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Wellbeing Services

Meet our Asuria Wellbeing Team

The Asuria Allied Health Team (Wellbeing Services) is delivered by qualified and highly experienced psychologists, social workers, and counsellors, who are passionate about transforming clients’ lives. Our team understands the positive impact employment has on wellbeing and offers a solution-focused approach to assist our clients to develop the knowledge and skills to enhance their health and wellbeing. 

Deborah Flower

Deborah Ann Flower

Registered Psychologist (Ahpra), National Wellbeing Manager 

Deborah holds degrees in both Counselling and Psychology. Registrated as a Psychologist with Ahpra and is a Qualified Counsellor...

Deborah has over 29 years experience in counselling and psychological assessment and treatment working with both adults and young people. Deborah draws from a range of therapeutic approaches including psycho-dynamic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), trauma informed therapy, Narrative and Art Therapy. Deborah practices from a client-centered approach which places importance on building the therapeutic relationship. Deborah believes that “we create the story of our life, and that we have the power to change our stories and thus the direction of our lives” – Counselling is the avenue to create this change.  

Deborah is the National Wellbeing Manager and leads the Allied Health Team in delivering wellbeing services to our clients, provides support to the wider biusienss units about wellbeing and mental health and creates programs and workshops for our particpants.  

Deborah has a particular interest in working with client presentations relating to: 

  • Mood disorder 
  • Trauma incluing PTSD 
  • personality disorders 
  • loss and grief 
  • addictions 
  • anger management 
  • eating disorders  
  • vocational and cognitive assessments  

 
Deborah has been working with Asuria since May 2015. She started off as a counsellor/Wellbeing Specialist and moved into a team leader role in 2017, and then became the National Wellbeing Manager in 2018.

Nikki Verghese 2

Nikita Verghese

Registered Clinical Counsellor (ACA and PACFA)

Nikita Verghese is a Bilingual Registered Counsellor with Australian Counselling Association and The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia...

Nikita completed her Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) and a Masters Degree in Counselling. Nikita has expeirence working with children and young adults. Nikita has a passion providing support for people who struggle to reach out or for those who do not have access to support. Nikita practices the person-centred approach. Nikita believes that empathy and building rapport is fundamentally important. “Empathy in a relationship is possibly the most potent and certainly one of the most potent factors in bringing about change and learning” (Carl Rogers). Nikita believes that her client is in charge of their life, and that there is a great power when someone feels heard. Nikita uses a range of therapuetic approaches such as motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused Therapy and Mindfulness.  

Nikita has particular interest in working with clients who present with: 

  • stress 
  • anxiety 
  • depression 
  • mood disorders 
  • loss and grief  
  • Self-esteem and Confidence  

Nikki has been working with Asuria since Aug 2022.  

Hala Salah

Hala Salah

Registered Counsellor (ACA)

Hala is a Bilingual therapist that supports clients through Arabic and English, to meet goals and manage distress across a variety of presenting issues...

Hala is registered with the Australian Counselling Association. Hala completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters in Psychotherapy and counselling.  At the heart of her work, Hala believes that by removing the obstacles that inhibit  potential, only then “the desire to grow, […] curiosity, will ,zest for life, caring, loyalty, or any of the myriad of characteristics that make us fully human” will emerge (The Gift of Therapy by Yalom, 2001). 

She has an interest in working with clients who present with: 

  • Anxiety  
  • Depression  
  • Low self esteem and confidence  
  • Loss and grief  
  • Trauma 
  • CALD backgrounds 

 Hala has been working as a Wellbeing Specialist with Asuria since August 2022.  

Kasey Hathaway

Kasey Hathaway

Behavioural Therapist (AAPi)

Kasey is a behavioural therapist with qualifications in Behavioural Science, postgraduate Psychology and vocational education...

Kasey has her registration with The Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. Kasey has extensive experience supporting people across the life span by employing a holistic biopsychosocial approach to address barriers with practical strategies. Kasey practices in a person centered, trauma sensitive and disability informed way. Kasey has a particualr interst in expressive therapeutic approaches such as narrative and art therapies. Kasey is passionate about diversity & inclusion supporting people to find their voice, speak up and develop confidence to accept themselves just as they are. 

Kasey has a particular interest in working with client presentations relating to: 

  • depression / anxiety / stress 
  • behavioural issues 
  • Emotional regulation 
  • Neurodivergence – ADHD, Autism 
  • Disabilities 
  • Loss and Grief 
  • LGBTIQA+  
  • Vocational guidance - education  

Kasey has been working with Asuria as a wellbeing specialist since September 2022.

Gail Russell updated photo

Gail Russell

Registered Counsellor (ACA)

Gail holds a Degree in Applied Social Science (Counselling). She holds registration as a qualified Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)...

Gail has a deep understanding that participating in counselling and connecting can be difficult, knowing that caring support is available when you attend can assist you in opening your mind to the idea of increased emotional health and wholeness. Gail enjoys providing holistic treatment to support both the mind and body. Gail believes that her client is in charge of their life, and has a passion for providing support to people who struggle to reach out and for those who do not have access to support. Gail provides a compassionate and empathetic space, where you feel heard, respected and valued. Gail is committed to providing a high quality counselling service to support you with whatever challenges you are experiencing.  

Gail draws from a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Trauma Informed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions Focussed, Mindfulness,  Narrative and Art Therapy. 

Gail has a particular interest in working with client presentations relating to:  

  • stress / anxiety / depression 
  • addictions 
  • social anxiety 
  • OCD & OCPD 
  • vocational guidance 

Gail has been working with Asuria since 2022.  

Matthew Kahn

Matthew Kahn

Registered Practicing Counsellor (PACFA)

Matthew is a counsellor with experience working with a wide range of conditions and issues, including (but not limited to) depression and anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and addiction...

Additionally, he works with a wide range of clients from diverse backgrounds including young, middle aged and older adults, as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.  Matthew is registered as a Practicing Counsellor with The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.   

Matthew draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches including Person-Centred, CBT, SFT, and psychodynamic modalities. In practice, he believes that the most important approach to therapy is the one that helps build the best therapeutic alliance, characterized by empathy, care, confidentiality, and trust.   

Matthew’s belief is that individuals have a powerful ability to shift their perspectives about themselves, their situations, and the world in such a way that inspires and empowers them to reach beyond their current troubles to a more confident, courageous and resilient self.  has a particular interest in working with client presentations relating to: 

Matthew has a particular interest in working with client presentations relating to: 

  • Addiction 
  • Anger 
  • Anxiety 
  • Careers counselling 
  • Cultural issues 
  • Depression 
  • Existential or spiritual issues 
  • LGBTQIA+ 
  • Grief and loss 
  • Low self-esteem 
  • Relationship issues 
  • Social skills, Stress 
  • Trauma 

Melissa Philbrook

Melissa Philbrook

Accredited Social Worker (AASW)

Melissa Philbrook is an Accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Work (AASW). Melissa has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work...

She has over 22 years of experience working in a diverse range of roles with adults, young people, children and families including working with adults living with dementia, families impacted by domestic violence and disability services. Melissa has trained in Brief Counselling, trauma informed practice and family systems therapy. 

Melissa creates a warm welcoming environment recognising that safety and trust are key to a therapeutic relationship. She believes fostering self-compassion and awareness are keys to moving forward and uses a strengths-based perspective to help clients to develop and move towards achievable goals. Melissa enjoys sharing knowledge through psychoeducation and draws from a range of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), compassion focussed therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness and creative therapies.  

Melissa has an interest in working with clients who present with 

  • anxiety 
  • depression 
  • stress 
  • family challenges 
  • trauma 
  • self-criticism 
  • grief and loss 

Olivia Wright

Olivia Wright

Counsellor (AAPi) 

During her bachelor's degree in Psychological Science, Olivia also completed electives in counselling and social work, this provided her with a broad range of knowledge around mental health and the variety of challenges faced in society...

Olivia worked in the health care industry for a year providing patients with sleep studies, support and treatment plans. This role ignited Olivia’s passion for pursuing a career dedicated to bettering the lives of individuals and is where she found her strengths in a person-centred, humanistic approach.   

CBT, ACT, SFT, behavioural activation, behavioural therapy, trauma informed, narrative, motivational interviewing, stress management. Olivia utilizes a client-centred, individualistic approach in her therapeutic practice. She is dedicated to prioritising the unique needs, values and experiences of each person she works with. Olivia believes in tailoring her therapy to suit the individual, recognising their autonomy and empowering individuals to navigate their barriers to reaching their goals.   

Recognizing inherent worth and autonomy of each person, Olivia focus on empowering clients to actively participate in their own growth and healing journey. 

Olivia has particular interest in working with client presentations relating to:  

  • Anxiety  
  • Depression  
  • Anger management  
  • Confidence and self esteem 
  • Sleep disturbances 

Olivia has been with Asuria since 2023. 

Cooper Leek

Cooper Darren Leek

Registered Counsellor (ACA)

Cooper attains a degree in a Bachelor of Psychological Science, and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. He holds registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and is a qualified counsellor...

Cooper is approaching the completion of his first year as professional within the counselling field and has gained experience in counselling and psychological assessment and treatment, specifically working with adults. Cooper specialises in therapeutic approaches that include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution focused therapy (SFT), and motivational interviewing. 

Cooper practices from a person-centred approach, which emphasises the importance of creating and maintaining the therapeutic relationship. Cooper believes that “people have the ability to thrive in life when they are supported, understood, and accepted by others, and within appropriate conditions, they can continue to assemble the necessary skills that allow for them understand their behaviour, and create positive change”. 

Cooper has a keen interest in client presentations such as: 

  • Anxiety 
  • Depression 
  • Anger management 
  • Addictions 
  • PTSD 
  • Grief and loss 
  • Stress 
  • Cognitive assessments 

Cooper started working with Asuria during November of 2023, and is a proud member of Asuria’s Allied Health team 

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