Meet the Team

Ellen Pickering-Director/Senior Psychologist

Ellen Pickering is the Psychologist and creator behind Empowering Minds Psychology. With over 14 years experience as a Registered Psychologist she provides a safe, gentle, neuroaffirming, non-judgemental and empowering space for families, children and adolescents. She has worked across many settings including the NSW Department of Education and Non for Profit sectors. She is also an AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor.

Ellen ensures that she understands her clients and provides the most appropriate tailored psychological intervention for them. She has a particular interest in using various techniques, including play therapy and LEGO® Based Therapy. She is an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).

Ellen also provides psychological assessments including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Academic, behavioural, emotional and functional.

Ellen is a Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists, an accredited teacher, has a Working with Children Check, CPR certificate and is a mandatory reporter. She is able to see clients with Mental Health Care Plan’s as well as Open Arms funding. Ellen see’s clients up to 20 years of age.

Kitty Hazell-Provisional Psychologist

Kitty Hazell is a Provisional Psychologist who is passionate about supporting her clients in meaningful and practical ways. She believes firmly in “meeting people where they are”, and her warm, compassionate and non-judgemental approach strives to create a safe space for her clients to navigate their challenges and life-transitions.

Drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches, Kitty aims to work collaboratively with her clients to tailor psychological therapy to meet their individual needs. She has a special interest in drawing on her client’s strengths to help them meet their goals, and fostering self-compassion as a valuable coping resource.

Kitty completed her studies in 2021. Prior to achieving her registration as a Provisional Psychologist, Kitty worked for ten years as a Registered Nurse, specialising in Mental Health. She has experience working with a diverse range of clients, delivering interventions to both individuals and groups, and brings a wealth of practical knowledge and a unique perspective to the realm of psychological support. Kitty see’s clients up to 25 years of age.

Jess Cook-Provisional Psychologist

Jess is a gentle, compassionate Provisional Psychologist. She was a finalist in the practitioner of the Year in 2024 for School Counsellors and Psychologists Association awards. She provides appointments on Saturdays.

Jess uses neurodiversity affirming and evidence-based theories to support clients to harness existing strengths, abilities, and values to work toward their specific needs and goals.

Jess' approach is client focused, trauma informed and flexible as she works with young people to understand themselves, their lives, and relationships in meaningful ways

Jess has extensive experience in working with children and young people in NSW Department of Education Schools and is also an accredited teacher. Jess see’s clients up to 25 years of age and is also able to conduct Intelligence, ADHD, behavioural/emotional assessments.

Administration

Marie is our lovely receptionists who will be there to greet you on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. She will also be the person you speak to when you book appointments and send us emails.

Recruitment

We are currently looking for new clinician’s to join the team. Please get in touch if you think you would be a great fit for us.