Meet the Team
Joanna Bell – Director
B.Psych (Registered Psychologist), PsyBA Approved Supervisor, MAPS
I have over 15 years’ experience in the corporate and non-profit sectors, working as a clinician and in management roles. My previous experience includes being on several advisory committee’s in the community sector and managing a large psychological service for a non-profit organisation. I also have experience in delivering workshops and training for professionals working in a variety of fields. I was fortunate to present at the International Mental Health Conference in 2014 and 2015.
I work with adults and couples utilising a variety of approaches including Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) & Relational Life Therapy (RLT). I also have a special interest in assisting adults with ADHD to harness their strengths and manage their difficulties.
I opened Astoria Clinic in 2015 with the vision of creating a safe, inclusive space for anyone seeking therapy. I believe that therapy is beneficial in many ways, not only for treatment of mental health diagnoses, but also for self-development and personal growth. Aside from my work, I enjoy spending time with my family, yoga, good coffee, my pets and the beach.
Katie Hammond - Senior Psychologist
B.Psych (Registered Psychologist), Member AAPI
I’m a registered Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience supporting clients of all ages through individual, group, couples, and family therapy. My adaptable, responsive approach ensures support is tailored to each person’s unique needs and circumstances.
I work with people experiencing disordered eating, body image concerns, and eating disorders—helping them build a healthier relationship with food and their bodies, while fostering self-compassion, confidence, and resilience. I also bring extensive experience in helping adolescents and adults address anxiety, stress, attachment issues, behavioural challenges, bullying, and trauma, equipping them with practical coping strategies and renewed self-esteem.
Prevention and early intervention are central to my work, particularly in promoting positive body image and self-worth in children and adolescents. I collaborate closely with clients, families, and care teams, blending professionalism with warmth and playfulness—especially when working with young people—to create a safe, respectful, and engaging space for growth.
My practice draws on evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Enhanced CBT (CBT-E), Family-Based Therapy (FBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and play therapy—always with the goal of supporting lasting emotional health and self-acceptance.
Thomas Cobb
B.Psych (Registered Psychologist)
I am dedicated to creating a safe space for clients free from judgement. I believe it is important that each person feels heard, understood and supported during their therapeutic journey, and I endeavour to make this a reality. I also take time in the first session to establish goals and discuss expectations of therapy.
I have worked with a diverse range of clients including a variety ages, cultures, identities and beliefs. I have experience supporting individuals with Depression, Anxiety, Behavioural Issues, Trauma, Attachment, Grief and Loss, and more.
I work with adults and couples, I also have training in Child Centred Play Therapy and work with children from age 5.
Kirsty Healey
B.Psych (Registered Psychologist)
My main focus is for the people I work with to feel comfortable and secure while receiving high quality care and support. I have over 10 years of experience working with adults, adolescents and couples presenting with a range of issues in the private and community sectors. Each person I meet is unique and I take the time to get to know them and their own individual stories and experiences. The first session also includes establishing a clear outline so the client knows what to expect and can determine their goals for us to work towards at works at their own pace.
I work with adults and couples and utilise a range of evidence based therapies, including EMDR.
Kate Jones
BA(Psych)Hons, M.Management (Registered Psychologist)
Public Service Medal (PSM) “For outstanding public service, particularly in the field of child welfare psychology” (Australia Day Awards, 2009)
Kate has more than 30 years experience as a Psychologist, working together with individuals from ‘all walks of life’ to endeavour to support them on their journey toward recovery, enhanced resilience and wellbeing. Kate has worked with people across the age spectrum and from a diversity of cultural, religious, and spiritual backgrounds, and gender and sexual identities. In her professional career, Kate has worked in child and adolescent services, child and family support, parenting, attachment, trauma, youth justice, and education fields/settings.
Kate will deeply hear your story and/or your child’s story, seek to understand your distress and concerns, and where ongoing therapeutic support is indicated, support you (and/or your child) from a strengths- based and interpersonal perspective, together developing a therapeutic plan and helping you and/or your child seek to achieve or be on the path toward the outcomes hoped for.
Kate is available for referrals related to social, emotional, behavioural, cognitive, learning, and adaptive problems of childhood; parenthood and parenting.
Kate utilises a holistic and client-centred approach within ecological, narrative, trauma-informed, interpersonal psychotherapeutic, cognitive behavioural, psychoeducative, and purposeful mindfulness frameworks.
Sarah Lawrence
B.Psych (Registered Psychologist), MAPS
I have experience working with adults, adolescents and couples to support a range of issues including anxiety, depression, work related stress, trauma, OCD, chronic pain, interpersonal and adjustment difficulties. I am a warm and empathetic counsellor who adopts a solution focused approach to therapy. I accept referrals through Mental Health Care Plan and private referrals.
I am a Registered Psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. I utilise evidenced based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other brief solution focused therapies.
I aim to create a respectful and collaborative environment for individuals to achieve their goals. I understand the importance of having a safe space where individuals feel comfortable, respected and valued.
Linanne Lech
BSocSc, GradDipPsych, MSW (Registered Psychologist)
I have always been drawn to people’s lived experiences and their personal stories. I consider it a privileged journey to work with diverse clients, to collectively set goals and to empower positive change.
I am a registered general psychologist with a background in social work who uses a strengths-based, collaborative approach. I have extensive experience working with individuals, families and a range of clients from young children to the elderly for various issues from stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and adjustment issues. I like to utilise psychological focussed strategies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Schema Focussed Cognitive Therapy in my work. I work with individuals from age 16 onwards.
I look forward to being a part of your wellness journey and supporting you to shape your narrative.
Stephanie Lynch
B.Psych (Registered Psychologist)
I have been working as a psychologist since 2015. My previous experience includes working across the education and non-profit sector. I provide a client-centred/holistic approach of psychological intervention, tailored to the individual needs of my clients.
I have an interest in working with children, adolescents and adults who present with Trauma (developmental, complex & simple), Attachment related difficulties, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Personality vulnerabilities, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) & Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I am trained in the following evidence based interventions including: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) , Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy.
Stephanie is not currently available for appointments.
Flora Oliveiro
B.Psych (Registered Psychologist)
I work from a strengths-based approach to support clients explore their concerns and establish goals to enhance their resilience. It is important that we work collaboratively in this process, which will assist me in tailoring my approach to your needs. I value the individual qualities each person holds and strive to create a non-judgemental and open space to address difficult topics.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a range of settings. Some of the areas I can provide support in include anxiety, depression, adjustment, grief, life-transitions, and providing parenting support. I have a special interest in working within the family system to support individuals, children and parents to support the needs of the family as a whole.
Flora is not currently available for appointments.
Caitlin Thompson
B.Psych (Registered Psychologist)
My approach to therapy is collaborative, non-judgemental, and person-centred. I strive to create a safe and comfortable space where each person feels valued and respected. It's important to me that I take the time to get to know my clients and their needs, and work at a pace that is right for them.
I work with adults and adolescents on a range of presenting issues including Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Behavioural Issues, Trauma, Life Transitions, and more. I utilise a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to each person’s unique needs.
Aaron Williams
B.Psych (Registered Psychologist)
As a Psychologist, I believe in the uniqueness of each individual's journey. In addition to treatment of mental health diagnoses, therapy can be an empowering journey of self-discovery and transformation. My therapeutic approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which I find personally enriching. ACT promotes psychological flexibility, empowering us to live fully in the present, engage in values-based actions, and develop a compassionate relationship with ourselves. I utilise Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Narrative Therapy where appropriate.
As a Performance Psychologist, I assist with mental health challenges as well as the mental aspects of the sport or performance domain; facilitating and guiding my clients to reach their own individual potential, while strengthening their mental fitness capabilities. My approach is collaborative, with tailored strategies.
The basic psychology of performance relates to the understanding of how our thoughts, perceptions, emotions and behaviours interact to influence our ability to perform a task. I work with a varied clientele, including athletes, politicians, students, musicians, coaches, and surgeons, to enhance performance through improved mental resilience, emotional regulation, and effective coping strategies.
I work with adolescents, young adults and adults.
Rachael
Administration Co-ordinator / Client Relationship Specialist
I have worked in client-focused roles for the past 12 years, and I love building relationships with our clients. I am here to assist in finding the Psychologist at our practice that is the best fit for you, as well as help answer any questions you may have regarding seeking therapy. On my days off I enjoy going out to brunch with friends and going for long coastal walks.
Brittany
Client Liaison
I am currently studying my undergraduate degree in Psychology. I am here as a friendly face to welcome you to our clinic and assist you in finding the right psychologist at our clinic for you. I am also a co-writer for the Astoria clinic blog. In my free time I enjoy painting, longboarding and listening to philosophy podcasts.
Jordan
Client Liaison
I am here to welcome you to Astoria Clinic and to make your experience as comfortable and friendly as I can. I work 3 days per week across both clinics and enjoy the client facing aspect of my role. You will know that I’m in the office if Taylor Swift is playing in the waiting room. In my free time, I enjoy the beach, the gym and photography,