Meet Our Therapy Team

At Better Together Therapy, our team of psychologists and speech pathologists support children, adolescents and adults across Melbourne. We’re a collaborative, down to earth team focused on evidence based, neuroaffirming care that’s tailored to each person and family

Psychologists

Meet Christina 

Dr Christina Stefanou
Director – Clinical Psychologist

BA(Psych)(Hons), DPsych (Clinical)

One of the things I enjoy most about being a psychologist is getting to know the person behind what has brought them to therapy. I work with clients across the lifespan, from infancy through to adulthood, and particularly enjoy supporting people with concerns that may be more longstanding or layered. I have over 12 years of experience across clinical and forensic settings, including the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Department of Justice.

My clinical interests include trauma and complex trauma, OCD, perinatal mental health, personality disorders, anxiety disorders and neurodivergence. I value taking the time to understand the whole person, including what is happening in their life now, their history, relationships and the patterns that may have developed along the way.

My approach is warm, genuine and collaborative. I tailor therapy to each person, combining deeper understanding with practical support and meaningful change.

Alongside my therapy work, I provide clinical supervision, lecture in psychology, and lead our neuroaffirming autism, ADHD and learning assessments.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 

  • Ego State Therapy (Parts Work)

  • Schema Therapy

  • Narrative Therapy 

  • Play Therapy

ACCREDITATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Member of the Australian Psychological Society and College of Clinical Psychologists (MAPS FCCLP)

  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Association of Australia (EMDRAA) Associate Member 

  • Psychology Board of Australia Approved Supervisor 

  • Registered Service Provider with WorkSafe Victoria and TAC 

Meet Brenda 

Brenda Fenton
Senior Clinical Psychologist

(Currently on leave, not accepting new clients)

BSS(Psych)(Hons), MPsych (Clinical)

I enjoy working with clients of all ages and I believe that good connection and rapport is the key to a successful therapeutic relationship. My approach is warm, relaxed, playful, and collaborative. 

When working with adults I enjoy supporting individuals to live a fulfilling, balanced, and valued life. I often help individuals explore how past experiences may play into their present life and address patterns that can leave people feeling stuck or overwhelmed. 

When working with children and young people, I am passionate about helping them navigate life's challenges, better understand themselves, and, where needed, support their families to better understand them too. 

Areas of interest include trauma, EMDR, relationship challenges, sleep difficulties, neurodivergence, perfectionism, and childhood/developmental trauma.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) - Level 1 training completed

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Schema Therapy

  • Play Therapy

  • Narrative Therapy

ACCREDITATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

  • Registered Service Provider with WorkSafe Victoria and TAC

Meet Danielle 

Danielle Anderson
Clinical Psychologist

BASc(Psych)(Hons), MPsych (Clinical)

I have a deep passion for helping people in the community gain coping strategies to live a fulfilling and satisfying life, despite the adversity one may face. I strongly value the therapeutic relationship when working with clients - I have a warm approach and foster a non-judgemental safe space whereby clients can feel at ease to discuss their concerns.

I enjoy working with teenagers and adults and have a strong interest in anxiety/phobias, depression, PTSD and trauma, burnout and life adjustment stress, OCD, self-esteem concerns, grief/loss and family and relationship difficulty. I also work with those that may experience eating disorders and body image concerns, ADHD and autism, personality disorders and bipolar.

Additionally, I work within a neuro-affirming and strengths-based framework when conducting assessments and therapy for neurodivergence.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Schema Therapy

  • Imagery Rescripting for trauma 

  • Play Therapy

  • Mindfulness Based Interventions

ACCREDITATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

  • NDIS Worker’s Screening Check

  • Registered Service Provider with WorkSafe Victoria and TAC

Meet Lauren 

Lauren Rizzo
Clinical Psychology Registrar

BSS(Psych)(Hons), MPsych (Clinical)

I am a clinical psychology registrar who works with clients of all ages to address a wide range of presenting problems. I have a passion for working with neurodivergent individuals and strongly believe in neuro-affirming practice in both therapy and assessment. My goal is to help clients feel comfortable in their own skin while providing holistic and collaborative care and assessment that empowers them to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence. 

I work with clients experiencing challenges related to anxiety, mood, eating disorders and body image concerns, trauma and complex trauma, motivation and anger amongst others. I also lead neuro-affirming assessments for autism, ADHD, learning disorders, and cognitive assessments across the lifespan. 

I use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches and assessment tools tailored to each client’s unique needs. 

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) 

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) 

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 

  • Play Therapy / Autplay Therapy 

  • Enhanced CBT (CBT-E) for eating disorders 

  • Imagery Rescripting for trauma 

  • Trauma-focused CBT 

  • Schema Therapy 

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) 

ACCREDITATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Currently completing the registrar program to become clinically endorsed

  • Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Meet Elisa 

Elisa Yildiz
Clinical Psychology Registrar

BPsych(Hons), MPsych (Clinical)

I am a clinical psychology registrar who values a therapeutic journey where my clients feel safe, understood and supported. I adopt a non-judgmental and empathetic approach to therapy, fostering an environment that is built on trust, collaboration and authenticity.

I work with clients across the lifespan (children, adolescents and adults) experiencing challenges relating to anxiety, mood, trauma, relationships and interpersonal difficulties, grief/loss, adjustment and life transitions, stress and self-esteem. My therapeutic work is grounded in evidence-based practice, tailoring interventions based on each client’s unique needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. I find it deeply rewarding to support my clients as they develop insight, emotional clarity and meaningful change that aligns with their values.

I have supported clients with a wide range of presentations, including emotional regulation, anxiety and mood concerns, relationship and family difficulties, adjustment-related concerns, grief/loss and trauma. I also have experience conducting child cognitive assessments and adult personality assessments.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Schema Therapy

  • Play Therapy

  • Mindfulness Based Interventions

ACCREDITATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Currently completing the registrar program to become clinically endorsed

  • Generally registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

  • NDIS Worker’s Screening Check

Meet Kyla 

Kyla Green
Clinical Psychology Registrar

BPsych(Hons), MPsych (Clinical) -

I enjoy working with clients across the lifespan experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, OCD, trauma, and neurodivergence. At the heart of my practice is a belief in helping people heal the vulnerable parts of themselves. My approach is relational, warm, and client-centred. I value taking the time to hear each client’s story, and I find it deeply rewarding to help clients make sense of the experiences and patterns that shape their current difficulties.

I have worked with LGBTQIA+ clients and people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and I recognise that everyone’s identity and history are different. I tailor my approach accordingly, working collaboratively and building on the strengths clients already have. I aim to offer a safe space where your needs come first. I also pay close attention to pacing and readiness for change, which I’ve found especially important when things feel more complex.

I primarily work from a CBT and schema therapy lens, and I find schema therapy particularly powerful for shifting longstanding patterns that originate in childhood. I also draw on ACT and DBT when they’re a good fit. Alongside therapy, I have experience conducting cognitive, learning, and neurodevelopmental assessments within a neuro-affirming framework.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Schema Therapy

  • Mindfulness Based Interventions

Meet Natasha 

Natasha Blackburn
Provisional Psychologist

BPsych(Hons), MPsych (Clinical) -

Expected completion December 2026

I am passionate about supporting individuals to deepen their understanding of themselves and their experiences, and develop greater self-compassion as they navigate life's challenges. I value a holistic understanding of each person, recognising their individual strengths and how their identity, relationships and broader social and cultural contexts shape their wellbeing and experience of the world.

I enjoy working with clients across the lifespan and have supported individuals experiencing a range of concerns, including trauma and complex trauma, anxiety, mood difficulties, relationship and adjustment challenges, grief, identity and self-esteem concerns, and perfectionism. In addition, I have experience conducting cognitive and ADHD assessments.

I have a particular interest in supporting LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals, and I aim to create an inclusive and affirming therapeutic space where people feel safe, understood and empowered to explore their experiences in ways that feel right for them.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Interpersonal Therapy

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Play Therapy

  • Mindfulness Based Interventions

Speech Pathologists

Meet Demi 

Demi Krstevski 
Director – Speech Pathologist

MSPA, CPSP

(Not currently taking new clients)

I am a certified practising speech pathologist with a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Master of Speech Pathology degree, as well as being a member of Speech Pathology Australia. I have rich experience across multiple settings, including working in a special school with children with disabilities and in private practice.  

I am passionate about supporting children to develop independent communication skills and to empower them to reach their full potential. I am a big believer in using a family-centred approach, ensuring that both children and their families are supported throughout the journey. I am committed to tailoring my approach to meet a child’s specific needs while ensuring that I provide neuroaffirming care to create a warm and supportive space that respects and values each individual’s unique ways of thinking.

My areas of interest include working with children with speech sound disorders, language and literacy delays, and early intervention.

Additional training:

  • The Hanen Program - It Takes Two to Talk

  • The Hanen Program - More Than Words

  • Key Word Sign Australia

Meet Larissa

Larissa Curtin
Speech Pathologist

MSPA, CPSP

I am a certified practising Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia. I graduated from La Trobe University, Melbourne with a Master of Speech Pathology and Bachelor of Applied Science. 

I have experience working with children of all ages, in private, school and kindergarten settings. My professional areas of interest include early language development, literacy and social communication skills.

I am passionate about providing neurodiverse affirming care and empowering children to advocate for their communication preferences. I enjoy working in a holistic, personalized way with an emphasis on fun and engaging through play.

I have completed additional formal training in:

  • Hanen: It Takes Two to Talk and DIR Floortime (early language and 'late talker' programs)

  • Sounds-Write phonics-based literacy intervention.

  • Lidcombe Program for Stuttering

  • Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST)

  • Gestalt Language Processing - The Meaningful Speech Course

  • Autism and ADHD (ongoing learning, including the annual ADHD and Yellow Ladybugs Conferences, Dr Ross Greene's CPS Model, Novopsych Webinar: Identifying Autism and ADHD in Adults, Emily Hanlon: ADHD in Females)

Meet Alexandra 

Alexandra Gooding
Speech Pathologist

BSpPath (Hons)

I am a certified New Graduate Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia. I graduated from La Trobe University, Melbourne, with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Honours- BSpPath (Hons), which involved developing a communication resource database for clinicians in hospital settings.  

I am eager to apply my clinical, theoretical and industry knowledge to my work, as well as my passion in supporting and empowering children. I have had a diverse clinical placement experience across a special education school, a paediatric communication clinic, and in hospital settings. Through these amazing opportunities, I have developed a strong appreciation for an individualised, collaborative and family-centred approach to best support each client.

I highly value relationship building and believe rapport is fundamental to effective therapy. I enjoy utilising a holistic approach to care in a way that is meaningful, engaging and fun.

I have completed the following additional professional training:

  • Adventures in Speech Pathology: Phonological interventions

  • Adventures in Speech Pathology: Complexity Approach

  • Autism and ADHD: Yellow Ladybugs Conferences

  • The DLD Project (Developmental Language Disorder)

  • Play Learn Chat

ACCREDITATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Member of Speech Pathology Australia

  • NDIS Worker’s Screening Check

Office Support

Meet Zara 

Zara Bilal
Client Services Coordinator

I’ve always loved being the person behind the scenes who helps keep everything organised and running smoothly. I enjoy the variety that comes with working in a busy clinic and being part of a team where everyone works together to create a positive experience for our clients.

With a background in healthcare, administration and business operations, I bring a range of experience to my role at Better Together Therapy. I really value being part of a supportive team and enjoy contributing to a clinic where genuine care, connection and a positive client experience are at the heart of what we do.

Meet Anastasia  

Anastasia Fonianis 
Client Services Team Member

I love creating a warm and friendly environment for clients from the moment they get in touch with the clinic. I enjoy helping clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their experience with us, whether that is assisting with any queries or coordinating appointments. 

As a psychology student, working at Better Together Therapy is particularly meaningful to me and I love contributing to such an amazing team. 

We’d love to meet you.

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