meet the PSYCHOLOGISTs
Natasha Stoikos - Educational & Developmental and Clinical Psychologist
Natasha Stoikos is a registered Educational & Developmental Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (APPi). She completed a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology at the University of Melbourne and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours).
Through her specialised postgraduate training in Educational and Developmental Psychology, Natasha has developed expertise in supporting children, adolescents, their families and schools across a range of developmental, learning and emotional needs. She works from a strengths-based, neuro-affirming approach and has advanced skills in the assessment of learning and developmental conditions, as well as in delivering evidence-based interventions that best support young people.
Natasha has experience working across a range of educational settings, including government and Catholic primary and secondary schools, in addition to private practice. She has worked with children and adolescents presenting with a diverse range of cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural needs. Natasha also has experience providing assessment and intervention for neurodivergent individuals, including Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intellectual Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (e.g. Dyslexia). She is trained to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2).
In addition to her Educational & Developmental Psychology endorsement, Natasha is also endorsed as a Clinical Psychologist. She has experience supporting children, adolescents and young adults experiencing a range of mental health difficulties and provides evidence-based interventions tailored to the individual needs of each person. Her areas of interest include anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), emotional regulation difficulties, perfectionism, self-esteem difficulties, trauma-related presentations, and emerging personality difficulties, including borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits.
Natasha is also a trained facilitator of the Tuning into Teens Program and Dr Ross Greene's Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model.
Natasha founded Empowering Young Minds Psychology out of a passion for supporting young people to better understand themselves, embrace their unique strengths, and develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate life's challenges and thrive. She values the importance of strong, meaningful relationships and works collaboratively with families, schools and other professionals to support each young person in reaching their fullest potential.
Seda Balikel - General Psychologist
Seda Balikel is a registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA) and a full member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi). She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Studies from Victoria University and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) from the Institute for Social Neuroscience, complemented by a comprehensive 2-year internship in psychological practice.
Seda has extensive experience in various domains, including educational psychology, vocational psychology, occupational rehabilitation, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and private practice. She has successfully supported neuro-diverse and neuro-typical children, adolescents, and adults in enhancing their quality of life and improving their overall well-being. Seda is dedicated to creating a warm and secure environment for her clients, aiding them in navigating mental health challenges.
Proficient in cognitive assessments, Seda is skilled in administering both the WISC-V and WAIS-IV. She employs a versatile therapeutic toolkit that includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, ensuring tailored and effective treatment for her clients.
Stephane Cordingley - General Psychologist
Stephanie is a Registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She holds Bachelor of Health Science (Psychology), a Graduate Diploma of Psychology, and a Master of Professional Psychology from Monash University.
Stephanie is a registered psychologist who works with children, adolescents and young adults. She has experience across private practice and community settings, supporting young people experiencing anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation difficulties, school-related stress, and adjustment challenges.
Stephanie has a strong interest in working with autistic and ADHD young people, particularly where stress or overwhelm may be shaped by environments that do not always fit their needs. Stephanie works from a neuro-affirming framework, aiming to create a space that feels respectful, supportive, and manageable.
Stephanie draws on CBT, ACT, DBT, and play-based approaches to support self-understanding and develop practical strategies and supports that work in everyday life. She values collaboration with families, schools, and other professionals to promote shared understanding and consistency across settings.
Alana Watson - General Psychologist
Alana is a Registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Swinburne University of Technology and a Master of Professional Psychology from Australian Catholic University.
Alana has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in private practice, providing both therapeutic support and comprehensive psychological assessments. She has experience conducting cognitive and neurodevelopmental assessments, including assessments for ADHD and Autism, and supporting individuals with a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs. Alana is also a trained facilitator of the Tuning in to Kids program, supporting parents to strengthen their connection with their children and build emotional competence.
Alana adopts a warm, client-centred and collaborative approach, recognising each individual as the expert in their own experience. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment tailored to each person’s goals. Alana primarily draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and integrates strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), play-based approaches, and mindfulness to support meaningful, practical, and lasting change