Our Team

Rachael Lovett

Registered Psychologist

Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours in Psychology), Bachelor of Education, Masters of Education in Guidance Counselling

Clients: Children and parents, adolescents, adults, couples and families.

Days: Monday to Thursday

Having worked in schools as a teacher and guidance counsellor since 1999, I know how beneficial it is for young people and their families to seek help when needed. I know how schools and classrooms work and I love to engage with schools, knowing the critical role schools play in young people’s social and emotional well-being.

I take a holistic and strength-based approach to therapy. I work hard to ensure that the therapeutic relationship is genuine, equal and compassionate. Therapy doesn’t have to always be serious – there is plenty of room for laughing and playfulness in my room, too!

I draw on different therapy modalities depending on what resonates most with the client, including: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy; Compassion Focused Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Emotion Focused Therapy; Emotion Focused Family Therapy; Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing; Sand Play Therapy, and Expressive Therapies. If a client wishes to bring their spiritual beliefs to their sessions, I encourage drawing on this and enjoy exploring this with them.

I work across the lifespan and am particularly passionate about supporting parents to nurture their relationship with their child as they develop a better understanding of what might be happening. I enjoy gaining insight, but also focus on practical strategies. Kids, adolescents, adults, and older adults all walk through my door. It’s an absolute honour and privilege to hear their stories and to walk alongside them for a while.

Chad McCormick

Registered Psychologist

Bachelor of Psychology (First Class Honours), Bachelor of Arts

Clients: Adolescents, adults, couples and families

Days: Monday to Friday

I have 18 years of experience working as a psychologist in private practice.

I am passionate about helping teenage boys and men dig deeper to uncover what is holding them back. With this insight and the right tools, they can develop a mindset and build a life that works for them.

I started my career in occupational rehabilitation, helping injured workers navigate WorkCover QLD and the recovery process. I also enjoy helping people living with chronic disease. I was diagnosed with a chronic disease in 2000, and I’ve had lots of practice learning to manage my symptoms, accept and respect my limits.

I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. I will adapt my approach based on what makes sense and works for you.

I am a husband and business partner to my talented wife, Rachael Lovett, who is the heart of The Family Room. I may be the small intestine of The Family Room. I enjoy coffee, watching classic Simpsons episodes with my daughter and reading Harry Potter to my son. I also enjoy exercising to the degree my chronic illness will allow, and occasionally over and above what my chronic illness will allow. 

Jackie Batrachenko

Registered Psychologist

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Clients: Children and parents, adolescents and adults

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

I find meaning in helping clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, Autism and Learning difficulties. I also have extensive experience in crisis counselling and supporting people impacted and bereaved by suicide.

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

I am an adoring grandmother and enjoy spending time with my large and loving family.

Kelly Worrell

Educational & Developmental Psychologist

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

Clients: Children and parents, adolescents and adults

Days: Friday

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. 

Kirsten Schmitt

Registered Psychologist

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

Clients: Children and parents, adolescents, and adults.

Days: Thursday and Friday

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 therapeutic approaches are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. I feel fortunate to have a career that has helped me grow personally and as a parent. I do my best to keep a curious mind and open heart at work and in my life.

Dee Pakendorf

Clinical Counsellor and Registered Nurse Division 1

Master in Clinical Counselling, Registered Nurse Division 1

Clients: Adolescents and adults.

Days: Monday and Saturday

I’m all about helping people navigate life’s challenges in a way that feels supportive, practical, and real. My goal is to make sure you feel heard, understood, and empowered.

I take a person-centred approach to counselling, which means I focus on you and what works best for you. Although I lean towards being solution-focused, meaning we will work together to implement practical strategies, I am also trained in several evidence-based therapies.

When I'm not with my family, friends, or dogs, I work part-time as a Nurse. My nursing background allows me to have a deep understanding of how our physical and mental health go hand in hand, and it helps me connect with people on a deeper level. I truly believe that connection is key to our overall well-being, and I’m here to help you build that connection with yourself, others, and life.

I love what I do, and I believe everyone deserves to feel supported and understood. I want to help you find your way forward, whether that’s by working through difficult emotions, navigating life changes, or simply finding some peace of mind.

Kate Harris

Administration Officer

I share the front desk reception and administration duties. I have extensive experience in senior administrative roles.

I know it can be hard to ask for help. I do my best to make booking your first appointment, collecting information, and seeing a psychologist as easy as possible.

Debbie Huggett

Administration Officer

I share the front desk reception and administration duties. I have extensive experience in practice management roles in the medical and allied health fields. I also know where the toilet keys are kept.