Medicare subsidies (partial refund) are available for therapy sessions when a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral has been created by your Dr prior to visiting.
Janelle Nichols - Psychologist & Director
Janelle Nichols, locally known as Nel, is the founder and director of COCOON, formerly known as HUON VALLEY PSYCHOLOGY. Nel supports people to live their best life, and is best described as authentic, relaxed and friendly . Although Nel has lived and studied in many states, her family heritage links her to free settlers and convicts from Cygnet and Nichols Rivulet. She now lives locally and has over twenty years experience, supporting adults, adolescents and children. Nel is a genuine empath with an approachable way, welcoming people from all walks of life. Her life ambition is to hold kindness at her core, especially when challenged. She works collaberatively with clients, and is interested in knowing strengths, history, and unpacking the subconscious factors influencing reactions and perceptions of presenting challenges. During sessions Nel listens and provides space, to helps you understand and process whats happening. Along the way, she shares insights, knowledge and evidence based recommendations to help each individual achieve what they hope for. Nel assists people experiencing:
low self-love and unhelpful defences,
anxiety, panic and specific phobias,
depression, hoplessness, and grief,
trauma, dissociation, and derealisation,
health or physical impairments (incl NDIS participants)
gender identity and sexual identity,
neuro divergence,
multiple and dissociative personalities,
children’s developmental needs,
intra and interpersonal conflicts,
psychodynamics and attachmentment needs.
Central to Nels work, is Humanistic theory, promoting acceptance whilst also supporting growth towards congruence between who you are and who you want to be, fostering flexible thinking, and the notion of self-actualisation. She is well versed in evidence based therapeutic interventions and draws upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and complimentary therapies including Mindfulness, Meditation, Relaxation, Sound and Play Therapy. Nel is highly regarded for her report writing and is very experienced at assessing and diagnosing intellectual abilities, learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia), academic capacity, and adaptive functioning. Given the high demand for ADHD assessments, Nel will resume ADHD assessments from July 1 2024. Outside work you might see Nel running around the Huon (above pictured near Crouches Hill), keeping strong with the Huon Spirits and balanced at Bikram Yoga, Tranquil Point. Nel also loves hometime with her family, her border collies, cooking up a tasty vego meal, getting her hands dirty in the vege patch and dreaming about future travelling. For information about fees and availability email admin@huoncocoon.com.au
Bethany Smith - Clinical Psychologist
Bethany is a caring and compassionate registered Clinical Psychologist with 14 years experience working with adults and adolescents. Bethany believes that person-centred therapy, with a focus on building rapport and trust, is essential to assist people reach their goals. Bethany draws upon several evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, in her work to understand the complex issues people face in life. Bethany uses strategies from these approaches to assist her clients to build upon their skills and address their needs in therapy. Bethany has experience providing care and support to people with the following concerns:
Mood issues including, depression and adjustment to challenging life situations
Anxiety and stress management
Self esteem
Grief and loss
Experiences of trauma
Managing chronic health conditions, including diabetes, chronic heart and lung disease, and pain management
Anger management
Transgender and other identity based challenges
Bethany aims to support clients to improve their coping skills and self-regulation of emotions, to better understand their relationships, and to learn about the links between their thoughts, feelings and actions. Bethany studied at the University of Adelaide and completed her Master of Psychology (Health) in 2009. Since then Bethany has worked in government, not for profit organisations, and private practice in Melbourne and Hobart, including:
The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (Melbourne)
Southern Health (Melbourne, hospital setting)
Relationships Australia Tasmania
headspace Hobart (youth focus)
When not at Cocoon, Bethany works at the University of Tasmania as a Lecturer and Supervisor to students studying their Postgraduate degrees in Psychology and Counselling. Please contact Bethany directly to arrange an appointment.