We think together from different lens and frameworks.

Seanna Keeley (she/her)

  • Qualifications and Affiliations:

    I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist.

    I am a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers, The Australian Association of Family Therapy and The Australian Professional Association for Trans Health.

  • I have over a decade of experience working with LGBTIQAP+ youth and their families. I have worked in Australia and in the UK and across multiple settings including Paediatric and Adult Hospitals, non-government organisations, Mental Health and the Queensland Children's Gender Service.

  • Accredited Mental Health Social Workers offer Focused Psychological Strategies under the Better Access to Mental Health initiative. Under this scheme I use a range of strategies including CBT, DBT, relaxation and mindfulness.

    I use a range of theories and frameworks to inform my practice, drawing from both Social Work and Family Therapy. The main frameworks I practice from are person centred, strengths based, trauma informed, anti-oppressive and affirming. What this means for you is that I will meet you, identify your goals and I work with your strengths to meet those goals.

Claire Barbagallo (she/her)

  • Qualifications and Affiliations:

    I am mental health speech therapist and family therapist.

    I am a member of Speech Pathology Australia, The Australian Association of Family Therapy and The Australian Professional Association for Trans Health.

  • I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults in diverse settings such as child and youth mental health services, hospitals and specialty programs, as well as in the educational setting.

  • As a speech therapist and family and systemic clinician, I am curious about how people communicate for themselves and with others. I use a functional communication approach, which means goals are relevant to your every day life. I am affirming in the way I approach neurodiversity and feel we all have a unique voice to be heard.

    I also am passionate about providing gender affirming voice and communication support to trans, gender diverse and non binary people.

Emily Russell (she/her)

  • I am also currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith University, with the goal of supporting others in the community as a practicing Psychologist.

  • I believe that every individual should have a safe space to tell their unique story, and embrace their courageousness without fear of judgement.

    In my role as a Practice Manager, I strive to provide this safe space. I aim to maintain a high standard of client care, and provide authentic processes and communication.

    I want to make a difference by providing support and respect as you enter our space, and embark on your journey of courageousness.

Nancy Westerman (they/them)

  • Qualifications and Affiliations:

    I am a registered and endorsed Counselling Psychologist and Art Therapist.

    I am a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australian New Zealand Association for Creative Arts Therapies (ANZACATA).

    BA Hons BPsychSc Hons MAppPsych MThAP

  • I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, either individually, or in relationships. I have worked in private practice, specialty support services, non-government organisations and hospitals.

    Much of my focus has been on supporting people with experiences of trauma, especially people who identify as LGBTIQAP+ and /or neurodivergent.

  • I am passionate about collaborating with people to support their own power in creating change. I use a trauma responsive, developmentally sensitive, and person centred, integrated approach including somatic and expressive therapy. I work to build a safe space in relationships. This makes it possible for growth toward a stronger, more resilient self.

Shevaun Pope (she/her)

  • Qualifications and Affiliations:

    I am a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist.

    I am a member of Speech Pathology Australia and The Australian Professional Association of Trans Health.

  • I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of settings including both primary and secondary schools, hospitals, and private practice.

    I have a background in musical theatre and am particularly passionate about working within the voice space. I have a special interest in supporting people who are gender diverse and providing them with gender affirming voice and communication training.

  • As a speech therapist, I am passionate about providing affirmative, holistic, and person centred care. I support my clients using a gender affirming and neurodiversity affirming approach, acknowledging and respecting lived experience. This means that I collaborate with you to ensure your goals are meaningful, functional, and relevant to your everyday lives. I’m dedicated to the happiness, success, and celebration of my clients.

    I provide Telehealth on Tuesdays and Thursdays and in person in our Melbourne clinic (co located with Sum of Us) on Wednesdays.

Work With Us.

We are currently looking for a mental health clinician to join our courageous community. If you are a mental health occupational therapist, a mental health social worker or a psychologist, we want to hear from you. Please send your CV and cover letter to info@thecourageousspace.com.au