About Happy Minds Psychology, GeelonG

Helping families 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 have a strong interest in working in perinatal psychology, as well as trauma and the treatment of eating disorders. I also have a background of working with individuals in demanding careers, first responders, atheletes, high achievers and performers of any kind including actors, artists and singers, and enjoy the supervision of other practitoners in any area of my expertise.

In my clinical practice, 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 an ally and have experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to this, I am an accredited eating disorder practitoner with ANZAED and am passionate about working with all types of eating disorder presentation and body image issues. I am also trained in the use of EMDR for trauma resolution and have specialist training in ADHD & ASD Assessment.

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. In addition, I sit on the Board for MRKH Australia and the industry advisory board for Deakin University for psychology.

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 (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), 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 Member
Chartered Psychologist British Psychological Society (CPSYCHOL)
Fertility Society of Australia Member
Australia and New Zealand Counsellors Association Full 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/
Accredited Eating Disorder Clinician – ANZAED
Member – Blue Knot Foundation

Education

Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology (In Progress, University of New England, Australia)
Masters Degree in Coaching & Positive Psychology (University of Sydney, Australia)
Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology (University of Portsmouth, UK)
Bachelors Degree (Honors) in Psychology (University of Bedfordshire, UK)
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
DBT Training – Dr Marsha Lineham
EFT Training- Dr Sue Johnson
Cognitive-behavioural therapy for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (CBT-AR) – ANZAED
Assessment of ADHD Training – Australian Psychological Society
ACT with ADHD – Russ Harris
ACT with Suicide & Self Harm – Russ Harris
Cognitive-behavioural therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) Anthea Fursland
Treating Perfectionism with Jennifer Kemp
ILS certification SSP – Unyte Health
The Art of Holding in Therapy (Perinatal) – Karen Kleinman
PTSD Masterclass with First Responders
Self Regulation: The Alert Programme Training (Jan 2025) www.alertprogram.com

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)

BOARD POSITIONS

MRKH Australia Board Member
Deakin University – Advisory Board Member for Master of Professional Psychology, Master and Doctor of Clinical Psychology programmes

Jessie Ford, Registered Psychologist

Jessie is a registered psychologist who has a particular interest in supporting families in the perinatal period. She understands each individual experiences this transformative time in life uniquely and aims to meet you where you are at in your experience. Jessie values the importance of the therapeutic relationship. She aims to create a safe space where you can be yourself and get the most out of therapy.

Jessie operates from a person-centred approach working with each client to understand their individual, couple, and family goals. She tailors her therapy approach collaboratively with her clients to assist them toward their goals. Jessie draws from a range of evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as strengths-based approaches.

When she is not at Happy Minds, Jessie enjoys spending time with her family, music, attempting to bake, and time in nature.

Maddy Keegan, Registered Psychologist

Maddy is a Psychologist who trained with the Happy Minds Psychology clinic in Geelong.

Her main areas of interest are working with women and children over 16 who are experiencing difficulty, and working together to further build coping strategies and tools. She has a particular focus on anxiety, depression, perinatal challenges, infertility and eating disorders, offering tailored support to navigate these complex areas.

She studied psychology at Deakin University and Australian Catholic University and is trained in EMDR.

Maddy brings a warm and relaxed approach to the therapeutic relationship, hoping to create a space where you feel understood.

Outside of work, you may find Maddy out at the beach with her partner and two dogs, or participating in one of her various craft hobbies, knitting and cross-stitch.

Gemma Cochrane, Registered Psychologist (telehealth only)

Gemma is an experienced registered psychologist who enjoys working collaboratively with you to gain a shared understanding of your goals. She focuses on building on your existing strengths and creating a warm and safe environment.

Gemma uses a client-centred integrative framework of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, and mindfulness approaches. She is currently undergoing accreditation in evidence-based EFT tapping.

Gemma works with children (14 years +), adolescents, and adults from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. She is particularly passionate about supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression and challenges during the perinatal period. Gemma is committed to helping parents and expecting parents make positive changes and manage the complexities associated with these conditions

DR MEL FORMICA, Registered PSYCHOLOGIST (Maternity leave from May 2024)

Dr. Mel Formica is a registered psychologist who has extensive experience across the lifespan. She holds a PhD from Deakin University, where she researched the prevention of cognitive decline in older adults through exercise and nutrition.

Dr. Formica has a particular interest in antenatal and postnatal issues, including depression and birth trauma, and she is skilled in assisting clients managing medical diagnoses and treatments.

Her extensive work with vulnerable patients in hospital settings has shaped her collaborative and client-centered approach, ensuring that clients feel safe and validated during their evidence-based treatment.

As a new mum, Dr. Formica is especially passionate about supporting others on their fertility and parenting journeys.

Outside of professional life, Dr. Formica can be found enjoying local cafes with her family or engaging in DIY renovation projects at home.

Cara Eddings,Provisional Psychologist

Cara is a Provisional Psychologist completing her final training at Happy Minds Psychology. She is working closely with our Principal Psychologist, Sarah-Jayne, to complete her registration and gain experience in perinatal and family psychology.

Cara enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of presenting issues. Some of her main areas of interest include anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, ARFID & other eating disorders, child behavioural challenges, grief, parenting support, perinatal issues and working with athletes.

Cara’s therapeutic style is warm, empathetic, non-judgemental and collaborative. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and valued, aiming to empower them to achieve their personal goals and improve their overall well-being.

Cara completed her psychology studies and Master’s degree at Deakin University. She employs a client-centred approach, utilising a range of evidence-based interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Outside of work, you may find Cara walking her dog at the beach or enjoying brunch or dinner at new restaurants. She is an avid sports fan and particularly enjoys watching AFL (she is a proud Carlton supporter). When relaxing at home, Cara like to watch the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills or dive into an episode of Criminal Minds.

Natalie Caltabiano, PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Natalie is a Provisional Psychologist currently completing her Internship Program at Happy Minds Psychology. Natalie enjoys working with a diverse range of clients across the lifespan, from children and adolescents to adults. Natalie main areas of interest include anxiety; depression; grief and trauma; neurodiversity and masking behaviours in girls and women; eating disorders; perinatal mental health; and chronic pain, specifically Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain.

Additionally, Natalie is skilled in ADHD coaching and offers specialised support for women and girls with ADHD/ASD, addressing their unique presentations. She also provides LGBTQi affirming therapy, emphasising the importance of inclusive and affirming care.

Natalie emphasises the importance of therapeutic rapport in her practice, placing inclusivity and affirming care at the forefront of her interactions. She strives to be collaborative, client-centred, empathetic, non-judgemental and neuro- and gender-affirming in her practice. Natalie views mental health from a holistic perspective and strives for overall wellness outcomes.

VIRGINIA WATSON, PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Virginia is a provisional psychologist with a particular interest in perinatal mental health, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, parenting, infertility, and IVF.

She has a background in biomedical science and has completed her psychology studies and Master’s degree at Australian Catholic University. As a mother of three, the ups and downs of the parenting journey deeply resonates with Virginia.

Her goal is to support individuals and families across the lifespan in achieving mental well-being and navigating life’s challenges, including eating disorders such as AFRID. She aims to provide a safe space free of judgement, creating a supportive atmosphere where clients can openly express their thoughts and feelings.

Virginia’s professional experience lies in crisis counselling and she is trained in Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). When working with clients, Virginia employs a client-centred, strengths-based approach to ensure that the therapy is uniquely tailored to their needs and goals. Outside of her therapeutic work, Virginia enjoys running, working on home decorating projects, reading, and walking her two dogs.