I’m Jess, a Clinical Psychologist, Researcher and Director of Tend Mental Health. You can see more about me on the ‘About Dr. Jessica Laird’ page. Reach out if you need :)

With nearly two decades of experience in leadership and customer service, I am the Administration Officer at Tend Mental Health, where I specialise in optimising client interactions and streamlining operations. My career includes a nine-year role as a director of a software company, where I effectively managed daily operations, staff, and customer service while maintaining financial accuracy and compliance. Additionally, I owned and directed a thriving hair salon and children’s event space, honing my skills in staff management and client relations. At Tend Mental Health, I leverage my passion for service and robust background in leadership, administration, and client support to ensure precise management of client files and adherence to regulatory standards.

Lyndel has over 12 years working in the Allied health and mental health space having worked as an Occupational therapist and now working in administration support. Lyndel has a high attention to detail and is committed to ensuring a positive and supportive experience for clients at Tend Mental health and supporting the team in delivering quality care to the clients of Tend Mental health. In her spare time Lyndel enjoys spending time with her family and in the outdoors, bushwalking, and time at the beach are two of her favourite places to be found.

I am Aarti Roxanne Rodricks. I go by Aarti, Roxanne or Roxy. I believe strongly in the power of safety, human connection and community in healing. I have worked in roles across various community settings supporting children, young people and families in healing from trauma, specialising in sexual trauma over the last decade. From residential care to outreach to group work and counselling, I have been privileged to hear the greatest joys and deepest pain of people’s stories and count myself incredibly fortunate to help them see light in their dark moments.

I operate from and advocate strongly for culturally responsive practice and work from an intersectional lens.

I also offer animal-assisted therapy.

Hello, I'm Emily de Jager, a Health Psychologist with over 10 years experience as a Senior Health Psychologist at the Royal Children's Hospital. I currently hold a position as a Psychology Clinical Educator at RCH. I have expertise in the treatment of chronic pain, chronic illness management and adjustment to this in children, adolescents and adults. I also have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, medical trauma and complex PTSD.

I have completed advanced training in EMDR (Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) and have a particular interest in child and adolescent EMDR. Whilst my focus has primarily been children and adolescents I am also happy to see adults, particularly with chronic pain and/or EMDR. I also have experience and interest in perinatal psychology.

I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with a warm, compassionate style who enjoys creating safe, healthy therapeutic relationships with my clients. I aim to provide a therapeutic balance of understanding and validation alongside gentle empathic confrontation. We need both of these to thrive and grow.

Evidence-based treatment modalities I use include: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) and Mindful Self-Compassion. I can also work with people who are looking for a psychologist who understands and is equipped to work with their faith perspective.

Ages 16+ and adults.

Are you an adult client looking for psychological support/interventions for: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger, suicidal thoughts, or flashbacks? Are you having relationship difficulties, such as parenting/behavioural difficulties, or problems with a partner (or ex), family member, co-worker or friend? I have a particular interest in PTSD and complex trauma whether from attachment issues, hurtful, narcissistic or abusive people, illness, or accidents. I also have a strong focus and significant experience counselling/supporting neurodivergent clients.

Tessa Heine is an occupational therapist, but her favourite thing to do is connect and have fun with her children, especially where there is music, dancing and glitter!

As an occupational therapist Tess has nearly 20 years of experience working with adults, adolescents and children with a range of physical and psychological challenges. Tess is a senior clinician who has worked in various public health networks including the Royal Children’s Hospital in a range of settings including adult and paediatric, inpatient and outpatient, physical and psychological rehabilitation. Tess specialises in working with clients to manage or overcome conditions characterised by sensitised nervous systems, sensory systems and immune systems with clinical expertise in persistent pain and anxiety, but experience also with conditions such as ADHD and functional neurological disorder.