Now Accepting new clients!

About Happy Minds Psychology, GeelonG

HELPING families find relief & long-term strategies for their MENTAL HEALTH.

Our Clinicians Are Carefully Selected and Mentored by our founder, Sarah-Jayne Duryea

All of our clinicians have been personally selected by Sarah-Jayne based on her values, clinical standards, and extensive experience. Many have completed—or are currently undertaking—their provisional training under her guidance, gaining invaluable insight from her years of practice.

Sarah-Jayne Duryea, Founder and principal psychologist

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

I have a deep interest in supporting surrogacy teams, first responders and frontline workers, as well as individuals in high-pressure roles such as athletes, performers, and professionals in demanding careers. My clinical focus also includes perinatal psychology, professional coaching, and supervision.

I’m passionate about equipping fellow professionals—psychologists, counsellors, and leaders—with the tools and strategies they need to thrive, both personally and within their teams. I offer professional coaching and board-approved supervision, and am especially dedicated to guiding provisional psychologists through the registration process.

In my family-building work, I support individuals and couples pursuing parenthood through IVF, surrogacy, donor conception, or adoption. As an ANZICA-registered practitioner, I provide independent counselling and psychological assessments for surrogacy arrangements.

I also contribute to the future of the profession as a member of the Psychology Industry Advisory Board at Deakin University.

Jessie Ford, Registered Psychologist

Hi, I’m Jessie.

I’m a registered psychologist with a particular interest in supporting families in the perinatal period. I understand that each individual experiences this transformative time in life uniquely, and I aim to meet you where you are at in your experience. I value the importance of the therapeutic relationship and aim to create a safe space where you can be yourself and get the most out of therapy.

I operate from a person-centred approach, working with each client to understand their individual, couple, and family goals. I tailor my therapy approach collaboratively with clients to assist them toward their goals. I draw 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 I’m not at Happy Minds, I enjoy spending time with my family, music, attempting to bake, and time in nature.

Maddy Keegan, Registered Psychologist

Hi, I’m Maddy.

I’m a Registered Psychologist and completed my training under Sarah-Jayne at Happy Minds Psychology.

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

I studied psychology at Deakin University and Australian Catholic University, and I’m trained in EMDR.

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

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

Davina Donovan, Registered Psychologist (Telehealth Only)

Hi, I’m Davina.

I’m a registered psychologist with a deep passion for supporting women and families through the emotional challenges of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered to heal.

My approach combines evidence-based therapy, trauma-informed care, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness practices. I work with a wide range of concerns including birth trauma, anxiety, postnatal depression, grief and loss, identity shifts, relationship stress, and early bonding challenges. As a qualified yoga teacher, I also integrate somatic awareness, breathwork, and movement principles to help you reconnect with your body, regulate your nervous system, and cultivate a sense of inner calm and safety.

In addition, I bring extensive experience working with adolescents and parent-child relationships, offering support for complex emotional and behavioural concerns. I have worked widely in the areas of suicide prevention and self-harm, supporting both young people and adults through crisis and recovery with compassion and care.

Gemma Cochrane, Registered Psychologist (telehealth only)

Hi, I’m Gemma.

I’m an experienced registered psychologist and I enjoy working collaboratively with you to gain a shared understanding of your goals. I focus on building on your existing strengths and creating a warm and safe environment.

I use a client-centred integrative framework of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, and mindfulness approaches. I’m currently undergoing accreditation in evidence-based EFT tapping.

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

Abbey Sawyer, Registered Psychologist & Sexologist

Hi, I’m Abbey.

I’m a Registered Psychologist and Sexologist. I utilise an evidence-based, eclectic, and client-centred approach to therapy. My treatment is informed by therapeutic modalities such as psychodynamic therapy, internal family systems, CBT, schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and Gottman Method couples interventions.

My gentle and non-judgmental nature enables clients to feel safe and respected. I believe that the therapeutic relationship between a therapist and client is key to success. I strive to ensure that my therapeutic approach complements the individuality of each client’s background and circumstances.

I hold a Master of Science in Medicine degree, specialising in psychosexual therapy, and have completed Bachelor’s degrees in Psychological Science and Criminology, alongside a Postgraduate degree in Psychology. I’m passionate about the interlink between psychological health and sexuality, and I enjoy supporting people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds to enrich their sexual lives and improve their mental health.

I have a particular clinical interest in sexual OCD and in supporting men with ejaculatory dysfunction and sexual anxiety. I also enjoy working with parents to provide age-appropriate sex education and supporting young autistic people with concerning sexualised behaviours.

Sarah Coote, Registered Psychologist (Telehealth Only)

Hi, I’m Sarah.

I’m a Registered Psychologist with a special interest in trauma, anxiety, perinatal mental health, child psychology and parenting.

I have experience working across a range of clinical settings, including private practice and specialist trauma counselling services, providing support to children, young people, and adults. I hold postgraduate qualifications in child, youth, and family counselling, and I’m currently furthering my knowledge through studies in Neuroscience to better understand the brain-based processes that shape our experiences and behaviours.In my practice, I work directly with adult women, children aged 7 and up, and parents/caregivers of younger children.

My approach is trauma-informed and person-centred and draws on evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I use a strength based framework and tailor intervention to suit each client’s individual needs and goals.

All sessions are offered via Telehealth, making therapy accessible, flexible, and grounded in the comfort of your own space.

Natalie Caltabiano, PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Hi, I’m Natalie.

I’m a Provisional Psychologist currently completing my provisional year with Sarah-Jayne at Happy Minds Psychology. I enjoy working with a diverse range of clients across the lifespan, from children and adolescents to adults. My main areas of interest include anxiety, depression, grief and trauma, neurodiversity and masking behaviours in girls and women, disordered eating such as BED and ARFID, perinatal mental health, and chronic pain—specifically Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain.

I’m also skilled in ADHD coaching and offer specialised support for women and girls with ADHD/ASD, addressing their unique presentations. I provide LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy and place a strong emphasis on inclusive and affirming care.

I emphasise the importance of therapeutic rapport in my practice, placing inclusivity and affirming care at the forefront of all my interactions. I strive to be collaborative, client-centred, empathetic, non-judgemental, and neuro- and gender-affirming in my practice. I view mental health from a holistic perspective and work toward overall wellness outcomes.

An An Lieu, Relationship & Individual counsellor (Telehealth Only)

Hi, I’m An.

I’m a registered counsellor with a warm, person-centred approach. I have a special interest in working with couples of all shapes and sizes, including cisgender and LGBTQIA+ couples, adolescents, and individuals navigating relationship challenges, life transitions such as co-parenting, and emotional wellbeing. I value creating a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and free to explore your experiences.

I work collaboratively, tailoring my approach to suit your needs and goals. I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Outside the therapy room, I enjoy good matcha, dancing, the beach, and quiet moments in nature.

VIRGINIA WATSON, PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Hi, I’m Virginia.

I’m a Provisional Psychologist currently completing my provisional year with Sarah-Jayne at Happy Minds Psychology. I have a particular interest in perinatal mental health, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, parenting, infertility, and IVF.

I have a background in biomedical science and completed my psychology studies and Master’s degree at Australian Catholic University. As a mother of three, the ups and downs of the parenting journey deeply resonate with me.

My 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 ARFID and BED. I aim to provide a safe space free of judgement, creating a supportive atmosphere where you can openly express your thoughts and feelings.

My professional experience lies in crisis counselling, and I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). When working with clients, I employ a client-centred, strengths-based approach to ensure that therapy is uniquely tailored to your needs and goals.

Outside of my therapeutic work, I enjoy running, working on home decorating projects, reading, and walking my two dogs.

Joanne Soper, Clinical Social Worker (telehealth only)

Hi, I’m Joanne.

I’m a graduate of the University of Newcastle Social Work Program and an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 15 years of counselling experience. I support clients of all ages, with a special interest in the Perinatal Period (Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting), trauma, and post-trauma recovery.

My background spans various clinical settings, including Community Health, Sexual Assault, Palliative Care, Young Parents, Family Support, Community Mental Health, Hospitals, and Perinatal Mental Health. I’ve also worked in Private Practice in Newcastle and Taree, NSW for the past 10 years.

I work with a wide range of presentations including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, BPD, PTSD, trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse, carer stress, parenting issues, grief and loss. My approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence-based therapeutic frameworks, with a strong strengths-based focus.

I have post-graduate training in ACT (Mindfulness), Narrative Therapy, Trauma Therapy, EFT (Tapping), Grief and Loss, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, IFS Therapy, Perinatal Mental Health, and CBT.

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker registered with Medicare, clients can access rebates through a Mental Health Care Plan. Sessions are offered via Telehealth for convenience and comfort.

Outside of work, I enjoy time with my wonderful, eclectic family of adults, children, and animals!