Time to Shine Therapy
Time to Shine Therapy offers psychological services primarily for children and adolescents, with limited spaces for adult consultations also. We work using evidence-based approaches to psychological therapy, intervention and counselling.
Our passion and aim is to provide assistance to children, adolescents and families in need of additional care, education and general well-being. We believe that the best way to assist children and adolescents is to also support their immediate networks (parents and siblings). Through assessment, observation, intervention and strategy implementation, we hope to be able to build rapport, locate specific areas of need for change and provide some really positive outcomes for the children and families we see.
We evaluate children for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to; autism spectrum (AS), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning disorders (e.g. dyslexia), intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD), global developmental delays (GDD), mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety and depression) and other factors that affect development. Additionally, we help children cope with abuse, grief or trauma; and other personal experiences that influence their mental and emotional health. We typically see children in a private office setting. Depending on their diagnoses, we may refer children to other specialists, to a psychiatrist for medication, or propose a treatment of therapy through regularly scheduled visits.
Get to know us:
Meet our Psychologists
Scroll down to read more about each of our psychologists!
Chris McFarlane - Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Founder/Director of Time to Shine Therapy
Chris was born and raised in locally surrounding suburbs to South Morang, and had a vision of supporting his local community through psychology services after he became a fully registered psychologist in 2013. In 2015 his parents shared his dream and said “you should go for it, it’s your Time to Shine” - and so a name, and a vision was born.
Chris McFarlane is a endorsed Educational and Developmental Psychologist with a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Melbourne. Chris started in private practice in 2013 working with children and adolescents aged between three and eighteen years of age, and is the principal psychologist, founder and director of Time to Shine Therapy.
Chris specialises in working with children or adolescents with emotional, behavioural, psycho-social and developmental problems including but not limited to anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, behavioural disorders, specific learning disorders, self regulation as well as coping and adjustments.
Chris McFarlane has special interests in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Enhancing self regulation and emotional understanding in youth, Counselling and assessment and a collaborative approach to understanding mental health.
Chris’ interests include sports, gaming, animals and all things tech!! He loves spending time with his wife, two daughters, as well as his cavoodle Eevie and cat Louis!
Erin Ghazi - Educational and Developmental Psychologist
Erin is an endorsed Educational and Developmental Psychologist. She has experience in conducting assessments and working with neurodivergent clients.
Erin is passionate about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Intellectual Disability, and supporting clients experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression and emotional regulation.
Erin completed her Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Monash University, and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) and APS College of Educational & Developmental Psychologists (CEDP).
Erin values working with children, adolescents and young adults within their family, school, and social environments, to optimise community inclusion for all individuals. In addition, her special area of interest is working with parents and carers to support and further understand the children in their care.
Demi is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Demi completed her Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology degree at Monash University.
Demi is an enthusiastic psychologist and is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and their families. She has experience working in schools and private practice settings.
Demi’s areas of interest include specific learning difficulties, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression and emotional regulation.
Demi Heffer - Psychologist
Kathleen Koh - Psychologist (Educational and Developmental Psychology Registrar)
Kathleen values the therapeutic relationship and believes in building a strong rapport with her clients as a basis for therapy and intervention to occur. She works from an attachment-focused and ecological systems framework, and believes in engaging families and stakeholders as partners in the therapeutic journey.
Deeply passionate about working with children and young people on the autism spectrum, Kathleen has spent the last 8 years doing so. She has worked in both schools and private practices in Australia and Singapore, and has experience working with clients with diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities. Kathleen also previously held roles as a special education teacher and a behaviour therapist. She has keen interests in learning difficulties, as well as developmental, emotional and behavioural issues.
Kathleen is experienced in the area of psychoeducational and diagnostic assessments, and have conducted these with clients in preschool through to early adulthood. She is conversant in Mandarin.
Sarah is a registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a full member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi). She completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Deakin University, in 2009.
Sarah has worked in the Public Mental Health system, at Headspace and most recently a school. Sarah loves working with young people and their families, helping young people thrive and achieve their full potential. She has experience working with a wide range of disorders including but not limited to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, stress, as well as enhancing emotional regulation skills. Comprehensive assessments of cognitive, academic and social and emotional functioning are a keen interest of hers too.
When she’s not working, Sarah loves spending time with her family (husband and two kids), camping and anything sport related!
Sarah Malseed - Psychologist
Natasha Stoikos - Psychologist (Educational and Developmental Psychology Registrar)
Natasha is a registered psychologist who has a Master of Educational Psychology from the University of Melbourne. Natasha has experience in providing psychological interventions and assessments to children and adolescents across a range of educational settings, and has a passion for empowering children and young people to flourish. Natasha is a warm and compassionate practitioner who creates a safe and supportive environment for her clients. She values establishing trusting therapeutic relationships with her clients, and collaborating with families and schools to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Natasha has experience in working with a diverse range of clients and has experience providing intervention to children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD & ADD), Intellectual Disability and specific learning disorders, as well as other cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Natasha utilises a person-centered therapy style tailored to client needs, and draws on components of various evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, strengths-based and mindfulness approaches.
When she’s not working, Natasha loves spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors with her dogs, and playing and watching sports!
Anna Say - Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar)
Anna is a registered psychologist currently completing her clinical endorsement program. She holds a membership with the Australian Psychological Society.
Anna has worked with children and young people in settings including schools and through private practice. She has experience treating and supporting a range of psychological difficulties including but not limited to anxiety, behavioural disorders, learning disorders, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression. Anna particularly enjoys working with young individuals who are experiencing psycho-social, behavioural or emotional difficulties.
Anna has a warm and engaging manner with children, adolescents, young adults and families. She is passionate about supporting individuals through challenging times and helping them build their confidence and resilience. In her work, Anna draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
Joanna Justus - Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar)
Joanna is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Joanna completed her Masters in Psychology (Clinical) and is passionate about helping young people with their mental health difficulties using a collaborative approach.
Joanna has experience working with children, adolescents and their families from rural and regional communities in both school and community mental health settings. Joanna has experience working with various presentations including neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She also has experience with depression, anxiety-related disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders and other social and emotional difficulties such as stress and anger.
Joanna seeks to provide evidence-based treatment and support to individuals drawing from various modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy.
In her free time, Joanna loves to spend time with her family and friends, bake, and go on road trips! Joanna is passionate about developing a warm, collaborative, and non judgemental space for clients and their families, and is excited to be a part of the Time to Shine Therapy team!
Madison Delios - Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar)
Madi is a registered psychologist and a Clinical Psychology Registrar with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She has completed her Master's in Psychology (Clinical Psychology) and her passion lies in helping children and adolescents who are experiencing various challenges such as depression and anxiety-related disorders, eating disorders and other social and emotional difficulties such as self-esteem and coping with stress and life adjustments. Madi also provides support to their families, ensuring that they feel empowered and well-supported throughout the process.
Madi has experience working with both children and adults in community, public health, and school settings. Additionally, she is a registered Tuning in to Teens facilitator. In her free time, Madi loves spending quality time with her loved ones, including family and friends.
Ebony Corless - Psychologist (Neuro-Psychology Registrar)
Ebony is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She has completed her Master’s of Clinical Neuropsychology and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Ebony has a passion for assisting children, young people and their families to find the best support and interventions possible, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. She has experience working in paediatrics in both private practice and hospital settings.
Her training in neuropsychology means that she has extensive experience conducting neuropsychological assessments across a range of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) and Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD). She also has experience assessing and providing intervention for children and young people experiencing a range of neurological conditions such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), acquired brain injury (ABI), infant stroke and genetic conditions.
Ebony is a kind and engaging clinician who aims to create a welcoming environment for every client. In her free time, Ebony loves visiting the beach and spending time with family and friends.
Tinette Mella - Psychologist (Educational and Developmental Psychology Registrar)
Tinette is a registered psychologist with a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology from the Australian Catholic University. Tinette has experience providing psychological support and assessments to children and adolescents across various educational and private practice settings and has a passion for empowering children, adolescents and their families to thrive.
Tinette has experience and interest in supporting children and adolescents facing challenges associated with neurodevelopmental differences, including autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, learning difficulties, anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional regulation difficulties, trauma, and eating difficulties. Tinette is trained in administering various assessments and can assist in exploring cognitive, academic and attentional difficulties and neurodivergence across different age groups.
Tinette is a warm and compassionate practitioner who provides a person-centred and strength-based approach to therapy and adopts a flexible therapeutic style, adapting to the changing needs of her clients. As a neurodivergent practitioner herself, she brings a unique perspective to some of the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals. Tinette is committed to using an individualised, neuro-affirming, and trauma-informed approach to understanding and supporting her clients, always striving for the best outcomes for her clients.
When not at work, Tinette enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, supporting her favourite Formula 1 team, and as an avid reader, she is always on the lookout for captivating book series recommendations!
Sian Gavan - Provisional Psychologist
Sian is a provisional psychologist who has completed a Master of Professional Psychology degree and is now completing her final year of supervised practice to gain General Registration as a psychologist. See below for “What is a provisional psychologist”.
Sian has experience working in schools with children, adolescents, and their families in regional communities. She is also trained in administering cognitive assessments. Sian brings an empathetic, warm, and caring approach and believes in fostering a collaborative environment based on active listening and openness to meet each individual's specific needs.
In her spare time, Sian loves to read, and spend time with her friends, family, and dog Luna!
Sarah De Haan - Clinical Psychologist
Sarah is a Clinical Psychologist experienced in delivering evidence-based treatments for a variety of clinical psychological disorders. Sarah holds membership with the Australian Psychological Society. She has experience working with children and adults in hospitals, schools, public mental health settings and has worked in private practice since 2016.
Sarah is passionate about helping adolescents and young adults become resilient and confident in the face of stressors. She particularly enjoys working with teenagers and young adults struggling with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma and insomnia. Sarah is committed to working within the village that surrounds her clients, including parents and teachers.
Sarah also works with adult clients and draws on a range of therapeutic modalities in her work. She is a registered Tuning in to Kids facilitator and Circle of Security program facilitator. She enjoys equipping parents with skills they need in order to parent with awareness, confidence and resilience. She is also a Dads Group Ambassador.
Sam is a provisional psychologist who has completed a Master of Professional Psychology at Australian Catholic University and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Sam is now completing his final year of supervised practice to gain General Registration as a psychologist. See below for “What is a provisional psychologist”.
Sam has a passion for assisting young people to develop skills and resilience to tackle life’s many challenges, and supporting their families and support networks along the way. Sam strives to make meaningful therapeutic connections with the individuals and families he works with.
Sam has experience in private practice seeing clients with a diverse range of psychological difficulties, including depression, anxiety disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), adjustment disorders, and other social, behavioural, and emotional difficulties such as anger, grief, and stress. Sam has many years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives through social and community connection. Sam has training and experience in the provision of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as well as a range of neuropsychological assessments.
In his free time, Sam likes to spend time with family and friends, play guitar and listen to music, play video-games, go to the gym, and watch sports (Go Collingwood!)
Sam Thompson - Provisional Psychologist
We are a registered service provider under the NDIS. We will assess your plan and look to make a service agreement with you and your young person in order to provide assistance to help move toward their goals and your goals as a family. Please contact the clinic to discuss the specifics of your plan with our reception team. Please be sure to bring all supporting documentation to your first session so that we can take a copy and sign our consent agreements with you.
Meet our amazing administration team
Leonie is our receptionist on Tuesday/Wednesday and Thursday and is an ABSOLUTE LIFESAVER. She helps keep us all on track, and pretty well does everything before we even ask her to! Leonie has worked in many administration roles however we like to think she has found her calling working amongst a family centred team of professionals and amongst the kids themselves who visit the clinic. Feel free to give her a call on 9436 9446 to book an appointment or ask all things clinic related!
Leonie Black - Receptionist
Ruth is our receptionist on Monday and Friday and comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry. We are so lucky to have her!! Ruth is fast, efficient, very patient and is an incredibly valued member of the team. Ruth has worked in a variety of administration roles and is always working to improve our systems. She loves her family, her pets, bush walks/exploring and meeting new families at the clinic. If you come and visit us, make sure you don’t tempt her with chocolate as she’s a bit of a chocaholic!! Feel free to give her a call on 9436 9446 to book an appointment or ask all things clinic related!
Ruth Spence - Receptionist
Sarah is the better half of Chris McFarlane and supports the clinic behind the scenes with all things admin and accounts. You may receive an email from Sarah (admin@timetoshinetherapy.com) notifying you of anything you may need to know about invoices or accounts. Sarah loves the beach (and will go in at any time of the year!), the gym, any kind of adventure and her family.
Sarah McFarlane - Administration and Accounts
All of our psychologists are registered with AHPRA and are proud Members of the Australian Psychological Society or Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
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Take a moment to see if your question has been answered below:
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No, if you prefer, you can make an appointment privately. The benefit of a valid referral (i.e. a Medicare GP Mental Health Treatment Plan) is that a rebate may be possible. Please discuss options with your GP, Psychiatrist, Paediatrician, or your Private Health Fund.
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In many cases yes, but we always suggest contacting your insurance provider to ask if it covers any psychology appointments. Each fund differs in if they cover you, at what amount they cover each appointment and at what limit this is capped to.
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Absolutely! In some instances telehealth is not suitable and can depend on age and confidentiality also. Our preference is face to face as a service but we do offer telehealth where appropriate (thanks COVID!). We utilise Microsoft Teams and Zoom (so you must have access to these applications on your device).
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Medicare allow up to two sessions per calendar year where the young person listed on the MHTP does not need to be in attendance in regards to a psychology appointment about their mental health. This can be helpful for parent based sessions or catch up’s.
Outside of this exception, the young person listed on the MHTP must otherwise be in attendance for you to claim your rebate. This is a Medicare policy, not ours. Medicare will only rebate up to 10 sessions per calendar year in total. You will be required to re-visit the GP between this to discuss your visits to the psychologist and provide an update on progress.
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Our psychologists will only work within our “scope of practice”. This means that we will only work with conditions, challenges, situations and scenarios we feel competent and knowledgeable to support you in. If we do not feel that we have the necessary skills to support you, we will either seek to upskill in that area of practice (where appropriate to do so), or refer you to a clinician who is able to work within their scope to best support you.
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Medicare is designed to rebate on a full payment fee (that is, to return some money once a full fee is paid). This is a Medicare design, not ours.
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Yes. On our end this process is automatic. Medicare will recognise when your family reach your safety net and apply a higher rebate for your psychology sessions.
Please visit the Medicare website if you require more information.
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Yes, our psychologists provide you with their Time to Shine email address, as well as the clinic reception number and email.
We encourage you to use this sparingly and instead bring important information to sessions to discuss directly.
Please note that lengthy emails may attract costs where there is an expected detailed reply from our psychologists. We have a high volume of administration tasks already, and so may not always respond to emails. We are also not an emergency service, so may not see your email until our administration times.
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No, Time to Shine Therapy is not suited for this type of work. We suggest contacting a forensic psychologist who is most likely to have the skills and training to provide these kind of reports.
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While we understand that wait times can be lengthy and frustrating - Unfortunately, Time to Shine Therapy are not a crisis support service.
In an instance that you need help now, and things are urgent, we recommend you call 000. Alternatively, Lifeline Australia can be called on 13 11 14 and also provides text and call options for support.
Other important services include:
Suicide Call Back: 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Parent Lin: 1300 30 1300
1300 MH CALL (Acute care team): 1300 642 255
Mensline: 1300 78 99 78
Still unsure? Call our friendly reception staff to find out more.
We understand that taking the first step can be challenging. All of our psychologists do their absolute best to build rapport with you and your young person, to support a deeper connection. The time it takes for someone to feel comfortable varies, but is a critical part of therapy.