Director / Clinical Psychologist
"Courage gives us a voice and compassion gives us an ear. Without both, there is no opportunity for empathy and connection"
Brene' Brown
Lucia Casasnovas completed her Master in Clinical Psychology at the University of the Sunshine Coast and has been working in the area – both in private practice and the public sector for the last 10 years. She has experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families treating a wide variety of psychological and interpersonal difficulties. Lucia has a warm non-judgemental approach, which facilitates the establishment of robust therapeutic relationships with her clients.
Lucia has always related well with young people; however, her interest in parenting and children has particularly grown since becoming a mother. Lucia is a mother of two who has been amazed by the delights and challenges of parenthood. She is a strong believer in the decisive role that the relationship with our children has in their whole life.
She is committed to use evidence based treatment interventions to enhance the mental health of individuals and to contribute to facilitate healthy relationships. She is passionate about her work and has a strength-based approach, helping individuals achieving their full potential.
Lucia has a strong cultural sensitivity and enjoys working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. She offers psychotherapy both in English and Spanish.
Education
- Master in Clinical Psychology at University of Sunshine Coast.
- Honours Degree in Psychology at Universidad Autonoma de Madrid and Monash University.
- Complementary Education in modalities ranging from children's counselling to couples therapy, ASD and eating disorders.
Memberships
Areas of experience
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Mood and anxiety disorders
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Autism spectrum disorders
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ADHD
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Obsessive-Compulsive disorders and tics
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Intellectual disability
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Substance misuse
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Trauma
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Self-harm and suicide risk
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Personality disorders
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Psychosis
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Somatic and dissociative disorders
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Adjustment to illnesses and chronic pain
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Disordered eating and body image
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Sleep problems
Lucia enjoys helping individuals dealing with:
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Parenting demands and challenges
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Relationship and communication issues
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Bullying and other peer problems
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Regression
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Sibling rivalry
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Poor self-esteem and self-confidence
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Resilience building
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Emotional regulation skill deficits
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Stress and anger management problems
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Adjustment to new roles and life transitions
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Grief and loss
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Pregnancy support counselling
Clinical Psychologist
Kathie McDonald completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba. For over a decade, Kathie has worked with clients in hospital settings, in the community, and in private practice. Kathie has also worked as a lecturer in psychology at the University of Southern Queensland.
In her private practice, Kathie works with individuals aged over 16 years, and she uses evidence-based treatments including CBT and ACT. Kathie provides a judgement-free, warm and professional space to help people overcome their challenges; a space within which individuals can reflect, reframe, and refocus on what is important to them. Kathie enjoys helping a broad range of people, and has a special interest in helping people adjust to various life transitions such as changes in work, relationships, parenthood, and health conditions. Kathie is also skilled in helping transgender individuals and their families navigate the transgender experience, and in helping women work through issues related to sexual intimacy.
Practice Manager
Owen O'Connor is a highly efficient and approachable practice manager committed to guiding your experience with us. He is here to answer any questions you might have and to help you navigate the process of engaging with our psychologist and informing you about referrals and funding options.
Owen has a background in medical science, before joining our team he worked in public and private hospitals both nationally and internationally for 20 years. More recently he has enjoyed caring for his children full-time.