Zoe Swan
Psychologist
B.Sc(Hons); M.ProfPsych
Zoe is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Kamilaroi Nation and is also of Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander descent. Zoe’s therapeutic toolkit, including EMDR, somatic therapy, ego state therapy, CBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy, highlights her versatility and adaptability in addressing different concerns. Her focus on trauma resulting in PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship breakdowns and grief, underscores her comprehensive approach to supporting individuals through a variety of life challenges.
Zoe’s commitment to psychology as a means of aiding others on their journey to self-improvement, is evident in her 10-years of counselling experience. Her work with gambling and other addictions in therapeutic settings showcases her dedication to addressing complex issues and helping individuals overcome challenges.
With a board client base ranging from children to adults, Zoe’s inclusive approach creates a welcoming therapeutic space for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Zoe is the Treasurer of the Australian Psychological Society Far North Queensland Branch - an organization that promotes the advancement of psychology. She is a compassionate and experienced psychologist who not only brings a rich culture perspective to her practice but also supports individuals on their path of healing and personal growth.
Zoe is passionate about making psychological services assessable and delivers services both in person and via telehealth.
Monica Suhrbier
*Not accepting new clients
Psychologist
B.Psych(Hons)
B.Ed; M.Ed(Guidance & Counselling)
Gemma Elms
Currently accepting new clients!
Psychologist
B.Psych
PGDip.Psych; M.AppPosPsych
Gemma is a dedicated psychologist with over 15 years of experience supporting adults through complex life challenges.
Her background includes extensive work in correctional and community settings, where she has helped individuals navigate behavioural change, trauma, and emotional wellbeing.
Gemma’s therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and positive psychology. She is passionate about assisting clients in building resilience, enhancing self-worth, and achieving personal growth.
In her practice, Gemma offers a compassionate and collaborative space, focusing on areas including:
- Anxiety, depression, and stress management
- Trauma-informed care
- Behavioural change and offending behaviours
- Men’s behaviour change and violence intervention
- Risk assessment and intervention planning
- Culturally sensitive and inclusive practice
Gemma is committed to empowering clients to overcome obstacles and lead fulfilling lives.
Emily Hapea
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
(AMHSW)
Emily comes to the team as an EMDR therapist with over 15 years of experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma. Emily works with individuals across the lifespan, from 12 years old to older age.
Emily is an accredited mental health social worker who is passionate about being inclusive in her practice. She has had the pleasure of a varied work career that has provided her an incredible wealth of knowledge that she brings to the practice. Some of these organizations include Royal Flying Doctors, Centacare, and Mookai Rosi Bi-Baya.
Emily is experienced in working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. She has worked with people who struggle with substance use, parental support, depression, anxiety, grief, and PTSD. Her therapeutic toolbox includes EMDR, CBT, behavioral interventions, exposure techniques, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing.
She has a warm, non-judgmental approach that puts people at ease and creates a safe space to explore problems and solutions.
Barbara Wasilewski - Telehealth
Currently accepting new clients!
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
(AMHSW)
Barbara is an accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting adults and adolescents experiencing a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and psychosis.
She has extensive experience working with individuals from multicultural backgrounds and is fluent in Polish, allowing her to offer culturally sensitive support to a diverse client base. Deeply client-focused, Barbara takes a collaborative, personalised approach—carefully considering which therapeutic methods will best enhance an individual’s situation and quality of life.
Barbara’s key areas of interest include depression, anxiety, grief and loss, suicide prevention, stress, self-esteem, situational crisis, workplace stress, migrant issues, cross-cultural concerns, and Christian counselling. Her broad expertise allows her to support clients through a wide range of life challenges and transitions.
As a mature professional, Barbara draws on a wealth of life experience and a long-standing career in varied mental health settings. Her practice is grounded in the integration of effective, evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and EMDR.
Tristan Henderson - Telehealth
Currently accepting new clients!
Counsellor & Clinical Hypnotherapist
B.A; B.Ed
M.GuidCouns
Cl.Hyp
Tristan is a Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist with two decades of experience in crisis support, counselling, education, coaching, and hypnotherapy. Tristan's broad background and compassionate approach make her a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their mental health and overall quality of life. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression or looking to overcome limiting beliefs, phobias or addictions, Tristan is here to guide you, every step of the way.
Neuroscientists estimate that 95% of our brain activity occurs outside our conscious awareness. Most of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are generated in the subconscious. Hypnotherapy is shown to be particularly effective in reducing stress, managing anxiety, controlling pain, overcoming phobias, enhancing self-esteem, improving sleep quality, managing addictions, and supporting weight loss and smoking cessation efforts.
Tristan’s counselling approach employs a variety of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), strengths-based and person-centred therapy and positive psychology. These modalities are tailored to meet your unique needs ensuring a personalised and effective treatment plan. A highly trained hypnotherapist, Tristan also incorporates Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and cutting-edge neuroscience into her practice to leverage the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganise itself.
Working with Tristan you may combine hypnotherapy with your counselling sessions if you choose. You will be guided to access your subconscious mind to uncover and address underlying issues, leading to overcoming limiting beliefs, identifying the root cause, and achieving lasting positive change.
Tristan is warm, professional, and highly invested in her clients' progress. She goes above and beyond to support you in achieving your desired outcomes.
Take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact Tristan today to schedule a free 20-minute call and find out how counselling and/or hypnotherapy can help you achieve your goals, eliminate limiting beliefs, improve your well-being and transform your life.
Romeo Lor
Administration
Born and raised in Cairns, Romeo has returned home after spending four years down south in Brisbane. Aside from the heat, Romeo loves the tropical lifestyle of Cairns and enjoys spending time with his family.
Romeo has completed his course in a Certificate III Health Administration from Mater Education and is currently studying a degree in Health Information Management. Romeo hopes to pursue a career in Clinical Coding to help transfer hospitals and health clinics from paper to electronic records.
Outside of work and university Romeo loves singing karaoke and playing video games. His secret talent is his amazing sushi making skills (having four years of sushi-train employment) which is a crowd favourite when spending quality time with family and friends.
Tonia Kelly
Administration
Hailing from New South Wales, Tonia relocated to Cairns in 2017. Being the best move her and family made, they only wish they had made the move earlier with the stunning natural beauty and laidback lifestyle that Cairns has to offer.
Tonia has extensive years of background work in administration roles across different business sectors within Australia and New Zealand. She is excited to bring her experience and abundance of knowledge to being a part of the Shine Strong team.
Outside of work, Tonia loves going to the gym and staying healthy. In addition, she enjoys social activities with family and friends such as going out for dinners, attending the theatre & seeing shows. When at home Tonia loves spending time in the garden, tending to her variety of beautiful plants.
