Meet the Team

Ellen Pickering-Director/Senior Psychologist

Ellen Pickering is the Psychologist and creator behind Empowering Minds Psychology. With over 18 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.

Jules Cifuentes-Post-Psychologist

Jules is a psychologist with over five years of experience in supporting children and adolescents. Her practice uses a combination of therapy modalities including talk-therapies such as Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focussed therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (including Neuro-Affirming ACT).

Jules collaborates with her clients to identify areas for growth and establish meaningful, achievable goals. She believes in a flexible, person-centred approach to foster resilience and empowerment.

Jules also offers comprehensive psychological assessments, including for ADHD, cognitive (IQ), academic achievement, and behavioural, emotional, and functional evaluations.

Prior to her career in psychology, Jules served as a science teacher in NSW public high schools.

Jules is a Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi), holds a valid Working with Children Check, and maintains her accreditation as a teacher and mandatory reporter. Jules see’s clients up to 18 years of age.

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. She is available 9am to 4pm.