About Us
Nestled between the ocean and the escarpment in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, Curious Minds Studio is a psychology practice supporting clients from the Illawarra and around Australia via Telehealth.
Built on values of curiosity, compassion, authenticity, and burnout prevention, we are grateful to work alongside our clients on their journeys of growth and recovery.
We believe that scientifically-validated and collaborative psychological therapy can help you to recover from difficult and distressing experiences, as well as build a flourishing, meaningful, and fulfilling life.
Meet the Team
Kendall Allsop
PRINCIPAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Kendall provides therapy for a range of mental health concerns. Her interest areas include birth trauma, birth & matrescence preparation, anxiety/depression, adjustment difficulties, adult ADHD, burnout, trauma/PTSD (particularly recovery from sexual assault), and grief/loss. Kendall is trained in EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma recovery. She also offers CBT, ACT, interpersonal therapy and draws on schema therapy, DBT, and mindfulness to inform her work. Kendall has worked in a variety of settings including university clinics and counselling services, youth mental health services, substance use (AOD) rehabilitation services, with older adults in community mental health, and in private practice. Kendall holds a Master of Psychology (Clinical) with Distinction and a Master of Professional Psychology with Distinction, and was awarded the Viney Professional Psychology Award during her training in recognition of being an outstanding practitioner. Kendall is a Full Member of EMDRAA. Kendall’s core values which inform her work are authenticity, curiosity, creativity, enthusiasm, growth, movement, & joy.
Angela Petrolo
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Angela is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with qualifications including a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts Criminology, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), a Master of Clinical Psychology and a Graduate Certificate of Domestic Violence Responses. Angela’s professional focus is on working with adults (18 years and over) who have experienced complex trauma throughout their lives and, as such, struggle with chronic and complex mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol use and personality disorder issues. Angela has extensive experience working in the field of domestic violence, complex trauma, personality disorder and drug and alcohol, in both residential and non-residential settings. Angela also has experience working with people dealing with a range of health issues such as endometriosis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and digestive issues to assist them to better manage the symptoms that they experience on a day-to-day basis. Angela works collaboratively with clients to tailor the treatment to meet their specific needs. Angela has experience in working with a broad range of evidence based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment therapy frameworks. Angela values the importance of educating clients to assist them to understand how experiences over a lifetime influences their current way of being in the world and offers practical strategies to empower clients to move towards a healthy future self.
Demi Rojo
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
Demi has completed a Master in Professional Psychology and has several years experience providing psychological assessment and intervention across the lifespan. She has worked with a broad range of mental health presentations. Demi has particular interest working with adults (18 years and over) who have a history of trauma, attachment trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, OCD, grief, interpersonal difficulties, and adverse life experiences. Demi practices from an attachment-informed lens and takes an integrative approach to practice, with experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and incorporating aspects of narrative therapy and mindfulness. Demi uses a collaborative and client-centred approach that focuses on understanding the unique circumstances that have brought you to therapy. Understanding that no two people are the same, Demi works with you to identify your core needs, values and goals to achieve holistic improvement. Demi’s therapeutic style is warm, relaxed and conversational, while prioritising safety and collaboration to build a strong therapeutic relationship. She believes the therapeutic relationship is key to providing a sense of safety, curiosity, non-judgemental exploration and empowerment to enhance overall quality of life.
Laura Meredith
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
Laura is a registered psychologist with extensive experience working with adults (18 years and over) with complex needs. Laura has experience working with clients presenting with a variety of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addictions, interpersonal conflict, emotion dysregulation, stress, suicidality, self-harming behaviours and trauma. She has worked extensively with dual diagnosis (mental health concerns and alcohol or other drug misuse) in inpatient rehabilitation and private practice, providing acute and long-term interventions. Laura has also worked in organisations providing assistance to individuals returning to work after psychological injuries. Laura has provided individual and group therapy to clients with diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTQ+. Laura uses a variety of therapeutic approaches, including; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Brief Solutions Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Laura has a holistic approach to counselling and uses her skills and experience to tailor her interventions to the needs of each of her clients. She is passionate about helping clients gain understanding around their difficulties and developing skills so they can lead fulfilling lives. Laura’s approach is warm, empathetic and non-judgmental.
Natasha Lawson
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
Hi! I’m Natasha. I'm an experienced registered EMDR practitioner and provide support with issues such as: Acute stress response & PTSD, adjustment difficulties, stress, anxiety, skill building (e.g. communication, assertiveness, problem solving, emotion regulation & coping), significant life events/changes, sleep difficulties, and improving general wellbeing. In addition to EMDR I'm also experienced in providing interventions using CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Mindfulness/relaxation, and Humanist approaches. I'm currently accepting new referrals for the above areas at Curious Minds Studio, and look forward to working with you to achieve your personal goals. Wishing you happiness & good mental health, Natasha (AHPRA Registered Psychologist, member of AAPI and EMDRAA).
“At the most basic level,
self-compassion simply requires being a good friend to ourselves."
KRISTEN NEFF
