About Liberated Psychology

Rosie de Vries (Watt)

Director + Principal Psychologist (B.A Psych, Hons), MAPS

Member of APS Perinatal and Infant Psychology Interest Group (PIPIG), The International MARCE Society & The World Association of Infant Mental Health (WAIMH)

Rosie is passionate about helping people through difficult times. Rosie’s warm, open, and direct approach is what she feels builds a strong and positive therapeutic relationship. Rosie takes a collaborative approach to therapy, knowing that you intrinsically know your own direction and she is just here to help you walk that path. Rosie takes the approach that no one is perfect, and that discovering what makes your life worth living is done through trial and error. Rosie enjoys teaching that self-compassion doesn’t come easy, but it is a foundation for allowing yourself to try.

Rosie has over 8 years’ experience working as a psychologist, with the past four years being dedicated to helping first responders. She enjoys working with a variety of presentations including infant and perinatal mood disorders, and everything in between – from fertility and conception through to birth and the parenting journey. Rosie takes a particular interest in supporting families during the parenting journey and the difficulties that can arise. Rosie also enjoys working with trauma, adjustment and attachment difficulties, anxiety and mood disorders, grief and loss and helping the self-limiting beliefs that are holding you back be released. She is passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment for all clients, using an empathic approach that encourages a strong therapeutic relationship. Rosie implements a person-centred approach to support clients in achieving their therapeutic goals. She has experience in providing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), motivational interviewing and trauma informed interventions. Rosie is completing EMDR training in April 2023 to continue to strengthen her work within the field of trauma.

Outside of treatment, Rosie is an avid runner, constantly attempting to keep her energetic kelpie at bay. But if she isn’t outdoors, she is likely in the kitchen attempting a recipe found on pinterest – using every single pot and pan in the process just to make one dish.

Member of

Mikaela Matthes

Psychologist (MProfPsych), MAPS

Mikaela has a love for understanding what makes people unique and listening to people’s stories. She enjoys connecting with people on a deeper level and helping them to feel comfortable, by creating understanding around the seemingly mysterious process of therapy. She is passionate about normalising mental health care for all ages, and creating a warm, empathic space for people to be themselves, share the tough stuff and discover their inherent strengths. Mikaela sees it is a privilege to be entrusted with people’s stories and rewarding to witness the transformative effect of feeling seen, heard, and understood.

Mikaela has 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families as a counsellor and then a psychologist. She enjoys working with young people to establish a positive and balanced perception of themselves, strengthen or repair peer and family relationships, and find strategies to regulate emotions; all factors impacting their ability to engage in education. She also spent time working with separated families, seeing the value of supporting children through the associated changes. Mikaela has experience conducting psychological assessments for a range of behavioural and learning difficulties such as ADHD and specific learning disorders.

Mikaela’s passion for education also extends to experience in the tertiary education sector, training counsellors, delivering mental health education, and providing counselling support to tertiary education students of all ages.

Utilising a diverse range of therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, play therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychoeducation, Mikaela tailors her methods to meet the unique needs of each individual.

When not immersed in the world of psychology, Mikaela finds joy in following ATP and WTA tennis tournaments (not just the Australian Open!), going for walks, collecting sneakers, playing board games, and spending quality time with her family.

Stevie Pallas

Wellbeing Receptionist

Stevie radiates warmth and positivity as the cornerstone of Liberated Psychology. With a heart as big as her smile, Stevie embodies the essence of care and compassion in her role as wellbeing receptionist. Her bubbly personality creates an inviting atmosphere, instantly putting clients at ease from the moment they walk through the door.

Currently pursuing a degree in psychology, Stevie’s dedication to understanding the human mind and behaviour extends beyond the confines of her academic studies. She applies her growing knowledge to her interactions with clients, offering not just administrative support but also a listening ear and empathy.

Outside of work, Stevie’s world revolves around her son, friends, and family as well as getting out into nature to enjoy the world around her. Whether she’s enjoying quality time with her loved ones or engaging in lively conversations with friends, Stevie’s zest for life is infectious.

Stevie’s commitment to fostering a nurturing environment underscores her dedication to the wellbeing of everyone she encounters.

What can we help you with?

  • How to care for and manage your anxiety, depression, stress or other concerns by providing you with further understanding into the root of them. We will also provide you with practical strategies to reduce symptom severity
  • How to calm and regulate your nervous system
  • How becoming a parent might change you, and helping you to continue to find yourself and grow as a parent
  • How to break through patterns of people pleasing, perfectionism, self-doubt and more
  • Understanding how your beautiful brain works, even when it gives you a hard time
  • How to understand and work through your adult trauma
  • How to improve your relationship with yourself and improve your attitude towards yourself – shift from berating and beating yourself up to one of acceptance
  • Reconnecting with YOU and identifying who you are, apart from being a ‘Mum, sister, partner, employee’
  • Improving your self-worth and esteem
  • How to manage complex relationships

Why do people choose Liberated Psychology?

At Liberated Psychology we pride ourselves on our warm and non-judgemental approach to your sessions. We understand that life is full of challenges, and by opening up a space for you to explore them safely – your life will move in the direction of your choice.