Ian Kilpatrick - Principal

Ian holds a Master's degree in psychology, a graduate diploma of education (adult), and Certificate IV Training and Assessment. He is a registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Over his career he has been a university lecturer, human resource manager, management consultant and TAFE Head Teacher (Management and Small Business). More recently, as a psychologist on the Central Coast, he has worked extensively in the provision of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for many organisations in both the public and private sectors. During the past three years he has been called to manage critical incidents and trauma events. Ian is keenly interested in community events and is actively involved in Rotary.

George Dieter - Principal

Following completing a law degree in Germany, George gained two Australian Master's degrees in psychology and coaching psychology and a Certificate IV Training and Assessment. A registered psychologist, George is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian/Asian Society for Trauma and Stress Studies, working as a trauma response, on-call provider for crisis interventions and as an EAP provider for many years. His wide ranging interests and experience in a number of professions unrelated to psychology have allowed him to serve clients across a wide spectrum in individual and group sessions or to provide medico-legal reports. As a performance coach he has instructed executives and business owners in areas such as career development and better management techniques. George is experienced in providing workshops and training seminars on a wide variety of issues. His book on juvenile delinquency, especially early childhood events and societal factors, which potentially contribute to the development of juvenile delinquency is just being published.

Dr Diane Bull - Senior Psychologist

Registered psychologist Dr Diane Bull holds a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science Honours (Psychology) First Class, and Doctorate of Philosophy, Faculty of Medicine. For the past thirty years she has held positions at the University of Newcastle, including Deputy Dean; Senior Lecturer and Postgraduate Supervisor in Psychology in the areas of Health Psychology, Psychoneuroimmunology, Clinical Psychology and Experimental Methodology. In 2004 Dr Bull was nominated for Australian of the Year for her work in science, research, and education. She has presented papers at fifteen international conferences, successfully published over fifty articles for publication in peer reviewed international journals of high esteem, written several chapters in three books, and co-authored a Psychoneuroimmunology textbook. Dr Bull also reviews papers for four journals.

Denise Boland - Psychologist

Geraldine Tague - Clinical Social Worker

Geraldine Tague has worked at Gosford Hospital and Health Services for over fifteen years and was one of the original staff members who helped set up the Central Coast Sexual Assault Centre and worked there for over ten years. Geraldine holds degrees in Psychology, Social Work, a Masters in Advanced Practice (Mental Health), Post Grad. Diploma in Couple and Family Therapy (Relationships Australia) and is currently doing a Doctorate in adolescent mental health in schools. Geraldine is also well known amongst mental health clinicians, having worked in Mandala Clinic, Long Jetty Health Centre and Kincumber Health Service for five years. She has provided mental health case management across a wide range of disorders including Borderline Personality Disorder and the Dissociate Identity Disorders, and has run incest survivor and trauma groups and adolescent behaviour management groups. Geraldine is well known for her kind encouraging style and specialises in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, but includes Narrative Therapy, Emotion Focussed Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy when the context presents. She has worked for ten years as a School Counsellor dealing with all facets of adolescent mental health and behaviour management.

Russ Wesley - Psychologist

Russ has over twenty years experience providing Psychological Intervention and Counselling along with Career Transition, Talent Management, Consultancy, Coaching and Mediation in the areas of Personal Development, Business and Relationship Coaching, Post Trauma Stress, Employee Assistance and Leadership Development. He also has extensive experience in Assessment & Development Centres, Psychological Testing & Personality Profiling, Training and Group Facilitation. Russ's primary modality is that of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy but incorporates a range of other therapies and approaches as appropriate. His depth of experience and degree of personal commitment in facilitating growth and individual potential is well regarded. He is strongly committed to best practise principles, quality standards with an ethic of confidentiality and dignity for all. Russ has also completed Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training and an Advanced Facilitators Course with the University of NSW. He has also completed training in Emotionally Focussed Couples Therapy.

Samantha Cook - Psychologist

Samantha is a registered psychologist with over 13 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly from varying cultural backgrounds. She has a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology and a Certificate IV in Crisis Intervention. Samantha has worked in the fields of mental health and juvenile justice. For the past 2 years she has specialised in the area of private practice. She has experience in the areas of trauma, stress and anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol, relationship issues as well as obsessive compulsive behaviours. She primarily utilises cognitive behavioural techniques as well as brief solution focused therapy.

Holly - Psychologist

Holly has worked in private practice for 2.5 years, providing psychological intervention for children, adolescents and adults with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, substance misuse, autism spectrum disorders, challenging behaviour and adjustment disorders. Holly is also experienced in the psychological and cognitive assessment of children and adolescents, including the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Holly has previous experience working in child protection, family support and community mental health.

Melissa Killick - Office Coordinator

John Labone M.A.P.S. - Registered Psychologist

John holds an Honours degree in Psychology from Macquarie University and a Master's Degree with Distinction in Counselling Psychology. He is a nationally registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. John has extensive experience in helping children, adolescents and adults overcome difficulties in their lives. Over his career John has been a primary school and special school teacher, a school counsellor, and specialist assessment psychologist. In addition, he has over 10 years' experience in private practice with adults in general practice psychology. He has also been a lecturer in psychology at the University of Western Sydney. John spent a number of years as a specialist psychologist for children with dyslexia, ADHD, behaviour problems and learning difficulties. Most recently he has worked with adults and families in general practice psychology. John's professional specialisations include brief solution focussed therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety, depression and problem behaviours in adults, adolescents and children. As an experienced counsellor, John's warm and empathic approach leads clients to readily feel comfortable and relaxed with the therapeutic process.

Mary West - Registered Psychologist

Mary is a registered psychologist with a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Family Therapy) and a Masters in Health Sciences (Sexual Health). She has more than 12 years experience, and can help you with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, grief & loss, anger management and addictions (gambling, internet (child porn) alcohol and other drugs. Mary specialises in relationship counselling and sex therapy, working with couples experiencing difficulties in their relationship and sexual relationship through the life cycle. Mary has a depth of knowledge around difficulties with erections, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, orgasmic disorder, painful sex, sex/internet and porn addictions, sexual orientation, Gender Identity, and same sex relationships. Mary's therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Systemic Relational Therapy. Added to her therapeutic stance is: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Mary is also trained in Emotional Focussed Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy. Mary carefully assesses each couple and individual and chooses the counselling approach that would best work for you. For further information see Mary's website: www.sydneycentralcoasttherapy.com.au