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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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You or your child may like to see Shannon about the following concerns:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Trauma

• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Autism

• Learning Problems

• Psychological Assessments

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Registration and Membership:

• Registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

• Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society

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VANINA MARIETTI

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

BPsychSci, BPsychSci(Hons), MPsych(Clin)

• Loss of personal values

• Relationship issues

• Codependency

• Emotional Regulation skills

• Low self-esteem

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.

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Call us today to find out more about Katie and her business Connections Count Clinical Psychology.

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Therapeutic Approach:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

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Registration and Membership:

• Registered Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

• Registered Clinical Psychology Supervisor with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

• 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.

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Specialities and areas of interest:

Individual Counselling

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Stress management

• Men's support

• Grief and loss

• Trauma

• Self-esteem

• Sexual abuse

• Life transitions​

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Therapeutic Approach:

• CBT

• ACT

• Trauma Informed Therapy

• Emotional Focused Therapy

• Attachment Focused Therapy

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Registration and Membership:​

• Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Level 3

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Additional information about Jake can be found at https://jakesigleycounselling.com.au/

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Relationship Counselling

• Increasing intimacy

• Overcoming the impact of an affair

• Reconnecting after growing apart

• Sexual intimacy

• Separation

• Managing parental issues

• Step-families

• Trust and anger issues

• 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:

• Musculoskeletal injuries

• Occupational Physiotherapy

• WorkCover and work-related injuries

• Sporting injuries

• Osteoarthritis management

• Exercise programs

• Nutrition for injury recovery

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Specialist assessments:

• Vestibular/Vertigo assessment and treatment

• TMJ/Jaw pain

• Fracture management

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Registration and Membership:

• Registered Physiotherapist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

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More information about Michael can be found at www.frontierphysio.com.

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Book your physiotherapy session with Michael here. 

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

• Body composition

• Chronic disease such as diabetes

• Pregnancy / lactation nutrition

• Allergies and intolerances

• Sports nutrition

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Registration and Membership:

• Registered with the Dietetics Association of Australia (DAA)

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More information about Mary can be found at www.wholesomehealthcare.com.au.

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Book your nutrition and dietetics session with Mary here. 

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