Meet the Team
Sara Balmer
Director/Psychologist
Sara has a passion for children of all ages. As an adolescent Sara volunteered, helping out at respite centres and special schools. Her passion for kids with special needs led her to study Psychology and train as a special education teacher. Sara loves to see the difference Psychology treatments can make to children and young people, to increase their confidence and. happiness.
Sara Balmer is experienced in many evidence-based interventions including cognitive behaviour therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), play therapy and other creative therapies. Sara Balmer is experienced in Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive treatments and counselling for children and adolescents. Sara Balmer uses sand tray methods and other non-directive approaches to give the child the space they need to work through and process things in their own way. Sara Balmer is experienced working with people with disabilities and is an NDIS-endorsed Behaviour Support Practitioner
Andrea Van Niekerk
Intern Psychologist
Andrea is a Provisionally Registered Psychologist and is working towards her full registration under the supervision of Sara Balmer.
Andrea loves working with children of all ages. She is warm and enthusiastic, with a passion for empowering young people to build resilience and self-confidence. This passion led her to complete her undergraduate studies in Psychology at Macquarie and Monash University. She then completed a Master of Professional Psychology through Monash University. During her studies, Andrea has worked as an NDIS Support Worker, helping people with disabilities build their independence and create meaningful connections with others.
Andrea is guided by evidence-based practices and the support of Sara Balmer. She collaborates closely with families and schools to ensure help her clients flourish and reach their full potential.
Registration and Memberships
Provisional Psychologist, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Assoc Member, Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science (Psychology), Macquarie University
Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced, Monash University
Master of Professional Psychology, Monash University
Jennifer Cooper
Registered Psychologist
Jennifer is a warm and caring psychologist who has worked professionally with children, adolescents, and families in clinical and school environments. Through her previous work, she has developed strong therapeutic and assessment skills assisting with a broad array of presentations including anxiety, low mood, emotion regulation, ADHD, ASD, learning difficulties, school avoidance, parenting and challenging behaviours.
Working predominantly within a Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) framework Jennifer also draws upon other therapeutic modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment, Dialectical Behaviour, Solution Focused and Play therapies to tailor interventions to meet specific needs. Jennifer believes that individuals are best supported using a holistic approach, via individual therapy and collaboration with family, schools and multidisciplinary teams.
Currently completing further training as a Clinical Psychologist, Jennifer is committed to continual growth and development, keeping up to date with the latest research to ensure the best outcome for her clients.
Jennifer Cooper
PSY0002160732
BPsych (hons), MProfPsych
Member APS
James Mackay
Administrative Assistant
James is a friendly face at reception, but he does so much more. He does everything from cleaning the rooms, sanitising the toys and games to taking payments, editing the website and all things in between.
James also responds to your questions with the admin email, as well as send out forms and zoom links to everyone.
Feel free to reach my email at: admin@sarabalmer.com.au