Meet the Team

Melissa Turner
Principal Psychologist

Melissa is the principal psychologist at The Deepwater Practice which has been based on the Peninsula for the past 20 years. With 30 years of Psychology experience, Melissa has established a reputation for providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals, couples, and families.

Melissa can help address issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and life transitions. Melissa integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic principles to tailor treatment plans to each client’s unique needs.

Personal Philosophy: “I believe every individual deserves a safe, supportive space to explore their challenges and work towards lasting growth. My goal is to empower clients with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and resilience.”

Bec Garnett
Counsellor

Bec is a trauma informed therapist who has had many years’ experience working with individuals, couples, children, and families. Bec  works with a range of issues using an integrative approach that is tailored to meet the needs of those she works with.

Bec is passionate about working with people to facilitate meaningful change. She finds it rewarding to see people move past outdated patterns so that they feel more aligned with their values and the direction their lives are heading in. 

As an experienced trauma therapist Bec is interested in finding out what has ‘happened’ in your life that has shaped your beliefs, rather than looking through the lens of what is ‘wrong’ with you. Your experience of feeling safe in therapy is fundamental to her practice.

As a neurodiverse practitioner,  Bec has a special interest in working with adults and children who have ADHD and ASD. Bec has also worked as a registered Behaviour Support Practitioner for the NDIS where her areas of expertise included children, neurodiversity and psycho-social disability.

Nicola Monger
Psychologist

Nicola is a psychologist who has worked in private practice for 15 years. Nicola has also worked in occupational rehabilitation, conducted medico legal assessments and also currently works in a mental heath inpatient facility. 

Nicola supports adults across a range of presentations and uses a multi modal approach using strategies from CBT, DBT and ACT and offers a welcoming, friendly and supportive energy.

Vic Val
Psychologist

With over two decades of dedicated practice in psychology Vic brings a wealth of experience and expertise to help you navigate life’s challenges and cultivate lasting mental wellness.

Drawing from a holistic approach to healing, Vic integrates a range of modalities to address the multifaceted aspects of clients mental health journey. From guiding clients through traumatic experiences with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to exploring deep-seated patterns with Schema and Gestalt therapy, restructuring negative thought patterns with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and nurturing inner healing through Inner Child work,Vic’s aim is to empower clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Vic is also SIRA approved and assists clients under workers’ compensation and motor vehicle accident schemes, providing compassionate support and effective strategies to facilitate your recovery and rehabilitation process.

Personal Philosophy: I would often describe my demeanor as calming, as I maintain a grounded presence even in the midst of emotional sessions, providing comfort and reassurance. My non-judgmental stance ensures that you feel heard, understood, and validated in your experiences.

Ben Taylor
Clinical Psychologist

Ben is a Clinical Psychologist who works with patients presenting with various problems including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Ben has previously worked in several private practice settings, as well as occupational rehabilitation, school counselling, and employment services.  

Ben uses evidence-based psychological interventions including cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and cognitive processing therapy. Ben has an active interest in using current research findings to inform his clinical practice.  

Ben works with patients who are neurodiverse, and who present with complex comorbidities. He sees the importance of a team-based approach and collaboration with other health professionals, to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients.  

Ben has a calm and empathetic approach in his work. He is a strong advocate for work-life balance, and when not at work he enjoys bushwalking or learning salsa dancing.  

Emma McCaig
Psychologist

Emma is a registered psychologist who utilises a neurodiversity affirming approach when supporting clients. Emma has worked in private practice and the not for profit sector, across a range of mental health presentations, with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. She uses a multi-modal approach to therapy, finding which interventions best suit each client.

Emma has a special interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) along with providing supports within the disability sector, which she has worked in, in various roles since the NDIS began.

Emin Tezjan
Psychologist

Emin has 20 years of service in community mental health outpatient & inpatient settings & 6 years in Private Practice. He has come to understand that building a supportive therapeutic relationship, insight development, personal resilience, goal planning & self-care strategies are an ongoing cornerstone in the negotiating & coming to terms with life’s challenges. Emin brings a multimodal approach to care which includes acknowledgement of a physical, psychological & social focus as we journey toward the gradual building of self-reliance & sufficiency.

He uses the modalities of CBT, IPT & general counselling to identify, acknowledge & address beliefs & behaviours that have proven to impede self-esteem & strengthening toward the fulfillment of agreed upon personal goals.

This approach is useful toward the management of depression, anxiety & stress in general, co-dependency issues, the importance of personal boundaries, a work life balance and overall quality of life.

Jessica Myers
Psychologist

Jessica is a registered psychologist who works with clients presenting with a range of concerns including anxiety, mood difficulties, personality disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress, and relationship challenges.

Jessica values building a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients and works collaboratively to tailor treatment plans to their individual needs. She has a warm and compassionate approach and places emphasis on empowering clients to work through their present struggles and recover from challenging past experiences to live more satisfying lives in line with their personal values.

Jessica has experience providing assessment, individual therapy, and group intervention across various settings including private practice, NDIS, and public schools. She uses evidence-based psychological interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema-Focused Therapy (ST), and is currently pursuing training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). 

Allison Duffy
Counsellor

I work holistically, bringing a mix of modalities and techniques to sessions. I have a degree in psychology and a postgrad in Gestalt psychotherapy, and also have qualifications in massage, reiki, yoga and meditation. This beautiful mix has given me an extraordinary appreciation of the delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit. For the last 8 years I have worked therapeutically in the community services sector which has given me a plethora of experience and skills.

I work with children, teenagers, adults and families living with a diverse range of mood, mental health and behavioural issues. I help parents and families dealing with the behavioural and emotional challenges associated with ADHD and autism diagnoses,  and maladaptive online and gaming behaviours. I use a mix of CBT, somatic, and gestalt therapies for a well rounded, practical base for relationship and personal change. 

Leigh Irvine
Practice Manager

Leigh has been with the practice for the past 18 years and has a broad knowledge and vast experience managing Allied Health Systems. Leigh is able to assist clients with setting up Work Development orders and any questions relating to Medicare and NDIS.

Jasmine Turner
Dungeons and Dragons Master (DM)

I am Jasmine, a passionate and inclusive DM dedicated to crafting immersive experiences for players of all backgrounds and abilities. I strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to explore the world of D&D. I have enjoyed growing my D&D Mastery over the past 2 years and I am committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for players dealing with mental health concerns and/or disabilities.

Zoey Milczarczyk
Receptionist

As the first point of contact Zoey supports clients in all aspects of scheduling appointments together with assisting clients through Medicare, NDIS and insurance enquiries. Zoey is an integral part of the Deepwater’s best practice approach to supporting all client needs.