Psychologists & Counsellors
“Introducing our professional team of Psychologists & Counsellors”
Lucia Holt –
A practising psychologist since 1985, Lucia’s formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences, Post Graduate Diploma of Rehabilitation Studies and a Master Certificate of Trauma Counselling and Psychotherapy. Lucia’s professional development and interest includes Existential perspectives as applied in her work helping people cope with grief and adjustment to life stage changes/transitions. She has continued to develop an integrated approach to mind-body therapy through extensive training and practice in the field of Somatic Psychotherapy.
Lucia focuses her work with adult clients, providing individual and couple counselling to address the following issues:
- Anxiety management
- Dealing with depression
- Stress management
- Recovering from traumatic experiences / abuse
- Dealing with critical incidents
- Managing change and life transitions
- Grief and bereavement
- Enhancing self esteem
- Relationship enhancement / counselling
Lucia has provided numerous critical incident debriefings, extensive Employee Assistance Programs and consultative assistance to employers, organisations and other health care service providers in her private practice, in business, government and community health organisations, schools and hospital settings, as well as counselling to victims of crime, war veterans and refugees.
In terms of therapeutic interventions, Lucia is experienced in utilising Cognitive and Behaviour therapy, solution focused counselling, psychodynamic psychotherapy, narrative therapy, hypnosis, existential therapy and mindfulness practice.
In 1999 Lucia was admitted as a Member of the Academy of Trauma Therapists at the Australian Foundation of Aftermath Research (Cairnmillar Institute), she is a Member of The Australian Psychological Society, The Australian Society of Hypnosis and The International Positive Psychology Association.
As a registered supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia, Lucia provides support and coaching to new graduates and peers in her field – this being a growing area of interest in her practice.
Lucia is dedicated to assisting people create change in their lives; her passion is to see the development of Cortex Counselling and its team of professionals in enabling the well being of children, adolescents and adults.
Stuart Brinkworth -
Stuart Brinkworth is an experienced Counselling Psychologist registered with Medicare. He specialises in the treatment of adults (and young adults) with the following issues:
- anxiety
- depression
- stress management
- grief and loss
- relationship difficulties
- self esteem
- mid-life issues
- addictions
- parenting issues
He has successfully improved clients’ assertiveness and sense of self worth. Stuart has also had extensive experience with workplace related issues such as: bullying and harassment, managing conflict, coping with change and loss of interest in work.
Stuart aims to develop a warm, genuine, empathetic and professional therapeutic alliance with his clients; with a committed approach to proactive communication with all appropriate health care providers and referring doctors.
With over 15 years experience as a Counsellor / Psychologist, Stuart has a special interest in men’s psychological health, especially in relation to ‘mid life crisis’ points and more recently in the area of women’s ‘mid life’ crises. He has provided popular key note presentations, individual counselling and strategic input into the stress management and weight management programs at Warburton Health Resort.
Graham Cox -
Graham’s formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Science, a Graduate Diploma of Applied Science (Professional Psychology) and a Master of Psychology (Counselling). He is registered as a Psychologist and is a full member of The Australian Psychological Society (APS). Graham has worked in the counselling field for over 10 years, in a variety of positions. These include Problem Gambling Counsellor, Family Counsellor, Drug and Alcohol Counsellor, Student Counsellor (tertiary) and Victims of Crime Counsellor. Special areas of interest include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression, and sleep disorders.
Diane Keesman -
Diane Keesman has been working as a registered Psychologist for the last 14 years. Her qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Child and Adolescent Psychology as well as a Masters in Counselling Psychology. She has worked in a number of different areas including child and family therapy and vocational rehabilitation. Diane works with children, adolescents and adults. She has experience in helping individuals with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adjustment to disability, assertiveness, sleep difficulties, self-esteem, resolving conflict and anger management. One of her areas of expertise is anxiety disorders and she has run many successful groups to assist people to manage their anxiety. She also really enjoys working with adolescents helping them with family issues, self-esteem, depression, anxiety and stress.
Frossa Mrakas -
Frossa Mrakas is a registered mental health counsellor, consultant and trainer with extensive experience working with individuals and a variety of organisations.
Frossa is passionate about helping individuals and families develop skills needed to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. Frossa uses a variety of approaches to help clients deal with problematic and challenging issues.
Frossa can offer support in the following areas:
- Individual counselling
- Relationship and Family counselling
- Parent education and skills building
- Caring for a Child with Special Needs
- Stress & Anxiety Management
- Anger Management
- Grief and loss issues
- Change of life issues
- Self esteem, Self confidence and Motivation issues
- Sadness and mild depression
- Communication and Life skills
- Life / Work balance
- Body Image and Eating issues
Kerry Genovese is an endorsed Counselling Psychologist, and has worked as a registered psychologist since 1988. She has a Master of Psychology (Counselling) degree, and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the APS Board of Counselling Psychologists. She is also a Charter Member of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), reflecting her passion for helping people achieve fulfilment and meaning in their lives.
Kerry has had diverse work experience providing counselling in varied clinical, community and corporate settings. She has extensive experience in providing counselling for:
- the impact of trauma
- major life transitions
- depression
- anxiety
- assertiveness and self-esteem
- work-related stress
Kerry sees adult clients referred by GPs, WorkSafe, Comcare, corporate organisations and self-referral. She draws on a range of treatment approaches – cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, experiential and existential – according to each individual client’s unique needs and personality. Her main goals of treatment are symptom relief, increased insight and capacity for symptom control and management, and improved quality of life and hope for the future.
