Our Psychologists
Here’s a quick guide to our qualifications and areas of interest. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and our availability, or book a free Introductory call.
Our Psychologists
Here’s a quick guide to our qualifications and areas of interest. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and our availability, or book a free Introductory call.
Michelle McGee
Clinical Psychologist (PSY0001381330)
Michelle is the heartbeat of Inner Space. She founded the service over 15 years ago and has accumulated over 23 years experience in both private and public organisations. She has a particular passion in providing services to our military and emergency services personnel as well as contributing to the next generation of psychologists through her work as a Board-Approved Supervisor. Michelle provides direct supervision to our provisional psychologists at Inner Space.
Michelle’s primary treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Flash Technique. In her other life, Michelle has a passion for travel and exploring what the world has to offer, even with the kid in tow!
Areas of particular interest and training:
- Working with emergency service personnel (Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue, RFS, SES)
- Working with military service personnel and veterans (DVA, Open Arms, ADF)
- Trauma/PTSD
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Burnout
Qualifications/Memberships:
- Member of Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Member of Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)
- Fellow of APS Clinical College
- Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
- Master of Psychology (Forensic)
- Bachelor of Arts Hons (Class 1)
- Bachelor of Arts Degree
- Certificate IV in Fitness (Personal Training)
Languages Spoken:
- English
Lauren Kelly
Psychologist (PSY0001267164)
Lauren joined the Inner Space team over 6 years ago and is a Senior Psychologist with over 20 years experience in providing services to young people, families, and adults who have experienced trauma and other life challenges. Her current interest lies in working with our military personnel and their families. Lauren has a Master level qualification, is trained in a variety of treatment approaches, and practices using identify affirming frameworks.
Areas of particular interest and training:
- Trauma & PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Grief & loss
- Autism in adolescents and adults
- Adolescents and their families
- LGBTQIA+ identifying clients
Qualifications/Memberships:
- Associate Member of Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Master of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
Languages Spoken:
- English
Hua He – English & Mandarin speaking
Psychologist (PSY0001262696)
Hua has over 12 years of experience in psychology and provides services to adults and young people over the age of 16 years. She is experienced with mental health issues that are associated with interpersonal difficulties (e.g. early childhood issues, parenting, attachment issues, relationship issues). She is also passionate about supporting people who have acquired work related injuries to recover and return to normal life. In addition to her qualifications in psychology, Hua has a Master level qualification in education. She is fluent in English and Mandarin.
Areas of particular interest and training:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Self-esteem & confidence
- Relationship issues (individuals)
- Adjustment issues
- Trauma
- Grief & loss
- Parenting
- Attachment issues
- Work-related stress
Qualifications/Memberships:
- Postgrad Diploma in Applied Psychology
- Bachelor of Psychology
- Master of Education
Languages Spoken:
- English
- Mandarin
Vanlea Matthews
Psychologist (PSY0002502147)
Vanlea joined the Inner Space team with a wealth of knowledge and life experience before embarking on her journey in psychology. Her adaptability shines with her experience in various industries including construction, hospitality, wedding coordination and rehab coordination. With her university studies behind her, she was keen to embark on a career in her chosen field, working with a range of individuals from all walks of life. Now in her final year of supervised practice, Vanlea is excelling in helping people achieve their goals and improve their wellbeing.
Areas of particular interest and training:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD/Trauma
- Motor Vehicle Accidents (CTP Insurance matters)
- Grief & Loss
- Relationship difficulties
- LGBTQIA+ identifying clients
- Stress
- Challenges in adolescence
- Self-esteem and confidence building
Qualifications/Memberships:
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced (4th Year) (2nd Class Honours)
Languages Spoken:
- English
Madhuri Narayan
Psychologist (PSY0002733832)
Madhuri Narayan is a registered psychologist, with over 8 years of prior experience in clinical practice and research. Following her Masters and M.Phil degree, she has worked with a variety of mental health difficulties. Her expertise lies in providing evidence based psychotherapies for mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and adjustment and relational challenges. Drawing from her personal experiences with somatic practices, she believes that the mind-body connection is vital to address in mental health interventions and looks to integrate the two in her practice.
Areas of particular interest and training:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Personality Disorders
- OCD
- Relational Challenges
- Grief
- Adjustment
Qualifications/Memberships:
- M.Sc in Psychology, M.Phil in Clinical Psychology
- Registered Clinical Psychologist (Rehabilitation Council of India)
Languages Spoken:
- English
- Hindi
- Kannada
- Tamil
Manuela Schmitten
Psychologist (PSY0002471382)
After completing a Bachelors and Master degree in Germany and working as a provisional psychologist in a hospital, Manuela joined our team with a year of experience in Mental Health support in Australia. She speaks English and German and completed a diploma and advanced diploma in human resources and management in Sydney.
Manuela is a fully registered psychologist who has a particular interest in assisting people with anxiety. She is also a SIRA approved provider for worker’s compensation matters In NSW, working particularly with our emergency service personnel.
In her client centred approach she is working with CBT, ACT, interpersonal, and schema techniques to improve wellbeing and help clients achieve their goals.
Areas of particular interest and training:
- LGBTQIA+ identifying clients
- Trauma
- PTSD
- Mood disorders (e.g depression)
- Stress
- Burn Out
- Coaching & decision making
- CTP Insurance Matters
- adolescents
Qualifications/Memberships:
- Master of Science (Psychology)
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
- Diploma of Human Resources.
- APS Membership
- Advanced Diploma in Leadership & Management
Languages Spoken:
- English
- German
Kate Harris
Psychologist (PSY0002479275)
Kate joins the Inner Space team with an extensive background across various industries such as management, administration, welfare, and disability. Her drive to enter the field of psychology was born out of her own life experiences, including raising and home schooling several children, as well as her interest in the interaction between one’s physical and emotional fitness on their overall quality of life.
Because of this, Kate is passionate about taking a whole person approach to her work, integrating the physical and psychological wellbeing of the individual. She aims to help her clients to identify obstacles and assist them in achieving their goals to becoming the person they would like to be.
Areas of particular interest and training:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Adolescents
- Parenting issues
- Child birth trauma
- Relationship difficulties
- LGBTQIA+ identifying clients
- Neurodivergent identifying clients
Qualifications/Memberships:
- Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences (Psychology)
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
- Masters of Professional Psychology
Languages Spoken:
- English
Provisional Psychologists
What is a Provisional Psychologist?
Provisional psychologists have been approved by the Australian Health Professionals Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to work with clients under the supervision of more experienced psychologists. At Inner Space our provisionals are under the supervision of our senior psychologists. Find out more…
Desiree McNaughton
Provisional Psychologist (PSY0002636607)
Previously part of our admin team, Desiree returns to Inner Space as a Provisional Psychologist with varied work experience in Admin, Finance, Health, Human Resources and Management. In working with clients, Desiree strives to create a safe space for individuals to explore their strengths and difficulties. She has a special interest in working with individuals to help them improve their mental-health and well-being, using evidence-based psychological techniques stemming mainly from a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach. Desiree has a particular interest in working with military and emergency services personnel and their families. Fun fact: When not working, Desiree has a love of all things food and football!
Areas of particular interest and training:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma/PTSD
- Neuroscience and the brain
- Psychometric assessments
- Working with military and first responders
Qualifications/Memberships:
- Bachelor of Psychology with (Honours II)
- Member of Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)
Languages Spoken:
- English
Angela Yazbeck
Provisional Psychologist (PSY0002600742)
Angela has a combined background in psychology, psychotherapy, and counselling, making her passionate about helping individuals recognise their strengths to build confidence and make effective life changes that increase wellbeing. Her approach to therapy is person-centred, using principles from CBT and psychodynamic theory. Angela also has a strong motivation towards research and is currently a PhD candidate. Her research focuses on the usefulness of cultural humility when working with culturally and linguistically diverse clients.
Areas of particular interest and training:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress reduction
- Grief and loss
- Self-esteem and intrapersonal difficulties
- Relational difficulties
- Culturally and linguistically diverse clients
Qualifications/Memberships:
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
- Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling
- PhD Candidate
Languages Spoken:
- English
- Arabic
Our Admin Team
Naomi Abel
Practice Manager
With 30 years experience in administration and accounts Naomi joined our team in 2022 after a long career in the disability sector. Usually the first person you will see or speak to, her main focus for our clients is to make sure that they feel comfortable and that their needs are meet as best as possible. Naomi supports our Psychologists and over sees the daily running of all things Inner Space. Outside of work her interests include gardening, going for coffee catch ups and interior design.
