The Team
Who We Are
Dayna Taberner
Founder & Director
Dayna Taberner, with over 17 years of experience in the mental health field, is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker holding a Masters in Mental Health Sciences and is the director and founder of Mental Health Counselling Geelong.
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Dayna's extensive background includes working across various mental health settings such as community tertiary mental health, acute units, Emergency Departments, Tertiary Education, and private practice. She has worked with a diverse range of clients, addressing major mental health disorders, complex trauma, eating disorders, and gender identity issues.
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Proficient in a range of therapeutic modalities, Dayna utilises techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support her clients.
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Dayna prioritises creating a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for her clients, ensuring they have the best opportunity to achieve optimal outcomes for their health and wellbeing.
Her special interests and clinical experience include addressing issues related to anxiety, depression, the LGBTIQIA+ community and Gender Dysphoria, eating disorders, complex trauma (EMDR Accredited), relationship difficulties, couples and family therapy, clinical supervision for social workers, and supporting NDIS participants.
Natalie Smith
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Meet Natalie Smith;
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A highly experienced mental health social worker with over 20 years of dedicated practice supporting individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families across a wide range of life challenges. Natalie brings a rich and diverse background, having worked in various settings including trauma recovery, family dynamics, youth issues, homelessness, return-to-work programs, and with survivors of abuse.
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Her approach is deeply mentalistic—centered on creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore both their struggles and strengths. With specialised training in EMDR, CBT, ACT, and DBT, Natalie has a strong focus on trauma-informed care and is particularly passionate about helping clients recover from PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
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Natalie also offers a unique therapeutic space for neurodiverse children and adolescents, including those with autism, ADD, and ADHD. Mental Health Counselling Geelong features a specialised sensory room, designed to provide a calming environment where children can connect with Natalie through tailored one-on-one sessions. She incorporates sensory integration therapy and neuroaffirming practices, supporting each young person’s individual needs.
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Natalie is proudly inclusive and affirming of the LGBTQIA+ community, and holds full NDIS worker screening and registration, allowing her to provide therapeutic support under the NDIS framework.
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Warm, skilled, and deeply committed; Natalie Smith offers expert care with a human touch.
