OUR STORY
Lavender House Psychology was founded in 2002 by Challee O'Reilly. Her vision was to establish a safe and welcoming space for people of the Scenic Rim region to obtain assistance to work on their psychological issues and maximise their wellbeing.
Over time, the practice has become home to a team of talented and passionate psychologists along with an exceptional administration staff group working together to achieve outstanding outcomes for clients of all ages.
We have forged strong collaborative relationships with referring doctors and a wide range of support and therapeutic services in the local area.
We pride ourselves on our compassion, professionalism and passion for helping people to achieve their goals and live their best lives!
OUR TEAM
Who We Are
CHALLEE O'REILLY
Director/Psychologist
Challee is our Practice Director and a Psychologist with extensive experience assisting adults, children, couples and families. She is passionate about emotional wellbeing and helping people face and overcome their individual challenges. She is skilled in a range of therapies and offers a calm, confident and caring approach to all clients.
Challee also provides organisational psychology consultancy, advising businesses on all aspects of people management.
JODIE BROWN
Clinical Psychologist
Jodie is a highly experienced psychologist who works with people across the lifespan - that is, with young children through to people in later life. She is strongly committed to her clients goals and appreciates their individuality, their rights and preferences, and their unique strengths and gifts.
Jodie has special interests in assisting children with autism spectrum disorders and their families to navigate their challenges and enjoy rich, rewarding and full lives.
She is also highly skilled in assisting people with pain management, anxiety, OCD, medical trauma, issues related to spinal injury, sexuality and gender identity, grief & loss, end of life, continence, issues of identity, and people experiencing or managing psychosis.
LIAM O'BRIEN
Psychologist
Liam has been working with Lavender House Psychology for the past 18 months. During this time he has quickly proven to be a popular and well-regarded member of our professional team. He works with adult clients across a range of presentations. His clients enjoy his warm and compassionate nature, his easy-going nature and his sharp intellect and ability to identify practical and effective strategies to achieve their goals.
ALINA PARROT
Psychologist
Alina works primarily with children and young people. Her kindness and caring approach leaves her clients feeling safe, heard and supported. She is thorough and dedicated, offering child and adult clients alike evidence-based treatments, strategies and ideas to help them navigate through their challenges to brighter outcomes.
MICHAEL AHERN
Psychologist
Michael joined the practice here in April 2022. Prior to this Michael worked for 5 years in specialised torture and trauma counselling. He has over 20 years experience working in mental health including inpatient, forensic and community public mental health as well as the not-for-profit sector. He has worked across the lifespan from youth to aged care specific services. Michael has also worked in other specialised areas such as acquired brain injury, early psychosis, disability, dual diagnosis, homelessness and intensive mental health rehabilitation programs. He has also worked as a trainer and supervisor for mental health clinicians and students.
Michael predominantly works with young people and adults on a range of issues including depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress, adjustment to injury, family and relationship challenges, parenting, education and development, neurodivergence and psychosis. Michael is formally trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Exposure Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy.
CAROL THAKE
Clinical Psychologist
Carol has extensive experience applying a broad range of psychological therapies to children and adults. Her comprehensive and thoughtful approach enables her to identify an effective and practical way forward to help her clients achieve great results. Carol's non-judgmental and caring nature combined with her strength and commitment to her clients' goals make her a very powerful facilitator of change.
JODIE O'REILLY
Practice Manager
Jodie has managed the administration of the practice since the business commenced. She has extensive knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the business side of the practice. Jodie manages our team of reception and administration staff, guiding and assisting them to provide the very best standard of customer service to clients and the professional staff. She also ensures all our financial processes are effective and up to date. Somehow, with all the things she is juggling, she is always available, always calm, and always leaves everyone feeling she is happy to help them with whatever they may need!
LEANNE JOHNSTON
Reception & Administration
You will likely meet Leanne at our Reception Desk. She will efficiently welcome you with a smile, ensure we have all your required paperwork and so forth, make you a coffee or tea, and help you with anything you may require. Everyone appreciates Leanne's calm and soothing nature. She is unflappable, considerate and discreet.
MICHELLE O'REILLY
Reception & Administration
Michelle is the newest member of the administration team. Despite this, she has a developed a good understanding of our booking and payment systems. She has familiarity with the complexities of the Medicare system from her previous work as a dental assistant and receptionist. Michelle is a happy and helpful presence in the practice and is always keen to help our clients and her colleagues in any way she can.