Synapse Psychology

15/12/2025

Farewell to Emma Ray!

The Devonport team recently celebrated a farewell gathering for our Devonport admin, Emma.

We want to thank you Emma for all your hard work and commitment to the team and the Synapse family during your time with us.

We wish you the very best in your future endeavours and success in this next chapter.

15/12/2025

To make sure your support isn't interrupted during the holiday period, please book your follow-up session with your psychologist before December 22nd.

Taking care of your mental health is a priority, even during the holidays.

See you in the New Year!

04/12/2025

Synapse Psychology is very honoured to be part of this great initiative focussing on men's mental health and in particular supporting Tassie's first responders.

The Final Mo-Down is an event that doesn’t just entertain, it makes a difference. Don’t miss the chance to hear from professionals who champion men’s health in their chosen fields.

Meet the second of these dedicated impact-makers!

Dee Cooper is a clinical psychologist and the director of Synapse Psychology in Launceston. As an accredited EMDR trainer, Dee is passionate about bringing evidence-based training to mental health clinicians in regional and remote Australia, and to upskill clinicians in a therapy that delivers results.

Dee grew up during the terrorist war in Zimbabwe during the early 60's - 70's. Her early exposure to ongoing stress and trauma has shaped her own personal development, as well as sparked a professional desire to find ways to treat trauma and aid recovery and healing. Dee completed her psychology internship in South Africa, working at 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria. Dee has a specific interest in working with First Responders as well as Veterans.

Dee is very honoured to be part of Movember; spreading the message that trauma does not discriminate, as this can happen to anyone, and that healing and recovery is possible.

If you would like to connect with Dee or her clinicians, you can reach Synapse Psychology here:
https://www.synapsepsychology.com.au/contact

Book your ticket now:
https://tasmania-police-movember-team.square.site/shop/the-final-mo-down/RXDVCO7IIUPM3BDNEDAC2HMW

26/11/2025

Introducing | Jen Duong
👩‍💻 Social Worker
📍Brisbane Street Practice, Launceston

Jen is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker bringing over ten years of experience from the community sector.

In her role as a community health social worker for THS, she provides clinical support to staff and students, alongside therapeutic counselling for adults (18+) impacted by significant health and life changes. She is also skilled at helping individuals navigate the NDIS, Aged Care, and complex health systems, often liaising with doctors and allied health professionals.

Jen’s practice is built on the belief that everyone has the capacity to overcome adversity and find a good quality of life. For her therapeutic approach, she draws from evidence-based models such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

Her areas of interest are wide-ranging, including anxiety, depression, the effects of trauma (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and general life stressors. What she truly enjoys is the collaborative process of helping people find their sense of self, belonging, identity, and life purpose.

21/11/2025

Did you know you don’t actually need to have a Doctor’s referral to see a psychologist? You can choose to self-refer to Synapse Psychology anytime you like, for any reason.

However, if you're looking to receive a subsidy for your sessions, here's what you need to know:

- Medicare Rebates: To claim the Medicare rebate, you will need a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP. This provides a rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. If you’d like to claim your session in Medicare, then you do need to be referred by a Doctor.
- Private Health: If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible to claim rebates. Just remember: you cannot claim a Medicare rebate and a private health rebate for the same session.

We also welcome clients with NDIS or DVA coverage.

If you have any questions about accessing our services, please feel free to call us!

17/11/2025

When you walk through our doors, you're partnering with a team that genuinely cares about your growth.

Our clinicians (like the wonderful Paul Bertoia pictured here) are focused on providing clear, effective support to help you build the practical skills you need.

We share a commitment to using approaches like CBT and EMDR, helping clients manage everything from anxiety and depression to specific developmental needs.

14/11/2025

We’re celebrating some genuinely fantastic news here at Synapse Psychology! We are delighted to share that Dr. Shannon Klekociuk and Dr. Dan Zuj have officially achieved full registration as Psychologists.

This milestone is a huge testament to their hard work and professional growth. Both Shannon and Dan are passionate about client-centred care, always bringing a caring, enthusiastic energy to finding the best outcomes for our clients.

- Dr. Shannon Klekociuk brings a strong background in neuropsychology and Dementia studies, as well as an interest in working with anxiety and depression in young adults.
- Dr. Dan Zuj has a specialised background in PTSD and trauma.

We’re so proud and happy they’ve chosen to continue their journey with us! 👏

22/10/2025

Looking for a peaceful spot right in the city? Our Brisbane Street clinic is tucked inside a beautiful red-brick building, rich with charm and character, offering you a genuinely warm and quiet escape.

The Brisbane Street rooms offer:

- 7 Psychologists: Specialising in areas like trauma, family support, and couples therapy.
- 1 Accredited Mental Health Social Workers: Providing compassionate counselling for life's challenges, grief, and holistic well-being.
- 1 Counsellor trained in Gottman Therapy for Couples and also having an interest in working with LGBTQ+ population and neurodiverse presentations.

Tap the link in our bio for profiles and bookings.

21/10/2025

Try these simple, effective techniques when your mind starts to race.

Need more tools for managing anxiety? We can help. Visit the link in our bio to connect with our team.

17/10/2025

Small shifts make a huge difference in your mental wellness journey. Here’s 3 science-backed apps to help you build awareness and practice calm:

1. Daylio Journal: Quickly spot patterns between your activities and moods without having to write long entries.

2. How We Feel: Learn to precisely label your emotions (not just "fine"!)—the first step to truly managing them.

3. Insight Timer: Access a massive, free library of guided meditations and calming tracks for sleep, anxiety, or focus.

15/10/2025

Meet some of the friendliest faces in town!

Pictured here, we have two of our wonderful Psychologists, Jane and Emily, alongside our brilliant Receptionist, Laura. They're all smiles and ready to offer you a warm welcome and expert support.

14/08/2025

Ever feel torn between your head and your heart? This graphic beautifully illustrates a core concept from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): The Three Minds.

The Rational Mind 🧠: This is the logical part of us, focused on facts and planning. It's great for problem-solving but can sometimes ignore our feelings.

The Emotional Mind ❤️: This is where our feelings and instincts live. While vital, relying solely on this mind can lead to impulsive choices.

The Wise Mind ✨: This is the sweet spot—the blend of both. It's where we honour our emotions while still considering the facts.

In therapy, we work on strengthening your ability to access your ‘Wise Mind’. It's not about ignoring emotions or suppressing logic, but about finding that balanced centre. This helps you make thoughtful decisions that align with your values and live with more clarity and peace.