About

Julia Seedsman

B.A., Post Grad. Dip. Applied Psych., MAPS

Psychologist. Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Julia has twenty-four years’ experience working with children, adolescents and adults with an autism spectrum condition, their families and/or carers. Julia has experience providing behavioural intervention programs in private practice, Early Childhood settings and in the home.

Julia has experience facilitating parent groups, running anxiety management and social skills groups and delivering seminars and workshops.

Julia has a particular interest in providing parent support and counselling, including ten years as the CEO/Principal Psychologist at Autism Behavioural Intervention Association, seven years as a Family Counsellor for Autism Victoria and five years in private practice at the Emotional Health Centre. Julia also worked for several years at SCOPE in the area of Early Childhood Intervention Services. Julia has worked at Outside the Square Psychology since 2011.

Julia is available for counselling appointments on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the office, and limited telehealth sessions on Friday.

Dr. Joanne Lindelauf

MEd., MPsych, PhD, MAPS

Educational Psychologist, Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Joanne is a registered educational psychologist with thirteen years’ experience in counselling and psychoeducational assessment. Prior to becoming a psychologist, Joanne worked as a schoolteacher in the UK and Australia. Alongside her work at Outside the Square Psychology, Joanne works as a school counsellor. She is a trained play therapist and has experience working with families and running parent groups. Joanne is also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Joanne has particular interest in understanding how psycho-educational assessment can create effective change in the learning and wellbeing of children and young people who experience learning difficulties. Joanne has published several articles exploring the experiences teachers, parents, and students have of psychoeducational reports.

Joanne is available for counselling appointments on Monday, Thursday and Friday, and limited educational assessments.

Siyan Zhou

B. Sc., Grad. Dip. Psych., M. Counselling Psych, MAPS

Counselling Psychologist, Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Siyan (she/her) is endorsed in counselling psychology and prior to joining the team at Outside the Square Psychology had twelve years’ experience working with adolescents in schools providing evidence-based counselling, providing psychoeducational assessments and running therapeutic group programs. She is passionate about supporting young people and enjoys getting to know her clients and helping them achieve their goals.

Siyan enjoys working with upper primary aged children up to year twelve students to assist them with managing anxiety, improving their mood, building self-confidence and skills in self-regulation, building friendship and relationship skills, responding to bullying, and coping with grief and loss. She has experience working with neurodiverse and neurotypical students.

Siyan is married with two children (and a dog) and loves spending time with her family.

Siyan is available for counselling appointments on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays. Siyan will take maternity leave commencing June 2024.

Stephanie McCarthy

B. Sc., (Hons). M. Ed. Psych.

Psychologist (returning from maternity leave October 2024), Educational and Developmental Psychology Registrar 

Stephanie is experienced in the administration of psychological assessments. Having spent six years with the Department of Education conducting assessments of cognitive skills, adaptive functioning, behaviour, and specific learning achievement, she brings a wealth of assessment knowledge, leading on to specific recommendations to assist students.

Stephanie will be available for assessment appointments on Thursdays commencing from October 2024.

Rae Ellis

B. Soc. Sc (Hons)., Grad. Dip Prof. Psych, M Prof. Psych. Prac., MAPS

Psychologist, Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Rae is a registered psychologist with previous experience working across the lifespan. More recently her work with the Department of Education affords her experience conducting a wide range of assessments, including cognitive assessments, educational assessments, and various behavioural assessments, as well as writing informed and targeted recommendations. Rae is married with three children, and has lived in different and interesting places across the world from Africa to the Middle East.

Rae conducts assessments on Saturdays, and some Fridays by appointment.

Martina Blanarik

B. Psych Sci., Grad. Dip Psych, MSW, MAPS, MAPPi

Psychologist, Member of the Australian Psychological Society, AAPi member, Social Worker

Martina is a highly skilled registered psychologist and social worker who brings a wealth of expertise to her work, and enjoys providing tailored support for young children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as their parents and carers. Holding degrees in Bachelor of Psychological Science, Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and Masters in Social Work, and maintaining memberships with APS and AAPI, Martina is deeply committed to neuro-affirming psychology and delivering individualised care. Proficient in psychological assessments, including psychoeducational assessments, she demonstrates exceptional skill in one-on-one interactions to identify and implement effective strategies. A distinguishing strength of Martina lies in creating a safe and meaningful engagement process characterised by warmth and compassion. Her particular interests span child psychology, ASD, ADHD, learning difficulties, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, and neuro-affirmative psychology. Collaborating across diverse settings, Martina leverages her extensive experience, incorporating psychoeducational assessments to assess and treat psychological, emotional, and behavioural challenges in young individuals. Her dedication to providing a safe and supportive space empowers clients to explore their identity, overcome obstacles, and reach their full potential.

Martina is available for assessments on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Anja Gerngross

B.Soc. Sci. (Hons), M. Clin. Psych

Psychologist, Clinical Psychology Registrar

Anja is a registered psychologist, holding a Master’s degree in Clinical psychology.
Anja has experience providing psychological assessment and psychotherapy in a
range of settings, including community, public and private mental health settings,
including adult, child and perinatal mental health, providing her with the
opportunity to work with a diverse population across the lifespan.

In addition to conducting assessments at Outside the Square Psychology, Anja works on the Orygen Youth Health @Home  team, and at Eastern Health Mental Health service on the Adult Access team. She has a particular interest in working with neurodivergent children and young people and aims to provide a safe space for neurodiversity-affirming assessments. Her approach is friendly, warm and caring and she aims to make the assessment experience as comfortable as possible, both, for children or adolescents, as well as their parents and carers.

Anja is available for assessment appointments on Wednesdays.

Emily Dyer

B. Psych. Sci., Grad. Dip. Psych (Advanced)., M. Prof. Psych. 

Psychologist

Emily (she/her) is a bubbly, warm and compassionate registered psychologist. Emily enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Emily has a particular interest in neuropsychology and works with clients to inform diagnosis through assessments. In particular, Emily is capable of performing cognitive assessments, educational assessments and a variety of behavioural assessments, along with writing informed and targeted recommendations.

Emily prides herself on creating a collaborative space for clients to feel safe and comfortable. She personalises the diagnostic process to each client and enjoys simultaneously building a therapeutic relationship.

Emily conducts assessments on Thursdays.

ADMINISTRATION STAFF

Sophie Newton

B.B.Sc.

Practice Manager

Melbourne Reception and Administration

Sophie has an undergraduate degree in psychology. She has over twenty years’ experience in administration in children’s services, and has worked at Outside the Square Psychology since 2011. Sophie has also had experience volunteering in educational agencies for neurodiverse children.

Sophie works from Monday to Thursday.

Melinda Golding

Burwood Reception and Administration

Melinda joined the team in 2022, and works on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Kirsty Kerr

B.B.Sc., Grad. Dip. Ed. Psych., MAPS

Principal Psychologist, Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Kirsty has over twenty-four years’ experience in working with neurodiverse children and youth, and their families. Kirsty founded Outside the Square Psychology in 2009, following four years in solo private practice. Kirsty has worked delivering intensive behaviour intervention for children with developmental delays, and has provided psychological services in Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS), and in specialist primary school settings.

Kirsty was trained in the assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum conditions using the ADI-R and ADOS-2 in 2006. Kirsty has experience in facilitating parent groups, running anxiety management and social skills groups, delivering seminars and workshops, and mentoring other professionals. Kirsty is a Psychology Board of Australia Board Approved Supervisor of Provisional Psychologists.

Kirsty has a particular interest in providing counselling/support to children and young people with an Autism thinking style, and in providing parent support and counselling in this area, including two years as the Family Counsellor at Amaze (formerly Autism Victoria). Kirsty’s other previous workplaces include Specialist Children’s Services (Early Childhood intervention), Wantirna Heights School (Now Eastern Ranges ASD school), The Currajong School (specialist Social and Emotional school), and Autism Pathways (formerly Autism Behavioural Intervention Association). Kirsty has also provided consultancy to the Parenting Research Centre in regard to the ASD specific content on www.raisingchildren.net.au.

Kirsty’s other areas of interest are conducting investigative assessments for autism spectrum conditions and intellectual developmental disorder diagnosis, specific learning difficulties (such as Dyslexia), and severe behaviour disorders (such as ADHD). Kirsty also works with children in out-of-home and foster care placements, and children through Victims of Crime Assistance. Kirsty enjoys providing counselling and ongoing management support to clients from 2-25 years of age, including family support, behaviour support and life skills training.

Kirsty is available for counselling appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and some assessment appointments on Mondays.

Stephanie Bredin

B. Psych. (Hons)., M. Prof. Psych., MAPS

Psychologist, Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Stephanie has previous experience working with children and young people aged 12-25 years at Headspace as well as experience providing assessment and evidence-based therapies to children and young people in private practice. Stephanie is currently completing a Master of Clinical Psychology with Charles Sturt University.

Stephanie has an interest in the assessment and diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum conditions, particularly in how they present in young girls and women. Stephanie is trained in the ADI-R, ADOS-2, and MIGDAS-2 as clinical tools to assist in her diagnostic assessments for autism spectrum conditions.

Stephanie has received training in therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Stephanie works with clients surrounding anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, developing social skills, and more.

Stephanie is an animal lover (especially cats), so encourages all clients to share pictures of their pets.

Stephanie is available for appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and alternate Mondays.

Madison (Madi) Moore

B. Psych. Sc., Grad. Dip. Psych. Sc., Grad. Dip Psych (Adv).

Psychologist, AAPi Member.

Madi is a provisionally registered psychologist currently completing the sixth and final year of her psychology training. Madi has experience working in the community mental health, disability and education sectors. She also has experience working under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, particularly with coordination and positive behaviour support.

Madi is interested in working with children, young people, and adults who have experienced trauma or mental health related concerns, or who need support with behavioural difficulties. Madi adopts a strength-based, collaborative, and empathetic approach, aiming to create an environment in which meaningful change can occur.

Madi is available for appointment on Wednesdays.

Emma Beckwith 

B. Soc. Sc (Psych)., Grad. Dip Psych (Adv).

Psychologist, AAPi Member.

Emma is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Emma has experience working with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, and interpersonal difficulties in the community mental health, disability, and forensic sectors. She also has experience working under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, particularly with coordination and positive behaviour support.

Emma enjoys working with older adolescents and young adults experiencing a range of emotional, social, and behavioural concerns. She adopts a warm, collaborative, and empathic approach, aiming to create a respectful environment in which meaningful change can occur. She believes in drawing from multiple psychological therapies, depending on what is most suitable for the person’s needs.

Emma is available for appointments on Thursdays.

Kimberley (Kim) Marshall

B. A. (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology (in progress) 

Counsellor, Provisional Psychologist

Kim is a provisionally registered psychologist completing her sixth year and final year of psychology training in a Master of Psychology (Clinical). Kim has experience working in community mental health, alcohol and other drugs and disability sectors. After several years working in the community mental health sector, Kim discovered she had a strong desire to assist children and adolescents experiencing mental health-related concerns and to support their parents and carers during this process. Additionally, from working as a disability support worker under the National Disability Insurance Scheme with young people that demonstrate neurodiversity, she is passionate about tailoring psychological therapies to suit the needs of each individual.

Kim is available for appointments on Fridays.

Amy Close

Traralgon Office Manager, Reception and Administration

Amy has tertiary level qualifications in the Arts gained in Canada. Amy began with Outside the Square Psychology in 2019. She works on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Lisa Grumley

Traralgon Reception and Administration

Before starting at Outside the Square Psychology, Lisa performed Medical Reception duties at Hillcrest Medical Centre, and prior to that worked in various customer service roles. Lisa works on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

The 2023-2024 recommended schedule of fees for a 46-60 minute session is $300 (Source: Australian Psychological Society). We have set our fees at a lower rate, which we believe is fair to families, whilst still allowing us to provide a professional service.

Click here for the fee-schedule and list of rebate amounts.

Many of our services attract Medicare and Private Health Rebates. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure a current referral is maintained for Medicare claiming purposes.

It is also recommended that you register your family for the Medicare Safety Net as once you have reached the annual threshold Medicare Safety Net, you will receive a even greater rebate. Values as of 1st January 2024 are: Original Medicare Safety Net $560.40 per person. Extended Medicare Safety Net $811.80 (for families with concession/or who receive family tax benefit part A), Family Safety Net $2,544.30 (families without concession).

Payment Policy

Payment can be made after each consultation via cash or electronic payment (EFTPOS and Credit Card facilities are available). A Mediclear terminal has been installed to enable your Medicare rebate to be automatically credited back to your account at the time of payment.

Less than 48-hours notice of cancellation will incur full fees for the relevant service. Private health funds and Medicare will not provide a rebate for the cost of cancellations with less than 48 hours, or failure to attend your appointment. Please value our service by letting us know in advance if your appointment is not needed. Two ‘no shows’ mean we will not be able to offer you future appointments.

Prices correct as at 1st July, 2024.

Professional Supervision (conducted at our office) $205 per hour

For some possible supervision topics, click here

Professional development at your organisation $250 per hour (minimum 2 hours)

Inclusive of:

• Liaison time with the agency contact person
• Travel to agencies within 10kms of our office
• Provision of laptop and data projector if required
• Presentation with question time
• A copy of the Powerpoint handouts (to be photocopied by your agency for staff if required)

For locations further than 10kms from our office, add $205 per hour of travel time.

Kindergarten or school visit, PSG attendance (when at the agency’s expense)

$250 for an hour visit. Minimum of one hour. Subsequent time charged at $205 per hour.

Cost includes travel time to locations within 10kms of our office.

Travel further than 10kms from our office, add $205 per hour.