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About Us

Mathew Aquilina

(he/him)

Psychologist & Board-Approved Supervisor

PhD Candidate

PSY0001686217

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I am a registered psychologist, board-approved clinical supervisor, and PhD candidate at the University of Wollongong, where I am researching how relational antenatal preparation influences couples’ transition to parenthood. With over a decade of experience in the psychology field, my work has spanned therapy with children, adolescents and adults, parenting support, group facilitation, university student counselling, clinical supervision, and service management.

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I take a warm, collaborative, and conversational approach to therapy, creating a safe and respectful space where clients feel supported in exploring challenges and fostering growth. I value the trust and vulnerability that come with seeking therapy and see it as a privilege to walk alongside people on their journey.

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My practice is grounded in an attachment-based and relational framework, and I integrate a range of evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Relational Psychodynamic Therapy, the Circle of Security protocol, and Becoming Us Perinatal Mental Health training. I have also undertaken intensive training in Perinatal Mental Health through the Centre for Perinatal Psychology and currently work with the country’s largest perinatal mental health provider, Gidget Foundation Australia.

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I am particularly passionate about supporting men’s mental health and perinatal mental health. My work with men often focuses on issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, communication, emotional expression, trauma, and intimacy concerns. In perinatal mental health, I assist dads to navigate the transition to parenthood, providing antenatal preparation, addressing postnatal depression and anxiety, and supporting parents through the challenges of early parenting, birth trauma, and perinatal loss.

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Additionally, I have a special interest in offering tinnitus retraining therapy, integrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy to support individuals in managing tinnitus-related distress.

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I also provide clinical supervision for provisional psychologists, registered psychologists, and other mental health professionals, with availability for group supervision and training upon request.

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​If you are looking for support, guidance, or a safe space to explore your challenges, I would be honoured to work with you on your journey toward growth and well-being.

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Mathew is available for appointments on Mondays.

Dr Brooke Van Zanden
Mathew Aquilina

Dr Brooke Van Zanden (she/her)

Clinical Psychologist & Board-Approved Supervisor

PSY0001959214

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I am a clinical psychologist and board-approved supervisor who values a warm, conversational and collaborative approach to therapy. My practice draws on approaches that best fit the person, including cognitive-behavioural (CBT) approaches, cultivating acceptance and clarifying values (ACT), and practising self-compassion. I enjoy helping people to understand themselves and their relationships through an Attachment Theory framework. 

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I am currently completing training focused on perinatal mental health as part of my registrar program in Clinical Psychology. Outside of private practice I work as a psychologist at a perinatal mental health NGO service. Prior to this role, I have worked with adolescents and young adults at headspace, and as a research academic at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). 

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I have a particular interest in working in the following areas: 

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​Perinatal mental health:

 

  • Post-natal depression and anxiety 

  • Intrusive thoughts during pregnancy and post-partum

  • Early parenting and associated stresses

  • Grief associated with infertility & pregnancy loss

  • Navigating relationship changes after becoming parents 

  • Infant-parent bonding and approaches to infant sleep supporting parent-child attachment

  • Identity changes; matrescence

  • Anxiety regarding pregnancy and childbirth 

  • Proactive birth and post-partum preparation/planning

  • Birth trauma 

  • Gender disappointment

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Sexual/reproductive health and relationships: ​

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  • Dyspareunia (painful intercourse or sex including vaginismus, vulvodynia)

  • Low or reduced arousal/pleasure

  • Psychological stress associated with gynaecological conditions and Menopause

  • Anxiety and stress regarding relationships & intimacy

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Brooke is available for appointments on Mondays.

Contact Us

For any questions you have, or to initiate a new referral, please email us or use the inquiry submission form below and we will get back to you within two business days.

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Due to our limited operating hours, we do not have a dedicated phone number at this time, and will make contact using a 'No Caller ID' if reaching out by phone.

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We are conveniently located in the Wollongong CBD. Clients located anywhere in Australia can also access support via telehealth services. See this page for directions to our practice location.

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We are currently offering appointments on Mondays during business hours.

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Level 1, 133 Crown Street

Wollongong NSW 2500

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info@banksiapsych.com

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M: 0483 924 055 (SMS only)

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Fax: 02 8322 8013

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Banksia Psychology & Supervision acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we practice, unceded Dharawal Country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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