Meet Your Shine Strong Psychology Professionals

Zoe Swan

*Not accepting new clients

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. 

Contact Zoe

Monica Suhrbier
*Not accepting new clients

Psychologist
B.Psych(Hons)
B.Ed; M.Ed(Guidance & Counselling)

Monica has had the pleasure of enjoying two separate careers. Her previous professional life was as a teacher and a guidance officer where she gained deep insight into the developing child and how this can impact us as adults. She brings all this insight into her current profession as a psychologist. 

Monica has lived and worked in various rural and regional towns in Queensland before settling in Cairns in 2017. As a result of this she brings a diverse perspective to her practice with an understanding of cultural diversity.

Monica's passion lies in helping clients move towards higher levels of well-being and over coming mental health issues. She employs a range of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Evidence-Based Emotion Freedom Techniques, CBT and Mindfulness. 

In her current practice, Monica focuses on supporting clients dealing with stress, adjustment difficulties, work-life satisfaction, grief, anxiety, and depression. By using her diverse therapeutic toolkit, she aims to help clients reduce the intensity and impact of difficult emotions, guiding them toward a more fulfilling life.
Contact Monica

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.

Contact Gemma

Emily Hapea

Currently accepting new clients!

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.

Contact Emily

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.

Contact Barbara

Tristan Henderson

Currently accepting new clients!

Clinical Counsellor & Clinical Hypnotherapist

B.A; B.Ed, M.GuidCouns, CCHt

(ACA, ARCAP, IICT)



Tristan is a clinical counsellor and certified clinical hypnotherapist with a rich background spanning crisis support, education, counselling, coaching, and therapeutic practice. With over two decades of experience, she works with teens and adults supporting challenges such as stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, phobias, addictions, and major life transitions.


Known for her warm, non-judgemental, and compassionate style, Tristan creates a safe and supportive space where clients feel understood and empowered. She draws on evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, positive psychology, strengths-based practices, and clinical hypnotherapy to foster resilience, confidence, and lasting wellbeing.


Tristan is also available via Telehealth and after hours by appointment.


All sessions are eligible for rebates through private health  funds: Medibank, AHM, ARGH, Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, St Lukes Health, GMHBA, HBF, Teachers Union Health, AIA, Doctors Health Fund, Westfund.

Contact Tristan

Casey Gibbons

Administration

Contact Casey