The Team
Dr Rony Kayrouz
Clinical Psychologist:- GradDipPsySt(Distinction), BA(Hons)Psy(1st class), MClinPsych, PhD, MAPS, FCCLP
Rony has been providing multicultural (Arabic and English) counselling services in the Bankstown area over the last 8 years. Rony has particular experience in assisting in grief and trauma in the migrant/refugee community. In addition to working with the Maronite community and membership with the Lebanese Medical Association, Rony has also delivered lectures at UTS on cross-cultural psychology.
Rony has also expertise in running anger-management programs, addressing addictions (gambling, drugs, alcohol) and relationships/couples counselling.
Rony is also currently involved in on-going research in internet-delivered transcultural psychological services for anxiety and depression with both published and ongoing experimental work.
For booking with Rony at the Bankstown or Marrickville locations click on Dr Rony Krayrouz
Ms Soraya Mir
Clinical Psychologist:- BPsych (Hons) (1st class), MClinPsych, MAPS
Soraya has a multicultural background (Australian and Afghan parents) and has been providing counselling and career development services to people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including migrants and refugees. Soraya has over 25 years' experience of working across business, government and not for profit contexts which assists her in providing clients with support.
Soraya's experience includes coaching parents to work towards having greater understanding and confidence in using a range of evidence-based skills and techniques to support their children when they are having difficulties. Soraya also assists individuals to choose or change their education and career pathways that align with their strengths and provide strategies in exploring employment options and grief counselling regarding loss of employment.
Soraya is also experienced in providing individual Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and other emotion regulation therapy addressing interpersonal difficulties and trauma. Soraya is also trained and qualified to practice Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for complex trauma and PTSD. She has also facilitated trauma and drug and alcohol groups and provided individual therapy to address gambling, emotional eating and drug and alcohol compulsion.
For booking with Soraya at the Marrickville location click on Bookings
Dr Steve (Stephen) Hansen
Clinical Psychologist:- PhD, GradDipPsySt(Distinction), BA(Hons)Psy(1st class), MClinPsych, MAPS, FCCLP
Steve has a multicultural background, born in India (British parents), has worked on projects in Sri Lanka and from indigenous invitation has participated in a number of Australian national indigenous projects. Steve has over 30 years’ experience in education from TAFE through to all levels of university and tertiary education covering teaching and learning, disabilities, grievance support, and indigenous student support..
Steve has also experience with suicide assistance with over 3 years’ experience in Life Line telephone crisis support, has run anxiety programs for children, has experience in courses for developing parenting skills, and has been involved in adult community anxiety support programs. Steve is formally qualified to practice EMDR therapy with additional training in AI-EMDR (Attachment Informed EMDR) and in applying EMDR to trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, addictions, and with children.
Steve is also a member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) and has both practical and research experience in cancer care support, covering stress, fatigue, coping, relationships and cognitive issues.
For bookings with Steve at the Bankstown location click on Dr Steve Hansen (Bankstown)
Ms Saskia Kalwinek
Couples and Sex Therapist:- MScMed(SRH)(Psychosexual Therapy), B.A.(Psych.& Ital.Stud.),Dip.Counselling (AIPC)
I am passionate about empowering people to explore, enjoy and improve their sexual life, health, self-esteem, communication, and knowledge. My background is Polish.
I am also passionate about working with couples. My main therapeutic approach for couples is Relational Life Therapy and Discernment for couples on the brink of divorce.
I grew up in Lodz (Poland) and moved to study in Australia. I have also lived and worked in the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Thailand. I have traveled extensively and have met and lived with people from various cultures and backgrounds. My multinational friendships and relationships have taught me a non- judgmental, understanding, and proactive approach to life. My experiences have made me realise the value of being true to oneself. Those lessons are especially important when approaching issues of mental health.
I incorporate all of my knowledge gained during studies, work, and travels into my approach to counselling. I believe that everyone is entitled to a pleasurable and functional sexual life. Transformation sometimes needs therapeutic help. I want to allow my clients to share their stories in an environment that is free of judgment. My mission is to help people see their sexual life not as shameful but as a gift that they can enjoy.
Professional Development
• Relational Life Therapy Practitioner (therapy for couples, course by Terry Real)
• Master of Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)(Psychosexual Therapy) (University of Sydney; SAS Member)
• Certified Hypnotherapist for Past Life Regression (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Techniques, course by Dolores Cannon)
• Internal Family Systems Therapist (IFSCA)
• Art Therapist (Guided Drawing & other art approaches)
• Accredited Counsellor (Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors; ACA Member)
• Certified Cognitive Behavioural Practitioner (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course by Kain Ramsey)
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Italian Studies (The University of Sydney)
For booking with Saskia at the Bankstown location click on Bookings