The LifeConnect Team
LifeConnect provides guidance and resources forpeople facing challenges and difficulties in their lives or simply wishing to improve their situation.
We offer a diverse range of services including personal counselling, psychotherapy, relationship therapy and corporate consulting.
David Baldwin
BA (Hons), Adjunct Fellow University Western Sydney, Fellow APS Clinical College; Fellow APS Counselling College; MAPS
David is one of the Directors at LifeConnect. He has been in private practice as a psychologist for over 30 years. David provides Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Psychotherapy for mental health issues including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, as well as personality disorders. David also has a wealth of experience in Corporate Coaching having worked with a number of our CEO's and their senior executives, working on issues such as career development, managing staff, leadership. strategy, communications, conflict resolution and stress management. David enjoys a diverse practice, from treating clinical conditions for people suffering mental health problems; to helping successful business people achieve their goals. During his career David has served on several boards, and as an Honorary Associate and Field Supervisor at Macquarie University for 17 years. He is currently field supervisor at University Western Sydney Psychology, Master of Clinical Psychology programme.
Cheryl Assuage
RN, Dip Psychotherapy, ANZAP,AABCAP,IARPP
Director and Psychotherapist with specialised training in developmental psychology, self-psychology, the conversational model and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). With more than 30 years professional practice, Cheryl is a highly experienced psychotherapist and relationship therapist. She brings a wealth of knowledge to her therapeutic work with individuals and couples. Her therapeutic work spans supporting people struggling with individual suffering, couples with relationship difficulties, and parents facing both parenting and step parenting issues. She is the author of the sucessful Life Map and Couplet Programs.
Cheryl has served on several boards as non-executive director, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment programs.
Cheryl’s expertise as a therapist is in developmental psychology and self-psychology focuses on strengthening and affirming the true self. This methodology brings into conscious awareness individual suffering facilitating transformation of unconscious negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Self Psychology is an evidenced-based approach with underpinnings in the psychological discipline of Attachment Theory.
Gabrielle Betteridge
Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M Psych (Clinical), Dip Teaching, MAPS
Gabrielle is a clinical psychologist with 5 years experience in clinical treatment and a further 7 years prior experience as a counsellor. She treats adults and older adolescents with problems of depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, personality disorders, relationship and sexual issues, and she has a special interest in treating couples who are experiencing relationship distress, sexual problems, or simply wanting to improve their relational skills.
Gabrielle also has a special interest in working with people who are involved in the media, having previously worked for many years as a TV producer/director for several of major TV networks and production companies. She understands all aspects of being in the public eye, having worked with both professional and novice performers, and has insider’s knowledge of the issues and pressures media crew face in their jobs.
Gabrielle has a Master of Clinical Psychology (distinction) and a Bachelor of Psychology (honours) for which she was awarded the University Medal at UWS in 2012. She also has a Diploma of Teaching and is a published author in psychology journals on the topics of human sexuality and human movement. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and APS College of Clinical Psychology.
Gabrielle uses evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, Gottman and emotion-focussed couples therapies, with a non-judgemental and empathetic approach.
Judith Lehmann
BA (Hons) Psych & Mgmt, M Psych (Org), MAPS Fellow APS Organisational College
Judith is a registered psychologist with a specialisation in Organisational Psychology. She has been practicing psychology for over 10 years. Judith brings to LifeConnect invaluable corporate experience having worked as a consultant to numerous large organisations. Her training and corporate experience allows her to bring depth of knowledge especially to career-related counselling and therapy. This includes issues such as work stress, anxiety and work-life balance. Judith is a warm and compassionate therapist, with a keen, genuine interest and fine sensitivity to the needs of her clients.
Judith’s areas of special interest include: Anxiety and Stress; Assertiveness Training; Anger Management; Bullying; Burnout; Career and Vocational Planning; Conflict Resolution; Executive Coaching; Mediation; Stress; Work Related Issues; Life Transitions and Adjustment Issues; Parenting and Attachment
Judith uses various therapeutic modalities. She draws on evidenced-based therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Positive Psychology, to best work with each client and their presenting issues. She provides short-term or long-term therapy for a range of concerns in a supportive and collaborative way.
Judith holds a Bachelor in Psychology & Business and Master in Organisational Psychology. She is fully registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and has specialist endorsement in Organisational Psychology. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and the NSW College of Organisational Psychologists
Milica Kecmanovic
B PSYCH (HONS), M PSYCH (CLINICAL – Current)
Milica is a provisionally registered psychologist, currently finishing a Master of Clinical Psychology at Western Sydney University. She has gained experience in treating adults, adolescents and children in both public and private practice settings. Milica has helped individuals, and their families, who are facing problems with depression, anxiety, trauma, and personality disorders, as well as relationship problems, carer stress and parenting concerns. Milica uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness, with an empathetic and client-centred approach.
Milica holds a Bachelor in Psychology (Honours) and has presented her research on the topics of anxiety and interpersonal problems at international psychology conferences. Before training in clinical psychology, Milica had a career in research and teaching in health economics at several Australian universities, and has also had experience working in the corporate sector. She has also lived in five countries and due to her multi-cultural background is fluent in English and Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian, and conversational in French and Italian. This has given her a rich personal experience and allowed her to gain exposure to people in a variety of life situations and cultures, and has contributed to her broad-minded and non-judgemental approach.
Lonneke van der Laan
Provisional Psychologist
BSc Psychology, MSc Child & Adolescent Psychology (The Netherlands)
Lonneke is a Provisionally registered Psychologist with AHPRA and is currently completing her internship year. She has previously completed a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Psychology in The Netherlands. Lonneke has gained experience in a hospital setting working with children, adolescents and their parents and has worked in a private practice setting with adolescents and adults for the past year.
Lonneke has a particular interest in working with individuals experiencing concerns around anxiety, depression, trauma, personality, relationships, and anger. Having moved between continents herself, Lonneke has a special interest in working with individuals experiencing difficulties with transitions and adjustments in life. While still developing her therapeutic approach, Lonneke currently uses elements from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness.
Lonneke strives to be emphatic, compassionate, and open minded. In addition, she aims to provide a safe therapy space free from judgement. Through short and long-term therapy Lonneke wishes to enable her clients to gain insight and understanding in their concerns, with the aim to empower growth and an increase in overall well-being.
