Aster Health Group - Clinical Psychology

Get to know Aster Health Group - Clinical Psychology

From Aster Health Group - Clinical Psychology's website.

• Our approach

  The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of the service, with each client seen as an individual and care shaped around their unique experiences, background, and goals. Sessions draw on a range of evidence-based approaches adapted to suit each person in a collaborative and flexible way. Psychologists help children and teenagers manage challenges like anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, emotional regulation, and trauma using age-appropriate therapies including play-based techniques and cognitive-behavioural therapy, often with family involvement. For adults, the team works with you using evidence-based therapies to improve mental health at a meaningful level, with psychologists trained in multiple trauma-processing approaches including EMDR, cognitive processing therapy, and schema therapy. Support is available in-person at the clinic and via telehealth, with NDIS participants also able to access home, school, and community support.

• Working with families

  Family involvement is central to the service, particularly for child and adolescent therapy. The team uses age-appropriate therapies including play-based techniques and cognitive-behavioural therapy with family involvement to support emotional wellbeing and healthy development. For family therapy specifically, the service offers couples and family therapy to improve communication, resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and navigate major life transitions. Dr Irene Serfaty has particular interests in parent-child and family work, and the team is described as relationship-focused with care tailored to individual and family needs. The service prioritises genuine connection and individualised support as core values.

• Meet the team

  The psychology team includes Dr James Serpesedes (Co-Director, Clinical Psychologist) with extensive experience across the lifespan and strong expertise with children with developmental disabilities including autism and ADHD; Dr Irene Serfaty (Co-Director, Clinical Psychologist, currently on extended leave) with particular interests in attachment-based family therapy, trauma, and eating disorders; and Taylor Joachim (Registered Psychologist, completing Master of Clinical Psychology) who provides person-centred support to clients of all ages and draws on cognitive behavioural therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and dialectical behavioural therapy. All clinicians hold relevant tertiary qualifications and are formally accredited, utilising evidence-based approaches to assist clients in optimising their mental health and wellbeing.

• Your first visit

  When you first get in touch, you'll need to provide a copy of your GP referral letter (for Medicare access) or discuss your NDIS plan if applicable. During the initial session, the psychologist takes time to understand your goals, strengths, and needs, working collaboratively to shape therapy that feels flexible, considered, and aligned with what matters most to you. The assessment process allows the clinician to gather information about your presenting concerns and background, establishing the therapeutic relationship that sits at the heart of the service. You can complete a client registration form to book your appointment, and the service currently has no waitlist, meaning you can access support without unnecessary delays.