joining us on our multi-day hikes and other outdoor programs in 2025 and brings with her a wealth of experience in the outdoors!

Hi, I’m Cristyan - Cris for short. After completing a bachelor’s and master’s in psychology in Brazil, I moved to Meanjin (Brisbane) in 2019 following my heart. Since arriving, I’ve been involved in youth outdoor education and nature connection. Guided by the permaculture ethics of People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Share, along with person-centred and strength-
based approaches, I’ve supported children and young people in (re)connecting with
themselves and their communities by returning to nature.

Through this work, I’ve learned how spending intentional, experiential time with bugs, plants, trees, and other creatures (including supportive humans!) can enhance children’s cognitive and social skills, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging.

As a migrant, I’ve also experienced the power of the natural environment in my own life. Spending time gardening or immersed in natural settings - bushwalking, observing birds, exploring local flora and fauna - has been a key part of my journey of settling here. Among
plants and animals, I feel safe, comforted, and accepted. As Kerryn Coombs-Valeontis so beautifully said, “the garden [I’d extend to all natural environments] is where things make sense; it’s the place of sanity”. I couldn’t agree more.

These are just some of the reasons I’m excited about bringing therapy outdoors. I’m also on my own journey of returning to nature and would be honoured to be part of yours. I’m a member of the Australian Counselling Association, Outdoor Health Australia, and Therapeutic Horticulture Australia.

Please meet Adriana Miranda, a passionate and dynamic counsellor joining the team with a deep commitment to holistic well-being. Adriana recently graduated with distinction from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Counselling and brings a wealth of personal and professional experiences to her role.

Adriana’s journey into mental health began as the owner and manager of women’s fitness centres in Brazil and Western Australia, where she blended physical and mental health practices to empower women. With her earlier background in Mass Communication, she has a profound understanding of how language and stories shape resilience and identity, which she integrates seamlessly into her counselling practice.

Adriana integrates Narrative Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helping clients reflect on their personal narratives and take meaningful steps aligned with their core values. She is also deeply inspired by the healing power of nature and incorporates nature-based therapies into her sessions to promote resilience, authenticity, and emotional healing.

Outside of work, Adriana thrives in the outdoors, embracing activities such as boating, camping, stand-up paddle boarding and practising mindfulness in nature. She finds joy in exploring, connecting with the world around her, and helping others do the same.

My journey as a counsellor has been shaped by over 15 years of experience in mental health, but it’s also deeply rooted in my love for the natural world.

As an accredited counsellor, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with some of the most vulnerable individuals and communities, not just in my local area, but around the globe through humanitarian aid work.

My background in Environmental Engineering and Project Management has given me a unique perspective on the connection between people and their environment, a connection I’ve always cherished.

Whether I’m guiding others or finding peace myself, nature has always been my sanctuary. I’ve pursued various qualifications along the way, including an Outdoor Leadership Certificate, all with the aim of integrating my passion for the outdoors into my work.

* Sunrise Peak Psychology is collaborating with Bic-Adventure Therapy to provide high-quality Adventure Therapy holiday programs during the school holiday period and longer therapeutic expeditions at various times of the year. For more information or to learn more about Bic-Adventure Therapy, please make an enquiry via the button below.

You can find out more about Jason, Erika and Ravi at their website:  https://www.bicat.com.au/

My journey started 15 months ago when I was asked to step into the field of support.

Since then, I’ve obtained my Cert as a Licensed therapist (it seemed to come naturally ), with a focus on co-regulation techniques, hugs, and gentle play—specialising in Ball Therapy 😊.

For further information about the holiday programs, please click on the button below!