Our Team

Dr. Zoya Jamshidi
Clinical Psychologist, D.Psych(Couns/Clin), B.Sc(Hons), MAPS

Dr. Zoya Jamshidi is clinical and counselling psychologist registered with the AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Zoya holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours in Psychology from The University of Sydney, and a Doctorate degree in Counselling Psychology from Macquarie University.  Her doctoral research focused on co-occurring anxiety and depression and the role of family functioning in adolescent anxiety and depression. Following her Doctorate degree, Zoya remained actively involved with Macquarie University for eight years, delivering lectures in Ethics to fourth year psychology students.

Zoya established North Shore Psychology Practice in 2009. She works with children (5 yrs +), adolescents and adults. She has experience delivering both group and individual treatments in hospitals and outpatient clinics, helping people discover the necessary awareness and skills needed to manage or resolve their difficulties. Zoya been responsible for developing and implementing group treatment programs for adults attending a mood and anxiety disorders psychiatric unit, as well as providing an outreach program for HSC students in country areas. For many years, Zoya worked at the Macquarie University Emotional Health Clinic, gaining wide knowledge and experience in the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adults. 

Zoya utilises a range of evidence-based techniques drawing mostly from Schema Therapy, and also including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance-Based Therapies. In particular, Zoya has clinical experience and interest in providing treatment within a Schema Therapy framework, useful for clients wishing to better understand and resolve the effects of trauma, attachment difficulties, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, adversity in childhood, ongoing emotional and behavioural difficulties, relationship distress, poor self-esteem, difficulties dealing with intense emotion, Bipolar Disorder, and long-standing mood and anxiety problems.

Bound by the professional regulations and ethical codes of conduct set by the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Psychological Society, Zoya is committed to providing a high quality of care to all her clients within a warm and supportive therapeutic environment. She continuously aims to strengthen her clinical knowledge and skills through ongoing professional education and training.

Zoya works at the practice on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and some Thursdays.

Gerri Minshall
Clinical Psychologist, BBus Comm, B.A(Hons), M.Psych(Clin)

With a Masters in Clinical Psychology from UNSW, Gerri Minshall has been a clinical psychologist since 1999. Gerri worked for over fifteen years at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and has been working in private practice since 2015. Gerri has presented many workshops and seminars on healthy lifestyle, anxiety, screen-time, parenting and how clinical psychology can help people in a range of settings.

Her clinical expertise is around the evidence-based treatment of mental health problems and helping people with life challenges. Gerri has particular interest and a wealth of experience in the treatment of child and adult anxiety. She is also interested in how a peaceful and happy family life can be possible in the modern world. Gerri works with clients of all ages but especially has a passion for children, adolescents, couples and families.

Before joining the world of private practice, Gerri worked in secondary and tertiary mental health services for children and adolescents. She is competent in treating a range of problems including mood disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, psychological help for medically necessary weight loss, disruptive behaviours in children and helping couples to minimise conflict and enjoy a better relationship.

Gerri is AHPRA registered with endorsement in clinical psychology, is a member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association and the Australian Association of Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy. Gerri is also a Credentialed Eating Disorders Clinician (CEDC). Her clinical interests are in parenting and mixed anxiety/depression. She has undertaken further education and training in schema therapy, DBT, Gottman couples therapy and how people can be impacted by trauma. She has a warm and practical approach and is dedicated to helping you to overcome problems and make your life better.

Gerri works at the practice each Tuesday, and alternate Thursdays and Fridays.

Sally Dettmann Hughes
Psychologist, BEc, BA(hons), MSc(psych)

Sally is an experienced psychologist registered with AHPRA with diverse and extensive experience. Sally completed her undergraduate degree with honours in psychology at Macquarie University, then completed a Masters in Organisational Behaviour/Occupational Psychology at Birkbeck College, University of London. She worked as an organisational psychologist for a number of years, focusing on executive assessment and development. Her thesis and work interest centred around motivation and finding work-life balance.

In 2010, Sally extended her training as a counsellor at the Australian College of Applied Psychology, with particular interest in counselling adolescents and adults. She is a trained Lifeline counsellor and has worked in individual and family counselling since 2013. Sally is trained in and has run a number of parenting groups, including Tuning in to Teens and 1-2-3 Magic as well as both group and individual anxiety and resilience programs. As well as working in private practice, Sally has also worked as a Program Counsellor facilitating a high school mentoring program for adolescents.

Sally works with adolescents (12 yrs +) and adults. She uses an evidence-based practice model and strength-based, person-centred counselling style. She utilises various therapy styles in her work including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as well as mindfulness-based therapies to assist her clients to reach their therapeutic goals. She is particularly interested in mental health concerns that negatively impact upon a person’s ability to live a fulfilling life, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders and problematic habits or behaviours. She has interest and experience working with school aged children, teens and adults, and has a warm, open demeanour. She is committed to ongoing professional training and development and working within ethical codes of practice.

Sally works at the practice on Monday, Wednesday and alternate Thursdays.

Reception / Administrative Staff

Alison and Vanessa are our wonderful administrative staff who look after all phone and email booking enquiries, appointment details, waiting lists and payments. Both Vanessa and Alison have many years experience working in health and medical administration. They are committed to caring for clients from the initial contact right throughout the process of therapy, handling client questions and concerns in a warm and confidential manner. They work hard to understand client needs when calling to make enquiries so that clients can be directed to the most suitable psychologist at the practice based on presenting problems, availability, therapy styles, client preferences and more. Alison works Monday and Tuesday. Vanessa is at the practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.