Our Team

Rachael Lovett

Registered Psychologist, Registered Teacher

Works with children, adolescents, parents, adults, couples and families

Having worked in schools since 1999 as a teacher and guidance counsellor, I know how beneficial it is for families to seek help when they need it. The family is a complex, dynamic and interactive system that requires a compassionate, sensitive and delicate hand when there is hurt or when things go awry.

I have a keen interest in assisting children, adolescents and adults with anxiety and depressive symptoms. My training in cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, sand play therapy and other expressive therapies have allowed me to connect with clients, regardless of their age. I value parent education and love connecting with parents by facilitating parenting workshops.

I work with individuals and couples, and I am happy to engage with schools, knowing schools' important role in our children's social and emotional well-being. The Family Room serves as an extension of the service that I have been providing in the community for more than a decade.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours in Psychology)
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Bachelor of Education
Masters of Education in Guidance and Counselling

Chad McCormick

Registered Psychologist

Works with adolescents, adults, and couples.

I have worked as a psychologist in my own practice since 2006. I have joined forces with Rachael Lovett, my partner in life, and now in business at The Family Room. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults and couples, helping them to manage difficult emotions and strengthen connections with loved ones.

I started my career in occupational rehabilitation, helping clients with adjustment to injury counselling, pain management and navigating WorkCover and the return to work process. I continue to see clients with WorkCover claims. I have a chronic illness that challenges me to pace activity and manage my chronic pain. This experience has led to me working with more individuals and couples living with disability and chronic health conditions. I also enjoy helping male clients dig deeper into their feelings, figure out what is going on inside and learn practical skills to feel better and do better.

I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches including Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

I love my wife, my kids and my coffee. I also love being by and in the sea.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Psychology (First Class Honours)

Kelly Worrell

Educational & Developmental Psychologist

Bachelor of Arts (Honours in Psychology), Masters of Educational & Developmental Psychology

Clients: children and parents, adolescents.

Completing a Masters in Educational and Developmental Psychology, working across schools as a Guidance Counsellor and private practice, and parenting my own children, I have built a sound knowledge of development and developmental differences that have allowed me to appreciate the joys and challenges of raising and supporting children and young people. I am passionate about supporting parents and children in finding greater strength and security in their relationships, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with people across their lifespans through times of transition, challenge, and growth.

My approach is grounded in a strengths-based holistic method that draws on a range of evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Informed Practices, Mindfulness, and Attachment Science. I practice from a stance of empathy and gentle curiosity, aiming to create a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental space to explore experiences and help clients pursue their goals.

I take a reflective approach and continually re-evaluate my processes to keep up with the evolving knowledge in this field. I am passionate about learning about people and becoming more skilled in the pursuit of helping others.

Personal Interests: Spending time with friends and family, travelling, hiking and exploring the outdoors.

I work with clients across the lifespan including children, adolescents, and adults. I find meaning in helping clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, and developmental concerns, including ADHD, Autism, and Learning Disorders. I also have extensive experience in crisis counselling and supporting people impacted and bereaved by suicide.

Working with warmth, empathy and compassion, I enjoy collaborating with my clients to achieve their therapeutic goals. My primary therapy approaches are Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

I am a provisionally registered psychologist, having completed four years of tertiary education before pursuing an internship at The Family Room. During this internship, I undertake a higher level of supervision from fully registered senior psychologists. Provisionally registered psychologists cannot offer a Medicare rebate, however, my fees are lower to reflect this.

I am an adoring Grandmother of seven and enjoy spending quality time with my extensive family. I also enjoy painting, amateur photography and quiet time cuddling my adorable fur baby.

Kirsten Schmitt

Registered Psychologist

Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science (Advanced), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Masters of Guidance and Counselling Psychology (Honours)

Clients: children and parents, adolescents, parents and adults.

Jackie Batrachenko

Registered Psychologist

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Clients: children and parents, adolescents, and adults.

I have worked as an early childhood teacher and continue working part-time as a guidance counsellor at a secondary school, adding to my 14 years of experience in the role.

As a psychologist in private practice, I enjoy working with clients of all ages.

I am passionate about psychological assessment for children and young people to facilitate access to therapies and supports that encourage self-compassion, well-being, and skills for life.

My primary therapy approaches are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Play-based therapies. I feel fortunate to have a career that has helped me grow personally and as a parent to my own children. I do my best to keep a curious mind and open heart both at work and in my personal life.