Melissa Farr

Clinical Psychologist 

Melissa opened Bold Psychology in 2015 with the aim of providing a warm, family friendly environment in which people of all ages could access quality psychological treatment. Melissa is a clinical psychologist with a strong background in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Body Image issues. She sees clients of all ages and has a variety of therapeutic approaches which can be individualised to suit the client’s needs. 

• Kids can expect sessions to include games, drawing/art, chatting and skill development. Parents are always included for part of the session to ensure open communication, feedback and involvement in practicing skills outside of session.
• Adult sessions are client-centred and follow the path that the client wishes to take. This typically involves developing a sense of personal values, processing and experiencing emotions, and re-framing thought patterns. Activities can include mindfulness, relaxation, cognitive restructuring and gradual exposure. 

Clients are encouraged to include family members in their treatment where suitable, as each person has an important role to play in the web of family!

Qualifications:

Clinical Psychologist

MA (Psych) Clinical; BA (Psych) hons.

Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

Member of the Association for Psychologists in Developmental Disability

Approved service provider for Medicare Autism Services

Approved service provider for Medicare Pregnancy Support

Publications:

Rachel Dryer, Melissa Farr, Izumi Hiramatsu & Stephanie Quinton (2016); The Role of Sociocultural Influences on Symptoms of Muscle Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders in Men, and the Mediating Effects of Perfectionism. Behavioural Medicine, 42:3, 174-182.

Georgia Heraghty

Registered Psychologist 

Georgia has been a part of the Bold Psychology team since 2017. Georgia is dedicated to helping people of all ages with their mental wellbeing. Georgia is experienced in supporting individuals with a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, grief, identity and bullying. Georgia has extensive experience and awareness of helping those living with learning difficulties, Autism, and disabilities to manage their mental well-being and optimise functioning within their unique contexts.

Georgia’s sessions are framed from a biopsychosocial approach, valuing the whole person and their life experiences to comprehensively understand current symptoms and challenges. Georgia operates from an inclusive and holistic approach to psychological therapy, drawing upon knowledge from various evidence-based theories and modalities, as well as current information from health psychology research. 

Georgia values a collaborative approach to therapy, focusing on client-driven goals and client empowerment to promote meaningful change. 

As Georgia is a registered psychologist, you may access rebates for sessions through the Medicare Better Access initiative, private health funds, and NDIS funding. 

Qualifications: 

• Registered Psychologist 
• Bachelor of Arts - Psychology with the degree of Bachelor of Health – Macquarie University 
• Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) – Deakin University 
• Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy – Australian College of Applied Psychology 
• Member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 

Kirsten O'Halloran

Provisional Psychologist

Kirsten has been a part of the Bold Psychology team since 2020. Kirsten is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey towards self-understanding and personal growth. Kirsten is client-focused, and utilises evidence-based practices to create a space where each individual feels heard, validated, and empowered. 

Kirsten has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, particularly those navigating challenges relating to anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation, social skills, identity development, and neurodiversity. Kirsten obtains a deep understanding of autism and ADHD, as well as the unique strengths and differences that come with neurodivergence. 

Kirsten utilises various therapeutic modalities within her sessions, incorporating elements of CBT, ACT, and strengths-based approaches to fit the unique needs and goals of each client. 

Kirsten is dedicated to creating a collaborative therapeutic space where individuals can explore their thoughts, build resilience, and create meaningful change. 

Qualifications: 

• Provisional Psychologist
• Masters of Professional Psychology - University of Wollongong (UOW)
• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) - University of Wollongong (UOW) 
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – University of Wollongong 
• Diploma of Counselling 
• Member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Member of the Australian Counselling Association M.A.C.A 
  

Lexie

Resident Therapy Dog

Lexie the Toy Cavoodle is the cuddliest member of the team at Bold Psychology.  Lexie holds a unique role as a therapy dog to help calm the space and teach many important skills that us humans may need assistance with.  Some of the reported benefits of pet therapy include:

• lower blood pressure
• release of endorphins (happy, calming affect)
• reduction of physical pain
• increased mood - reduced depression
• reduced anxiety
• increased focus
• increased literacy skills
• provides a non-stressful, non-judgemental environment
• increased self-esteem and self confidence

(Information retrieved from www.pawsforpeople.org)

We respect that dogs may not provide comfort for all, and therefore will always check how you feel about Lexie's presence in sessions prior to attending.