Psychology & Counselling
As a registered NDIS provider with over 25 years of experience in the community services sector, breakthru can offer both psychology and counselling services to help you gain a deeper understanding of your current circumstances, and identify ways we can move forward together so you can feel healthier, happier and more energetic. Our counsellors and psychologists have the ability to work with you one-on-one or in group sessions to help you develop healthier relationships and improve wellbeing as a whole. Whether you’re feeling anxious, or depressed, angry, confused or generally overwhelmed, we can help you identify coping strategies and capabilities so you can be more confident. We’ll help you build your capacity and become more independent when faced with life’s challenges. Our accredited team of psychologists & counsellors can also work closely with your family and friends so they can support you on your journey toward better mental health, ensuring you have the best support network around you to achieve your goals. Please note this service is only available to customers aged 16 and over. When it comes to finding the right psychologist or counsellor, it’s important you find someone that you not only connect with, but also feel you can depend on. While face-to-face sessions are encouraged, we always try to be as flexible as possible, working in to suit your schedule – even if it means having a session on Skype or over the phone. When you work with breakthru, you can be confident that each and every one of our psychologists or counsellors are:
At breakthru, we believe that everyone has the right to live a healthy, happy life.
Our Psychologists & Counsellors
Meet The Team
Jasmine Tan
MCouns
Jasmine is a fully registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association and holds a Master in Counselling.
Jasmine also has a rich background in youth work and counselling in the DV space where she specialises in cognitive behavioural therapy and trauma informed practice to support young adult with a host of problems in their daily living. She embraces strength-based approach to help her clients find resilience and strengths within themselves to live a more enriched and meaningful life.
Jasmine enjoys connecting with others and she has a passion for helping with diverse individuals with mental health struggles. Outside of work, Jasmine loves to spend time with her friends and family, going on hikes and exploring new places in Brisbane.
Lee Sepe
BPsych (Hons), MPsych
Lee first joined breakthru back in 2012 as a volunteer while studying his Bachelor of Psychology. Following this, he went on to gain further experience in the mental health field before returning to breakthru as a support worker and then continued working in the allied health team.
Lee has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field and is a fully registered psychologist. He has a passion for working with individuals of all ages with mental health conditions or difficulties, including schizophrenia, emotion dysregulation, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression. Lee aims to establish positive working relationships with individuals that may sometimes have difficulties accessing mainstream or private services. When not at work, Lee has a passion for physical exercise, nature, and exploring Melbourne’s different cafes and restaurants.
Puja Bhattacharya
BPsych (Hons), MPsych (Couns/Health)
Puja joined breakthru in February 2020. Puja brings more than 10 years of extensive work experience in Psychology and Counselling to our clinical team. Puja works as an AHPRA registered Provisional Psychologist and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner. She is passionate about positively empowering customers in their therapeutic journey towards achieving their goals and improved quality of life.
Puja specialises in varied therapies – CBT, Relaxation Therapy for people with anxiety, stress, sleep difficulties and facilitates the breakthru REVIVE program. Puja enjoys working with children, families and adults with disabilities, anxiety, ASD, ADHD, BPD and other mental health conditions. Aside from her work at breakthru, Puja loves spending time with family/friends and enjoys travelling, cooking and gardening in her leisure time.
Prasanna Hettiarachchige
BCoun
Prasanna joined breakthru just over 3 years ago. Officially registered with the Australian Counselling Association and holding a Bachelor of Counselling, Prasanna specialises in working with children and young adults with disabilities.
In line with these specialties, Prasanna also has a keen interest in neuro-psychotherapy, and is currently furthering his studies in rehabilitation counselling. Outside of work, Prasanna can be found playing Tennis, swimming or continuing to grow his collection of model planes.
Rita Tawil
MProfPsyc, BPsy (Hons)
Rita started with Breakthru in December 2021 as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, having worked in the role for more than 2 years. She is excited to be able to provide face to face Adult Cognitive Assessments in Sydney alongside her current role.
She has been working in the disability sector since 2016 across all ages. With a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree and Master of Professional Psychology, Rita is able to apply her knowledge to help clients reach both their behaviour support and mental health goals, and improving quality of life in a client-centred approach is her number one goal.
Outside of work hours, Rita enjoys cooking, reading crime/horror novels, and enjoying outdoor activities.
Olivia Matreja
BPsyScoCou
Olivia joined the breakthru team in 2021 and is a PACFA-registered counsellor with a double degree in psychological science and counselling. Olivia has a gentle, calm nature and is passionate about supporting her clients to lead happy, healthy lives. She has worked in the sector for over 2 years and has adopted a neurodivergent-affirming approach, which means taking the perspective that having a disability doesn’t mean someone is broken and needing to be ‘fixed’, but instead having a disability just means possessing a unique set of needs, challenges, and most importantly – strengths.
Olivia uses positive psychology, alongside CBT, dialectical behaviour therapy, attachment theory, and mindfulness practices to help her clients to embrace their strengths.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys practicing a ‘hygge’ lifestyle which means finding comfort and joy in the simple pleasures of life, as well as travelling, painting, nature, and pottery.
Our Services
If you have an existing NDIS plan, then you may be eligible to access our psychology or counselling services under Improved Daily Living supports. Psychology may also be a directly stated support in your NDIS plan. If you don’t have a plan, we also offer fee for service and payment plan options to ensure you can get the help you need when you need it.
