Dr Jim Kantidakis is an Expert Gut-directed Psychologist & Clinical Hypnotherapist, and one of the first experts in Australia to use  Psychological /Hypnotherapy treatment of individuals diagnosed with gastrointestinal problems. Jim has extensive expertise in the area, with over 10 years of experience. He is also the only known Psychologist to provide Psychological and Hypnotherapy treatment to children in paediatric gastroenterology in Australia.

Jim was also the first Australian to travel and undergo training from a leading Gastroenterologist, Prof Whorewell and the founding gut-directed hypnotherapy team in Manchester, UK. He has since been invited to present at several gastrointestinal conferences and events. These include 2 Australian Gastrointestinal conferences, as well as the Australian Neuro-Gastrointestinal and Motility conference, a Continence symposium, and a IBD Nurses education. Jim also provided educational training to Gastrointestinal registrars, also running a workshop on the psychological effects of Ulcerative Colitis to Fresenius Kabi drug representatives in Sydney.

Jim’s passion and keen interest in the area of gastroenterology has inspired him to develop and train his own team of  expert Psychologists/Hypnotherapist’s, under ‘The Gut Centre’. The Gut Centre offers psychological / hypnotherapy treatment to help patients significantly reduce the symptoms and psychological distress of IBS and functional digestive disorders, including pelvic pain. Jim has recently submitted his Doctoral Thesis looking at the Psychological factors contributing to psychological distress and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. His interest in this area has resulted in him undergoing training at St. Vincent’s Hospital Public IBD Counselling clinic. Jim was so impressed with the benefits of the counselling program that he opened Australia’s first and only Private IBD Counselling Clinic.

Jim and his team at the Gut Centre continue to provide evidence based psychological interventions, including hypnotherapy treatment, with the highest level of patient care.

Camille Baker is a registered Psychologist (RMIT, post grad in Child Psych), Gestalt Therapist (Gestalt Therapy Australia) and Hypnotherapist (College of Medical Hypnosis) with over 15 years of experience. Clinically, Camille has worked in a number of settings with both Adolescent and Adults including Private Practice, Domestic Violence, Parenting Teens, Secondary Schools, EAP (Corporate sector), Drug and Alcohol and Sexual Abuse. In addition to this, Camille’s special interest areas include working with Adolescents (with published articles in this area) and working with people with Chronic Health Conditions with a strong interest in Gastrointestinal diseases.

Camille is skilled in a number of approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Gestalt, Body Oriented Psychotherapy, Solution Focussed, Ericksonian and Mindfulness. Her approach is Wholistic and Client Centered, which involves working in conjunction with the client to find the best intervention for their unique presentation. Camille is passionate about Hypnotherapy and the positive gains people can make, and believes this approach can enable clients to be restored to their natural state of wellbeing. At the Gut Centre, Camille undertakes Hypnotherapy treatment based on Prof Whorwell’s approach for individuals with functional intestinal disorders. 

Dr Melieta Bianchi is a Clinical Psychologist and Member of the Australian Psychological Society. Melieta has worked in public and private sectors, attending to both inpatients and outpatients. One of her main areas of interest is health psychology. Melieta predominantly uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as her therapeutic approaches.

Melieta has worked with patients with a range of health conditions including gastrointestinal conditions, chronic pain, chronic kidney disease, sleep disorders, obesity, stroke, and lung diseases. Melieta specializes in empowering her clients by providing comprehensive information about how the mind and body interact. Melieta’s approach to treatment is collaborative; she strives to have a clear shared understanding of presenting concerns and goals.

Melieta completed her undergraduate training at the University of Queensland and completed her postgraduate qualification, the Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Griffith University in Brisbane. Melieta is warm and down-to-earth in her therapeutic style. Outside of work, Melieta enjoys indoor rock climbing, bush walking, and playing squash.

Chris is a fully registered psychologist with experience working with children, adolescents and adults. He obtained his Bachelor of Psychology (Organisational and Interpersonal Skills) at Victoria University with further Post Graduate Diploma at Federation University   Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology at the Cairnmillar Institute.

Chris has worked across a variety of settings from assessing organisational culture, consulting adults seeking employment, counselling welfare duties in primary schools as well as private consulting children and adults with a variety of presenting concerns.

Chris approaches the therapeutic process in an eclectic and manner using skills from CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Person Centered Therapy. Chris has a long standing interest in Gut Health and the implications of Gut health on our wider daily functioning.

Jessica is an AHPRA registered Psychologist. She completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science at La Trobe, a Post Graduate Diploma of Psychology at Deakin University and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology at the Cairnmillar Institute.

Jessica has worked with individuals across the life span in a variety of settings, including primary school, community centre, private practice and vocational environments. Jessica also worked as a volunteer, assisting those directing and indirectly impacted by Anxiety Disorders, though telephone support and contributing to a quarterly newsletter.

Jessica has a keen interest in the mind-body relationship, utilising her skills in evidence based psychological therapy, including CBT and Motivational Interviewing, to assist those experiencing physiological symptoms. Jessica places high value on building a strong, supportive and nurturing relationship between herself and others to promote and facilitate support and/or change to assist others through their difficulty.

Chloe Panayiotou is a certified Hypnotherapist with a strong passion for helping others. Chloe works with both adults and children.

Chloe has two master’s degrees in Educational Psychology and School Psychology having completed her studies at Columbia University – Teachers College in New York City.  During that time she also developed a passion for Hypnotherapy nd completed her certificate in hypnotherapy through the National Guild of Hypnotists Inc.  She strongly believes that these strategies add a valuable dimension to any mental health professional’s toolbox.

Chloe’s professional experience includes having her own private practice overseas, working in youth organizations, various school settings, and private clinics. Her private practice has allowed her to work with individuals of all ages and cultural backgrounds, presenting with a range of emotional and behavioural issues.

Chloe enjoys the outdoors and has been a volunteer camp counselor and team leader for over 5 years at a non-profit youth organisation.  She also travelled to Peru where she volunteered by helping at an elementary/middle school program for low-income families.

Chloe is a warm professional who enjoys the challenges of working with a range of clients.  At the Gut Centre, Chloe undertakes Hypnotherapy treatment based on Prof Whorwell’s approach for individuals with functional intestinal disorders.  Her goal is to utilise her skills, qualifications and experience to help individuals in their pursuit for optimal health.  Chloe is passionate about delivering evidence based treatment that makes a difference to the health and wellbeing of her clients.

Veronica has developed a specific passion for the treatment of brain-gut disorders, providing psychological services and hypnotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Veronica has a keen interest in all digestive conditions, focussing mainly on IBS and other functional gut disorders. Veronica has been trained in GI Psychology by Dr Jim Kantidakis, the founder and director of The Gut Centre and the first registered Psychologist & Hypnotherapist to specialise in GI in Australia.

She has gained experience in many areas prior to taking on her role at The Gut Centre including working with adults and children in areas including generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic, excessive worry, obsessive compulsive disorder, depressive disorders, eating disorders, obesity, bullying, and adjustment issues. Veronica only uses evidence-based interventions such as CBT, hypnotherapy and Mindfulness and those that are shown to promote benefit in a patient’s overall health, wellbeing and functioning.

As a person, Veronica is very warm and approachable and has a genuine passion for helping her clients improve their health and life circumstances. Veronica offers her own personal experience and years of research and a passion for health-related psychology. Veronica has completed a PostGradDip Psych at Macquarie University and is trained in clinical hypnosis.

Lori is a Clinical Psychologist with endorsement in counselling and organisational psychology who specialises in diagnosis, assessment and treatment of gut health, continence issues and chronic pain.

Lori has been a registered psychologist since 1996 and works across both private and public health settings utilising hypnosis, CBT, EMDR, ACT, Schema and Interpersonal therapies to improve clients’ social and occupational functioning and overall mental health.

Lori was awarded a PhD in 2008 and a Masters of Clinical Psychology in 2012. Previously she has worked in clinical, counselling and organisational psychology roles across a variety of private, public and not-for-profit organisations.

Ayushi is a registered Psychologist and Clinical Registrar. She has completed a Graduate Diploma and Honours in Psychology at Monash University followed by a Master of Clinical Psychology at the Cairnmillar Institute of Psychology. Ayushi has worked in a range of settings with children, adolescents and adults in private practice, public hospitals, not-for-profit organisations, research institutions and education.

She has worked with a variety of presenting concerns, including chronic pain, mood and anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, adjustment issues, self-esteem and domestic violence. Ayushi utilises evidence-based interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Hypnotherapy. Ayushi’s therapeutic style is warm and collaborative. She is passionate about facilitating personal growth and helping individuals to improve their health, wellbeing and functioning. She has special interests in the mind-body connection and psycho-gastroenterology.

Heidi is a fully registered psychologist with experience working with children, adolescents and adults. She graduated from Monash University in 2001 having completed a Masters in Psychology. Heidi has a long-standing interest in Gut Health and the implications of Gut health on our wider daily functioning.

Heidi has developed a specific passion for the treatment of brain-gut disorders, providing psychological services and hypnotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Heidi has a keen interest in all digestive conditions, focussing on IBS and other functional gut disorders and IBD. Heidi is passionate and experienced in providing tailored services which optimise an individual’s well-being. She focuses on assisting individuals to commit to managing change within their lives and proactively drawing on their existing strengths and the development of new ones to walk pathways that may not always be clearly defined.

Heidi is dedicated to assisting individuals to improve their overall well-being. She utilises a range of therapeutic approaches including Clinical Hypnosis, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Positive Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focussed Therapy. Heidi’s specific area of interest includes hypnosis which has strong correlations with the mind-body approach. Heidi’s approach to treatment is collaborative, striving at all times to have a clear shared understanding of presenting concerns and goals and a tailored therapeutic approach to each and every individual to fit their specific needs.

Jordan is a registered psychologist with a Masters degree in Psychology (Educational and Developmental) from the Australian Catholic University. She has previously studied at Deakin University and La Trobe University. Jordan is currently completing the Educational and Developmental Psychology Registar Program. 

Jordan has experience working with children or adolescents with emotional, behavioural or psycho-social and developmental problems including anxiety disorders, Autism Spectrum disorder, behavioural disorders, specific learning disorders, self-regulation as well as coping and adjustments. Jordan has experience in assessment of developmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and cognitive assessments. She has worked in educational settings and private practice. Jordan uses mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural practices when working with young people. She has an interest in therapeutic play and supportive parent practices. She aims to work collaboratively with parents and to create an environment where children and young people feel empowered.

Madeleine (Maddy) is a registered psychologist with a Masters degree in Psychology (Clinical) from Deakin University and is undertaking the Clinical Registrar program. She also holds qualifications of a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours).

Maddy has experience working with children, adolescents (and their parents), adults and elderly people in public health sectors across Melbourne and coastal Victoria. She has worked with presenting concerns including chronic illness and pain, adjustment difficulties, anxiety and depressive disorders, trauma and personality disorders.

Maddy is interested in the mind-body connection and improving mental wellbeing for people living with chronic illness. As such, she has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, pain specialist services, rehabilitation and aged care. Maddy has a special interest in the gut, and the psychological treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). She has conducted several research studies into the experiences of people with IBD, developing and implementing psychological treatments for improving mental wellbeing for this group.

Maddy is experienced in biopsychosocial assessment across the lifespan, to gain a clear and shared understanding of a person’s presenting concerns. She takes care to establish a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship, assisting her clients to work towards their identified goals. Maddy relies on evidence-based therapeutic approaches, formulating treatment to suit an individual’s specific needs. She has training and experience in: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Clinical Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy and Schema Therapy.

Seán holds registration as a clinical psychologist and has a special interest in psychological aspects of health, in particular gut health. He studied at the University College Dublin completing an honours degree in psychology, followed by a PhD and a doctorate in clinical psychology. He is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Pain Society.

Seán has worked with clients across the lifespan in a range of community health, public hospital and private practice settings in Australia, Ireland and the UK. It was while on a specialist placement at King’s College Hospital in London that he developed a passion for mind body therapies, having the opportunity to support clients with gastrointestinal, cardiac, respiratory, rheumatoid and dermatological conditions. He also works as a clinical psychologist at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, where he supports clients with various pain conditions. He previously worked as a lecturer and research supervisor at the Australian Catholic University, Melbourne.

Seán adopts a warm, individualised and trauma-informed approach with his clients. His sessions draw upon evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness and gut-directed hypnotherapy.

With her warm nature and calming energy, Natalie strives to enhance the health and wellbeing of her clients using evidence-based psychological techniques and by offering an open, safe and non-judgemental space in which to explore their present concerns. She is fascinated by the field of psycho-gastroenterology and is specifically interested in gut health as well as the mind-body and brain-gut connection.

Natalie has worked with individuals across a broad spectrum of psychological difficulties and life challenges within private practice, not-for-profit, employment service provider, and university counselling settings.

The evidence-based therapeutic approaches utilised by Natalie include cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy, which she practices with a compassion-focused and client-centred style.

Registrations, Qualifications and Memberships Registered Psychologist (AHPRA) Clinical Psychology Registrar Master of Psychology (Clinical) Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) Bachelor of Health Science/Arts , Member, Australian Psychological Society.