The SAM Centre

22/01/2026

Meet our newest psychologist, Niva Perera! 🌿

Niva works with adolescents and adults, supporting a wide range of presentations including mood disorders, trauma, chronic pain, neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties), and complex mental health concerns.

She draws on evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, DBT, PRT, PST, schema therapy, motivational interviewing, and performance-focused strategies including mindfulness, imagery, and goal setting.

Niva is especially passionate about supporting clients navigating high-pressure environments, rehabilitation, and recovery journeys, and feels genuinely privileged to walk alongside individuals as they move toward their potential.

Find out more about Niva by reading her full profile on our website, or call our friendly and helpful admin team who are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the intake process.

We’re so grateful to have her as part of the team 💜

13/01/2026

I am in training for a Beyond Blue fundraiser coastal walk. Donations or sharing the post are much appreciated!

I am hiking for mental health with Coastrek Mornington Peninsula 2026 - 20KM and raising funds for Beyond Blue. Please support me and help ensure support is there when needed for those we love and for everyone in Australia.

01/01/2026

ISSP Master Class 15
“Supporting Key Support Staff: Mental Health in the Entourage”
Speaker: Rosemary Purcell

📅 February 10th, 2026
⏰ 23:00 UTC
🌍 Online transmission – ISSP Master Class 15

This ISSP Master Class addresses a critically important and often overlooked topic in high-performance sport: the mental health of coaches and key support staff (the entourage). While the mental health of elite athletes has received increasing attention, emerging evidence shows that coaches and support personnel experience similar levels of psychological distress, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, burnout, and risky alcohol use.
The session presents current evidence on the epidemiology of mental ill-health among the entourage, highlighting key organisational risk factors such as excessive workloads, role instability, and poor work–life balance. The presentation emphasizes the importance of systematic mental health support and prevention strategies, ensuring that those who support elite athletes are themselves supported to maintain wellbeing and perform their vital roles effectively.

About the speaker:
Professor Purcell is Head of Elite Sport and Mental Health Research at the Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, and Orygen (Australia). A registered psychologist, she is an external mental health consultant to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a member of IOC Expert Consensus Groups on Elite Athlete Mental Health and Youth Elite Athlete Development, and former Mental Health Consultant to Cricket Australia. She has authored over 170 peer-reviewed publications, books, and more than 30 mental health reports for Australian sports organisations.

🗣️ Language: English (live translated captioning available)
⏱️ Duration: 90 minutes (60-min lecture + 30-min Q&A)
📼 Recording: available for 60 days after the event

👉 Register here: https://issponline.org/meetings-resources/webinar/

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas from everyone at The SAM Centre 💜🎄

Wishing you and your family a peaceful and relaxing holiday period ✨

16/12/2025

We extend our thoughts and support to the Jewish community following the tragic events in Bondi 💜

If you or someone you love needs support:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 📞

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 💙

JewishCare: 1300 133 660 ✡️

Our team of skilled practitioners at The SAM Centre are here to offer support. If you’d like to get in touch or book an appointment:

(03) 9024 2146 🌿

11/12/2025

🎄 Holiday Closure Announcement 🎄

The SAM Centre will be closed from 23 Dec – 5 Jan while our team takes a well-deserved holiday reset. 💜

Our phones won’t be monitored during this period, but you’re welcome to email us or submit a contact form via our website — we’ll reply as soon as we’re back on the 5th. 📩

If you need urgent support, please call 000 or Lifeline 13 11 14.

Wishing you a calm and joyful holiday season! 🌿✨

20/11/2025

📅 2026 bookings are now open at The SAM Centre!

Whether you’re continuing your wellbeing journey or taking your first step toward support, our team is here for you

Book your appointment today:

📞 (03) 9024 2146

📧 info@samcentre.com.au

🌐 www.samcentre.com.au

18/11/2025

A fun and engaging discussion on high performance sport and wellbeing.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of su***de and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Su***de...

10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day 💜

Today is a reminder that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. 🌿

Take a moment to check in with your loved ones and start a conversation - it could make a real difference. 🫂

If you or someone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

26/09/2025

📢 Public Holiday Closure Notice 📢

The SAM Centre is closed today (Friday 26th September) for the AFL Grand Final public holiday. We will reopen on Monday 29th September.

📧 You can still email us, and we’ll get back to you once we’re back in the office on Monday.

⚠️ If you need urgent support, please call 000 in an emergency or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable long weekend! 🏉💛

25/09/2025

🌟 We’re excited to welcome Julian Douglas to the SAM Centre team!

Julian is a psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and adults in areas including autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and stress. He draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychoeducation, while also integrating creative approaches such as therapeutic gaming to make therapy engaging and accessible.

Julian is passionate about supporting neurodiverse individuals and helping clients build confidence, resilience, and meaningful change. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome to the SAM Centre community! 💙

17/09/2025

Chronic digestive disorders like IBS, GERD, and reflux can be deeply distressing — especially when medical treatments fall short. Learn how the brain-gut connection holds the key to helping clients regulate symptoms and ease their suffering.