About us
For a Healthier Mind
The Clinic
The Psychology and Therapy Clinic provides psychological therapy and care in an ethical and professional manner.
Laura, the Principal Psychologist, is working towards expanding the Clinic as demand for psychological therapy is increasing. She is passionate in not only providing support for people to have access to local psychologists/therapists in the community of Western Melbourne, but she wants to provide services to anyone who lives in Greater Melbourne and beyond.
The COVID period was a trying time for many, with COVID restrictions and lockdowns having significantly impacted the mental health of people in our community and our way of life.
Our Clinic offers psychological sessions that provide Medicare rebates for clients on a GP Mental Health Plan (with reasonable gap fees). We can also see clients privately and/or via Private Health.
We offer support to clients in a safe environment with comfortable and relaxing rooms in Sydenham. We also offer quality Telehealth sessions for those who cannot attend our rooms, providing video sessions via a secure platform.
Laura Smolcic
Principal Clinical Psychologist
Offers Face to face or Telehealth sessions. Ages 18+
I have worked in a range of settings for over 15 years as a Clinical Psychologist and I am passionate and dedicated to provide my clients with care, compassion and individually tailored- therapy. I feel fortunate to have been able to provide care to my clients over the years. As the demand for Psychologists /Therapists have grown over recent times, I wanted to offer a clinic, to be able to assist more people in the local community and beyond- so people don't feel alone and know that support is available.
I have been a practitioner who uses a range of evidence-based psychological therapies. These therapies will help you challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs, change your unhealthy behaviours, learn about yourself and life patterns and manage difficult emotions in healthy ways. Therapeutic approaches used include: Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT and CBT -E for Eating disorders), Mindfulness skills, to Dialectical Behaviour therapy (DBT) skills, Schema therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I am particularly passionate about teaching & assisting clients in areas concerning body image issues, weight management, dysfunctional & disordered eating behaviours. I use a non- dieting approach and I have recently become an officially accredited Eating Disorder Clinician.
(The ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential is formal recognition of qualifications, knowledge, training, and professional development activities needed to meet minimum standards for the delivery of safe and effective eating disorders treatment.)
I am also a Board approved Clinical Psychologist Supervisor who can provide supervision to other Psychologists. I find my role as a supervisor to be very rewarding.
Melissa Boulind (PhD)
Clinical Psychologist
Offers Telehealth Sessions only. Ages 12+, Adults and older Adults.
Dr Melissa Boulind qualified as a Psychologist at Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and has been working in private practice for over 10 years, recognising that individuals need to change and focus on growth, active decision making and making positive lifestyle changes.
She has extensive experience working with a variety of psychiatric difficulties.
She has also completed courses in basic horse care, including Equine psychology; has trained in supporting individuals from forced adoption; studied Psychology and MS; and has a Practice Certificate in Disaster Management - early psychological intervention.
Melissa has a particular interest in working with:
Adolescents (aged 12 and above) around difficulties including peer conflicts, fitting in, exam anxiety and stress
PTSD and trauma (including illness or poor health, and post-abortion syndrome)
the LBGTQ community, who may experience conflicts including coming out
Neurodivergent clients experiencing life issues/stressors
Depression, self-confidence issues and bereavement.
Melissa uses an eclectic approach combining elements of CBT, Active Decision making, Motivational and Psychodynamic therapy.
She believes that therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems and reductions in feelings of distress.
Rachel Lorenzon
Clinical Psychologist Registrar
Offers Face to face and Telehealth sessions. Ages 12+, Adolescents and Adults.
Rachel is a Clinical Psychologist Registrar having completed a Master of Psychology (Clinical).
Rachel has worked across multiple settings including private practice, school systems, and a cognitive testing clinic.
Rachel has experience working with people across the lifespan. She offers sessions for children over 12 and adolescents, in a safe and engaging environment. She works on developing a trusting and respectful rapport with her clients, so they feel well supported and guided in therapy.
Rachel has a particular interest in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, adjustment difficulties, and life stressors.
She utilises an evidence-based approach to working with children, adolescents, and adults, primarily through the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness Based Therapy.
Rachel aims to provide a safe therapeutic space for clients where sessions are individually tailored to support client needs. Rachel prioritises the establishment of a trusting therapeutic relationship between client and psychologist.
Michelle Dwyer
Clinical Psychologist
Currently on Maternity Leave
Michelle is a registered clinical psychologist who is passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of clients. She has worked in a variety of settings including forensic, private practice, hospital and community rehabilitation.
Michelle is passionate about working with clients who have experienced acquired brain injury, health conditions or chronic pain. She provides support to young people and adults when they are struggling with anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, sleep difficulties, anger issues, low self-esteem, addiction, stress, relationship difficulties and many other life challenges.
Michelle is committed to providing an environment where clients can feel safe, listened to, understood, respected and supported to work towards achieving their own goals.
Michelle uses a range of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills, schema therapy, mindfulness and motivational interviewing. She aims to empower clients and assist them to identify and utilise their own strengths and values when facing life's challenges.
Tiz Robertson
Administration Support Manager
Tiz has over 25 years of experience working in Administration roles so we feel very fortunate that she has been able to join our Clinic. Tiz is very warm and engaging and offers valuable assistance and support to our clients and other health professionals. She also provides administration support for our psychologists.
Tiz loves our clients and is always willing to help whoever is on the other end of the phone.