ServicesAbout Us
- Nerida Saunders - Clinical Director
- Rustam Yumash - Managing Director
- Dr. Louise Olivier - Senior Psychologist
- Dr. Philip Morris - Consultant Physician in Neuropsychiatry
- Korinne Szandala - Registered Clinical Psychologist
- Ann Huntress - Psychologist, Neurofeedback Practitioner
- Leon Petchkovsky - Independent Health, Wellness and Fitness Professional
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy is something very important to us to share with you. Since ancient times,"solstice" has been celebrated as a turning point, a new beginning, a time of inner renewal. That's why in order to bring a new hope to you-our customer, we have created our Centre: Solstice-Mind Matters where professionalism is combined with knowledge, wisdom and experience.
Solstice -Mind Matters has been established since 1992 to meet the needs of families, individuals and couples in crisis. We have become known both locally and internationally for the quality of our services and commitment to client care. Our talented team of highly qualified practitioners is dedicated to empower you to become stronger, healthier and in control of your life.
We all need someone to talk to now and then. No matter what your experience, you may find comfort in our care.
Our approach is based on acceptance and respect of the individual. We work with you to find the guidance you need to create positive change in your life.
The Spirit Minders
by Rhonda Billet - Aboriginal artist
This artwork titled "The Spirit Minders" is proudly commissioned by Solstice-Mind Matters.
To view a gallery of Rhonda's artwork please click here
The mind can spiral into a downward journey without the protection of the
spirit minders. This painting depicts the individual being provided with
spiritual protection by the spirit minders as well as being nurtured and
supported by the people.
The individual's life journey can be both turbulent and confusing but the
spirit minders remind us that we never walk alone. We are always sheltered
from the storm of life by the ancient land and the elders who have taken
this journey before us.
In the centre of the painting, the mind is surrounded by the Universe, which in turn, is surrounded by the subtle emanation of the aura. It is here the Spirit Minders guide and protect. The people can be seen at the bottom of the painting sharing their experience, strength and hope and generally offering their support. The green section of the painting shows the various pathways we can take in life. There are many paths: some direct, others meandering. In the top section of the painting we encounter more torturous and confusing journeys where we can be overwhelmed by the numerous choices in life.
We are reminded that we are connected to the ancient land and people, with the Spirit Minders guiding us through our journeys.
To view a gallery of Rhonda's artwork please click here
R.Billett 2006
Our Team
From left to right: Rustam Yumash, Gary Pike, Paul Mahoney,
Robyn Weishaupt, Sarah French, Matt Hynes, Ann Huntress (with Cassie), Louise
Olivier, Nerida Saunders (with Noni)
Associates
Nerida Saunders - Senior Psychologist
NSW Psychologists Board Registration
#PS0041305
Qualifications:
BA, Dip Ed, Grad Couns., MPhil., Certified EMDR practitioner
Positions held past and current:
President Gold Coast Australian College Clinical Psychologists (ACCP) (2007-2008)
President Applied Neuroscience Society Australasia (ANSA) (2008-2010)
Clinical Advisor Solstice-Mind Matters (SMM) (1992-current)
Co-Director "The Memory Clinic" Tweed Heads - current
Co-Director Brain Resource Company Laboratory installed at SMM Tweed Heads location
School Guidance Officer - Queensland. Teacher qualifications.
Memberships:
Fellow ACCP
ANSA
Australian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ASTSS)
EMDRIA
Areas of expertise and interest:
QEEG measurement and interpretation
Neurofeedback for relaxing the brain and thereby improving performance
Trauma
Head injury
ADHD - adults and children
Supervision of psychology interns - registered in NSW as supervisor
Employer support
Provision of Employee Assistance Programmes - measurement of employability, emotional state in the workforce and rehabilitation
Career assessment
Individual growth
Grief and loss
Relationships
Separation counselling
Measurement and interpretation of cognition, diagnosis of learning difficulties in adults and children
Depression and Anxiety
Nerida strongly believes in the power of the individual and the ability of the individual to overcome what may seem to be insurmountable problems and regain effective control of their lives. She believes a catalyst such as a Psychologist is necessary at times for this process to be nudged along, to empower and direct towards resolution. Nerida's belief in and her acceptance of the individual are her most effective counselling tools. Her knowledge and experience come a close second.
Rustam Yumash - Managing Director
B. Med, Russia, Dip.Neurology (Russia)
After finishing his degree in medicine, he developed his approach to Mind - Body Somatic Therapy for treating trauma and chronic tension. He is interested in men's health issues. Rustam is fluent in Russian.
View Rustam Yumash's profile
Dr. Louise Olivier - Senior Psychologist
BA, MA, Dip Ed, Psy D, MAPS, MACCP
Registered psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, educator and trainer, Ms Olivier has over twenty years experience in Australia and USA working with individuals, groups and community organizations. Ms Olivier specializes in a wide range of stress management therapies and conducts classes and courses in personal transformation and lifestyle techniques. She also works with adolescents, adults and the elderly, in areas of:
- Anxiety and depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Grief and Bereavement
- Terminal /chronic illness
- Eating disorders
- Anger and Conflict resolution
- Disabilities
- Relationships
- Premarriage preparation
- Career Issues
- Debriefing of professionals
- Workplace conflict /stress
- Developing personal goals
- Job network counselling
- Study & exam preparation
Dr. Philip LP Morris - Consultant Physician in Neuropsychiatry
Dr Morris has medical qualifications MBBS (Hons), BSc(Med) (Hons), and PhD.
He is qualified in psychiatry and addiction medicine in Australia and is
a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
(FRANZCP) and a Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine
(FAChAM). Dr Morris is a board member and Distinguished Fellow of the Pacific
Rim College of Psychiatrists. He is qualified in general adult psychiatry
and geriatric psychiatry in the USA and is Board Certified by the American
Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (AmBPN). He is a consultant physician
in psychiatry/neuropsychiatry. He is a Certified Independent Medical Examiner
(CIME) with the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME).
Dr Morris is Executive Director of the Gold Coast Institute of Mental Health (www.gcimh.com.au). He is Medical Director of Mirikai, a young adult drug and alcohol rehabilitation program on the Gold Coast. He has a private psychiatric practice on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. Dr Morris leads the Gold Coast - Tweed Memory Clinic. He is a member of the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Reference Committee and chairman of the RANZCP Continuing Professional Development Subcommittee.
Dr Morris has held professor positions in psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland and at the School of Health Sciences at Bond University. At the University of Melbourne he was the chairman of the Department of Psychiatry Research Committee. He has been Medical Superintendent of Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital, North Ryde NSW, and Director of Mental Health for the Gold Coast District Health Service and Foundation Professor/Director of the National Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health in Melbourne. He has served as a medical member of the Queensland Compensation Commission (Q-Comp) Medical Assessment Tribunal - Psychiatric.
His clinical and research interests include the psychiatric care of medical and surgical patients (consultation-liaison psychiatry), neuropsychiatry/psycho-geriatrics, post-trauma syndromes in civilians and veterans, clinical drug trials, and co morbid drug and alcohol and psychiatric conditions. Dr Morris has engaged in post-graduate research and clinical training in the USA. He has published a considerable number of articles and reports and has won many competitive government research grants as well as pharmaceutical industry support for clinical drug trials. He is an external assessor for the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Dr Morris is trained in the application of the American Medical Association Guides for the Assessment of Permanent Impairment, the ComCare psychiatric impairment ratings, and the Psychiatric Impairment Rating Scale (PIRS).
Korinne Szandala is a registered clinical psychologist
Korinne
is a registered clinical psychologist with over nine years experience in
the field. After completing her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) program
through UNE in 2000, Korinne gained a position as an Intern psychologist
in ACT Health and later completed her Master of Psychology (Clinical) through
CSU in 2006 whilst continuing to work in the field. This applied program
fostered a number of practical placements to compliment the focal areas
of study including Adult Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health,
Neuropsychology and advanced clinical topics including health psychology
and sleep disturbance.
Before graduating, Korinne provided primary care to those with advanced Dementia in a secure hostel environment. This sparked an ongoing interest in the functional effects of neurological conditions. She started her psychological practice in public mental health in 2001, providing clinical management services to adults with a diagnosis of a moderate to severe mental illness, including psychotic disorders, often along with comorbid substance abuse or cognitive impairment. She then took on a central role in the delivery of the Throsby Eating Disorders outpatient Day Program in Canberra, which refined her skills in working with complex family dynamics and (often) unmotivated clientele. She later worked in specialist Forensic Services providing risk assessment of detainees and expert Mental Health and Fitness to Plead assessments for the Magistrates Court. Korinne completed an intensive placement at the Canberra Hospital’s Rehabilitation ward under the skilled supervision of the Senior Neuropsychologist. Here, she trained in the assessment the functional impacts of conditions such as CVA, tumor and head injury. Most recently, Korinne became the Defence Intelligence Organisation’s Psychologist, where she was responsible to advise senior management on personality profiles, provide employee assistance as well as psychological health and leadership training.
Korinne welcomes clients with a broad range of circumstances. Korinne has a special interest in severe anxiety disorders including OCD, adolescent eating disorders, building assertiveness skills and conflict management. She also has an interest in deception and social desirability indicators. Throughout her experience, she has sustained a strong interest in the functional effects of CVA and other neurological events. Korinne has a strong belief in the acceptance of the individual and is passionate about helping individuals find the best way through their personal challenges. She likes to tap into core values and beliefs, and consider the person in their greater social context, to find the way forward.
Ann Huntress - Psychologist, Neurofeedback Practitioner, Cogmed Qualified Coach
Psychology Board of Australia Reg. # 0001329433
BSc Psych (Hons)
Ann is a Member of the Applied Neuroscience Society of Australia and an
Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society.
Ann works with children and adults of all ages. Her areas of interest include
applied neuroscience and brain-based therapies, memory and learning difficulties,
depression, anxiety and stress, PTSD, and assessments of cognitive functioning
including the WAIS-IV & WISC-IV Assessments and IntegNeuro Cognitive
Assessment. Her therapeutic modalities include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy,
Mindfulness, Solution-Focussed Therapy, EMDR and EEG Biofeedback.
Ann’s goal as a psychologist is to facilitate individuals' abilities
to reach their full potential in brain and mind health. Since joining Solstice-Mind
Matters in 2008, Ann has managed the Memory Clinic Programme, assisting
many people with restoration of memory function and prevention of memory
deterioration. She is a Cogmed Qualified Coach, providing mentoring to individuals
undertaking Cogmed Working Memory Training Programme, and a Neurofeedback
Practitioner.
Leon Petchkovsky - Independent Health, Wellness and Fitness Professional
Dr. Leon Petchkovsky, PhD
Neuropsychiatrist, Jungian Psychoanalyst, Psychodramatist, neurosciences researcher.
Director, Past President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Jungian Analysts.
Specialises in Neuropsychoanalysis, Attachment dynamics, Ethnopsychiatry, Psychodrama.
Leon combines life-long experience in “mindfulness” meditation, depth psychotherapy and neuroscience research. Has recently published papers on the fMRI correlates of psychological “complexes” and QEEG changes in depressed patients attending an 8 week choir program.
Works in long-term psychotherapy with people who want a creative approach (dreams, art, music, drama, meditation) that combines with an understanding of attachment dynamics and neurodevelopmental issues.
Is also available for tertiary consultations/opinions in difficult and controversial cases, when he can use clinical QEEG and neurofeedback paradigms.
Dr Petchkovsky has been regularly visiting Aboriginal communities in Central Australia over the last 20 years.
Leon is available for consultations on a weekly basis.
View Leon Petchkovsky's profile
Staff
Sarah French - Reception and Laboratory Assistant
Special Assistants: Cassie and Noni
Two important members of our team are Noni and Cassie. Noni is believed to
be the first dog in Australia to be used in psychological therapy.
Our furry friends provide safety and grounding for anxious children and adults and bring a special kind of healing. Ask us for more information on animal-assisted therapy.
Employment at Solstice
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Investment opportunities
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