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Our Team

Step Ahead Psychology was founded in 2021 by Ashley Kelly and Claire McCosker, having both lived and practised in the Illawarra area for a number of years.

NEW CLIENTS

If you are new to our service, please contact us to book with our friendly team.

 

RETURNING CLIENTS

If you have seen us before, you can book online.

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Ashley Kelly

PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Ashley has more than 10 years experience working as a psychologist and is also a Board Approved Supervisor. Her areas of specialty include Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management, Grief and Loss, Drug and Alcohol, Self-Care and Improving Communication. Ashley mainly uses EMDR, CBT and ACT and includes Mindfulness as part of her therapy; although she has experience in a variety of therapies and likes to tailor the sessions to the individual. No two people are the same and she enjoys finding helpful strategies to suit the individual. Ashley learns something new from every person she works with and says, “I am constantly amazed and inspired by the strength and resilience each person shows. I find this role very humbling and it’s always an honour to share in someone’s journey”.

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Claire McCosker

PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Claire has more than 10 years experience working in the sector and has worked across a range of settings, including homelessness and domestic violence, mental health, family and relationships, university and school counselling, and private practice. Her areas of interest include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, stress and time management, trauma, adjusting to change, family and relationships, and improving general wellbeing. Claire applies EMDR, CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, and solution focused techniques in her therapeutic approach. She integrates her knowledge to create a unique and creative treatment plan for each individual. “I love that each person has their own story and is the expert of their own life. It's such a privilege to sit with another person and be trusted with their story in often highly challenging situations. I love connecting with people, and helping them learn and grow and build confidence in themselves, while learning from them in return.”

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Rhian Chapman

PSYCHOLOGIST

Rhian provides counselling to individuals aged 8 years and over under Medicare, NDIS and private fees. She also conducts cognitive and educational assessments across the lifespan. Rhian engages in an eclectic and individualised therapeutic approach including various tools from ACT, EMDR, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Somatic Therapies, IPT, CBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy. She has also begun her training in Schema Therapy. Rhian has a special interest in neuro-affirming care when working with individuals of the neurodiverse community. She has experience working with neurodiverse populations (autism spectrum disorder, attention hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, intellectual development disorder), anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, grief, burnout, gender identity, and interpersonal and/or communication difficulties across the lifespan. Rhian aims to create a safe, collaborative, authentic, and nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore their strengths and challenges, guiding and empowering clients to move toward a rich, meaningful, and purposeful life. In her spare time, she loves to explore, camp, swim, read fantasy and historical books, write poetry, and spend time with friends and family.

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Michelle Wills

PSYCHOLOGIST

Michelle enjoys working with adults and teenagers and has worked in Out of Home Care, Disabilities, Remote Indigenous Communities and Early Childhood Interventions. She loves supporting people to set and work towards their goals. Supporting others to find their strengths and use them is the whole reason she does this work. She likes to use strategies from ACT and CBT, EMDR, and has begun training in Schema therapy. Strategies will be tailored depending on the client and what they are wanting to build their skills in. Michelle’s favourite part of the job is seeing clients prioritise themselves, build their strengths and begin to see unique and wonderful person they are. She says it is always a good day at work when somebody starts to find their strength. Apart from her job, Michelle also loves the finer things in life, like the beach and birthday cake!

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Susana Zuluaga

PSYCHOLOGIST

As a registered psychologist, Susana provides counselling services to individuals under Medicare, NDIS, and private fees. Susana offers a supportive and nurturing environment where clients can feel understood and empowered to navigate life's challenges. Susana utilises an integrative approach, drawing from evidence-based interventions including CBT, ACT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. She practices a strength-focused and trauma-informed approach, emphasizing each client's inherent potential for growth and resilience. Susana’s experience extends to supporting clients with mood disorders, anxiety, and those navigating significant life transitions. She has a special interest in working with neurodivergent individuals from a neuro-affirming perspective, recognising and celebrating neurodiversity. Susana’s approach is client-centred, focusing on active listening and creating a non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. Together with you, she develop personalised strategies that align with your values and goals, working towards personal growth and enhanced well-being. Whether you're seeking to manage stress, understand yourself better, or work through specific challenges, Susana is committed to providing compassionate guidance. She aims to help you build resilience and achieve a more fulfilling, balanced life through our collaborative therapeutic journey.

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Ran Shi

PSYCHOLOGIST

Ran is a Clinical Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor. She has experience working in private practice and for not-for-profit mental health organisations. Ran is warm, open, and supportive. She loves to take the time to get to know and understand her clients from a compassionate and non-judgemental stance, forming an authentic connection, and working together collaboratively to achieve their personal goals and improve their wellbeing. Ran utilises an integrative and evidence-based approach, drawing from therapeutic modalities such as CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Family Therapy, DBT, CPT and Schema Therapy. Ran is trauma-informed and neuro-affirming and is competent at working with people from diverse backgrounds. She believes in tapping into each person’s unique qualities, strengths and resilience to assist them overcome life’s difficulties. Ran is experienced in working with people across the lifespan, and has a special interest in working with teenagers, young adults and parents. She is experienced in working with people with anxiety, depression, specific phobias, OCD, trauma, relationship difficulties, gender and identity issues, neuro-developmental differences such as ADHD and ASD, parenting issues and stress and burnout. In her spare time, Ran loves cooking, yoga, getting crafty, seeing live music and camping.

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Navid Khorassani

PROVISIONAL SYCHOLOGIST

Navid provides a supportive space where individuals can explore challenges, build self-awareness, and work toward meaningful growth. He has a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress, grief and loss, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. His approach integrates Mentalization, ACT, CBT, and Psychodynamic Therapy, tailoring interventions to each client's needs. With a client-centered, trauma-informed perspective, Navid fosters a nonjudgmental and collaborative environment, empowering individuals to navigate life with resilience. He offers therapy in English and Farsi (Persian) to ensure clients feel comfortable in their preferred language. Beyond his clinical practice, Navid is passionate about storytelling through music composition, screenwriting, and photography. His creative work explores human nature, identity, and emotional depth, shaping his therapeutic approach. In his free time, he enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with loved ones. "I believe in the power of connection and resilience. My goal is to walk alongside you, helping you uncover confidence and strength to navigate life’s challenges."

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Renato Cardenas

PROVISIONAL SYCHOLOGIST

Renato provides a warm, non-judgmental space where individuals feel safe to explore their inner world and express themselves openly. Drawing on an integrative therapeutic approach, he incorporates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Focusing-Oriented Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy to tailor support to each person’s unique needs. With experience across both clinical and school settings, he brings a deep understanding of the developmental and emotional challenges faced across the lifespan. His work is grounded in compassion and a belief in each individual’s capacity for growth, healing, and resilience. He offers services in both English and Spanish, andworks with children and adults from ages 6 years and over. Outside of the therapy room, he finds inspiration and balance through nature, music, and creative expression.

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Tully

THERAPY DOG

Tully is our playful and cuddly cavoodle pup, who is currently in training as a therapy dog. He loves cuddles, meeting new people, playing at the beach with his ball and napping on our laps. He is currently working hard to earn his accreditation, so that he can be our specialist in Animal Assisted Therapy.

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