Hills Psychology Centre

Hills Psychology Centre is a multi-disciplinary practice based in Stirling and Aldgate in the Adelaide hills.

We are a group of dedicated mental health professionals who enjoy working with individuals, couples and families to improve their wellbeing and quality of life. Our clinicians are highly trained, experienced in their respective fields, and are registered with the appropriate governing body for their respective disciplines.

We provide psychological therapy, as well as autism support and education under a range of programs including: Medicare, Veterans’ Affairs, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Our Services

Our clinicians are qualified to treat children, adolescents and adults for a range of emotional and behavioural issues. We tailor treatment to meet your needs using evidence-based therapies including: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, schema therapy, eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR), logotherapy, and clinical hypnosis. We also have an autism specialist who is able to assist people with autism and their families, and a therapeutic arts therapist who utilises creativity as a catalyst for healing, communication and exploration.

Adolescents

Emotional and behavioural difficulties (including self-harm)

Autism spectrum disorder

Interpersonal difficulties with peers and/or family members

Lack of assertiveness

Procrastination and study stress

Attention and concentration difficulties

Sexuality

Teasing and bullying

School refusal

Adjustment following parental separation and divorce

Sleeping difficulties

Grief and bereavement

Depression and anxiety

Hills Psychology Centre
Adults

Anxiety and panic attacks

Autism spectrum disorder

Depression

Social anxiety

Child, family, and parenting difficulties

Adjusting to change and loss (job loss, separation,
divorce, illness)

Stress and conflict

Anger management

Assertiveness

Domestic violence

Trauma

Grief

Sleep problems

Chronic pain

Personality disorders

Couples counselling

Our Team

All clinicians are highly trained, experienced in their respective fields, and are registered with the appropriate governing body for their respective disciplines.

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MELISSA DALMEYER
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Aldgate

Melissa Dalmeyer is a clinical psychologist who has more than 10 years’ experience working in the mental health sector. Melissa has graduate and post-graduate degrees in psychology and clinical psychology. She is skilled in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and positive psychology.

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With this broad range of experience, Melissa can assist with most of the clinical issues presented within a general psychological practice.  Her specific areas of expertise and interest include the following:

  • Sleep issues
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Alcohol, drug, and sex addictions
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Shyness and social anxiety
  • Specific phobias
  • Anger management
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Eating disorders

Jason Gill
JASON GILL
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Stirling

Jason Gill is a clinical psychologist with over twelve years’ experience who enjoys working with people ranging in age from mid-teens to older age. He has a strong interest in treating borderline personality disorder. He previously worked at Eastern Community Mental Health for eight years, where, amongst other things, he co-facilitated dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) groups.

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Jason is a board-approved supervisor, which allows him to supervise other psychologists to assist them to gain their clinical endorsement. He is particularly passionate about helping people to heal from the damage of their earlier life, believing that early trauma does not need to be a life sentence. Jason uses components from a variety of therapies when working with his clients, in order to find the most beneficial techniques for each individual.

Jason is skilled in treating:

  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • Emotion regulation issues
  • Sleep disorders
  • Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and other types of childhood abuse
  • Eating disorders
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Specific phobias
  • Perfectionism
  • Sexual and gender identity issues.

Jason treats clients aged 15 years and older.

Alice-HPC
DR ALICE STOLZENBERG
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Aldgate

Alice is a clinical psychologist who has over 10 years of experience working in the mental health sector. She is trained in cognitive behavioural therapy and dialectical behavioural therapy and she is passionate about providing evidence-based therapies tailored to meet the individual needs of her clients.

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Alice has a strong commitment to creating a safe, non-judgemental space where clients can work towards their therapeutic goals. She has experience working with individuals with personality disorders (particularly borderline personality disorder), mood disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress and adjustment disorders, and individuals struggling with life stressors. She enjoys working with clients aged 16 years and over.

Alice completed her masters/PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Melbourne. She completed her PhD on social supports and perinatal depression.

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ANJALI THOMAS
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Stirling

Anjali is a clinical psychologist with several years of experience working in the mental health field, both overseas and in Australia. She is trained in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), cognitive behaviour therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), trauma-informed and schema therapy approaches. She tailors a blend of therapeutic techniques to suit the unique needs of her clients and enjoys supporting individuals aged 16 years and older.

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Anjali is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for all clients and is devoted to helping them achieve their goals and improving their quality of life.

Anjali has an interest in working with:

  • Eating disorders
  • Emotional regulation issues
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Trauma presentations
  •  Mood disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Adjustment disorders
  • Grief and loss presentations

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PHOEBE BOWEN
PSYCHOLOGIST

Stirling

Phoebe Bowen is a registered psychologist. Originally from South Australia, she completed her postgraduate study in Sydney where she has practiced for the last two years. Phoebe is trained in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and utilises a range of other therapeutic modalities where appropriate including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). She provides personalised, evidence-based treatment to each client and their unique situation.

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Phoebe is passionate about creating a supportive and non-judgemental environment to collaboratively work through the client’s challenges. She enjoys working with clients 15 years and over, and has experience working with;

  • Anxiety (general, social, panic)
  • Depression
  • Stress management
  • Work/life imbalance
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Phobias
  • Emotion regulation challenges
  • Neurodivergence

Sharon
SHARON WELLS
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Stirling

Sharon Wells is a provisional psychologist studying Master’s of Clinical Psychology at the University of South Australia. She also holds a Diploma in Positive Psychology and has a special interest in mindfulness- based therapy. Sharon is passionate about supporting clients to reach their full potential and live their best lives. She is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and compassionate environment with a strong focus on individually-tailored therapy to assist clients achieve their goals.

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Sharon is able to work with clients through the NDIS.

Sharon has experience working with:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Interpersonal challenges
  • Emotional regulation issues
  • Trauma presentations

Sharon enjoys working with clients from 12 years of age.

Chelsea
CHELSEA BEAMES
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Stirling

Chelsea Beames is a provisional psychologist currently finishing her Master’s of Clinical Psychology at the University of South Australia. Chelsea is dedicated to providing her clients a warm and nurturing environment, free from judgement. She integrates cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to individually tailor her treatment to the client’s needs and goals. Chelsea’s work is informed by developmental and attachment theory and utilises a trauma-informed approach.

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Chelsea is open to working with individuals of any age and has an interest in working with:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Mood disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
  • Trauma and dissociative presentations
  • Personality complexities
  • Emotion regulation and self-harm
  • Disability and neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Parents and attachment in young children.

Kirsty
KIRSTY REYNOLDS
ACCREDITED MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER

Stirling

Kirsty specialises in working as a trauma-informed clinician assisting individuals and families to navigate the most challenging experiences of their life. She has a special interest in working with: trauma recovery, PTSD, suicide bereavement, borderline personality disorder, grief and loss, domestic and family violence, sexual assault, anxiety, depression, and alcohol and other drug dependence. She enjoys working with people of ages 13 years and older.

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Qualifications:

  • Master of Social Work
  • Dialectical behavioural therapy
  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy
  • Narrative therapy
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy
  • Clinical hypnotherapy
  • Trauma Centre trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator
  • Level 3 yoga teacher- Hatha
  • Currently undertaking training in schema therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

Ellie
ELLIE ROSS
ACCREDITED MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER

Aldgate

Ellie Ross provides an open, honest and supportive therapeutic environment and is passionate about delivering a high standard of therapy to her clients. She strives to adapt her therapeutic approach to the needs of the individual, in order to achieve their treatment goals. Ellie has over 12 years’ experience working within the mental health sector.

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Ellie is particularly enthusiastic about delivering dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) to treat a range of mental health issues. Her approach to practice is also informed by her training and experience in a variety of other evidence-based therapies including: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT); cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT); cognitive behavioural therapy ten (CBT-T); mindfulness and, multisystemic therapy (MST).

Ellie has completed training in perinatal mental health and the mandatory training to allow her clients to access rebates via the non-directive pregnancy support counselling initiative.

Ellie’s specific areas of interest are:

  • Borderline personality disorder/emotional dysregulation issues
  • Alcohol and substance misuse
  • Prenatal and postnatal care for women to provide support to address issues such as; unplanned pregnancy, termination consideration, antenatal/postnatal depression, pregnancy-related anxiety, concerns of lack of bond with foetus/baby, and concerns related to preparing for parenthood
  • Sexual and gender identity issues
  • Domestic violence
  • Trauma related disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Depression and anxiety.

Ellie will see clients aged 12 years and above.

HILLS-PSYCHOLOGY-JANE
JANE THOMSON
ACCREDITED MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER

Stirling

Jane has a master’s in social work and a graduate diploma in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). She has worked in a variety of settings including government, primary health, corporate EAP, universities, NGO’s and private practice.

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Jane is passionate about evidence-based practice. She is interested in the emerging, cutting edge, body of research in neuroscience. She understands the way trauma leaves an imprint in our physical body that requires gentle, focused care and attention. She believes that post traumatic growth is an achievable goal.

Jane is well versed in traditional CBT, mindfulness and acceptance strategies, DBT and schema therapy. She sees clients with a range of problems and mental health disorders including:

  • Depression and other mood disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Psychosis
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Relationship problems and family conflicts
  • Life crises and adjustment issues
  • Trauma, ADHD and ASD.

Jane welcomes CALD, LGBTQI, neuro-diverse and First Nations peoples to her counselling space.

Hills Psychology
SILVANA FORLINI
CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST, COUNSELLOR & PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Stirling

With several years’ experience working in counselling and psychotherapy, Silvana uses her expertise in assisting individuals and couples to focus on their abilities and potential to become the best version of themselves. Having worked internationally and in rural Australia, Silvana has a deep understanding of how cultural, emotional, and psychological elements influence wellbeing—allowing her to create tailored and effective counselling services for each of her clients. Silvana is highly skilled and trained in several methodologies including:

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  • Cognitive behavioural therapy
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy
  • Logotherapy
  • Relationship counselling
  • Clinical hypnosis
  • EMDR

Her specialisations are within the scope of:

  • Anxiety/panic attacks
  • Fears/phobias
  • Life transitions
  • Anger management
  • Chronic pain
  • Symptoms of IBS
  • Trauma
  • Becoming a non-smoker
  • Relationship counselling

Silvana enjoys working with clients 18 years and older.

Private Health Funds

Silvana is registered with the following private health funds: 
  • Bupa
  • Medibank
  • AHM
  • Police Health
  • Doctor’s Health
  • Teachers Union Health
We recommend checking with your private health fund that you are eligible for a rebate for these services.

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MICHELLE BAWDEN
THERAPEUTIC ARTS THERAPIST

Aldgate

Michelle Bawden is wellbeing leader within a primary school setting, with a Bachelor in Arts and Education from Flinders University. With a fine arts background, having studied at the North Adelaide School of Arts, Michelle deeply understands the power of utilising visual language for storytelling, growth and self-awareness.

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While working, Michelle is currently undertaking a Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice at MIECAT and is registered with ANZACATA, the peak professional body for creative arts in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. She will be undertaking her practicum at Hills Psychology Centre in 2023.

Michelle currently uses therapeutic art therapy 1:1 and in small groups within the school setting; helping students regulate, reduce anxiety, connect and develop their sense of identity to make sense of their lives. Michelle has experience with working with children of all ages with complex needs and individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Michelle has also been working with women 1:1 and in small groups for the past ten years, offering art therapy, meditation and somatic practices to help with trauma, life transitions, emotional regulation concerns, grief, loss and anxiety, always in a safe and connected space.

As a Therapeutic Arts Therapist, Michelle will use art materials and creative processes to support clients to explore their emotions, patterns of emotional experiencing, relationships; including to self and others, to regulate and to deepen their sense of self. Clients will inquire into areas of their lives using a variety of art materials, sound, movement and within the liminal spaces to deepen understanding of self and their lived experiences.

Michelle can companion you through your life in an artistic therapeutic manner, regardless of your age, stage or lived experiences.

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KATE EXNER
AUTISM SPECIALIST

Stirling

With a Bachelor of Behavioural Science from Flinders University, and with more than 20 years’ experience supporting autistic people and their families, Kate has developed a compassionate, individual-focussed approach. She creates a sensory-safe, consistent, autism-friendly environment and works collaboratively with families and individuals to explore their diagnosis and devise strategies to help achieve their goals.

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Kate has worked across the full array of autism-support environments – from one-on-one with younger children at home, to schools, in employment settings and as a consultant improving autism accessibility for large organisations. She is committed to providing responsive care that acknowledges people on the autism spectrum and their families are the experts in their own lives. Kate achieves this by helping people to explore their personal experience of autism, by identifying and building on their strengths, and by equipping them with the knowledge and tools required to make choices confidently.

Kate is happy to work with people of any age or life stage. She begins new support relationships by sharing information about herself, the care setting and by familiarising herself with each individual’s circumstances prior to the first appointment.

Her services include:

  • Building knowledge and confident understanding of the autism diagnosis
  • Assisting in explaining the diagnosis to family, friends, and other supporters
  • Developing everyday living skills, such as toileting and other daily routines
  • Preparation for life transitions, including starting kindergarten, school, moving home, or changing employment
  • Strengthening emotional regulation skills
  • Furthering social engagement abilities

Kate’s services are available to people using the NDIS on both a self-managed and plan basis and to self-funded clients.

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ZARAH BROOKS
COUNSELLOR

Aldgate

Zarah Brooks is a dedicated and compassionate counsellor specialising in person-centred therapy. Zarah holds a degree in psychology from the University of South Australia and is currently pursuing an honours degree in psychology. She is also a member of the Australian Counselling Association.

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With a focus on empowering clients, Zarah utilises the principles of person-centred therapy, to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. By fostering an environment of empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard, Zarah helps clients harness their natural self-healing processes and achieve personal growth.

Zarah works with individuals over the age of 18 privately and through the NDIS, providing support for:

  • Neurodivergence
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Life changes
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Emotional regulation
  • Self-esteem

Zarah is also a trained facilitator of ‘What’s the Buzz’, a neuro-affirming evidence-based, social and emotional literacy group program for children 5-11 years.

Hills Psychology Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more about our fees and services

No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist or mental health social worker if you are using your private health insurance or privately paying the fee in full.

However, if you have a referral letter and a mental health treatment plan from your GP, or a referral from your psychiatrist or paediatrician, you are entitled to a Medicare rebate for 10 sessions per calendar year.

Your doctor may fax these documents directly to us at Hills Psychology Centre. Alternatively, some doctors give them to patients to present at their first appointment. Please note that if we do not have the referral paperwork at the time of your first appointment, we will not be able to process your Medicare rebate.  

The initial referral and mental health treatment plan from a doctor is generally for 6 sessions. After 6 sessions, you are required to undertake a review by your referring doctor. Your psychologist or mental health social worker will send a progress update to your treating doctor at this point. If you and your doctor agree that further psychological therapy is appropriate, your referral or plan can be extended for a further 4 sessions.

Unlike other specialist referrals which expire after 12 months, your referral and mental health treatment plan only expire after you have exhausted the total number of sessions you have been allocated.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the treatment of mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists usually prescribe medication such as anti-depressants or anti-psychotics as part of their treatment.

Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists have usually trained for 6-8 years and can have a masters or doctorate in psychology. Psychologists have special training in conducting assessments using psychometric instruments, and in providing psychological treatments.

Psychological treatment typically involves ‘talking therapies’ designed to help people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, stress, work-related problems, life transitions, and also helping people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Depending upon what the issue is, some people may need to see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist at the same time.

Social workers in Australia provide a wide range of support services to both individuals and families in many different and diverse contexts. They have a focus on psychological, social, and cultural needs. All social workers complete an undergraduate four-year degree which covers human development and counselling interventions; however, some individuals go on to continue with specialised training. This gives them clinical status (clinical social worker) and the title ‘accredited mental health social worker’ (AMHSW). They are required to register with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and they need to maintain this registration with annual professional development (further training) which is similarly required for registered psychologists. Accredited mental health social workers not only complete the four-year bachelor degree, they also need to complete another two years of supervised practice in the mental health field, providing evidenced-based counselling interventions. They are eligible to attract Medicare rebates for their services under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, alongside psychologists and other mental health professionals. Whilst AMHSWs provide evidenced-based counselling interventions, unlike registered psychologists, they do not provide mental health diagnoses and do not provide psychological testing, such as personality and intelligence testing.

Fees are payable in full at the time of consultation by cash, EFTPOS or credit card. 

With a valid referral letter and Mental Health Treatment Plan in place from your GP, or a referral from your psychiatrist or paediatrician you are eligible for the Medicare rebate per session. The exact amount of your rebate will depend on what type of clinician you see, or whether you have reached the Medicare safety net.

Please let us know if you are intending to take advantage of your private health insurance as we are able to provide you with the paperwork you will need to seek reimbursement from your fund. 

Addictions

Anger management

Anxiety

Bipolar disorders

Borderline personality disorders

Bullying

Childhood emotional and behavioural difficulties

Depression

Drug and alcohol problems

Eating disorders

Family and parenting issues

Grief and loss

Illness, injury rehabilitation, and pain

Interpersonal conflict and bullying

Learning difficulties

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Parental separation

Relationship counselling

Schizophrenia

School refusal

Self-harm

Sexuality and transgender issues

Sleep issues

Specific phobias

Stress management

Trauma and childhood trauma

Workplace stress and burnout

For cancellations or changes to your scheduled appointment, we require to be advised by 12pm two business days prior to your appointment. Late cancellation fees are charged if we are not advised by this time.

Contact

To make an appointment please call us on the phone numbers below or use the form provided

Hills Psychology Centre
HILLS PSYCHOLOGY CENTRE

STIRLING

Unit 4, 83 Mount Barker Road
Stirling SA 5152

Ph: (08) 8131 0149
Fax: (08) 8131 0165

Mon: 9am – 5pm
Tues: 9am – 4.30pm
Wed: 9am – 4.30pm
Thurs: 9am – 4.30pm
Fri: 9am – 1pm
(closed weekends and public holidays)

ALDGATE

Shop 9, 218-220 Mount Barker Road
Aldgate SA 5154

Ph: (08) 8131 0221
Fax: (08) 8131 0165

Mon: 9am – 5pm
Tues: 9am – 5pm
Wed: 9am – 4pm
Thurs: 9am – 4pm**
**closed for lunch 1pm – 1.50pm each day
Fri: 9am – 1pm
(closed weekends, public holidays and the 1st Friday of each month)

In the event of a mental health emergency, phone Mental Health Care Triage 13 14 65

Contact Us