About Us

Ahead psychologists are highly experienced in the areas of counselling for emotional, behavioural and mental health issues. They also provide Employee Assistance Programs to businesses and organisations in both the public and private sectors.

Ahead Psychologists are registered with the Psychologists Board of Queensland and members of the Australian Psychological Society.

Each psychologist is an approved provider with Medicare and private health insurance funds.

Pyschologists' Profiles

Michelle McBride PGDip Psych MA Assoc MAPS
Michelle McBride has been a registered psychologist in Queensland for 20 years. She has extensive experience working with adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of psychological problems including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Stress management
• Substance use disorders
• Grief and loss
• Relationship issues
• Parenting strategies
• Managing lifestyle changes due to chronic medical conditions
• Weight management issues
• Sleep disorders

Michelle's area of special interest and developed expertise is in the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression using mindfulness-based counselling approaches. She is also experienced in the use of motivation enhancement strategies to assist people with chronic diseases make positive behavioural and lifestyle changes that support improved mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Ian Kershaw BAHons (Psych) Assoc MAPS
Ian Kershaw is a registered psychologist who has worked for over 10 years with children, adults, couples and families. He has experience providing treatment for a broad range of psychological problems including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Anger management
• Family relationships
• Parenting strategies
• Phobias
• Relationship difficulties
• Couples and marital counselling
• Self-esteem and self-worth issues
• Stress management
• Weight management
• Workplace issues

Ian's area of special interest is in relationship counselling. In particular he has expertise in conflict resolution, mediation, and assisting people to develop more effective communication skills that contribute to better relationships. He has experience working with a range of different relationships including couples, family relationships and relationships based in the workplace.

Christine Mitchem MAPsych (Health) MAPS
Christine Mitchem is a registered psychologist with over 10 years experience working in Government Mental Health and Community Health services, and private practice. She has completed a Masters degree in Psychology (Health) and has worked with adults and adolescents experiencing the following psychological problems:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Stress management
• Substance use disorders (including tobacco, alcohol and illicit substances)
• Grief and loss
• Relationship issues
• Couples and marital counselling
• Parenting issues
• Workplace issues

Christine's area of special interest and developed expertise is in the treatment of depressive disorders, particularly in women. She has completed specialised training in the use of emotion-focussed therapy with couples.

Dr Kristie Alcorn BAHons (Psych) PhD (Clin Psych) MAPS
Dr Kristie Alcorn is a registered clinical psychologist. She has recently joined the Ahead Psychology group and brings with her over 9 years experience working with adults experiencing a wide range of psychological difficulties including:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Adjustment difficulties
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Grief and loss
• Chronic medical conditions and pain management
• Relationship difficulties
• Stress management

Kristie's area of special interest and expertise is in the psychological well-being of women and their partners in pregnancy and postpartum. Specifically, she has expertise in understanding and addressing fears associated with childbirth, difficulties arising from stressful and traumatic birth events, emotional concerns in pregnancy and postpartum, and treating post-natal depression She is also experienced in assisting individuals to improve their communication skills within their relationship postpartum and to cope with adjustments to role and identity changes associated with parenthood.

Tamara Lorensen BSc, Grad Dip Couns, MA AppSc, MAPS
Tamara Lorensen has worked as a registered psychologist in private practice for more than ten years and in the industry for 17 years. She has experience working with children, adolescents and adults presenting with a range of psychological problems including:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Adjustment difficulties
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Sleep disorders
• Chronic medical conditions and pain management
• Stress management
• Obesity, diabetes, metabolic nutritional counselling

Tamara's area of special interest and developed expertise is in combining biomedical, nutritional and psychological approaches to provide comprehensive and complementary treatment interventions to assist children and adults experiencing a range of psychological disorders. She has also completed specialised training with the Australian College of Nutrition & Environmental Medicine.

Renae Kurth BAHons (Psych) Assoc MAPS
Renae Kurth is currently on leave and plans to return late 2010.