Our Team

Viviana Jancso

Clinical Psychologist (Registrar)

BA Law, MA Applied Psych, Grad Dip Counselling, BA Psych

Personal Information

Viviana is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in EAP, Private Practice and in a Government setting in a vocational rehabilitation capacity. She works with children, adolescents and adults with a range of mental health and behavioural issues. She is nearing the completion of a law degree and is often approached to deal with court related matters including reportable family therapy, court ordered anger management and reporting on criminal cases.

Viviana has experience working across several psychological problems including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, trauma, couples counselling, anger management, eating disorders and autism. Viviana uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and is trained to use EMDR for trauma and Schema Therapy for personality disorders and family of origin issues. Other therapeutic approaches are used depending upon a clients presenting issues.

Joen Choi

Counsellor, Facilitator and Certified Hypnotherapist

BA(Psych)(Hons), MCouns

Personal Information

Joen is an engaging and supportive counsellor who offers professional and confident services to her clients, ensuring they feel safe and heard during their counselling experience with her. She uses person-centred approach, together with hypnotherapy techniques to effectively help her clients work through a wide range of difficult situations, from emotional well-being to any addictions and habit management. Joen passionately believes that with good mental health, any individual will be able to build resilience and find their inner strength to reach their full potential. Fluent in English and Chinese languages, Joen works with a culturally diverse clientele of youths, adults, and couples.

Erfan Nasheri

Provisional Psychologist

BA Psych, BCom, Mnr Community & Family Studies, Grad Dip Psych, AMAPS, Cert IV TAE, MASORC, MBus

Personal Information

Erfan is a provisional psychologist who has worked in both government and private with adolescents, adults and groups. He has over ten years of experience working with clients with trauma/PTSD, anxiety, stress, depression, self-harm, poor self-esteem, relationship or team challenges and psychosomatic issues. Erfan has also worked as a senior manager managing and empowering teams, and values supporting people to make effective health and lifestyle changes to improve their wellbeing.

Erfan is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness and Meditation, Workplace Counselling and Trauma Counselling. He is passionate about working with clients issues in their personal, working and parenting lives and aims to build a strong alliance with clients and, empower them to improve their quality of life and psychological wellbeing.

Sophie Curelic

Provisional Psychologist

BA Psych

Personal Information

Sophie has a Bachelor of Psychology from Curtin University and is a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Sophie seeks to create a safe space which is warm and engaging for clients to share their feelings, thoughts and experiences. She takes a strength-based approach to support clients to enrich their relationships with themselves and with others; and to help them lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

She is particularly interested in creative therapies to engage individuals in a meaningful way without the barriers of communication or language. She also has an interest in women’s health and sexuality and is looking forward to exploring this area further through professional development.

Darryl Shirt

Counsellor and Teacher

Grad Dip Counselling, Adv Dip C&FT, Grad Dip Applied Science, Grad Dip Prim Teaching

Personal Information

After completing 34 years as a Primary Teacher and Librarian in a range of schools in NSW and here in WA Goldfields, Darryl commenced training as a counsellor. His transition to counselling was driven by a strong desire to make a difference especially for families experiencing a range of grief, trauma and relationship challenges. Darryl’s areas of interest span all age groups and include sexuality, relationships(individuals/couples/families), trauma, grief, anxiety and depression.

On a personal note, Darryl is a moderately keen gardener, cyclist and involved in numerous community associations in NSW and regional WA.

Frank Jacobsen

Counsellor and Director of Regional Counselling Services

Diploma of Counselling, Cert IV in Mental Health WAPHA, Cert Business Studies

Affiliations:

• ACA-Australian Counselling Association
• Australian Chaplaincy
• CBT Australia- Cognitive Behavioral Therapist of Australia
• MHFA- Mental Health First Aid Instructor in the following courses:
1. The Standard Mental Health First Aid
2. Mental Health First Aid Refresher
3. Blended Community F2F
4. Blended Workplace F2F
5. On-line Community and Workplace

Mary Worthington

Business Manager

GAICD

Personal Information

Mary is a senior executive with extensive experience in corporate and commercial business leadership within the finance industry. Her recent move to the health industry has allowed her to transfer this skill set to Lifeskills Australia where her key responsibilities are identifying and shaping new commercial opportunities, building partnerships with industry leaders, tender preparation and negotiation, delivery of industry focused mental health education and ensuring best practice in service delivery for all our clients.