Youth Counselling and Eating Disorder Counsellor in Brisbane

Joanne Fitzgerald

Hi, I'm Jo, Director of Fitzgerald Therapy and a registered psychotherapist.

My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t a straight line, it started with a deep curiosity about human behaviour and a desire to understand myself better. Over time, that personal journey grew into a calling to help others navigate their own challenges.

As I began working with young people, I discovered my passion for supporting them through life’s ups and downs. I felt a strong connection to their unique struggles, and I knew I could offer a safe, empathetic space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Today, I have the privilege of not only working directly with clients but also supporting other therapists in their journeys as a director.

In my practice, I take a client-centred approach, meaning you are always at the heart of the work we do together. Therapy is a collaborative process and we work side by side to uncover insights, build skills, and create meaningful change.

Who I work with:

Children aged 5+, youth, and young people
Individuals experiencing:
- ‍Depression and a range of anxiety disorders, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, OCD, and related concern
- Eating concerns, body image difficulties, and diagnosed eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating disorder)
- Trauma and complex PTSD
- Family separation, transitions, and complex dynamics
- Life changes and challenges, with support in navigating these transitions

Families seeking support and guidance
Neurodivergent clients
University aged young people

Therapeutic approaches I use:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – exploring how thoughts shape feelings and behaviours
Schema Therapy – understanding how past experiences influence coping strategies
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – building practical skills for emotional regulation and change
Play Therapy for children under 10 years old

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Swinburne University of Technology)
Graduate Diploma of Counselling
Currently completing a Masters of Counselling (research stream)

Every person’s story is unique, and I am here to walk alongside you in yours—whether you are a young person navigating challenges or a family seeking guidance.

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Psychotherapist, Joanne Fitzgerald standing with her hands in her pockets, smiling at the camera

Registered Psychotherapist
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Graduate Diploma of Counselling

Registered Psychologist
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Master of Psychology

Phoebe Heald

Hi, I’m Phoebe and I’m a registered psychologist who’s passionate about helping people
navigate challenging periods and improve their mental wellbeing. I completed my Bachelor
of Psychological Science in 2020 and my Master of Psychology in 2024. I’ve been registered
since 2024 and have enjoyed working in not-for-profit, community, and private practice
settings.

I enjoy supporting teenagers (14+), young adults, and adults with low mood, anxiety, stress,
perfectionism, burnout, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief and loss,
communication skills, and assertiveness skills.

I take a collaborative approach to therapy and prioritise developing and maintaining a strong
therapeutic relationship. I’m passionate about working with my clients to improve their
insight, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life through trauma and attachment-informed
approaches that utilise their personal strengths.

I use a variety of different therapeutic modalities including:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to identify how thoughts influence feelings and behaviours particularly through a self-compassionate lens
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to promote psychological flexibility,mindfulness and connection with values
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to identify and address interpersonal issues through skills building
Schema Therapy to identify and heal early maladaptive schemas and coping styles
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)-informed skills to regulate intense emotions and build healthier relationships

If my approach sounds like a good fit for you, please don’t hesitate to make an inquiry. I look forward to meeting you and joining you on your journey.

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Sashelle Aitken

Hi, I’m Sashelle, a passionate and dedicated Registered Psychologist who works with children (5+), adolescents, young adults, and adults. I have completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science (2018), Post Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science (2021), and my postgraduate psychology training through the 4+2 internship pathway. I have been registered since 2023 but have been practicing within relevant roles and working full-time since 2018.

I’m driven by a deep belief in the power of meaningful therapeutic connection and the importance of supporting individuals in understanding and embracing their unique experiences.

My journey into psychology was fuelled by a curiosity about the human mind and a strong desire to help people navigate life’s challenges with compassion and clarity. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working across private practice, the NDIS, and non-profit organisations, which has enriched my understanding of diverse mental health needs and helped me support clients in a way that’s both personalised and effective.

✦ My Specialty

I have a strong interest and specialised experience in supporting a wide range of mental health presentations, which include but are not limited to:

- Anxiety disorders

- Depressive disorders

- Phobias

- Eating and body image concerns

- Stress and burnout

- Neurodivergence utilising Neuro-affirming lens

- Life transitions and adjustment issues

- School, university, and career support

- Navigating difficult interpersonal relationships

- Building resilience, self-compassion, and self-esteem

✦ Therapeutic Approach

I take a client-centred, strength-based, and neuro-affirming approach to therapy. I believe that each individual brings their own wisdom and insight to the table, and therapy should be a collaborative space that celebrates and supports that.

I draw on a range of evidence-based interventions, tailoring each session to your goals and preferences. My work is grounded in:

- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

- Motivational Interviewing (MI)

- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

✦ Credentials & Professional Memberships

- Registered Psychologist

- Bachelor of Psychology (BPsych)

- Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science (GradDipPsychSci)

✦ Let’s Connect

If you’d like to learn more about my work or get in touch, feel free to visit my LinkedIn profile.

( Sashelle Aitken - Mental Health Clinician - Stride Mental Health | LinkedIn)