Our Clinic Team
Dr Matt O'Connor
Clinical Psychologist
Debbie Green
Psychologist
Michelle Pullen
Educational and Developmental Psychologist
Emily Coote
Educational and Developmental Psychologist
Angela Bromfield
Educational and Developmental Psychologist
Dr Matt O'Connor
Clinical and school Psychologist
BpsySci(Hons), Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
About me as a person
My top three character strengths are: Creativity, Humour and Perspective, and these summarise me perfectly! I love learning and thinking about things in a different way. I regularly have a ‘new thing’ that I’m into, whether that is learning about raising ducks, learning magic tricks, gardening or how to win at Fortnite. My closest people would describe me as curious and compassionate and someone whom they would come to for advice, a good cry or a belly laugh. I am so grateful and challenged by my family – my partner, our toddler and our cavoodle (who is by far the most troublesome of us all!) and learn a lot from their unique character and strengths.
About me as a psychologist
As a psychologist, I am all the things above but with a focus on bringing those qualities out that will best suit our work together. I have almost a decade of experience as a school psychologist and in education, including working in a co-educational school (St Peters Lutheran College), particularly working with teenagers, as well as supporting a number of other school psychologists. I’ve also worked as a psychologist in other roles, including inpatient psychiatric units, adolescent drug and alcohol, for Defence and for Queensland police. I have balanced my work with individuals by also doing presentations and programs with a strong focus on supporting parents. Outside of my role as a psychologist, I have and continue to volunteer with mental health services, including as the youngest-ever Director of Reachout.com, and as a clinical advisor for Batyr.
I am fiercely passionate about mental health and the courage we show when we reach out for support, and I will help bring that pride out in you for the steps you are taking. My primary focus in our work is for us to develop a strong partnership, and to use this to find the balance that is right for you. For some people, that will include providing you with your space to be heard, for others, it is focused on practical suggestions or in problem-solving together. You will find that while I take my work very seriously, I also believe that counselling does not need to always feel serious and that laughter brings its own healing and growth.
More specifically, I use strategies in my counselling that draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Attachment and Solution Focussed-Brief Therapy (SFBT). I adapt the particular therapy to suit what your preferences are.
Matt sees: Adolescents (12+ yrs), young adults, adults and parents
Matt can help you with:
- Low mood
- Anxiety and high stress,
- Competition and performance issues
- Family difficulties (e.g. parent separation, conflict at home)
- School and study-related challenges (e.g. goal-setting, study skills, motivation, organisation)
- Friendships and relationships (e.g. managing conflict, repairing relationships)
- Sleep difficulties
- Coping with grief and loss
- Managing anger and frustration
- Life and role transitions (e.g. moving to high school, different school or out of school, new job)
- Parenting practices
- Attachment and relationships
- Personal concerns impacting your parenting (e.g. mental ill-health, post-partum depression and anxiety)
- Role transitions as a parent and adjusting to change
- Balancing self-identity and care with family demands
- Parent separation and conflict
Deborah (Debbie) Green
Psychologist
BPsy, Specialisation (Clin and Cog Therapy), MPPsy
About me as a person
Positivity, empathy, openness and caring are the words that best describe my personality. I was born in Argentina and moved to Australia in 2014. I speak both English and Spanish (and am happy to use either in my work). I’m married and have 2 young children and a rescue dog. One of the things I enjoy the most is spending time outdoors at the beach or a park with my family and friends.
I love horses and in my younger years, I used to be a showjumper. Nowadays I enjoy a good movie or the challenge of an ‘escape room’ game. I have also recently started rowing, which I quite enjoy. When I am stressed or tired, I like to relax by practising yoga.
Having neurodivergent members in my family, I have first-hand experience with mental health issues from a personal perspective, having gained a whole different perspective, not as a mental health professional but as a parent and partner of someone suffering from mental health problems.
I can be quite passionate about my beliefs, especially those related to mental health.
About me as a psychologist
As a psychologist, I have worked in schools in Australia and overseas, helping young people deal with problems ranging from mild stress to severe anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. In many cases, working not only with the students but also with their families, their teachers and their support networks have been crucial for achieving a successful outcome.
I have also worked as part of a team in a palliative care unit, helping people and their families in their end-of-life journey. Working as a member of a palliative care team involved close collaboration with doctors, psychiatrists and other health professionals.
Through my passion for horses, I had the opportunity to work in equine therapy for several years helping people with different abilities improve their quality of life.
In my practice, I have always preferred a gentle approach and building a relationship with clients in order to, through trust and respect, build the best strategy for everyone. I can be flexible and I’m always open to new challenges. I believe that when I’m working with someone, we form a team together and work towards the goals we have set up. Throughout my practice, I can be quite passionate about mental health and strongly advocate for what I think is fair. I believe in working in close collaboration with GPs, psychiatrists and other professionals when it is necessary and in the best interest of my clients.
I have trained and worked with several evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). I adapt to each person’s needs in their therapy journey.
Debbie sees: Children, Adolescents, and Parents.
Debbie can help you with:
- Low mood
- Anxiety and high stress,
- Competition and performance issues
- Family difficulties (e.g. parent separation, conflict at home)
- School and study-related challenges (e.g. goal-setting, study skills, motivation, organisation)
- Friendships and relationships (e.g. managing conflict, repairing relationships)
- Sleep difficulties
- Coping with grief and loss
- Managing anger and frustration
- Life and role transitions (e.g. moving to high school, different school or out of school, new job)
- Parenting practices
- Attachment and relationships
- Personal concerns impacting on your parenting (e.g. mental ill-health, post-partum depression and anxiety)
- Role transitions as a parent and adjusting to change
- Balancing self-identity and care with family demands
- Parent separation and conflict
Michelle Pullen
Education and Developmental Psychologist
BSocSci (Psych), BPsych (Hons), BEd, MPsych (Ed & Dev) MAPS
About me as a person
Perhaps it would be best to describe myself using the things I love, value, and enjoy. I love a great pun or ‘dad joke’. I love most animals (and have a healthy respect for the rest). I love trying or learning about new things. For example, as an adult I’ve tried out the violin, gymnastics (and have painfully been reminded I’m no longer a ‘spring chicken’), dance, sewing, and lately have tried gardening and cross stitch. I love the outdoors and am recharged by a good camping trip or bushwalk. I love playing video games and storytelling through table-top role-playing games (like Dungeons & Dragons) with my friends. Like many of my previous clients, I enjoy anime and I am in awe of the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into a cosplay. Finally, my husband and I are in friendly competition with my brothers and sisters for the favourite aunt and uncle to my many nieces and nephews.
I greatly believe in the inherent worth of every single person and that everyone does the best they can with what they have.
About me as a psychologist
I have worked in primary schools as a school psychologist for the last 11 years after some time spent as a teacher. In my work in schools, I have supported students, their parents, and their teachers in a variety of ways regarding child mental, social, and emotional health. Being both a qualified teacher and an educational and developmental psychologist enables me to provide reasonable and workable suggestions for supporting school-aged clients in the classroom or playground.
My varied interests, warmth, curiosity, patience, playful spirit, and unconditional positive regard for all my clients assist with the building of connection and trust that is necessary for the work we do in session to be effective. Trust with the parents/caregivers is also important. What happens in session is confidential, however, if there are things it would be good for you to know to help your child, I will explore that with them to gain their consent. I know that it is a great privilege to be invited into a family’s confidence to support a child or young person. I take that charge seriously.
In session, children and young people usually prefer to share about their challenges and communicate through play, creative endeavours, or talking. In a session with me, a child or young person may sometimes play a game, explore figurines or toys, create art, complete a worksheet and discussion, do role-plays, listen to music, engage in relaxation or breathing exercises, listen to a story, watch a video, or…they may just like to sit and talk while holding a stuffed animal or toy.
In other words, most commonly the therapeutic strategies I draw from are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focussed Brief Therapy (SFBT), some elements of Gestalt therapy, and expressive and play therapies. I have experience supporting children and young people with difficulties and disabilities such as children with ADHD, specific learning difficulties and disabilities, language difficulties and disorders, anxiety-based disorders (including selective mutism), and Autism. I also have an interest in trauma-informed practices. Generally, the format and therapy used in each session is guided by the child or young person’s needs and preferences at the time.
Michelle sees: Children, Adolescents, and Parents.
Michelle can help with:
- Worries, fears, or stress
- Coping with family changes
- Grief and loss
- Coping with Friendship difficulties (how to choose, make, and keep friends, managing conflict, coping with normal friendship changes over time, repairing relationships).
- Emotional outbursts or meltdowns
- Coping with or managing strong emotions.
- Nightmares or other bedtime or sleep routine difficulties.
- Parenting tips or practices
- Low mood
- Teasing or bullying
- Empathy building/being overly competitive
- School reluctance and refusal
- Organisation skills
- Privacy and child safety skills
- Cybersafety
Emily Coote
Educational and Developmental Psychologist
BBehavSci, PostGradDip Psychology, MEdDev
About me as a person
I would describe myself as a people person, who loves a good chat, getting to know others, and sharing stories. I grew up in a small South Australian rural community and have been fortunate enough to have had great adventures travelling and studying overseas, before moving interstate for my career (and staying for love!). These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the importance of finding connection and community, as well as the challenges this can bring across one’s lifetime.
I am a mum of two young boys, and while my youngest is just discovering his world, my toddler shows me daily how to truly explore, play and experience things genuinely for the first time. While I would love nothing more than a long brunch, hot coffee, and a weekend of sports, currently my time is spent exploring parks, afternoon walks and bike rides, keeping to the shallow ends of the pool, searching for birds and planes in the sky, and learning all about trucks and dinosaurs.
When I have time to myself, however fleeting at this stage of parenthood, I enjoy catching up with friends and family, developing my new interest in calligraphy, swimming, and cheering on my sporting teams (I am very much looking forward to one day getting back on the netball court). I’m always on the lookout and welcome recommendations for new things to try, places to visit, and movies to watch.
About me as a psychologist
As a psychologist, I find great joy in working with others as they discover their strengths while providing a safe and nurturing space to explore challenges and fears. My counselling style is very personable and non-judgemental, with a kind, empathetic and validating approach. I believe that everyone should feel safe, heard and understood, and feel confident in our working relationship.
My background has seen me support people of all ages, in particular working with young people through school-based roles (School Psychologist & Guidance Counsellor), crisis management, intervention and support (Child and Youth Mental Health Services and disability support) along with roles in rural and remote communities (educational, medical and hospital settings). My extensive work within complex trauma and crisis support has enabled a calm and relational approach when supporting emotion regulation, safety, and help-seeking. In addition, my roles have always reinforced the importance of connection, community, and understanding the whole person.
While I enjoy working across the lifespan, I have found a particular passion for supporting adolescents and young people. I find great satisfaction and reward in fostering wellness, confidence, hope, safety and resilience not only for adolescents, but children transitioning, in- and then out, into adulthood. I am passionate about assisting young people to discover safe and healthy skills to develop emotion regulation, self-identity, respectful relationships, and positive interpersonal communication.
In addition to providing therapeutic support, I have a passion and skillset for psycho-educational assessments (cognitive, learning and ADHD). I like to work closely with individuals, and their families or support people, to understand the presenting concerns, strengths and goals in order to create a comprehensive assessment plan. This includes working with external stakeholders to create a holistic picture of strengths, needs and future considerations to maximise outcomes. I have extensive experience, knowledge and understanding of the educational systems in Queensland, which allows me to advocate for the appropriate learning, vocational, and/or environmental adjustments, supports and/or modifications.
I bring a genuine, compassionate and relational approach to my sessions and enjoy getting to know others’ strengths, challenges, hopes & interests. My practice often draws upon evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution Focused Therapy. I work openly to keep the sessions client-focused, while also acknowledging the vital role others play in support, advocacy, and development.
Emily sees: Older children (10+), adolescents, young adults, parents
Emily can help you with:
- Low mood
- Anxiety and high stress,
- Competition and performance issues
- Family difficulties (e.g. parent separation, conflict at home)
- School and study-related challenges (e.g. goal-setting, study skills, motivation, organisation)
- Friendships and relationships (e.g. managing conflict, repairing relationships)
- Sleep difficulties
- Coping with grief and loss
- Managing anger and frustration
- Life and role transitions (e.g. moving to high school, different school or out of school, new job)
- Parenting practices
- Attachment and relationships
- Personal concerns impacting your parenting (e.g. mental ill-health, post-partum depression and anxiety)
- Role transitions as a parent and adjusting to change
- Balancing self-identity and care with family demands
- Parent separation and conflict
Angela Bromfield
Education and Developmental Psychologist
BpsySci (Hon), BEd (Primary), MPsych (Ed&Dev)
About me as a person
I would describe myself as an outgoing person who is easy to get along with. I have a good sense of humour and love having a laugh! I am originally from Canada and grew up in a small fishing village in Nova Scotia on the Atlantic Ocean. I left Canada in 1998 after completing a psychology and teaching degree to work in London, England as a teacher. I met and married my South African husband in London.
We immigrated to Australia and moved to Melbourne in 2008 where I had my two children and completed further study to work as a psychologist. We decided we wanted warmer weather and that four seasons in one day wasn’t for us. The Queensland weather and lifestyle called to us. We moved to Brisbane in 2014 to join family here with our two children who are now 15 and 11 and haven’t looked back! I have been working as a psychologist since 2012 and have worked in schools and in private practice in Melbourne and Brisbane.
I love spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, camping, cooking, and baking. I am an animal lover, and we have two Burmese cats (Bailey and Chloe) and have recently added a French Bulldog named Bella to the family who I am obsessed with.
About me as a psychologist
From early on, I knew I wanted to work with children, so my studies have been all focused on achieving this goal. After 9 years in the UK as a teacher, I completed my training at the University of Melbourne to become a psychologist. I think having this understanding of schools and continuing to work in schools in addition to private practice brings me the insight about how to support children well in that environment and understand their needs and challenges. I also have experience in private practice supporting children and adolescents with a variety of mental health concerns and difficulties such as anxiety, depression, coping with grief and loss, anger management, bullying and social skills. In addition to this, I also enjoy supporting parents having difficulties with their children’s behaviour in the home environment. My motto is there is no such thing as a perfect parent, we all need help with this at times. I love seeing parent relationships with their children grow.
When I work with children and adolescents, I like to make them comfortable, so I spend time getting to know them and what they enjoy. I like to build on their strengths and use this in therapy where possible. I feel it is important to validate their feelings and provide the support and understanding they need at the level of development they are at.
I have experience administering cognitive and achievement tests. It provides such valuable insight into a student’s strengths and what they may be struggling with. I can diagnose learning disabilities and giftedness and provide recommendations that can help schools and parents support that student to reach their full potential. I can also diagnose ADHD.
I have training in many evidence-based therapies that I use in my work with children and families including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Child Centred Play Therapy, Solutions Focussed Therapy, and Compassion Focussed Therapy.
Angela sees: Children, Adolescents, and Parents.
Angela can help with:
- Anxiety, Worries and fears and stress
- Low mood
- Friendships and relationships
- Grief and loss
- Life and role transitions (e.g. moving to high school, different school or out of school, new job)
- Parenting practices, home life and support
- Role transitions as a parent and adjusting to change
- Coping with changes/adjustment
- Managing strong emotions e.g. anger
- Teasing or bullying
- School reluctance and refusal