Synapse Psychology

29/04/2026

A big congratulations to Paul Bertoia, who was acknowledged at the CEDP Conference in February 2026 as the 2025 winner of the CEDP Janene Swalwell Memorial Award.

This award recognises psychologists who have made a significant contribution to Educational and Developmental Psychology, particularly in the areas of childhood development and early intervention. It also honours leadership, mentoring, advocacy, and a deep commitment to supporting children and families through strong child-family relationships, equity, and inclusion.

We are incredibly proud of Paul and this well-deserved recognition of his contribution to children, families, and the broader profession.

24/04/2026

Lest we forget.

23/04/2026

Ever felt "butterflies" in your stomach or a "gut instinct"? That’s the Gut-Brain Axis at work!

The connection between what we eat and how we feel is a two-way street. A happy gut microbiome helps produce the serotonin and dopamine we need to stay focused, calm, and energised.

When we’re stressed, our gut health can dip, and when our gut health dips, our mental health often follows. The good news? Small, realistic changes to your plate can help "reset" the conversation.

Read the full breakdown on the Synapse blog. Synapse Registered Counsellor Marion, dives into the science of nutrition, exercise, and the gut-brain connection.

https://www.synapsepsychology.com.au/news/pride-month-what-does-it-mean-lmpfd

22/04/2026

Introducing | Kirstie Vosloo
👩‍💻 Provisional Psychologist
📍Canning Street Practice, Launceston

We are delighted to welcome Kirstie Vosloo to Synapse Psychology in Launceston as a Provisional Psychologist.

Originally from South Africa, Kirstie is a qualified and registered Organisational Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. She completed her Master of Arts in Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand and has worked across employee wellbeing, trauma-informed practice, medico-legal settings, psychometric assessment, coaching, and workplace mental health. She has been recognised with the Emerging Psychologist of the Year Award, the Presidential Award for Service Excellence, and was twice nominated for the IOP Impact Award by the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa.

While her background spans organisational psychology, Kirstie’s core focus has always been people, supporting individuals to leave sessions feeling strengthened, understood, and better equipped than when they arrived. She is passionate about working with those navigating stress, burnout, life transitions, and career challenges. Her approach is grounded in ethics, compassion, evidence-based practice, and genuine human connection.

Kirstie arrived in Launceston on 23 February 2026 with her family, beginning a new chapter in Tasmania. Having experienced relocation herself, she understands the complexity of change and offers empathy, perspective, and calm assurance in her work. She combines warmth with strong ethical grounding and an international perspective. Outside of work, she values family time, nature, and a good cup of tea with biscuits.

Kirstie is excited to begin this next chapter and looks forward to walking alongside the Launceston community as they navigate life’s changes, big and small.

21/04/2026

Did you know 16–23 April is Youth Week in Tasmania?

This year’s theme, Our Voice. Our Vision. Our Future., is a celebration of the contributions, creativity, and leadership of young people, and a reminder of the important role young people play in shaping our communities and future.

Youth Week is also a reminder that young people do not have to carry everything on their own.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, unsure, or just not quite like yourself, support is available. You do not need to have the right words, and you do not need to wait until things feel “bad enough” to reach out.

Sometimes the first step is simply talking to someone you trust.

At Synapse Psychology, our clinicians provide a safe, supportive space for young people to feel heard, understood, and supported through life’s challenges.

If you or a young person in your life may benefit from support, reaching out can be a good first step.

14/04/2026

Introducing | Tom Fegent
👨‍💻 Psychologist
📍 Launceston

New to Synapse Psychology, let’s welcome Tom!

Tom is a warm, insightful, and client-centered psychologist dedicated to helping you move toward a life that feels more meaningful and balanced. He believes that understanding your unique perspective (your values, experiences, and how you see the world) is the most powerful path to healing and growth. By collaborating with you, Tom supports you in identifying your personal goals and building the emotional strength and clarity needed to reach them.

Tom works with adults navigating a variety of challenges, including:

- Anxiety (stress, worry, overwhelm)
- Depression and other emotional challenges
- Stress and workplace difficulties
- Specialised expertise in alcohol and drug misuse, offering compassionate, evidence-based support for recovery and lasting change.

Tom’s approach is grounded in proven, evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

If you're ready to explore new ways of coping and commit to your wellbeing, Tom welcomes you to a collaborative and supportive space. Tom will be working at Synapse Psychology on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

11/04/2026

Today, landmarks across Australia and around the world are glowing blue as part of the global Light Up Blue campaign, shining a light on Parkinson’s disease and the people it impacts.

In Australia, around 150,000–220,000 people are living with Parkinson’s, with up to 50 new diagnoses every day. It’s also one of the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide, with numbers expected to rise as our population ages.

Parkinson’s is often thought of as a movement condition, but it also affects mood, thinking, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.

As psychologists, we play an important role in supporting not just the physical challenges, but also the emotional and cognitive impact of living with Parkinson’s, for both individuals and their families.

If you or someone you care about is navigating Parkinson’s, support is available. You don’t have to do it alone.

18/02/2026

Meet some of the faces that make up Synapse Psychology (plus there’s always dog or two hanging around!)

11/02/2026

Tired of relationship challenges feeling too big to handle? You don't have to navigate them alone.

Marion, our Launceston based registered counsellor who specialises in affirming couples counselling, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for ALL couples, especially within the LGBTQI+ community.

Whether you're working on:

- Communication breakdowns
- Navigating identity within a partnership
- Strengthening your bond and intimacy + more

Marion is here to guide you both toward a healthier, happier connection.

Good news, Marion has appointments available this month. Click here to book with Marion directly - https://clientportal.zandahealth.com/clientportal/synapsepsychology?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExalZjMDBobWE5SkdqWXJYQXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6s8i0dce_-ldSDkeym8lgSOOeouyU8WeKHarZSiiXZM6BZxooPevNCFpzKHg_aem_qz9klHZfsdT_JGYTr5Adrw

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