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 13 years and above, adults and couples

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 they really want and overcome what is holding them back. With insight and the right tools, they can develop a mindset and build a life that works for them and their relationships.

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, accepting and working with my physical capabilities.

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 to you 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, and exercising to the degree my chronic illness will allow. I hope to be a lifelong learner and remain a work in progress.  

Jackie Batrachenko

Registered Psychologist

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Clients: Children 6 years old and above, parents, adolescents and adults

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

I aim to develop a caring and genuine connection with you, so you feel heard, safe, and understood. From that solid foundation, I can help you learn skills and make changes at a pace that feels right for you.

I really enjoy helping children and young people to learn and grow so they can be kind to themselves and build healthy relationships with their friends and family.

I have experience helping clients with a range of mental health issues, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, depression, anger management, stress, burnout, low self-esteem and grief and loss. 

I adapt my approach to best fit each client, using techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness. We will work together to find what resonates with you and your child and build from there. 

I enjoy spending time with my large, loud, and loving family.

Dee Pakendorf

Clinical Counsellor, Relationship & Family Therapist, Registered Nurse

Master in Clinical Counselling, Registered Nurse Division 1

Clients: adolescents, adults, couples and families

Days: Monday and Saturday

With a dual background in counselling and nursing, I bring both clinical expertise and therapeutic care to my practice. My nursing experience provides a strong understanding of health, wellbeing, and the mind–body connection, while my counselling training allows me to support individuals, couples and families through emotional, psychological, and relational challenges.

I work from a person-centred, solution-focused approach, tailoring each session to your unique needs and circumstances to help you develop practical skills that foster meaningful and sustainable change. I am trained in several different therapy approaches, which I integrate with systemic family therapy.  This approach recognises that no one exists in isolation—our relationships, family dynamics, and life stages all shape how we experience challenges and growth. This approach supports you in gaining deeper insight, improving communication, and strengthening your personal, partner and family connections. I enjoy helping families who are supporting a family member experiencing mental illness. 

My goal is to provide a safe, professional, and supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered—whether you are navigating health concerns, personal difficulties, or family transitions.

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.

Kelly Worrell

Clinical 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 reevaluate my processes to keep up with the evolving knowledge in this field. I am passionate about learning about people and developing my skills to assist others better.

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

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.