Meet the Family Therapists behind our Learning Community

Dr Sophie Holmes is a specialist in Family and Systemic Therapy,  which she has integrated into her practice as a Counselling, Educational and Developmental Psychologist. With four decades of experience in clinical practice, research, training and supervision, she is the Director of Williamsroad Family Therapy - Learning, and  provides clinical-intellectual leadership, playing a pivotal role in advancing the practical implementation of Family & Systemic Therapy.  With a deep immersion in the field and many international collaborations, she promotes life-long  learning, the importance of  frontline clinicians being  culturally aware, open minded, curious, compassionate and seeking deeper understanding of how families change and the best uses of evidence-based approaches to family and relational dynamics. Dr. Holmes has a distinguished career including a flourishing clinical practice, leadership in professional associations, clinical teaching and supervision, and she is widely recognised for her contributions to family and systemic therapy education and innovation in case-based research.

Sophie’s clinical expertise lies in working with complex  individuals and their relational systems, utilising deep knowledge of psychological practice integrated with Family and Systemic ideas and practices, current research  in Psychotherapy, Attachment, Affective Neuroscience, Traumatology, Stress & Coping  and Advanced Complex Systems theory. Her learning-teaching focus is to broadly educate on implementing family and systemic clinical knowledge, building an appreciation for  tracking outcomes, taking feedback and attending to the precision and quality of  interventions. Sophie mentors therapists who have a deep desire  to be effective and to steadily improve their clinical decision-making within a broad range of clinical presentations and contexts. 

In 2003 Sophie designed and gathered a team to teach the  Master of Family Therapy. Under her leadership, Williamsroad Family Therapy Centre grew to become the only accredited  third-party to provide postgraduate clinical training in family therapy in the university sector. In 2016, in partnership with the  Australian Catholic University, she completely redesigned this postgraduate clinical training program, implementing  leading edge pedagogy and psychotherapy research  into the Masters of Family and Systemic Therapy. The findings from her  award winning research “On The Nature of Expertise in Family Therapy”  have shaped supervision.

As a presenter at Williamsroad Family Therapy - Learning, Sophie brings a relational, individualised, yet structured pedagogy, ensuring that practitioners develop their personal identities as therapists, are feedback-outcome focused, with rich  theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to confidently navigate complex family systems. Her teaching style blends rigorous academic insight with compassionate real-world clinical application, equipping therapists with the skills and confidence to create meaningful change for the families they support.

With over 20 years of experience, Vicky Contreras is a dedicated clinical family therapist, accredited mental health social worker, and educator, specialising in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and systemic family therapy. She has worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families, using evidence-based interventions to improve both mental and relational health outcomes. As a senior practitioner, Vicky has led counselling programmes for children, young people, and families, applying trauma-informed approaches to support long-term well-being.

Vicky’s commitment to therapist education is reflected in her role as Lecturer and Supervisor at Williams Road Family Therapy Centre, where she contributes to the Master of Family and Systemic Therapy programme in collaboration with Australian Catholic University. She also served as Treasurer for the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT), playing a key role in strengthening professional standards in the field. Her expertise in clinical supervision, professional development, and systemic interventions ensures that new and experienced therapists receive the highest quality training.

As a Presenter at Williams Road Family Therapy - Learning, Vicky is passionate about supporting therapists in developing practical skills and clinical confidence. Her approach to teaching integrates reflective practice, structured learning, and hands-on experience, ensuring that therapists gain both theoretical understanding and real-world competency in delivering effective family therapy.

Jane Anastasios is a Counselling Psychologist, Family Therapist, and Board-Approved Supervisor with more than two decades of experience in therapeutic, educational, and supervisory roles. Her clinical practice spans work with individuals, couples, and families across a range of issues including complex trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, parenting challenges, and family system difficulties. Jane brings a deeply reflective, strength-based approach to her work, integrating systemic thinking with compassion and clarity to support meaningful change.

In addition to her clinical practice, Jane has held longstanding teaching roles at Swinburne University and Williams Road Family Therapy Centre, contributing to the development of emerging practitioners in the fields of counselling, psychology, and family therapy. She has designed and delivered postgraduate-level content on topics such as adolescent depression, interfamilial trauma, attachment based therapies, and narrative therapy. Jane’s teaching is known for its integration of theory and practice, and she continues to mentor and supervise clinicians across disciplines and settings.

A passionate advocate for collaborative and ethical practice, Jane has contributed to professional training, school-based consultation, and clinical education across diverse sectors. Her contributions to supervision span private practice, education, youth services, and community mental health. As both a clinician and educator, Jane is committed to fostering thoughtful, resilient practitioners who are equipped to work with complexity, diversity, and care.

Sarah is an accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist with a deep commitment to supporting children, adolescents, and families through evidence-based, trauma-informed practice. With extensive experience across various mental health settings - including her senior clinical work in the Early in Life Mental Health Service (ELMHS) - Sarah brings a strong foundation in systemic thinking, risk assessment, complex case formulation, and therapeutic intervention. Her practice integrates a range of modalities such as CBT, DBT-informed strategies, motivational interviewing, and attachment-focused approaches.

In parallel with her clinical work, Sarah has contributed to family therapy education as a guest lecturer at Williams Road Family Therapy Centre, where she presents within the Master of Family and Systemic Therapy programme in partnership with Australian Catholic University. She has also served as a group supervision facilitator and student placement supervisor, and continues to build on her professional training in Attachment Narrative Therapy, ABFT, and relational formulation. Her work reflects a strong interest in developing clinical thinking across complex family systems and supporting inclusive, family-focused care models.

As a Presenter at Williams Road Family Therapy - Learning, Sarah combines her rich practical knowledge with a thoughtful, structured approach to teaching. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of therapists, helping them translate theoretical models into effective clinical practice. Her teaching style is grounded, accessible, and collaborative - giving students the confidence to engage with complex relational systems and the tools to navigate real-world therapeutic challenges with clarity and care.

Dr Maxwell Fraser is a Clinical Psychologist and AAFT-accredited Clinical Family Therapist with a strong foundation in systemic intervention, clinical leadership, and service design. His career has spanned roles in acute child and adolescent mental health services, where he has led multidisciplinary teams and managed complex referral pathways for some of Victoria’s most vulnerable young people and families. His deep understanding of family dynamics, systemic risk, and therapeutic care informs every aspect of his clinical and educational practice.

Max brings advanced expertise in working with young people experiencing relational trauma, mental illness, or system disconnection. A gifted educator and supervisor, he lectures on systemic thinking, trauma-informed care, and family therapy models at Williams Road Family Therapy - Learning, where he also plays a strategic role in shaping course delivery and academic development. His teaching style is grounded, reflective, and always responsive to real-world clinical complexity.

As both a researcher and practitioner, Max remains passionate about bridging systemic thinking with service innovation. His training sessions are rigorous and insightful, equipping therapists with the clinical judgment and relational depth necessary to navigate today’s multifaceted mental health landscape.

Peter Quinn is a Registered Psychologist and accredited Family Therapist with over a decade of clinical experience supporting families, adolescents, and children across diverse settings. His work in both rural and urban communities has spanned child protection, adolescent mental health, and complex trauma, providing him with a rich and grounded understanding of systemic therapy in action.

Peter currently works within the NSW Health Department’s Child Protection Counselling Service, where he supports families navigating high-risk circumstances. He brings a deep knowledge of trauma-informed practice, utilising evidence-based models such as Attachment-Based Family Therapy and Brief Strategic Family Therapy, alongside reflective team processes and outcome tools such as SCORE-15. His integrative style includes talk-based and body-focused approaches, particularly for families affected by intergenerational trauma.

As a Presenter at Williams Road Family Therapy - Learning, Peter is known for his clarity, humility, and practical teaching style. With firsthand insight into the student journey and a passion for creating safe, engaging learning spaces, Peter equips emerging therapists with real-world strategies grounded in best practice family therapy.

Rhiannon Thomas is a highly experienced and compassionate Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist with a strong foundation in trauma-informed, early intervention mental health care. Her career spans diverse mental health services, including complex casework in youth outreach, school disengagement, and multidisciplinary care. She is a skilled clinician and supervisor who brings depth, empathy, and structure to her therapeutic work with children, adolescents, parents, and families.

With dual postgraduate qualifications in Clinical Psychology and Family & Systemic Therapy, Rhiannon blends rigorous clinical insight with systemic thinking. She has led service design initiatives, delivered reflective practice training, and developed collaborative group interventions for schools and community mental health teams. As both a therapist and teacher, she applies evidence-based practice with clinical creativity, ensuring interventions are relevant, respectful, and relationally attuned.

As a Presenter at Williams Road Family Therapy - Learning, Rhiannon brings warmth and clarity to her teaching, drawing on real-world clinical experience to illuminate complex concepts. She is passionate about shaping the next generation of family therapists through hands-on learning and reflective dialogue, grounded in the Williams Road commitment to best practice and social impact.

Caitlin Renee Sims is a psychologist and clinical family therapist who specialises in supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating mental health challenges, disability, and complex relational dynamics. With a compassionate, client-centred approach, Caitlin draws on systemic and attachment-based models to strengthen family connections, improve communication, and promote emotional wellbeing. She is the founder and director of Bright Happy Minds, a child and family therapy clinic based in Belmont, Victoria.

Caitlin’s therapeutic practice is informed by a broad range of evidence-based modalities including Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, DBT, and trauma-informed CBT. Her clinical focus includes supporting neurodivergent children, young people with complex emotional needs, and families seeking to restore trust and resilience in their relationships. Caitlin is skilled in both individual and family-based interventions and integrates tools such as mentalisation, mindfulness, and developmental assessment frameworks to tailor support to each client’s context.

Caitlin holds a Master of Family and Systemic Therapy from Australian Catholic University and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Deakin University. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in autism assessment, trauma-informed care, and advanced therapeutic modalities. Caitlin’s warm, reflective style, combined with her clinical knowledge and leadership, positions her as a trusted practitioner and a dedicated contributor to the field of family therapy.

Nicole Schulz brings over 25 years of diverse clinical experience to her role as a family therapist and educator. Her work spans individual, couple, and family therapy, with deep expertise in trauma, grief, family separation, parenting, and domestic violence. Known for her warm, relational approach, Nicole creates a calm and safe space for individuals and families to navigate complex emotional dynamics.

With qualifications in Social Work, Creative Arts Therapy, and Family Therapy, Nicole draws from a range of modalities including psychodynamic therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and experiential approaches. Her ability to integrate systemic thinking with therapeutic creativity enables her to connect meaningfully with both children and adults across a range of settings and challenges.

As a Presenter, Nicole shares her depth of knowledge with warmth and clarity. She is passionate about training the next generation of therapists, offering a teaching style that blends academic rigour with practical insight — anchored in the values and unique methodologies developed at Williams Road Family Therapy - Learning.

Emma Burton is a registered psychologist and qualified family therapist with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families impacted by trauma, mental health challenges, and complex systemic issues. As a Senior Clinician at Berry Street’s Take Two program, Emma provides trauma-informed assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention for high-risk clients involved with child protection and family services. Her work is grounded in evidence-based approaches, with a strong focus on systemic, attachment-informed, and recovery-oriented practice.

Emma’s clinical expertise spans direct therapeutic support, supervision, and leadership. She has worked across hospital-based child and youth mental health services and specialised autism assessment teams, delivering psychological interventions, conducting psychometric assessments, and leading multidisciplinary collaboration. She regularly consults with schools, healthcare teams, and community services to strengthen outcomes for young people and their families. Her teaching and supervision experience includes reflective practice facilitation, professional development training, and sessional lecturing in the Master of Family and Systemic Therapy course at ACU and Williams Road Family Therapy Centre.

Emma holds a Master of Family and Systemic Therapy and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) with Honours. She completed her 4+2 internship with AHPRA and is currently undertaking Child-Parent Psychotherapy training. Passionate about supporting growth and resilience in families, Emma combines clinical excellence with a commitment to nurturing the professional development of others. She brings warmth, clarity, and depth to both her clinical and teaching roles, helping shape the next generation of systemic practitioners.

Paula Ross is a Registered Psychologist with more than three decades of clinical experience spanning mental health, substance use, and systemic family therapy. Known for her thoughtful and collaborative approach, Paula has supported individuals, couples, and families navigating complex psychological and relational challenges - particularly in the context of alcohol and drug use.

Alongside her private practice at Williams Road Family Therapy Centre, Paula leads workforce development initiatives at 360Edge, where she designs and delivers national training programs for mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) professionals. Her expertise is underpinned by a strong academic foundation and decades of therapeutic practice, making her uniquely positioned to bridge clinical insight with effective learning strategies.

As a Presenter, Paula brings clarity, warmth, and a deeply grounded teaching style to the classroom. Her focus on ethical, evidence-based practice ensures that emerging therapists build the skills and confidence they need to deliver impactful, real-world care to families and communities.

Professor Rudi Dallos is an internationally respected figure in the fields of clinical psychology and systemic family therapy, with over four decades of experience as a clinician, academic, supervisor, and author. He is an Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Plymouth and has served as Research Director for its Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme. His clinical work is grounded in early intervention with children and families, and he continues to practice and teach family therapy through leading institutions in the UK, Ireland, and Australia.

Rudi’s academic contributions are extensive, with a strong focus on attachment theory, narrative therapy, eating disorders, and adolescent mental health. He has authored numerous influential books, including Attachment Narrative Therapy and An Introduction to Systemic Family Therapy, and served in editorial roles for respected journals such as Human Systems and Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry. His commitment to the evolution of family therapy practice has helped shape how relational dynamics are understood and addressed in complex clinical settings across the UK and abroad.

As a Presenter at Williams Road Family Therapy - Learning, Rudi shares his profound depth of expertise with warmth, clarity, and approachability. His teaching approach blends rigorous theoretical insight with practical application, empowering therapists to develop a strong clinical foundation in attachment-informed, systemic practice. With a passion for collaborative learning and reflective supervision, Rudi inspires therapists to work with confidence and compassion within diverse family systems.

Dr Kasia Kozlowska is a senior child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical academic with over 25 years of experience working at the interface of psychiatry, neurology and paediatrics. She is the Clinical Team Leader of the Mind-Body Consultation-Liaison Team at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, where she has developed a nationally recognised inpatient rehabilitation program for children and adolescents with functional neurological and somatic symptoms. Her work integrates systemic, biopsychosocial and trauma-informed frameworks, and she is highly regarded for her ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in treating children with complex and chronic conditions.

Dr Kozlowska is internationally recognised for her research in paediatric functional neurological disorder (FND), attachment, and emotion processing. She has published extensively across neuroscience, child psychiatry, and family therapy, and is the lead author of several key texts including Functional Somatic Symptoms in Children and Adolescents: A Stress-System Approach to Assessment and Treatment. Her research collaborations span leading institutions in Australia, Europe and the United States, and she has contributed to the development of national and international treatment guidelines, peer-reviewed journals, and clinical resources used widely by health professionals.

A passionate educator, Dr Kozlowska regularly teaches at the University of Sydney and presents internationally on FND, attachment, trauma, and the mind-body interface in clinical care. She is a board member of several international journals, a founding member of key professional associations, and continues to mentor and support clinicians working with children and families navigating complex mental health and neurodevelopmental presentations. Her clinical and academic leadership has been central to transforming the way health services respond to children with functional disorders across Australia and beyond.

Dr Helen Kambouridis is an experienced counselling psychologist, educator, and researcher with over three decades of practice in child and family mental health. She is a senior psychologist and the Research and Education Program Leader at the Royal Children’s Hospital Gatehouse Centre, where she provides clinical care, supervision, and training in the treatment of child sexual abuse and trauma, including highly complex cases of sibling sexual abuse. Helen has particular expertise in working with trauma-affected children, adolescents, and families, with a practice grounded in systemic and relational approaches.

Helen’s career has spanned diverse clinical, academic, and public health contexts. She has taught extensively across postgraduate psychology and family therapy programs at Swinburne University, La Trobe University, and Deakin University, designing and delivering content on child abuse, trauma, family systems, and sexualised behaviours in children. Her doctoral research focused on collaborative practice in sibling sexual abuse treatment, and she is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, known for her thoughtful and practice-informed insights.

Alongside her clinical and teaching work, Helen maintains a part-time private practice providing supervision to provisional and registered psychologists, and therapeutic support to individuals, couples, and families. A registered psychologist with AHPRA and endorsed in counselling psychology, she is a member of the APS and the APS College of Counselling Psychologists. Helen’s work is distinguished by her commitment to ethical, compassionate, and collaborative practice—always centring the needs of children and families navigating trauma and recovery.