Meet the team at
Mind Project
Mind Project is a clinical psychology practice in Kogarah. Our team is highly trained, experienced, and deeply committed to helping you achieve good mental health. Read more about Clincial Psychologists Christopher Laundy, Anita Nikolovska, Dr John Kearney, Christie Picken and Tim Wardeiner.
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Christopher has over ten years of experience working with a broad range of psychological issues, including Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder and more.
With great energy and enthusiasm, he builds strong professional bonds with his clients and draws upon numerous science-based skills, strategies, and resources – designed to bring meaningful and lasting change.
Staying abreast of the latest research, Christopher utilises the proven effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT). He has a particular interest in Exposure Therapy, a potent form of CBT, for the treatment of Anxiety.
In his spare time, Christopher provides pro bono work for the Youth Mission Team Australia: a not-for-profit organization bringing hope to young Australians.
He is a board-approved supervisor.
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As a dedicated and compassionate clinical psychologist, I am committed to empowering individuals on their mental and emotional well-being journey. With over 25 years of experience in adult mental health, I specialise in providing evidence-based therapies that foster growth, healing and lasting positive change.
Everyone is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your needs. The therapeutic approaches that I draw from include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Schema Therapy (ST), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, warmth, authenticity, and a genuine desire to help you overcome life's challenges. I work with a wide range of issues, including Anxiety and Stress Management, Depression and Mood Disorders, Psychosis, Eating Disorders, Emotion Regulation and Personality Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Relationship and Family Concerns, Grief and Loss, Self-Esteem and Identity Exploration and Neurodivergent and Behavioural Concerns.
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Dr John Kearney has over 20 years of experience in the provision of evidence-based therapy for psychological disorders. He has extensive experience in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, including perinatal disorders, and has a special interest in the assessment and treatment of trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, Anger, and adjustment disorders.
He has worked with a wide range of groups and individuals affected by traumatic events, including sufferers of early childhood trauma, military and emergency services personnel.
Dr Kearney is highly experienced in providing diagnostic and neuropsychological assessments.
Couples Therapy is also part of his therapeutic repertoire.
As a Director of Psychological Services in a hospital setting and a board-approved supervisor for many years, Dr Kearney has developed numerous individual and group therapy programs and provided formal supervision to numerous students, psychologists, and Psychiatrist Registers (as an Associate Supervisor for RANZCP).
Dr Kearney is a Training Associate for Phoenix Australia (The Australian National Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health), where he has delivered training across Australia to a wide range of audiences affected by natural disasters and other events. He has also provided training to primary health care networks, GPs and mental health professionals.
He lectured in Clinical Psychology at Charles Sturt University and Australian Catholic University.
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“The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Christie Picken is a registered psychologist with a Master of Clinical Psychology who is dedicated to fostering a space of collaboration and non-judgement to ensure a personalised and effective approach in every session.
Christie specialises in the diagnoses and treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Specific Learning Disorders. She supports neurodiverse adults and assists parents navigating challenging behaviours in their children.
Drawing from a background in crisis management and expertise in the neurodiverse field, Christie practices evidence-based therapy. Her toolkit includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Christie also offers Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), this can be used to treat things like PTSD, OCD and phobias.
Christie is available to offer her professional services under the Medicare and NDIS schemes.
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Tim has over 5 years experience as a Clinical Psychologist. His passion for his work has taken him to Victoria, the Northern Territory, and now Sydney.
Tim has completed specialised training in Schema Therapy and EMDR, on top of general training in CBT, ACT and DBT.
Tim primarily works in trauma recovery, addiction, and personality concerns, however, his work is not limited to these presentations.
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Working alongside Christopher, Jessica assists in the bookings and management of Mind Project. A teacher by trade she aims to help educate others on the importance of mental health and their treatment.
Jessica has a Bachelor of Education. She has worked since 2014 in a variety of different schools with students of varying needs and abilities. Jessica firmly believes that early intervention is paramount in the long-term outcomes of neurodiverse children.
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CJ is the friendly voice who you will hear on the phone. She has over 15 years of customer service, administration and business management experience. For the past few years she has been working in psychology management and administration.
"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start."
- Nido Qubein
How we began
In July 2023, after 9 Years of private practice, Christopher and his wife Jessica, decided to embark on the adventure of opening a Psychology Clinic in Kogarah.
Prioritising high-quality therapy, the goal was to help all who walk through the door achieve good mental well-being and immense personal growth. Christopher, a seasoned psychologist with a wealth of experience, brings his expertise in Clinical Psychology. Jessica, the practice manager, contributes her passion for creating a warm and supportive environment for all clients.