ServicesAbout Us
- Nerida Saunders - Clinical Director
- Rustam Yumash - Managing Director
- Dr. Louise Olivier - Senior Psychologist
- Dr. Philip LP Morris - Consultant Physician in Neuropsychiatry
- John Kotroni - Psychologist
- Matt Hynes - Psychologist, Neurofeedback Practitioner
- Paul Mahoney -Psychologist, Neurofeedback Practitioner
- Gary Pike - Intern Psychologist
- Ann Huntress - Intern Psychologist
- Robyn Weishaupt - Office Manager, Accounts and Reception
- Sarah French - Reception and Laboratory Assistant
- Cassie and Noni - Special Assistants
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy is something very important to us to share with you. Since ancient times,‘solstice’ has been celebrated as a turning point, a new beginning, a time of inner renewal. That’s why in order to bring a new hope to you-our customer, we have created our Centre: Solstice-Mind Matters where professionalism
is combined with knowledge, wisdom and experience.
Solstice -Mind Matters has been established since 1992 to meet the needs of families, individuals and couples in crisis. We have become known both locally and internationally for the quality of our services and commitment to client care. Our talented team of highly qualified practitioners is dedicated to empower you to become stronger, healthier and in control of your life.
We all need someone to talk to now and then. No matter what your experience, you may find comfort in our care.
Our approach is based on acceptance and respect of the individual. We work with you to find the guidance you need to create positive change in your life.
The Spirit Minders
by Rhonda Billet - Aboriginal artist
This artwork titled "The Spirit Minders" is proudly commissioned by Solstice-Mind Matters.
The mind can spiral into a downward journey without the protection of the spirit minders. This painting depicts the individual being provided with spiritual protection by the spirit minders as well as being nurtured and supported by the people.
The individual's life journey can be both turbulent and confusing but the spirit minders remind us that we never walk alone. We are always sheltered from the storm of life by the ancient land and the elders who have taken this journey before us.
In the centre of the painting, the mind is surrounded by the Universe, which in turn, is surrounded by the subtle emanation of the aura. It is here the Spirit Minders guide and protect. The people can be seen at the bottom of the painting sharing their experience, strength and hope and generally offering their support. The green section of the painting shows the various pathways we can take in life. There are many paths: some direct, others meandering. In the top section of the painting we encounter more torturous and confusing journeys where we can be overwhelmed by the numerous choices in life.
We are reminded that we are connected to the ancient land and people, with the Spirit Minders guiding us through our journeys.
R.Billett 2006 ©
Our Team
From left to right: Rustam Yumash, Gary Pike, Paul Mahoney, Robyn Weishaupt, Sarah French, Matt Hynes, Ann Huntress (with Cassie), Louise Olivier, Nerida Saunders (with Noni)
Associates
Nerida Saunders - Clinical Director
BA, Dip Ed, Grad Dip Psych, M.Phil (Psych), FACCP
Born and raised in the beautiful Tweed Valley of NSW, Australia, Nerida has also spent many years living overseas in countries such as Peru, United States and Brazil. She returned to Australia in 1987 and after a period working as a counsellor in schools, Nerida set up private practice in Tweed Heads in 1992.
Nerida is a registered psychologist who works in the clinical area with both adults and children. She is also a mother of two young adults who are now successfully managing their own lives after interesting times in childhood and adolescence. She is a member of Queensland Association for Family Therapy ( QAFT), Australasian Critical Incident Stress Association ( ACISA), Australian Pain Society, Australian Guidance Counselling Association, and Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
Nerida has a special interest in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) in both adults and children.
She works towards diagnosis and management of ADHD and also management of the often associated difficulties with learning and behaviour.
In conjunction with the above, Nerida works with victims of sexual abuse, of crime, with people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression and grief Further areas of her expertise include relationship problems ,workplace problems and related stress.
Nerida strongly believes in the power of the individual and the ability of individual to overcome what may seem to be insurmountable problems and regain effective control of their lives. She believes a catalyst such as a counsellor is necessary at times for this process to be nudged along, and empowers and directs towards resolution.
Nerida feels that both her belief and her acceptance of the individual are her most effective counselling tools. Her knowledge and experience come a close second.
Rustam Yumash - Managing Director
B. Med, Russia, Dip.Neurology (Russia)
After finishing his degree in medicine, he developed his approach to Mind - Body Somatic Therapy for treating trauma and chronic tension. He is interested in men’s health issues. Rustam is fluent in Russian.
Dr. Louise Olivier - Senior Psychologist
BA, MA, Dip Ed, Psy D, MAPS, MACCP
Registered psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, educator and trainer, Ms Olivier has over twenty years experience in Australia and USA working with individuals, groups and community organizations. Ms Olivier specializes in a wide range of stress management therapies and conducts classes and courses in personal transformation and lifestyle techniques. She also works with adolescents, adults and the elderly, in areas of:
- Anxiety and depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Grief and Bereavement
- Terminal /chronic illness
- Eating disorders
- Anger and Conflict resolution
- Disabilities
- Relationships
- Premarriage preparation
- Career Issues
- Debriefing of professionals
- Workplace conflict /stress
- Developing personal goals
- Job network counselling
- Study & exam preparation
Dr. Philip LP Morris - Consultant Physician in Neuropsychiatry
Dr Morris has medical qualifications MBBS (Hons), BSc(med) (Hons), and PhD. He is qualified in psychiatry and addiction medicine in Australia and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) and a Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (FAChAM). Dr Morris is a board member and Distinguished Fellow of the Pacific Rim College of Psychiatrists. He is qualified in general adult psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry in the USA and is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (AmBPN). He is a consultant physician in psychiatry/neuropsychiatry. He is a Certified Independent Medical Examiner (CIME) with the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME).
Dr Morris is Executive Director of the Gold Coast Institute of Mental Health (www.gcimh.com.au). He is Medical Director of Mirikai, a young adult drug and alcohol rehabilitation program on the Gold Coast. He has a private psychiatric practice on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. Dr Morris leads the Gold Coast - Tweed Memory Clinic. He is a member of the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Reference Committee and chairman of the RANZCP Continuing Professional Development Subcommittee.
Dr Morris has held professor positions in psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland and at the School of Health Sciences at Bond University. At the University of Melbourne he was the chairman of the Department of Psychiatry Research Committee. He has been Medical Superintendent of Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital, North Ryde NSW, and Director of Mental Health for the Gold Coast District Health Service and Foundation Professor/Director of the National Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health in Melbourne. He has served as a medical member of the Queensland Compensation Commission (Q-Comp) Medical Assessment Tribunal - Psychiatric.
His clinical and research interests include the psychiatric care of medical and surgical patients (consultation-liaison psychiatry), neuropsychiatry/psycho-geriatrics, post-trauma syndromes in civilians and veterans, clinical drug trials, and co morbid drug and alcohol and psychiatric conditions. Dr Morris has engaged in post-graduate research and clinical training in the USA. He has published a considerable number of articles and reports and has won many competitive government research grants as well as pharmaceutical industry support for clinical drug trials. He is an external assessor for the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Dr Morris is trained in the application of the American Medical Association Guides for the Assessment of Permanent Impairment, the ComCare psychiatric impairment ratings, and the Psychiatric Impairment Rating Scale (PIRS).
John Kotroni - Psychologist
John has been associated with Solstice-Mind Matters for last six years. He is experienced Psychologist with excellent qualifications and track records.
Since graduating with honours in psychology in 1989 from the University of New South Wales, John has developed much life experience as well as deep psychological experience. John’s areas of expertise include depression, self- esteem issues, successful management of stress and anxiety, the successful treatment of traumatic experiences, resolution of family and relationship discord, interpersonal conflict and personal growth.
John has undergone specialist training in the areas of anger management and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), suicide prevention, coping with grief, critical incident stress management and trauma debriefing, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Release, Counselling, cross- cultural awareness, management of fears and phobias as well dealing with occupational stress. As part of his Masters in Psychology program John has completed research into adolescent boys and their sense of community, and is confident and capable dealing with this often-difficult transition period.
A key strength is John’s thorough understanding of mental health issues gained through years of study and working in community mental health settings. In addition to John’s strong clinical experience and practice, there is a strong emphasis placed not only on the individual but also the individual within their environment. With experience in community and health psychology John takes a holistic approach to healing: gently assisting ,. this healing to occur at a deep, lasting, and satisfying level.
John has extensively travelled and studied throughout Asia (including Eastern personal growth techniques, for example massage in Thailand, Meditation in Tibet, Nepal and Japan, and Yoga in India). These experiences, when coupled with his Western psychological training allow John to see issues from varied perspectives, allowing his clients a special insight into their issues.
Matt Hynes - Psychologist, Neurofeedback Practitioner
B.Psych (Hons), B.App. Sci
Matthew Hynes is an established psychologist with a wide range of interest. He has proven to be especially effective in working with children and their families. Matthew joined the team at Solstice Mind Matters over three years ago having previously worked in the public and private sector. During that time he has helped many families and individuals work through a wide range of difficult circumstances.
Matthew also incorporates specialized techniques, such as neurofeedback training and heart rate variability training to help his client’s gain control over their nervous system. This interest in direct nervous system training has led him to become an expert in the interpretation of our thorough brain assessments. His interpretations point towards personalized psychotherapy.
Dr Paul Mahoney - Psychologist, Neurofeedback Practitioner
D.Psych., B.Ed., MAPS
Paul is a registered psychologist with a Doctorate in psychology. He has also worked in the field of education since 1998 including most recently as a guidance officer. Paul assists adults and children in the management of depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger, conflict, stress and relationship issues.He has had counselling experience in the context of schools and universities as well as private clinics.
With experience and training in Neurofeedback since 2004, Paul’s major research thesis explored the use of Neurofeedback in performance enhancement and has undertaken specialist study in sport psychology. He has worked with Olympic and professional athletes from a variety of sporting fields. Paul has incorporated neurofeedback and other forms of biofeedback into the management of ADHD and sleep and mood disorders.
Gary Pike - Intern Psychologist
B Psych (Hons)
Coming Soon!
Ann Huntress - Intern Psychologist
BSc Psych (Hons)
Coming Soon!
Staff
Robyn Weishaupt - Office Manager, Accounts and Reception
Sarah French - Reception and Laboratory Assistant
Special Assistants: Cassie and Noni
Two important members of our team are Noni and Cassie. Noni is believed to be the first dog in Australia to be used in psychological therapy.
Our furry friends provide safety and grounding for anxious children and adults and bring a special kind of healing. Ask us for more information on animal-assisted therapy.
Employment at Solstice
COMING SOON
Investment opportunities
COMING SOON