Our Services

Couples Counselling

At ST&A Psychology Northern Beaches and Sydney, our experienced psychologists in St Leonards are passionate about helping couples who are having difficulty in their relationship, or who are feeling disconnected from their partner. When relationships are going well, they can be powerfully fulfilling and life affirming, but when they’re not, can be a great source of anxiety and stress. Never are we more vulnerable or more exposed emotionally when we are in a relationship. If there is a trust or communication breakdown, this may leave us feeling undervalued, mistreated, and have a significant impact on our self confidence. Couples therapy can help you and your partner learn how and why unhelpful patterns of relating and communicating have developed; and why you and/or your partner feel disconnected, unhappy, triggered, dissatisfied, confused, frustrated disappointed, anxious, fearful, stressed, guilty. It can also help you improve your patterns of communication and connection through learning and applying helpful listening, empathy, connection, intimacy and communication skills, essential to maintaining a healthy more robust relationship to navigate the challenges life throws you, your partner and your relationship.

Book your free video consult with one of our Psychologists, tell us what you’re struggling with, what you want to change/improve and test a video session to see how we can help.

Free 20 Min Video Consult

(Dependent on Availability)

Signs & Symptoms of Relationship Problems

Couples counselling can help resolve any issues you and your partner are facing, including:

Feeling down / negative about your partner / relationship, disconnected, frustrated, disappointed, concerned, hopeless
Lack of trust, Jealousy, Betrayal/Infidelity
Misunderstandings
Unmet needs & unfulfilled desires
Frequent arguments
Being triggered / triggering your partner
Unhealthy patterns of behaviour & Communication

When to seek help?

There is a lot of stigma and differing views about when to seek out help for your relationship and attend couples counselling. Couples therapy can be portrayed as a “last resort” that married couples only engage in when they’re on the verge of divorce. The reality of couples therapy is, however, far different: Therapy can be used to improve nearly any relationship, including those who are already separated with kids, and it’s better to seek therapy before issues become severe. Needing assistance isn’t a sign that your relationship is destined to fall apart, either. On the contrary, a willingness to engage in therapy demonstrates mutual commitment and a desire to make things work. Even when the stigma associated with therapy is set aside, many couples have a difficult time gauging when to seek help.
Though every relationship is different, There can be many or just one reason couples or individuals within a marriage or relationship seek out couples therapy. Some of these reasons include when a betrayal has occurred, the bad times outnumber the good times; You and your partner struggle to communicate; You or your partner are emotionally withdrawn; There’s a major issue you can’t resolve; Your goals in life don’t align; You don’t seem to be working as a team; You’re dissatisfied with your physical and sexual intimacy; You avoid discussing anything that brings up difficult thoughts and feelings; You’ve experienced a major life change; You or Your Partner Have Become Indifferent; Almost All Communication Is Negative or Leads to Fights; You or Your Partner Lie or Keeps Secrets; You feel like (your gut tells you) you need couples therapy. Regardless of the reasons, at ST & A psychology, we’re here to help you and your partner…well.

Get to know our team.

We are here for you.

We have 11 highly skilled, experienced, professional, friendly, warm Psychologists in Chatswood, North Sydney and Manly (male and female) aged 26 to 62 ready to help you better cope with your challenges and issues, grow and improve your satisfaction with life and wellbeing.

Simon Turmanis

Principal Psychologist & Clinical Director
Simon Turmanis Principal Psychologist & Clinical Director
  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs
  • 20 years experience
  • Face to Face & Video/Phone sessions. After hours

I am an extremely caring, warm, open, helpful, respectful, supportive, encouraging, hardworking and compassionate person. I am very passionate about helping people…well. Helping people to reduce their suffering is important to me. I will want to understand the unique way you are suffering or struggling to cope. I work hard to help anyone who decides to work with me, as a client, colleague, supervisee, fellow team member or workshop participant. I have 20 years experience working with adults, adolescents, and children with various psychological problems/issues. Within this, I have 18 years’ private practice experience working with adults of all ages, couples, adolescents, children and families on a broad range of issues.

Cassie Hardy

Experienced Psychologist 
Cassie Hardy Experienced Psychologist 
  • Wed, Thurs
  • Face to Face & Video sessions

I am an experienced, professional, positive, empathetic and open-minded psychologist. I will prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship with you to help you to feel supported in a safe, and non-judgemental space. In collaboration we will navigate the challenges you encounter and formulate strategies to address these effectively, giving regard to your own strengths and goals of therapy. I have experience working with clients of all ages, from school aged children to older adults. My clients have presented with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, difficulties with emotional regulation and stress, interpersonal challenges, family tension and dysfunction, school refusal, relationship issues, conflict, workplace stress, and work related psychological injuries. I have a keen interest working with young people and families

Dr Matthew Gerathy

Clinical Psychologist
Dr Matthew Gerathy Clinical Psychologist
  • Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri
  • Face to face & video/phone sessions. After hours.

Warm, friendly and approachable, I am extremely passionate about helping people live happier, more fulfilling and productive lives through raising self-awareness and compassion. I will provide a respectful, empathic space where we can build a strong relationship, use evidence based therapy, & design a treatment approach that is individual to your specific difficulties/challenges, informed by your strengths and goals, and is openly communicated, and regularly reviewed. Over the last 18 months I have worked full-time at ST&A Psychology and helped over a hundred clients…well, with a broad range of ages and issues.

Maneesha Singh

Registered Psychologist
Maneesha Singh Registered Psychologist
  • Fri, Sat
  • No Face to Face Only Video/Phone sessions. After hours

I am a dedicated, highly skilled, experienced and compassionate psychologist with a strong foundation in therapeutic practice with over 15 years of experience in community welfare and mental health services. I bring an authentic, empathetic, and person-centered approach to therapy, tailoring treatment to your individual needs, goals, and values. If you choose to work with me, I will provide a safe and supportive environment, fostering trust and collaboration to explore your challenges and harness your strengths for meaningful change.

Mark Podesta

Experienced Psychologist
Mark Podesta Experienced Psychologist
  • Thurs, Fri, Sat
  • Video/phone sessions. After hours.

If you choose to work with me I will be respectful, collaborative, compassionate, supportive and empowering; to help you create positive changes, cope with challenges and difficulties, and improve your wellbeing. My clinical skills are honed through years of experience treating people from diverse backgrounds and abilities, with a wide range of presenting issues across the lifespan. In my time at ST & A psychology (18 months), I have helped close to 100 clients…well.

Anda Maria

Registered Psychologist
Anda Maria Registered Psychologist
  • Mon, Wed
  • Video/phone sessions. After hours

Hi, I’m Anda Maria, a psychologist based in St Leonards. I work with adults, children, and couples, and I’m passionate about creating a safe, respectful space where people feel heard and supported. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal-focused, with a strong foundation in evidence-based practice.

Tom Xia

Experienced Psychologist
Tom Xia Experienced Psychologist
  • Wed, Fri, Sat
  • Face to Face Sessions
  • Video/Phone Sessions

I am an experienced, highly skilled, practical, caring, invested, empathetic, and person-centred psychologist with over 8 years experience helping people..well. In therapy I aim to provide a safe space that helps you open up and explore your thoughts, feelings, your past, circumstances and life difficulties no matter how uncomfortable they are. I will aim for therapy to be experiential for you, practice-based and goal-oriented. Based on your strengths and weaknesses, we can explore and tailor a treatment plan that works for you and help you practice and develop lasting coping strategies that will help you conquer your life challenges.

Maitreyee Bhujbal

Provisional Psychologist (Clinical Psychologist India)
Maitreyee Bhujbal Provisional Psychologist (Clinical Psychologist India)
  • Wed, Fri, Sat
  • 14 years experience
  • Face to Face & Video/Phone Sessions. After hours.

I am a warm, professional, highly skilled, experienced, collaborative, and client-centred psychologist who holds deep respect for each individual’s unique journey. I strive to create a safe and compassionate space where you will feel heard, empowered, and supported in your healing and personal growth.My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches and guided by a trauma-sensitive lens. I will work closely with you to explore your experiences, build on your strengths, and support meaningful growth and healing.Although I am new to the Australian mental health system, I bring with me extensive clinical experience from India, where I trained and worked as a clinical Psychologist for 14 years, across diverse settings including private practice, NGOs, corporate environments, and community-based programs.

Simon Johnston

Registered Psychologist
Simon Johnston Registered Psychologist
  • Mon, Wed, Fri
  • Face to Face
  • Video/phone sessions & after hours

Hi, I’m Simon, a caring, dedicated, compassionate, professional and person-centred psychologist, committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where you can feel supported and understood. I work with adults, adolescents, and children on a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, ADHD, school and work stress, behavioural difficulties, low self-esteem, self-confidence challenges, emotion regulation difficulties, and social skills challenges. I am experienced in delivering both one-on-one therapy and group-based programs across clinical and community settings, drawing on evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT to support wellbeing and recovery. If you choose to work with me, you can expect a supportive, collaborative therapeutic relationship where your experiences are respected, and your voice is central. Together, we can work towards meaningful change and growth in a way that aligns with your unique needs and values.

Lyndall Goff

Provisional Psychologist
Lyndall Goff Provisional Psychologist
  • Wed, Thurs
  • Face to Face, Video/phone sessions & after hours

Hi, I’m Lyndall, a highly skilled, mature, experienced, compassionate, person-centred provisional psychologist dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and supportive therapeutic space. I am passionate about helping clients build autonomy and develop the skills to make conscious, values-driven decisions that support a meaningful life. I strive to model and nurture a sense of calm and emotional stability, supporting clients to build this capacity within themselves. 

Dr Herewini Iversen

Clinical Psychologist
Dr Herewini Iversen Clinical Psychologist
  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri
  • Face-to-face, Video/phone sessions & after-hours

Hi, I’m Herewini. I am a caring, open, and friendly psychologist who is passionate about helping people overcome their difficulties and become the best versions of themselves. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we can work towards making meaningful long-term change, helping you to live a long, fulfilling life

Tim Hicks

Provisional Psychologist
Tim Hicks Provisional Psychologist
  • Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat
  • Face to Face, Video/phone sessions & after hours

Hi, I’m Tim, a highly professional, caring, warm, person-centred psychologist completing my provisional registration with a collaborative approach to therapy. I work with adults, adolescents and young people experiencing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, low mood, stress, life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, school or workplace challenges, confidence, self-esteem and adjustment to change. 

Nicolette Monkel

Provisional Psychologist
Nicolette Monkel Provisional Psychologist
  • Mon, Tue, Wed
  • Face to Face, Video/phone sessions & after hours

Hi, I’m Nicolette. I’m a mature-age provisional psychologist who is passionate about supporting people through life’s challenges with compassion, curiosity, and genuine care. I understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming, so I aim to create a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself. 

I believe every person has a unique story, and I take the time to understand what has brought you to therapy, the challenges you’re experiencing, and the goals that are important to you. Together, we’ll work collaboratively to build on your strengths, develop practical strategies, and help you navigate life’s challenges with improved self-understanding and confidence. My approach is person-centred and evidence-based, always tailored to your individual needs.  

Free 20 Min Video Consult

(Dependent on Availability)

How it works

1
Smart Match with Your Therapist

We’ll match you with the best suited psychologist by personality, age, therapy style/models, skills, experience, availability and a range of your preferences to suit your needs, issues and goals of therapy. You can schedule a free 20 min intro video consult.

2
Schedule Sessions face to face or by video/telephone

Book days and times for your sessions via video/telephone or face to face that work for you. Our therapists are ready to work with you to help you achieve your goals of therapy, improve your mental health and satisfaction with life.

3
Measure your change & Track Your Journey

Measure and track how far you’ve come, changes you’ve made – and how far you can go with your dedicated psychologist, we’re with you every step of the way as you evolve and grow and make changes to achieve what you are working towards.

4
Claim Medicare or Private Health Rebate

With a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan you can be eligible for a Medicare rebate for 10 psychology sessions per year. Most private health insurers provide between 30-80% rebates on sessions. We process the claim on your behalf at time of session.

Free 20 Min Video Consult

(Dependent on Availability)

What we offer you.

  • Psychologists available now
  • A psychologist that’s carefully matched for you.
  • Saturdays & after hours appointments
  • Days & times that suit you.
  • Medicare & Private Health Rebates
  • Face to face or video/phone sessions from wherever you’re comfortable
  • Sessions booked in advance at optimum consitency for best results.
  • Help setting your goals of therapy, track your journey, measure changes made
  • Our commitment to listen & care with support & compassion & provide value each & every session.
Book days and times for your sessions via video/telephone or face to face that work for you. Our therapists are ready to work with you to help you achieve your goals of therapy, improve your mental health and satisfaction with life.

Unlike other practices with long wait lists, we have psychologists in our team ready to work with you now and help you achieve your goals of therapy.

We understand the importance of getting the fit between you and your psychologist right, thus we’ll take the time to help you work out what you’re struggling with, what you want to change/improve/work on & book you in with the right psychologist based on their skills, experience & therapy style.

We offer sessions on Saturdays and before and after school and work in the mornings and evenings.

Book days and times for your sessions via video/telephone or face to face that work for you. Our therapists are ready to work with you to help you achieve your goals of therapy, improve your mental health and satisfaction with life.

With a referral from your GP and a mental health care plan, you may claim up to 10 Medicare rebates per calendar year for 10 sessions. Also, you may claim rebates from your private health insurance.

You may choose to come into our practice, meet our client liaison officers and experience therapy in one of our four therapy rooms and/or have sessions via video/phone in the comfort of your home, office or car.

Based on research of what is the most effective therapy, clients need consistent sessions over a required duration to achieve all their goals of therapy in the most efficient way. Thus we work with you to schedule your appointments weekly to fortnightly in advance at times that suit you.

Based on the research of what is the most effective therapy and what will help you reach your goals of therapy, we’ll help you set specific realistic achievable goals, walk you through how you can achieve them and consistently measure your progress along the way.

Each of our psychologists are committed fully to helping you perceive value from each and every session with care and compassion.

Book an appointment this week.

Free 20 Min Video Consult

(Dependent on Availability)

What we can help you with.

Our Manly Psychologists and North Sydney Psychologists help adults, children, parents, adolescents and couples with a mix of presenting issues & challenges

Anxiety counselling equips individuals with skills and strategies to manage daily life and future challenges. It also helps reduce anxiety symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, sleeping, decision-making, excessive worrying, agitation, and physical symptoms of anxiety and panic.

We provide depression treatment for adults, adolescents, and children. Our experienced psychologists specialise in mood disorders, including depression. Effective counselling helps reduce symptoms such as memory and concentration difficulties, sleep issues, low or agitated mood, low energy and motivation, appetite and weight problems, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, excessive guilt, suicidal thoughts, pessimistic thinking, and excessive worrying.

Couples therapy helps partners understand the origins of unhelpful communication patterns and feelings of disconnection, frustration, and dissatisfaction. It also provides essential skills in listening, empathy, connection, intimacy, and communication to strengthen relationships and navigate life’s challenges together.

At ST & A Psychology, we understand that growing up can be challenging, and learning to cope isn’t always easy. Emotional and behavioural issues can arise, making parenting even more demanding. Our psychologists support children, adolescents, and parents with assessment and therapy services to help manage and overcome these challenges.

At ST&A Psychology, our clinicians specialise in treating interpersonal issues and personality disorders, helping you overcome their impact on relationships and well-being. Personality disorders, often emerging in adolescence, can cause long-term distress, relationship difficulties, and social challenges, affecting daily life and personal goals.

At ST&A Psychology, we provide ADHD counselling for children, adolescents, and adults. Our experienced psychologists help manage ADHD’s impact on behaviour, learning, and relationships.

Effective treatment combines education, psychological skills, mindfulness, behavioural strategies, cognitive strengthening, lifestyle changes, and medication when needed. This improves focus, impulse control, memory, organisation, and overall well-being.

At ST&A Psychology, we provide psychological treatment and counselling for children, adolescents, and adults with PTSD and trauma symptoms. Our experienced psychologists help clients develop coping strategies for daily life and future challenges.

Effective treatment reduces symptoms such as anxiety, difficulty concentrating, sleep issues, excessive worrying, agitation, and panic. We are passionate about supporting individuals on their path to recovery.

Stress counselling helps individuals understand and manage the impact of ongoing stress on their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. At ST&A Psychology, our experienced psychologists support children, adolescents and adults with personalised therapy plans designed to reduce stress, relieve anxiety and build practical coping strategies. We help you develop the tools and techniques needed to manage life’s challenges with greater confidence, balance and resilience.

Anger is a natural emotion, but when it becomes difficult to manage, it can affect your relationships, work and overall wellbeing. Our psychologists provide a supportive, non-judgemental space to explore what may be driving your anger, recognise triggers and develop practical strategies to respond more calmly. Anger management counselling can help you communicate more effectively, manage resentment and feel more in control of your reactions.

Free 20 Min Video Consult

(Dependent on Availability)

Other issues, diagnoses and presentations we work with:
  • Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Specific Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Phobia, Worry, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder.
Personality Disorders (Narcissistic, Borderline, Dependent, Obsessional, Paranoid etc.), Problems Relating to others (including couples therapy), Specific Relationship Problems, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention difficulties.
  • Dissatisfaction with life, Sleep problems, Body image issues, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Pain, Chronic Fatigue.
  • Child-Parent relational issues, Child Behavioural Problems, Adolescent Issues, Parent Skills Training, Oppositional defiant disorder.
  • Child parent relational issues.

We also help people with:

  • Stress management
  • Self esteem issues and building self worth
  • Adjustment to life change
  • Perfectionism
  • Grief and loss
  • Procrastination and Improving Motivation
  • Assertiveness and Emotion management (Anger etc.)
  • Goal Setting and Achieving
  • Weight management and physical health
  • Problem Solving
  • Bulimia Nervosa
  • Career and vocational guidance
  • Sexual orientation
  • Pain management and psychological effects of physical injuries
Contact Us

Help us match you with the best psychologist.

We’ll call you, spend 20-30 minutes helping you work out what you’re struggling with, what you want to change/improve/work on & book you in with the right psychologist based on their skills, experience & therapy style.

Still have questions, not sure who to work with or how we can help?

We’ll call you and have a confidential no commitment chat about what you’re struggling with, what you want help with and want to change, who in our practice might be able to help, how therapy can help and answer any questions you might have.