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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.  

Dr Bernadette Harris
Clinical Psychologist

Bernadette is a highly qualified Clinical Psychologist with a PhD in Clinical Psychology, an MBA, a Bachelor of Psychological Science, and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours. With a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical training, brings both expertise and a practical, real-world perspective to psychological care.

Bernadette is passionate about helping people move toward meaningful change and achieve their personal goals, whether that involves managing difficult emotions, navigating life transitions, improving relationships, or building resilience.

A range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches are used, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Bernadette sees clients under Medicare, DVA, NDIS and Workcover.

Allison Duffy
Counsellor

With a degree in psychology and qualifications in Gestalt and family therapy, Allison offers a warm, therapeutic approach grounded in compassion, authenticity, and respect for your lived experience.

Trauma informed, she draws on various styles such as inner child and ‘parts’ work, nervous system regulation, as well as CBT and behavioural change practices to support your unique journey. 

Allison will help you explore patterns, build awareness and insight, and heal emotional wounds while challenging limiting beliefs. She will also support you to reconnect with your strengths and develop practical skills that foster emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, and lasting growth.

For the past 8 years Allison has worked in the community services sector with young adults and families with a range of challenges including ASD, ADHD, childhood trauma, anxiety and depression. Allison now works full-time as a family therapist, and is available for individual sessions at Deepwater Practice on Saturdays.

She is registered with the Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia PACFA.

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.

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.

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.