Meet the
Rustam Yumash
qEEG Manager / Neurofeedback Practitioner
Rustam is a Neurocoach, Neurofeedback Practitioner, Researcher and developer of neuroscience based products and services.
After finishing his degree in medicine, he developed his approach to Mind – Body Somatic Therapy for treating trauma and chronic tension. Rustam’s main interests are in Brain Health & Fitness. His objectives are developing and providing Neuroscience based services and products for enhancing brain performance, cognitive abilities and improved mental health.
Rustam is fluent in Russian.
B. Med, Russia, Dip.Neurology (Russia)
Louise Oliver
Senior Psychologist
Registered psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, educator and trainer, Ms Olivier has over twenty years experience in Australia and USA working with individuals, groups and community organizations. Ms Olivier specializes in a wide range of stress management therapies and conducts classes and courses in personal transformation and lifestyle techniques.
She also works with adolescents, adults and the elderly, in areas of:
- Anxiety and depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Grief and Bereavement
- Terminal /chronic illness
- Eating disorders
- Anger and Conflict resolution
- Disabilities
- Relationships
- Premarriage preparation
- Career Issues
- Debriefing of professionals
- Workplace conflict /stress
- Developing personal goals
- Job network counselling
- Study & exam preparation
BA, MA, Dip Ed, Psy D, MAPS, MACCP
Sydney Stokes
Psychologist / Clinic Manager
- Full registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), University of Queensland
- Accredited ‘Secret Agent Society Small Group Program’ facilitator
- Auditory Training Program Practitioner
Accepting new clients January 2023.
B. Psych. Sc. (hons), MAAPi
Sydney graduated from the University of Queensland in 2016 with a Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours (Class 2A). Her research during the honours program explored the role of perfectionism and internalisation of media’s ideal image on body satisfaction in females. Areas of special interest include sensory neuroscience, child and adolescent development, anxiety and eating disorders, Autism and ADHD in adults and children.
Sydney has been a psychologist with Brain Care for the past five years and clinic manager for the past 12 months.
Sydney has completed accreditation as an Auditory Training Program™ practitioner, Secret Agent Society Social Skills Training Small Program Facilitator, and is looking forward to complete certification in EMDR.
Sydney has a warm, compassionate approach with her clients, and strongly believes in the importance of safety, trust, honesty, and authenticity in the development of a successful therapeutic relationship.
When not in the office, you will find Sydney surfing, in the dance studio, or at the local farmers markets.
Paul Moorhead
Counsellor / Neurofeedback Practitioner
B. Psych. Sc.
Diploma of Counselling
M.A.C.A (Level 1).
Paul moved from Beaudesert to the Gold coast in 2010, where he studied a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith University. Paul’s always had a keen interest in human nature and continued to explore a variety of Psychological and philosophical theories in his spare time before returning to TAFE to study Counselling.
Key interests for him include Brain anatomy and function, personality, development and self-actualisation. He also has a deep belief in the resilience of the body and mind to overcome diversity.
Paul is also a qualified Chef and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen on weekends in between doing the Lindy Hop (swing dancing) and playing cricket.
Mark Podesta
Psychologist
With a background in law, science, the Army Reserve, university lecturing, and pastoral care, Mark decided that the time was right for a sea change in 2017, moving from Sydney to Queensland to be with his family. Graduating from his fourth year of psychological studies at Charles Sturt University in 2019, the focus of his research explored the relationships between sexuality, religious upbringing, and narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy personality traits.
His areas of professional interest include anxiety, depression, phobias, and stress. While he is delighted to work with a wide range of clients, Mark has a particular interest in working with men, and members of the LGBTIQ community.
Mark has a love for travelling. He had the opportunity to live in Florence and Rome from 2009 to 2012, where he became proficient in the Italian language. While based there, Mark had the opportunity to visit some 24 countries in Europe, with his favourite destinations being in the Baltic, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and of course his ancestral home, Malta.
At home, Mark is an avid astronomer and astrophotographer; he enjoys singing with his local community choir, and loves animals (his pets include a moodle, Suzy, and a black-headed caique, Francis); his ‘happy place’ is either in his kitchen cooking traditional Mediterranean recipes handed-down to him, or tending to his tropical garden by the water on the Gold Coast.
Trenton Ellwood
Provisional Psychologist
Neurofeedback Practitioner
Trenton is a provisional psychologist, neurofeedback practitioner and auditory training technician. Trenton completed his Bachelor of Psychological Science at Swinburne University in 2020 after living in the United States. His fond interest in Psychology has been pursued further within the 2021 Honours program at Southern Cross University—with a focus on goal setting and mental health interventions of physical activity. His personal goal is to continue to develop his knowledge and skillset within a fascinating and progressive discipline.
Areas of interest include brain functioning and anatomy, as well as attention, memory, and perceptual processes. Trenton appreciates that an individual has the ability to appropriately adapt thought and behaviour within their environment to successfully promote positive change.
Trenton’s has a background in music, working as music instructor and program director in the US where he taught students of all ages. During his spare time you’ll find him playing guitar, producing music, and spending time with his two beautiful cats. Trenton enjoys practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which he has doing for 6+ years, competing both locally and internationally.
Jane Stevens
Provisional Psychologist (Pending)
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Provisional registration (pending) as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
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Member of the Australian Association of Psychologist Inc. (pending)
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Advanced Graduate Diploma of Psychology, Bachelor of Environmental Science
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Graduate Hakomi Somatic Mindfulness Psychotherapy
Jane graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2022, with an Advanced Graduate Diploma of Psychology. Her research thesis investigated the gender bidirectional relationship between adult attachment styles, and perceptions of sexual coercion and consent in long-term intimate relationships.
Jane has accreditation in Hakomi Somatic Mindfulness therapy, and strongly believes in the practice of mindfulness and somatic awareness, to assist with a great range of psychological difficulties and to support thriving in life. Jane has personally practiced mindfulness and meditation for over 17 years. Jane has a previous career in Environmental Science and nature conservation, and is passionate about our intrinsic connection with nature, and its role in health and wellbeing.
Special areas of interest are, supporting people with disabilities to live their best lives, somatic mindfulness therapy for healing developmental complex trauma, and animal assisted therapy.
Jane brings the principles of compassion, mindfulness, mind-body holism, safety and connectedness to her practice as a Provisional Psychologist. In her relaxation time, Jane can be found hanging out with her two best friends, her deaf red cattle-dog Cricket and her partner, walking on the beach or camping in peaceful natural environments.
Pipi the Golden Retriever
Pipi is our resident therapy dog. She loves all people, cuddles, pats and walks. Pipi was named after her predecessor Noni (our long standing clients may remember her well). Many years ago, Noni was running along Fingal beach, her favourite place. Upon arrival she pranced to the water and began to dig in the sand (the beach was the only place she was allowed to do this). Much to her surprise, Noni found a pipi shell and without hesitation, gently picked it up and ran with it for hours, smile ear to ear.
The joy our Pipi brings our staff and clients is reflective of the joy the pipi shell gave Noni. Pipi was an obvious choice for her name and we are so happy to have her here with us.