Embrace Wellness Hub is a Brisbane-based psychology and wellness service offering a range of therapeutic interventions and assessments for children, young people, adults and families.
Our registered, qualified psychologists work in a holistic and trauma-informed manner and recognise each client is unique and thus has individual needs. Currently located in Manly on Brisbane’s bayside, Embrace is proud to serve its community and provides services to people of all ages, genders, sexualities, and cultural backgrounds.
Please view the ‘Our Services’ page for more information on the range of services offered by Embrace.
Embrace is a program of Silky Oaks Children’s Haven. Silky Oaks has been providing hope, healing and potential to many of our clients, past and present, for over 75 years.
Silky Oaks provides a broad range of individual and family focused services including temporary supported accommodation, a childcare centre, youth residential programs, an Opp shop, as well as outreach and therapy services.
Silky Oaks encourages a collaborative approach between different organisations and support networks in the community to provide a more meaningful and holistic service for our clients. Silky Oaks works hard to ensure flexibility and innovation in our program design and delivery to ensure we are responsive to needs without sacrificing excellence.
Principles of equity, support, belonging, trust, respect and acceptance are the foundations of our organisation and everything we do. These principles are put into practice within a holistic framework of intervention and prevention and we are committed to continuous improvement.
For further information about the services provided by Silky Oaks, please call the Silky Oaks reception on (07) 3906 8888; or via email to haven@silkyoaks.org.au.
Embrace Wellness Hub is a Brisbane-based psychology and wellness service offering a range of therapeutic interventions and assessments for children, young people, adults and families.
Our registered, qualified psychologists work in a holistic and trauma-informed manner and recognise each client is unique and thus has individual needs. Currently located in Manly on Brisbane’s bayside, Embrace is proud to serve its community and provides services to people of all ages, genders, sexualities, and cultural backgrounds.
Please view the ‘Our Services’ page for more information on the range of services offered by Embrace.
Embrace is a program of Silky Oaks Children’s Haven. Silky Oaks has been providing hope, healing and potential to many of our clients, past and present, for over 75 years.
Silky Oaks provides a broad range of individual and family focused services including temporary supported accommodation, a childcare centre, youth residential programs, an Opp shop, as well as outreach and therapy services.
Silky Oaks encourages a collaborative approach between different organisations and support networks in the community to provide a more meaningful and holistic service for our clients. Silky Oaks works hard to ensure flexibility and innovation in our program design and delivery to ensure we are responsive to needs without sacrificing excellence.
Principles of equity, support, belonging, trust, respect and acceptance are the foundations of our organisation and everything we do. These principles are put into practice within a holistic framework of intervention and prevention and we are committed to continuous improvement.
For further information about the services provided by Silky Oaks, please call the Silky Oaks reception on (07) 3906 8888; or via email to haven@silkyoaks.org.au.
Embrace Wellness Hub is a Brisbane-based psychology and wellness service offering a range of therapeutic interventions and assessments for children, young people, adults and families.
Our registered, qualified psychologists work in a holistic and trauma-informed manner and recognise each client is unique and thus has individual needs. Currently located in Manly on Brisbane’s bayside, Embrace is proud to serve its community and provides services to people of all ages, genders, sexualities, and cultural backgrounds.
Please view the ‘Our Services’ page for more information on the range of services offered by Embrace.
Embrace is a program of Silky Oaks Children’s Haven. Silky Oaks has been providing hope, healing and potential to many of our clients, past and present, for over 75 years.
Silky Oaks provides a broad range of individual and family focused services including temporary supported accommodation, a childcare centre, youth residential programs, an Opp shop, as well as outreach and therapy services.
Silky Oaks encourages a collaborative approach between different organisations and support networks in the community to provide a more meaningful and holistic service for our clients. Silky Oaks works hard to ensure flexibility and innovation in our program design and delivery to ensure we are responsive to needs without sacrificing excellence.
Principles of equity, support, belonging, trust, respect and acceptance are the foundations of our organisation and everything we do. These principles are put into practice within a holistic framework of intervention and prevention and we are committed to continuous improvement.
For further information about the services provided by Silky Oaks, please call the Silky Oaks reception on (07) 3906 8888; or via email to haven@silkyoaks.org.au.
Meet the Team
Client-centered, knowledgeable and approachable, Embrace practitioners are here to walk alongside you on your health and wellbeing journey.
SHANNON QUINN
PSYCHOLOGIST
BPsychSci, PGDipPsych, MProfPsych
Before commencing his studies in Psychology in 2007, Shannon obtained his trade certificate as a Diesel Fitter in the mining industry when he found himself wanting to do more to help others overcome mental anguish. In 2019 after 6+ years of psychology training and 5+ years of work experience in the mental health and disability support space, Shannon obtained General Registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. He holds membership with the Australian Psychological Society and his highest qualification is a Master of Professional Psychology from the Australian Catholic University.
Shannon has specialised experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with trauma, neuro-developmental disorders (i.e. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD], Autism, learning problems), and general mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. He gained his experience working in a variety of settings including in private practice, non-government, and government organisations.
When engaging with Shannon for therapy, you can expect that he will be drawing from several evidence based and contemporary approaches including cognitive-behavioural, acceptance, and compassion focused therapies. Shannon is interested in how we can fall into life traps which often lead to unwanted and unexpected consequences and how, as humans, it seems to be inevitable that we will at times experience suffering. Shannon is interested in how we can make space for those uncomfortable experiences, leverage our character strengths, and take committed action to live a valued life.
Shannon also provides comprehensive psychological assessment of cognitive abilities, attention/impulsivity, academic achievement, behaviour, sensory processing, and social functioning which can be particularly helpful in determining whether ADHD, Autism, or learning problems may be involved for the individual.
You or your child may like to see Shannon about the following concerns:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Stress
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Trauma
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Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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Autism
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Learning Problems
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Psychological Assessments
Registration and Membership:
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Registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
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Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Vanina is a Clinical Psychologist who views therapy as a place where people can feel safe, heard and supported. She aims to help individuals improve their resilience, facilitate their engagement in the community and create room for growth. She believes in a strong therapeutic alliance, therefore she works collaboratively, emphasizing safety and trust as key elements of her practice.
Vanina follows a client-centered approach which uses evidence-based strategies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Emotional Focus Therapy, Trauma Focused and Strength-Based approach.
Vanina works with adolescents, adults and older adults. She also works with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and the Queer community, including the Transgender community.
Specialities and areas of interest:
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Sexual and Gender Identity including
support around transitioning and HRT -
Personality Disorder
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Mood Disorder
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Anxiety
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Trauma - C-PTSD
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Adjustment difficulties
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Self-harm
Population:
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Adolescents 17+
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Adults
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Elders 65 +
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CALD
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LGBTQIA+
Therapeutic Approach:
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CBT
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DBT
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ACT
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Schema Therapy
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Trauma Focus
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Strength Based Approach
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Emotional Focus Therapy
Registration and Membership:
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Registered Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
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Registered supervisor with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Dr. Katie Kjelsaas
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
D Psych (Clinical) B Psy. Sci. (Hons I) BA BEd. MAPS
Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor with the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), Ottawa, Canada. Board Approved Clinical Supervisor.
Katie is passionate about helping her clients achieve meaningful connections, whether with new ideas, parts of themselves or the people that matter to them. As a clinical psychologist trained at the University of Queensland, Katie enjoys working with couples, families and individuals. She is committed to the use of evidence-based treatments within a positive, collaborative framework.
Katie works with her clients to understand their fundamental needs and develop appropriate action to see these needs met. Therapy is shaped by clients' goals and Katie is dedicated in supporting her clients to achieve these.
Katie is an ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist. She also has training and experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Katie is also passionate about mentoring and training other therapists in the use of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and is an ICEEFT Certified EFT Supervisor as well as a Psychology Board Approved Clinical Supervisor.
Katie has completed a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at the University of Queensland. She is the recipient of the University Medal, APS Prize, McBride Psychology Prize and Tian P.S. Oei Clinical Research Prize for her academic and research work.
Her published research has examined gender stereotypes, social skills, occupational burnout and the impact of online social networking on mental health. Her clinical interest areas include supporting relationship adjustment during transition points (e.g. marriage, parenthood, career change, retirement); dynamics of sexual desire; self-efficacy, self-actualisation and post-traumatic growth.
Call us today to find out more about Katie and her business Connections Count Clinical Psychology.
Therapeutic Approach:
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Registration and Membership:
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Registered Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
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Registered Clinical Psychology Supervisor with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
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Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
JAKE SIGLEY
COUNSELLOR
BAppSocSci (Counselling)
With over twelve years of experience as a professional counsellor, Jake is able to assist with a broad variety of personal issues including anxiety, depression, grief, stress and workplace issues. Jake has a degree majoring in counselling and is a membership of Australia’s peak counselling body, the Australian Counselling Association.
Jake’s special area of interest is relationships. This includes assisting clients navigate relationship issues related to communication, conflict, connection, infidelity, trust, intimacy and parenting. Whether you are single, establishing a relationship, seeking assistance for your current relationship or transitioning from a relationship Jake can assist you in gaining clarity on the key issues, and building the necessary skills to improve your situation.
Jake’s counselling style is supportive and caring while focusing on using evidence based professional skills with a real word approach. Counselling sessions with Jake will initially consist of getting to know you, understanding the challenges in your life, your goals for counselling and the development of new insights and strategies to help you move in the direction you want.
Specialities and areas of interest:
Individual Counselling
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Stress management
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Men's support
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Grief and loss
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Trauma
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Self-esteem
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Sexual abuse
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Life transitions
Therapeutic Approach:
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CBT
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ACT
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Trauma Informed Therapy
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Emotional Focused Therapy
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Attachment Focused Therapy
Registration and Membership:
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Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Level 3
Additional information about Jake can be found at https://jakesigleycounselling.com.au/
Relationship Counselling
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Increasing intimacy
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Overcoming the impact of an affair
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Reconnecting after growing apart
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Sexual intimacy
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Separation
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Managing parental issues
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Step-families
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Trust and anger issues
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Financial stress
MICHAEL GRAY
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
BPhty, MPhty (Msk)
Michael is an APA accredited and AHPRA registered physiotherapist, as well as a qualified nutritionist. He completed his undergraduate degree at Australian Catholic University in 2016. Since then, he has recently completed his Masters degree at UQ and is currently involved in a research project with the university.
Michael has a keen interest in treating a variety of musculoskeletal injures and has worked with a range of populations from children to athletes to the elderly. Michael utilises a combination of manual therapy (hands on treatment) and exercise prescription as part of his treatments. As a registered physiotherapist, Michael is able to see; DVA patients, WorkCover claims, CTP insurance claims, Medicare eligible patients as well as private health.
Areas of special interest:
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Musculoskeletal injuries
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Occupational Physiotherapy
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WorkCover and work-related injuries
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Sporting injuries
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Osteoarthritis management
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Exercise programs
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Nutrition for injury recovery
Specialist assessments:
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Vestibular/Vertigo assessment and treatment
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TMJ/Jaw pain
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Fracture management
Registration and Membership:
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Registered Physiotherapist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
More information about Michael can be found at www.frontierphysio.com.
MARY-ADELLE SMITH
DIETITIAN
BHlthSc(Nutr&Diet)
Mary is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) and nutritionist. Mary works with a range of clients both online and in person. She believes that food choices are affected by a complex interplay of psycho-social, cultural and environmental factors and that all individuals are unique and therefore require unique nutritional management. Mary is passionate about food psychology and enjoys working with individuals to reach their personal health or athletic goals.
Mary offers evidence-based, easy to understand advice, support and resources to assist clients with a variety of nutrition-related issues, including:
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Weight loss
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Body composition
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Chronic disease such as diabetes
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Pregnancy / lactation nutrition
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Allergies and intolerances
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Sports nutrition
Registration and Membership:
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Registered with the Dietetics Association of Australia (DAA)
More information about Mary can be found at www.wholesomehealthcare.com.au.
Book your nutrition and dietetics session with Mary here.

We look forward to welcoming you to our practice.