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 (formerly Let’s Talk 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 Counsellor (ACA Level 4)
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
- Qualifications
- Master of Counselling (University of Canberra)
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling (University of Canberra)
- Bachelor of Arts (Edith Cowan University)
Karen Swaysland
Social Worker & Trauma-Informed Counsellor
Karen Swaysland is empathetic, compassionate, trauma-informed Social Worker and Counsellor with more than 20 years of experience supporting people across mental health, trauma, youth, and community services.
She provides neurodiversity-affirming counselling for adults and young people, creating a calm, welcoming space where clients can explore their experiences safely and at their own pace. Karen works collaboratively and gently, taking time to understand each person’s communication style, sensory needs, identity, and what helps them feel supported.
Karen has extensive experience supporting people navigating:
- Trauma and complex trauma
- Sexual assault and domestic violence
- Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
- Identity exploration and self-worth
- Relationship and family challenges
- Neurodivergence and emotional regulation
- Life transitions and systemic disadvantage
Her therapeutic approach is grounded, relational, and strengths-based, drawing from ACT, DBT-informed strategies, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed practice. Karen is passionate about helping clients feel understood, respected, and empowered within the counselling process.
Karen has worked across a range of community, government, crisis, and counselling settings including youth mental health, sexual assault services, domestic violence support, and psychosocial care. Her experience includes crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, advocacy, intake and assessment, and supporting clients navigating complex systems.
She has particular experience working with:
- Young people and families
- LGBTQIA+ communities
- Neurodivergent clients
- Victim-survivors of trauma and abuse
- Clients experiencing significant life stress and instability
- Qualifications & Memberships
- Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Bachelor of Social Science
- AASW Member
- Extensive professional development in trauma, mental health, domestic violence, and counselling practice
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
Kelly Kelbrick
Registered Counsellor (ACA Level 3)
Kelly offers calm, compassionate, and practical support for adults, children, and families. She brings experience in sub-acute mental health and works in a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming way—adapting sessions to different communication styles, sensory needs, and personal goals.
Kelly supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma impacts, relationship difficulties, and the effects of domestic and family violence. Her focus is helping you feel safe, heard, and empowered—while building skills for steadier emotions and stronger boundaries.
- Areas of support
- Anxiety, depression, and stress
- Trauma impacts and recovery
- Relationship difficulties and life transitions
- Domestic and family violence impacts (support and healing)
- Emotional regulation and coping skills
- Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
- Postgraduate Diploma of Counselling
- Master of Counselling (University of Canberra)
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
- Diploma of Business