Simon Andrews

Simon is the Principal Psychologist at OK  Psychology (Optimistic Kids and North Eastern Psychological Services). Simon holds a Masters Degree in Psychology. He is a registered psychologist (1996) and a Member of the Clinical College of the Australian Psychological Society. Simon has been in private practice since 1998. He has experience in working with all age groups and most psychological issues. In 2001 he trained with Martin Seligman’s team in Philadelphia, and then ran the Penn Resilience Program in South Australia until 2010. Since then he has written three resilience programs for Junior School, Middle School and New Arrivals that are used in schools and at OK Psychology. He has written and delivered mental toughness programs for the Port Adelaide Power Football Club Community Department, and taught these to Defence Force Families and school students with the assistance of the players and Russell Ebert. He has also written materials for the Power Community Youth Program. Simon’s most recent focus is in the assessment, treatment and prevention of internet gaming, social media and device addiction in children, adolescents and families.

Tea Tree Gully & North Adelaide

Our team

Simon Andrews works with a group of psychologists, some of whom also deliver the Optimistic Kids Program. The administration team assists the psychologists in delivering a professional service, and we encourage feedback and greatly appreciate referrals.

Psychologists

Demelza Sears

Demelza is a registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists. She has worked extensively with children and young people who present with a range of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Demelza utilises tailored cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to suit the needs of each client and to meet their therapy goals. Demelza has a special interest in the assessment, diagnosis and intervention of conditions that affect young people. These include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, preliminary screening for Autism, and Educational Assessments (including the identification of specific learning issues).

Tea Tree Gully

Ann Weir

Ann is a Clinical Psychologist, Member of the Australian Psychological Society and Clinical College of the APS. 
Beginning her career in high school teaching, after over 20 years’ experience working in both state and private schools, Ann began working as a psychologist with a particular interest in school and learning difficulties. Ann enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of issues.
 
Tea Tree Gully

​Camea Degen  

Camea is a Registered Psychologist and member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc AAPi. Camea works with all age groups, with particular interest and extensive experience in working with children. Camea has trained in several evidence-based approaches including Child Centred Play Therapy (CCPT), Filial Therapy (FT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). As a Therapist, Camea holds a warm and empathetic approach. She works from a person-centred and judgement-free stance with absolute respect for each person’s individual story and situation. Camea is passionate about supporting people to overcome their challenges and create happier futures. 

Tea Tree Gully
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​Jodie Williams

Jodie is a Registered Psychologist who works with individuals of all ages, and has a particular interest in working with children, adolescents and their families.  Jodie has a special interest in disability including autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders, chronic illness, chronic pain, and anxiety.  As a result of her previous training in social work and teaching, Jodie also works closely with school staff and other professionals to address issues such as school refusal, social skills difficulties, bullying and emotional regulation.

Tea Tree Gully

​Danielle Forward
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Danielle has been a registered psychologist since 2011. She is a warm and caring therapist who enjoys people from all walks of life. She is passionate about helping clients build skills and resilience to better cope with life's stressors.  Danielle has experience in working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and with complex mental health needs.  For the past decade, Danielle has worked with clients experiencing significant life stressors and mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, anger management, and drug and alcohol difficulties.  She is experienced in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills, Cognitive processing Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. 

Tea Tree Gully

Aditi Shirali  

Aditi is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA. She has 10 years of work experience in the field of Mental Health. She ran her private practice in Mumbai before moving to Australia. She has worked with children and adults in schools, colleges, hospitals and corporates providing individual and group therapy sessions for various issues. She uses CBT, hypnotherapy, REBT, Solution focused therapy & Acceptance Commitment therapy to assist Mental health issues like Depression, Anxiety, Post Natal Depression, PTSD, ADHD, ASD and Eating Disorders. She uses Art Based therapy with children to help them express emotions and resolve behavioural and relationship issues.  She has completed M.Sc. in Foundations of Clinical Psychology from Bangor University, North Wales, UK and Bachelors in Psychology from Mumbai, India. Aditi has also completed Clinical Hypnotherapy from California Hypnosis Institute of India.
 
Tea Tree Gully
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Administration

Practice Manager:
Fiona Ferguson

Receptionists:
​Jackie Thomson
Alyssa Pilgrim
​Brooke Rankin
​Emma Harrell
Michaela Tonellato