Who We Are

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Our Story

Principal psychologists and directors of Cova, Chris and Sarah, first began working together back in 2007 in a therapy team primarily treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). They were drawn to this working in this space after encountering stigmas associated with these areas, for example “BPD is untreatable, these clients are too difficult.”

In contrast, Chris and Sarah observed that growth and healing is absolutely possible, even for people experiencing complex and chronic mental health issues. They found that their clients were able to improve quality of life and wellbeing by engaging in evidenced-based therapies underpinned by a strong therapeutic relationship. These therapies tended to focus on managing current symptoms whilst also targeting painful past experiences, often referred to as “psychological trauma.” Therapy of this nature could be considered, “trauma-informed” or “trauma-sensitive,” and Chris and Sarah have continued to work in this way throughout their careers.

Over time, Chris and Sarah’s client work has broadened in scope as they moved into a range of a roles in both the public and private mental health sectors, as well into private practice. They are passionate about providing supervision and training to other psychologists and continue to be inspired by the capacity for therapy to positively impact the lives of their clients.

In 2018, Chris and Sarah launched Cova Psychology. They set about creating a practice which reflects the quality and standard of care they’d prefer their own loved ones to receive in a mental health crisis. They also designed the practice as a space that they themselves would enjoy working in. Cova Psychology has grown over time and attracted like-minded clinicians who all provide high quality and evidenced-based therapy to their clients. As a practice, we have a special interest in providing trauma-informed treatment and enjoy working with a wide range of mental health issues.

Our highly trained therapists are
here to support your progress
and help you thrive.

Our highly trained therapists are here to support your progress and help you thrive.

Our Directors & Principal Psychologists

Dr. Sarah Valentine

Dr. Sarah Valentine

Principal Psychologist

Dr. Sarah Valentine

Principal Psychologist

"I take a client-centred, trauma-informed approach. I deliver therapy with warmth and validation whilst also encouraging change and growth in an empathic way."

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Dr. Chris Coleiro

Dr. Chris Coleiro

Principal Psychologist

Dr. Chris Coleiro

Principal Psychologist

BPsychSc (Hons),
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)

“I provide a safe, non-judgemental, and compassionate space which encourages my clients to tune into and understand the processes of their own mind and internal world. I'm passionate about providing therapy which allows people to grow, heal, and empower themselves.”

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Our Clinical Team

Elfin Berwick

Elfin Berwick

Psychologist

Elfin Berwick

Psychologist

“I have a long standing interest in working with people who have experienced difficult early relationships and trauma, both within institutions and within the context of family relationships. I have worked extensively with children, adolescents and adults. I am strongly committed to deeply listening to you as an individual and working in a a collaborative, empathic way.”

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Valentina Bianchi

Valentina Bianchi

Clinical Psychologist

Valentina Bianchi

Clinical Psychologist

"I am passionate about helping people make sense of their experiences, and align themselves to their own meaning. First, I aim to connect as a human with another human. Then, I share my intuition and evidence-based approach to support people in achieving their well-being goals"

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Bree Buck

Clinical Psychologist

Bree Buck

Clinical Psychologist

"I can offer you a safe space where we can collaboratively turn our attention inwards towards your internal world using a curious, non-judgmental stance. We will observe and try to understand your current concerns in light of your past patterns informed by clinical interventions & research. The type of clients that I am drawn to are interested in medium to long term therapy in order to change maladaptive coping strategies that are no longer benefiting the client . I am passionate about the process of empower you to find your own path towards living your values."

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Tomas Cartmill

Tomas Cartmill

Clinical Psychologist

Tomas Cartmill

Clinical Psychologist

"I am deeply interested in you, and how you see, feel and act in the world. If you're looking to make change, or to better understand yourself, and your relationships, then let's take action together. Before, and after-hours appointments are also available. Approach is bespoke to you, and informed by CBT, ACT, Schema, DBT and EMDR."

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Linél Franck

Clinical Psychologist

Linél Franck

Clinical Psychologist

"I am a laid-back, warm, and non-judgemental psychologist. I want to understand where you are at, where you are coming from and how I can help. I try to balance compassion, directness and a bit of humour in my approach to therapy. My expertise is in guiding adults to manage mood difficulties, anxiety, stress, childhood trauma, personality disorders, and resilience building, to name a few. I enjoy working from a Schema Therapy perspective, among other therapeutic modalities."

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Kelly Garfield

Kelly Garfield

Counselling Psychologist

Kelly Garfield

Senior Counselling Psychologist

"I am passionate about providing a safe, warm and non-judgemental space to allow you to move through distressing experiences to live the life you want."

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Kylie Johnson

Kylie Johnson

Clinical Psychologist

Kylie Johnson

Clinical Psychologist

"I enjoy spending time getting to know you as a person, helping you to feel at ease, and working collaboratively to come up with a plan of action that allows us to get to the heart of challenges and provide a personalised and tailored approach to treatment."

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Tori Pearce

Tori Pearce

Mental Health Social Worker

Tori Pearce

Mental Health Social Worker

"I am here to provide a space where you feel safe, supported and empowered to create meaningful change in your life. Grounded in kindness and compassion, I invite you to be yourself and show up exactly as you are. "

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Ravina Perera

Psychologist

Ravina Perera

Psychologist

"I believe that improving one’s wellbeing begins first and foremost with self-reflection and understanding, and I endeavour to provide the safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space in which to do this. I am passionate about creating an environment that is comfortable and relaxed, where individuals feel at ease and not intimidated. I aim to provide this through my therapy style which focuses on direct, gentle, and compassionate guidance, while including a touch of humour and openness."

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Monique Pittas

Monique Pittas

Psychologist

Monique Pittas

Psychologist

"I provide therapy in a non-judgmental and friendly environment, allowing you to share your experiences and challenges at your own pace, and by creating a space where you to feel heard, understood and validated. I believe that therapy is an invaluable tool to explore all parts of yourself, and re-defining the relationship with your thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, client-centred, empathetic, and strengths based."

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Ruby Swaid

Psychologist

Ruby Swaid

Psychologist

"I am passionate about supporting people connect with their inner strengths. I do so by practicing through a compassionate non-judgmental lens, ensuring that therapy is conducted in a safe and transparent manner, where individuals are aware of their rights, treatment options and are able to openly discuss what works for them and what doesn’t. Working with me, I will prioritise your psychological safety, and join with you to help you heal, develop and meet your goals."

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Elizabeth Tupper

Elizabeth Tupper

Clinical Psychologist

Elizabeth Tupper

Clinical Psychologist

"I collaborate with people with people in safe, compassionate, non-judgemental and client-centred space."

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Victor Quek

Victor Quek

Psychologist

Victor Quek

Psychologist

"I utilise EMDR to help clients with complex trauma. I also support clients with addiction and ADHD. Finally, I provide assessments for ASD and ADHD."

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Therapists at Cova include psychologists
and mental health social workers.

Our Support Team

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We are happy to discuss your needs and match you with
a Cova therapist who meets your criteria.

Please call 039654 3557 or email contact@covapsychology.com
for more information about our therapists and their availability.