Meet our Team
When you contact us for the first time, we will work with you to find the counsellor who is the best “fit” for your needs – we know how important it is to find just the right person. Feel welcome to have a look at our team, and we can chat further when you call.
-
Ruth Speziale
-
Keren Calvert
-
Genevieve Cribb
-
Kim Morris
-
Anna Felice
-
Helen Fuller
-
TBA
-
TBA
-
Jennie Lakos
-
Nicola Lock
-
TBA
-
TBA
-
John Parmentier
-
Neil Smith
-
Emma Surridge
-
TBA
-
Keren Calvert
Qualification : MA (Psych), Dip Clin Psych, Adv Dip Community Services Work, MACA
Keren is a Registered Psychologist and Registered Counsellor. She has been working at The Cottage as a therapist since 2011.
She is also the Cottage Director (a role she shares with fellow colleague, John Parmentier), and together they are responsible for the running of The Cottage.
Keren is experienced in working with adults across a broad range of presenting issues, including anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, and stress management.
Keren works with an integrative approach, incorporating elements of cognitive, emotional and creative therapies.
Genevieve Cribb - Supervision Only
Qualification : BSW MHA MAASW(Acc), Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Victims Services Counsellor
Gen Cribb is an accredited mental health social worker and former Director of the Cottage. She graduated in 1996 and has experience working with several agencies before joining the Cottage in 2003.
Her specialty has always been in trauma; victim/survivors of domestic abuse, childhood abuse and sexual assault. Gen has also been a trainer and supervisor for many years.
Her work now is mostly around supervision and training to support understanding of the experience of abuse and recovery and to equip and support clinicians or other carers in community settings.
Gen has a strong commitment to the Cottage being a refuge for those who most need counselling support and can least afford it. A faith in action organisation.
Anna Felice
Qualification : M Couns, BCHC, PACFA Reg. Clinical 22418, CCAA Clinical No. 92685.
Anna has been in practice since 2010 and has been with The Cottage since 2017.
Anna works primarily with adults recovering from a variety of traumas; physical, emotional and sexual abuse, coercive control, neglect, bullying and with people living in or having grown up with domestic & family violence.
She is experienced with the flow-on effects of these experiences; depression, anxiety, personality disorders and relational struggles to name a few.
Anna’s ongoing professional development complements these areas of work.
Helen Fuller
Qualification : BEd/BSc (Psyc-Hons), BTh
Helen is a Registered Psychologist based in Narrabeen, and is an approved Medicare Provider for clients with a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP. She has training and experience working in the fields of Education, Psychology and Christian Ministry.
Helen is a gentle listener, and finds it a great privilege to hear stories of great courage and resilience in the clients she meets. Helen is committed to working in a client-centred and empathic manner, and is sensitive to her clients' spiritual beliefs and worldviews. She has experience working with clients of all ages - and particularly enjoys working with adolescents and young adults.
Helen has experience helping clients with a range of issues, and has particular interest in anxiety, depression, grief/loss, self-esteem issues, trauma, stress management, and relationship issues. She utilises techniques from a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
In her spare time, Helen enjoys going to the beach, watching good movies & musicals, playing escape rooms, and going on fun adventures with her mini-schnauzer!
Jennie Lakos
Jen has been counselling with The Cottage since 2003. During this time she has worn many hats.
She was a Trainer for Advanced Diploma and Graduate Diploma Counselling Courses and up until recently was The Director of The Cottage.
Jen is now concentrating on her Counselling and Supervision work. She provides Pastoral and Clinical Supervision and Counselling/Therapy to individuals and couples.
She works with clients struggling in all areas of mental health including anxiety and depression.
Jen specialises in healing the longterm emotional impact of childhood trauma. She uses different models of counselling with a basis in Emotionally Focussed Therapy
Nicola Lock
Qualification : B.Sc, Grad Dip EFT, MMin, MAPC, AAOS, PACFA Reg Clinical
Nicola was the founding Director of The Cottage and has been working in the counselling field for over 25 years.
She has a broad generalist counselling practice, with a special focus on relationship counselling and sexual addictions.
Nicola is also a Clinical Supervisor and maintains a role as Clinical Consultant to the centre since stepping down from the Director’s position in 2009.
John Parmentier
Qualification : Ad Dip Couns, MAPC
John trained as a counsellor with St Mark’s Theological College, joining The Cottage in 2009.
Working with individuals, couples and as a trainer, he loves helping people reach their full potential.
John has developed his specialty in working with men’s issues.
John is Director of The Cottage (a role he shares with Keren Calvert).
Neil Smith
Qualification : Grad Dip Couns, M. Couns
Neil Graduated his Grad Dip in Counselling in 2019 before transitioning into a Masters program, and has joined the Cottage Counselling team to complete his internship which will conclude his Master of Counselling at Excelsia College.
Neil has a compassionate understanding of life experiences, and a passion in connecting and supporting others, alongside building awareness in Mental Health and Wellbeing, to encourage others in taking that next step in seeking support.
Neil has a natural Person-Centered approach to counselling whilst incorporating an integrative, eclectic mix of theories and modalities to suit a client’s individual needs.
He values the importance of providing a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore you, and your life, to journey alongside you whilst empowering and equipping you to explore, process and work through personal concerns, challenges and mental health issues.
Emma Surridge
Qualification and Affiliations:
- Bachelor Counselling (Coaching) (ACAP)
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1
- Advanced Certificate in Bowen Family Systems Theory (FSI) (currently studying)
- Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling federations of Australia (PACFA)
- Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT)
Emma’s key focus is to work alongside clients to assist them fulfil their potential in both a personal and professional capacity. Using a variety of coaching and counselling methodologies, Emma draws out client strengths, helps them to construct more positive thinking patterns which in turn opens new pathways forward towards improved life satisfaction.
Emma has a special interest in Bowen Family Systems Theory and is currently studying with the Family Systems Institute in Sydney. Using systems theory, Emma will work alongside families who are experiencing relationship challenges.
British born, Emma spent many years working in the London financial markets. She resided in Hong Kong for 10 years before relocating to rural Western Australia and now lives in Sydney with her husband, two daughters and beloved companion dog, Chablis.
After taking time out of the corporate world to become a full time Mum to two daughters, Emma retrained with a Bachelor of Counselling & Coaching and established My Blue Sky Thinking to pursue her real passion – service to people. Emma brings to each individual client, a warm, open hearted interest in who they are, where they have been and with gentleness and hope, works to guide them towards where they would prefer to be.
Contact Emma if you are interested in taking an action orientated approach to reshaping your life.
Copyright 2024 Cottage Counselling, all rights reserved.