About Us
A more tailored way of working — grounded in understanding
Many people and couples who come to Tidyminds have tried therapy before. Some found parts of it helpful, while others felt it didn’t quite fit — perhaps it moved too quickly, felt too structured, or didn’t take into account how they think, feel, communicate, or experience stress.
At Tidyminds, therapy is intentionally tailored rather than standardised. There is no set script, pace, or expectation of how therapy “should” look. Instead, the work begins with getting to know you — your experiences, nervous system, communication style, and what has shaped the way you cope and relate.
We also understand this search for a different approach because we’ve been there too. We know what it’s like to feel unseen, misunderstood, or shaped to fit systems that weren’t designed with difference, complexity, or trauma in mind. That lived understanding informs the way we work — with greater care, humility, and attention to safety.
Our approach is neuro-affirming and trauma-informed, which means therapy is adapted to you (or your relationship), not the other way around. Sessions are paced with care, shaped around what feels safe, meaningful, and manageable for you at this point in time.
For individuals, this often means slowing things down, working flexibly, and focusing on understanding patterns before trying to change them.
For couples, it means neither partner is treated as the problem, and the work is shaped around both nervous systems, communication styles, and capacities — rather than rigid rules or assumptions.
Many clients tell us they were looking for therapy that felt more personal, less directive, and more genuinely understanding. If you’re seeking support that is thoughtful, adaptable, and grounded in real lived awareness, this approach may feel different.
We value:
Understanding before intervention
We take time to truly understand you, your experiences, and your nervous system before trying to change anything.
Therapy shaped around people, not models
There is no one “right” way to think, feel, communicate, or heal. Our approach adapts to you, rather than asking you to fit a standard framework.
Lived awareness with professional boundaries
We recognise the importance of lived experience and bring this understanding into the room thoughtfully, without centring ourselves or blurring boundaries.
Safety, choice, and pace
Therapy moves at a pace that feels manageable. You remain in control of what you share and when.
Respect for difference and complexity
Neurodivergence, trauma responses, and relational differences are understood as meaningful, not deficits to be corrected.
Inclusion and accessibility
All genders, bodies, cultures, and relationship structures are welcomed. We adapt tools to fit real life.
These values shape how we listen, how we respond, and how we work alongside individuals and couples—offering support that is thoughtful, affirming, and grounded in genuine understanding.
Our Team
At Tidyminds Counselling and Psychotherapy, we offer warm, practical, neuro-affirming counselling for individuals and couples. We’re committed to creating a safe, respectful space where you can feel understood—without judgment—and leave each session with clarity and tools you can actually use.
Whether you’re navigating ADHD, burnout, anxiety, trauma impacts, relationship strain, or simply feeling stuck, we’ll work collaboratively at a pace that suits you.
Simon Tidy
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Simon works with individuals and couples, with a particular focus on ADHD and neurodivergent relationships. His style is warm, structured, and practical—helping you make sense of patterns like overwhelm, shutdown, conflict loops, people-pleasing, or disconnection, and then build realistic steps forward.
Simon integrates evidence-based approaches including ACT, CBT, solution-focused therapy, trauma-informed practice, and Gottman-informed relationship work, tailored to your needs and goals.
- Areas of support
- ADHD and executive functioning challenges
- Emotional regulation, shame, and burnout
- Communication, conflict repair, and reconnection
- Boundaries, needs, and self-advocacy
- Relationship stress and life transitions
- Complex Trauma - EMDR and Schema Therapy
- Qualifications
- Master of Counselling (University of Canberra)
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling (University of Canberra)
- Bachelor of Arts (Edith Cowan University)
- Clinical Registrant - Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Hannah Casey
Mental Health social Worker
Hannah Casey is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with more than 15 years of experience supporting individuals and workplaces across Australia. She specialises in trauma therapy, critical incident response, and workplace mental health, delivering neuro‑affirming, evidence‑based approaches that promote safety, resilience, and meaningful change.
Across her career, Hannah has worked in diverse clinical and organisational settings including national EAP providers, hospital environments, veteran support services, rural and remote communities, and university supervision programs.
Hannah’s therapeutic approach is relaxed, collaborative, and grounded in self‑compassion. She utilises Focused Psychological Strategies including cognitive‑behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), anger management interventions, interpersonal therapy, and structured skills training. Her practice is guided by trauma‑informed principles, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to ethical, person‑centred care.
Areas of Expertise
- Trauma therapy & crisis intervention
- Anxiety, depression, grief and loss and relationship challenges
- Workplace mental health and organisational stress
- Critical incident response & psychological first aid
- Group psychoeducation
- Domestic Violence
- Anger management
- Substance use
- Qualifications & Memberships
- Bachelor of Social Work (Charles Sturt University)
- Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
- Victim Support Counselor (ACT and NSW)
- Registered Medicare Provider
- Member - Mental Health Professionals Network
- Member - Mental Health Academy
Simone Carter
Registered Psychologist
Simone Carter is a Registered Psychologist and Psychotherapist
Simone has always felt a deep calling to work alongside others who want to live a meaningful and joyful life, regardless of our changing life circumstances.
She is passionate about empowering people to grow through suffering, discover their strengths, unlearn self-criticism, and reclaim their story.
She uses a range of talking and body-based therapies to suit the individual needs of each person including:
- Somatic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TF-ACT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Compassionate Inquiry
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Brainspotting
- Her Experience includes:
- Trauma and complex trauma
- Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
- Neurodivergence and emotional regulation
- Psycho-social assessments and Treatment Plans
- Relationship Counselling/ Conflict Resolution
- Grief and Loss
- Qualifications & Memberships
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology (4th year)
- Post Graduate Diploma Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology
- Bachelor of Education
- Certificate in School Counselling
- Certificate IV in Training and Education
- Member - Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)
- AHPRA Registration number: PSY0002509549
Malika Malika
Registered Counsellor
Malika is a Registered Counsellor and Level 3 member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), with a Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours).
She has experience providing individual counselling, family support and group facilitation across a range of mental health and community settings, working with both young people and adults.
She draws on approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills and person-centred counselling, adapting her approach to each client’s individual needs, experiences and goals.
Her professional experience has included working with young people and adults from diverse backgrounds and supporting clients with different individual needs and circumstances.
Malika is currently available to see clients on Saturdays and after hours by appointment.
- Trauma and complex trauma
- Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
- Neurodivergence and emotional regulation
- Domestic and family violence impacts (support and healing)
- Qualifications & Memberships
- Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Bachelor of psychology (Honours)
- Australian Counselling Association - Level 3
Diane Schmerling
Senior Rehabilitation Consultant | Neurodivergent Consultant | Counsellor
Diane Schmerling brings more than 23 years of experience across mental health, rehabilitation, counselling, trauma support, and complex case management in both Australia and the United States.
Her work focuses on helping people navigate complex mental health presentations, trauma, neurodivergence, injury recovery, workplace challenges, and major life transitions with practical, evidence-informed support tailored to the individual.
Diane has extensive experience supporting:
- Veterans, ADF personnel, DVA and Comcare clients
- Individuals with PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and complex psychiatric presentations
- Neurodivergent clients including ADHD and autism
- People recovering from workplace injuries, trauma, and significant life disruption
- Individuals navigating psychosocial, vocational, and return-to-work challenges
With a background spanning rehabilitation counselling, psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and vocational support, Diane is known for her calm, collaborative, and highly personalised approach. She works closely with clients, families, treating teams, insurers, and workplaces to create practical pathways toward recovery, stability, and meaningful outcomes.
Her experience includes:
- Complex case management
- Trauma-informed counselling
- Psychosocial and functional capacity assessments
- Injury adjustment counselling
- Vocational assessments and return-to-work planning
- Crisis intervention and safety planning
- Psychoeducation and group facilitation
- Neurodivergent support and workplace accommodations
- Domestic and family violence support
- Psychometric testing and psychological evaluation
Diane has worked extensively with culturally diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, and has experience supporting individuals with highly complex mental health and psychosocial presentations through NDIS, DVA, Comcare, and private rehabilitation systems.
She works from a neuroaffirming, trauma-informed, and strengths-based framework incorporating CBT, psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, and rehabilitation-focused support strategies.
- Qualifications & Memberships
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (Honours with Distinction)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Women’s Studies (Honours with Distinction)
- Member of PSI CHI – National Honour Society in Psychology
- Full Member – ASORC
- Registered Comcare Provider
- DVA WASP Provider