top of page

DARWIN PSYCHOLOGISTS

Mental Health support for individuals of any age, couples and families with our on-site psychologist.

​

  • Depression and mood disorders

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Adjustment disorders

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Neurodiversity and developmental disorders

  • Chronic Pain

  • Substance-related disorders

  • Eating disorders

  • Perinatal support

  • Suicide support

​

Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and referral.

​

* Rebates available through Medicare and private health insurance for some services.

​

* Free services with a Short Term Therapies (STT) referral available for:

1) low income earners (Health Care Card and Pension Card) or those who meet other

specified hardship criteria

2) suicide prevention for those at increased risk

​

* Services also available for people through NDIS, Workers Compensation, Motor Accident

Compensation and Employee Assistance Programs.

JENNA RICHARD

Clinical Psychologist

 

Jenna has experience working with a diverse range of people in a wide variety of contexts, from capital cities, rural regions, and very remote Aboriginal communities, plus amazing seasons living and travelling overseas. Jenna has called the NT home since 2011 and has enjoyed learning Australian Kriol, about Top End cultures, and getting involved in the local community.

 

Jenna has been a registered Psychologist since 2005 and returned to university in 2018 to do further training to become a Clinical Psychologist. She has a holistic approach to health which considers biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors, including worldview, beliefs, relationships, roles, and community.

 

Jenna's clinical approach is evidence based, trauma informed, client centred, compassionate, collaborative, and informed by a range of therapeutic approaches, including but not limited to CBT. Jenna believes effective therapy leads to increased self-awareness, new skills, and contributes to making lives and relationships healthier and more meaningful. Jenna considers it is a privilege to journey with people through the seasons and challenges they face, and she seeks to contribute hope, support, and skills for growth, change and increased resilience.

 

When she’s not working, Jenna enjoys being active and outdoors, time with family, friends and animals, or watching movies to relax.

7.png

DR. ESTER PENA

Psychologist

 

Ester grew up in Humpty Doo after her family relocated from Italy as missionaries, when she was 8 years old. She has grown to love Darwin and its relaxed atmosphere, the nature, the sunsets, and the opportunities it offers.

 

Ester has studied, trained and worked locally. She completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at CDU followed by a PhD, before taking time off from work and study to raise a large family. After some time in human resources and chaplaincy roles, Ester started work in clinical practice with Psych Plus Services in 2020. 

​

Ester is a compassionate and dedicated Psychologist who prefers a non-pathologising approach to mental health. She particularly enjoys working with adults and couples who present with a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety and relationship issues, as well as less well-defined difficulties that are part and parcel of being human. Drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioural and humanistic approaches, Ester brings a unique blend of empathy, straightforwardness and humour to helping people navigate life's difficulties and discover their own paths forward. 

​

Outside the therapy room, Ester enjoys cooking, spending time with her family and op-shop shopping. 

8.png

MARIA VESCAN

Psychologist

 

Maria and her family have made Darwin their home since 2015. Having grown up overseas, Maria understands the challenges and complexities of cross-cultural living. After personally experiencing the benefits of therapy, Maria was motivated to train as a psychologist herself and completed her Bachelor of Psychology and Honours overseas. Maria is a Provisional Psychologist in the final stages of her clinical masters at CDU and seeks to make a positive impact in the community. 

 

Maria has experience working with clients across the lifespan from diverse cultural backgrounds, with different presenting issues, as well as with clients in the suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention areas. Maria has a particular interest in working with first responders, chronic mental health problems, and older aged individuals. Maria is passionate about helping people navigate the challenges of life, find meaning, and live the kind of life they envision for themselves. 

 

Maria is multilingual, speaking English, Hebrew, and Romanian. She likes to use humour and be authentic and genuine in the therapy process. In her spare time, she enjoys reading science-fiction, learning about space, and exploring the outdoors. 

10.png

MANISHA DE ZILWA

Registered Play Therapist

 

Manisha believes in utilising children’s natural language of play to help them overcome difficulties and thrive on their healing journey. Manisha’s approach to working with children involves creating a safe, playful space for them to freely be their own unique, authentic selves. A space that allows feelings like anger, fear, frustration, sadness, and grief to emerge and be processed, so that healing and growth can begin.  

 

Manisha is a Registered Play Therapist with Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA). Her education includes a Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies and Master of Play Therapy from Charles Darwin University, Australia. With over 12 years of working with families and children in the Territory, Manisha is passionate about improving children and adolescents' lives with culturally responsive and high-quality therapeutic support.

 

Manisha moved from Sri Lanka to Darwin in 2009 to pursue further studies and has since made Darwin her home. When Manisha is not doing play therapy you will find her drinking tea, playing and having fun with her three children, or watching movies with her husband.

MCC2.png

RACHEL EVANS

Provisional Psychologist

 

Rachael is a Provisional Psychologist in her final year of the Master of Clinical Psychology at CDU and currently undertaking a Student Placement with Psych Plus Services. Rachael is also a Physiotherapist and previously worked in private practice for four years. 

 

Rachael comes to psychology after practicing as a Physiotherapist, having developed a keen interest in the psychological drivers of chronic pain presentations and workplace health issues. Rachael uses her background in physical health to conceptualise client mental health holistically and through a biopsychosocial lens. Rachael also has a keen interest in psychological issues that affect young women, such as safe and healthy relationships, body image issues and eating disorders. 

 

In her spare time Rachael enjoys nature and the outdoors, running, birdwatching and 4WDing. 

15.png
bottom of page