About Happy Minds Psychology, GeelonG

Helping women AND MEN find relief & long-term strategies for their MENTAL HEALTH.

Sarah-Jayne Duryea

Founder & principal Psychologist at happy minds psychology

Hi, I’m Sarah-Jayne Duryea – Founder of Happy Minds Psychology and Principal Psychologist.

I work with women who are trying to conceive, are pregnant or are already parents.

I am experienced working with women and couples committed to pursuing their dream of having a family, whether via IVF, surrogacy, sperm or egg donation, or adoption.

I am passionate about helping parents manage parenting trials and create secure attachments to their young children.

I am also a Board Approved Supervisor passionate about supporting provisional psychologists to achieve registration.

My Story

I do most of my work with women who are experiencing feelings of anxiety, have experienced loss or trauma, or find their new reality challenging.

I work with women who have a voice inside their head that criticises and judges them. If you are looking for someone who will work with you to put this inner critic back in its box, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re someone who feels as though your mind is hectic, I work with you!

Are you worried about your pregnancy?
Are you consumed with thoughts about your performance as a mum?
Have you lost a previous pregnancy?
Do you struggle with a mind that criticises you, or you feel as though you can’t relax?
Do you struggle with issues surrounding sex and intimacy?

I am here to help you.

If you’re someone who is pursuing IVF – I work with you.

If you are someone who has been told they need to find a surrogate to be able to be a family – I work with you!

If you’re a same-sex couple who are creating your family through surrogacy in Australia or overseas – I am a passionate advocate for you.

My approach

At Happy Minds Psychology my therapeutic style is warm and relaxed, and I create a space where you can feel understood, accepted and empowered.

I draw from several treatment modalities, including Positive Psychology, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR and Schema Therapy (I’ll explain this psych speak during our sessions!).

I aim to act as your cheerleader, the person who will support you to play the cards that life has dealt you with wisdom and grace. To tackle together the challenges life has thrown at you, adding some essential strategies to your toolbox of coping skills, helping you be more present and do what matters.

I am a cis woman and my pronouns are she/her.

Outside of work, you will usually find me with my head stuck in a book and a cup of tea in my hand or spending time with my family outside of work.

Ready to make an appointment? Simply contact us.

Have some questions about seeing a Psychologist? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

To read our Blog, click here.

Sarah-Jayne Duryea's Credentials...

Licenses

Registered Psychologist with AHPRA PSY0001243973
Medicare Provider Number 416304PA
Australian Psychological Society Associate Member
British Psychological Society Member
Fertility Society of Australia Member
Australia and New Zealand Counsellors Association Member (ANZICA)
Pregnancy Support Counselling Approved by Medicare
Worksafe Approved Provider (no. 406304MB)
Member of University of Sydney Coaching Alumni
Member Pregnancy Loss & Infant Death Alliance (PLIDA)
Member International Marce Society for Perinatal Mental Health
Member Australian Association for Infant Mental Health (AAIMH)
Member World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH)
AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor
Associate Member of EMDRAA (EMDR Association Australia) https://emdraa.org/
Member – American Society for Reproductive Medicine https://www.asrm.org/
Member – European Society of Human Reproduction & Embryology https://www.eshre.eu/

Education

Masters Degree in Coaching & Positive Psychology (University of Sydney)
Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology (University of Portsmouth)
Bachelors Degree (Honors) in Psychology (University of Bedfordshire)
Perinatal Grief & Loss Training – Perinatal Training Centre
Perinatal & Infant Mental Health Intensive – Perinatal Training Centre
Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy
COPE skills in Perinatal Health Training
COPE Perinatal Loss In Practice
ACT with Grief & Loss, Dr Russ Harris
APS Non-Directive Counselling Training
Practice of Sex Therapy Training
Heath At Every Size Practioner
Bullying in Schools Training, Macquarie University
ACT with Youth Training
Adolescent Suicide with Dr Michael Gordon
Child & Adolescent Anxiety, Macquarie University
Shadow Coaching, Donna Karlin
Child abuse & Neglect, Prof. David Howe
ACT Advanced, Dr Russ Harris
Coaching for Complexity of Mind with Jennifer Garvey Berger
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Introduction, Dr Russ Harris
The Practice of Sex Therapy – Dr Sandra Pertot
CBT Fundamentals: Australian Psychological Society
Brain Based Psychotherapy with Dr John Arden
Drug & Alcohol testing training – Work Options
Drug & Alcohol Management Plan training – Work Options
CBT for Pain Management – University of Sydney
Schema Therapy Intro & Advanced – Schema Therapy Institute
EMDR Training with Graham Taylor
PTSD & Complex Trauma Training with Leah Giarratano

Teaching

Guest Lecturer (University of New South Wales & Macquarie University)
Tutor (University of New South Wales & Macquarie University)
Trainer (Diploma in Mental Health Work & Youth Services) Victoria
Trainer (Home Office, UK)

Rowie Sullivan, Counsellor

Rowie is a Cousnellor who will be finishing her period of supervised practice with the Happy Minds Psychology clinic.

She studied psychology at Deakin University and is excited to be looking to undertake the practical aspects of becoming a registered psychologist and specialising in perinatal psychology. Her main areas of interest are working with women of all ages who are experiencing anxiety, depression or adjustment issues. She is also experienced in working with women throughout the perinatal period including birth trauma.

Rowie brings a warm, empathetic and open-minded approach to the therapeutic relationship, and the team at Happy Minds are thrilled to have her on board! She is working closely with our Principal Psychologist Sarah-Jayne to complete her registration and gain experinece in perinatal psychology.

Outside of work, you may find Rowie surfing or with her nose stuck in a psychology textbook as she is passionate about working in the field of psychology.

Chandler O'Donnell, Receptionist

Chandler is our Admin Queen! She keeps the wheels turning and makes sure that we can all focus on our passion as clinicians.

Outside of work, Chandler is a mum to a 2 year old boy. She enjoys spending her weekends with him and her partner, on the beach or adventuring somewhere outdoors.