MEET OUR PSYCHOLOGISTS
A welcoming home for diverse minds, where independent practitioners work with care, autonomy, and shared values — always putting client needs first.


Rocky Pellegrino
PSYCHOLOGIST


Emily Dyos
Psychologist




Nicole da Silva
CLINICAL Psychologist


Brittney Roy
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST


Cassandra Tan
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
About Rocky Pellegrino (he/him)
Hello! I’m Rocky (Rocco), a registered psychologist and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m passionate about creating a safe, inclusive space where individuals feel empowered to explore their thoughts, identities, and experiences without fear of judgment.
I hold a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology from Monash University and have experience working in both public school systems and private settings. I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, providing both therapy and psychological assessments.
As a neuroaffirming psychologist, I recognise and celebrate the diversity of minds. I believe in tailoring support to each individual’s needs, drawing on the latest research in neurodiversity and trauma-informed care. My approach is integrative and client-centred, blending evidence-based techniques with genuine warmth, flexibility, and respect for identity and lived experience.
I am especially passionate about working with autistic and ADHD individuals, those navigating anxiety, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As a gay male therapist, I bring personal insight and deep respect for the importance of affirming, identity-safe care.
In addition to therapy, I offer assessments for children (5+), adolescents, and young adults, including:
Cognitive and educational assessments
ADHD assessments
Autism assessments
I also offer animal-assisted therapy with my dogs, Milo and Koda, embracing the powerful connection between humans and animals to enhance comfort, engagement, and therapeutic outcomes.
Whether you're seeking support for your mental health, exploring your identity, or simply wanting a space to feel heard and respected, I’m here to walk alongside you.
Learn more about our therapy dogs Milo & Koda...


Rocky (Rocco) Pellegrino
REGISTERED Psychologist
Qualifications
Grad Dip Psych - Monash University
Grad Dip Psych Adv. - Monash University
Master of Education & Developmental Psychology - Monash University
Available
Mondays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays


Emily Dyos
registered Psychologist
About Emily Dyos (she/her)
Emily is a registered psychologist who works with children, teens, and adults, offering both assessment and therapy in a way that feels safe, creative, and tailored to each person.
She’s passionate about helping young people and adults make sense of their world - whether through play, art, or gentle conversation - and believes that emotional growth happens best when people feel truly seen and understood.
Her approach is grounded in person-centred care, meaning she meets each child, adolescent, or adult where they’re at and builds from their strengths.
Emily works closely with parents and caregivers, offering practical support and insights to help families feel confident and connected.
She’s committed to neuroaffirming and trauma-informed practices, which means she honours each person’s unique wiring and life experiences with compassion and respect.
In her free time, Emily loves engaging with animals and the outdoors and enjoys staying active.
Whether you or your child is navigating big feelings, family changes, or just needs a space to explore who they are, Emily brings warmth, creativity, and clinical expertise to every session.
Qualifications
BPsychSc - La Trobe University
BPsychSc (Hons) - Federation University
Master of Education & Developmental Psychology - Monash University
Available
Mondays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays


Nicole da Silva
CLINICAL Psychologist
About Nicole da Silva (she/her)
Hi, I’m Nicole (she / her), and I’m a clinical psychologist. I work best with people aged 10+, and have a particular interest in supporting those who identify as neurodivergent; including autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA and 2e. I have both professional and personal experience in this area, and a deep (but not definitive!) understanding and appreciation of the range of both joys and challenges that often come with neurodivergence.
My therapeutic style is curious, creative and client led. In terms of therapeutic modality, I tend to think about things from a neuroaffirming Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy framework. In addition, I am a trained EMDR clinician and a full member of the EMDRAA. I have also undergone training and supervision in Trauma Focused CBT for autistic children and adolescents.
I welcome people to come as they are. During sessions, I offer a range of ways to engage—through activity or stillness, words, drawing, music, crafting, playing… or any form of engagement and self-expression that creates a sense of safety, calm, and connection. Fidgeting, stimming and anything that makes you comfortable is encouraged.
I am lucky to be supported in therapy by my two Maine Coon’s, Atticus and Dinah. Although if you’re not a cat person, they won’t be offended, and always enjoy spending time outside of my room swanning around the reception area.
Areas I work best in:
Autism and ADHD (Adjusting to diagnosis, forming identity, learning about sensory preferences, working with your cognitive style, energy accounting, personal boundaries, interpersonal communication needs, advocating for self, executive functioning support, understanding one’s energy and regulation needs, avoiding burnout, etc.)
Anxiety (Social, GAD, Panic Disorder, Emetophobia)
Chronic illness (living with)
Gut-Brain Interaction Disorders (IBS, functional abdominal pain, rumination and reflux –utilising gut-directed hypnotherapy and gut-directed psychotherapy - must be under GP / GE care for the condition concurrently)
Mood difficulties
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Self-esteem and self-identity issues (Including neurodivergent identity)
Tourette Syndrome – Motor & verbal tics (CBIT trained)
Trauma (complex, interpersonal, single event, neurodivergent)
Services I provide:
Individual counselling and psychological interventions for people aged 10+
Adult autism and ADHD assessment
Adult functional capacity assessment (for psychosocial disability and autism)
I provide a neurodiversity affirming service. This means that I strive to recognise and affirm the rights and preferences of people of all neurotypes, and to provide support that is tailored to accommodate each person’s unique needs. I aim to provide safe, inclusive, trauma-informed care that is responsive to the needs of people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and people from all cultures and marginalised groups. I take a stance of cultural humility and recognise the complexity of intersectionality, and all the things I am yet to learn.
Whether you are looking for non-judgemental support for yourself or your child to work through particular challenges, engage in treatment for a specific mental health condition, or a place for you or your child to grow a stronger sense of self and advocate for / grow a life that meets your unique needs, I look forward to meeting you to see if we might be a good therapeutic fit.
A little more about me:
Outside of the clinic, I enjoy spending the warmer months camping and floating around in natural bodies of water. During the cooler months you’ll find me jumping from one craft project to the next until the sun comes out again!
Qualifications
Master of Clinical Psychology - Griffith University
BPsych Hon - University of Southern QLD
Grad Dip Psych - Monash University
Available
Mondays (telehealth only)
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays




About Brittney Roy (she/her)
Brittney is a provisional psychologist committed to providing inclusive, neuro-affirming, strength-based psychological care to people from diverse backgrounds. She works collaboratively with clients to create a warm, welcoming, and safe therapeutic environment where identity, lived experience, and individual needs are respected and valued.
As an LGBTQIA+ therapist, Brittney understands that feeling seen and affirmed in session is foundational to achieving therapeutic goals. Therefore, she encourages clients to share their preferences, interests, and feedback to ensure their voice remains central throughout the process.
Brittney supports clients in recognising their existing skills while providing practical cognitive-behavioural skills and insights to build on these strengths. Her therapeutic goal is to empower clients to develop resilience, confidence, and self-awareness, enabling them to navigate both current and future challenges.
Brittney is currently completing postgraduate training in psychology and receives regular supervision from experienced clinicians. This supervision promotes reflective, ethical, and collaborative best-practice care.
Brittney Roy
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Qualifications
BA CrimPsych – RMIT University
BPsych (Hons) – Monash University
Master of Clinical Psychology (in progress, final year) – RMIT University
Available
Tuesdays
Fridays


About Cassandra Tan (she/her)
Hi everyone! I’m Cassey (she/her) and I am a provisional psychologist, currently studying my Master of Clinical Psychology at RMIT University.
In my practice, I am extremely passionate about connecting with people from a place of cultural safety and understanding. As a woman of Asian heritage, I have a deep appreciation for the diversity of individuals’ lived experiences, values, and cultures. In the spirit of this, I always aim to foster a supportive, caring, and inclusive space where people can be authentically themselves.
My approach to therapy is guided by my clients, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to best tailor my support. I have worked with young children, adolescents, and young adults, and I am passionate about working with people across the lifespan. Additionally, I have experience in conducting cognitive assessments and ADHD assessments for children and adults.
In my spare time I love to create art, read, and spend time with my dog, Obi.
I look forward to working with you!
Cassandra Tan
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Monash University
Bachelor of Biomedical Science – Monash University
Master of Clinical Psychology – RMIT University (in progress)
Available
Tuesdays
Fridays
Affirmative Minds Psychology
Affirming identities and amplifying voices for a brighter tomorrow.
© 2024. All rights reserved.
Affirmative Minds Psychology is a neuro-affirming psychology clinic in Watsonia, offering counselling, therapy and assessments for children, teens, adults and families. We support clients across Bundoora, Greensborough, Macleod, Rosanna, Heidelberg, Viewbank and Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Services include ADHD assessment, Autism assessment, child psychology, adult psychology, couples counselling, cognitive testing and animal-assisted therapy.
