#Thoughts
Collette Caffrey, Registered Psychologist
Collette Caffrey is an experienced registered psychologist and educator whose working life has centred on helping children and adults recognise and develop their individual capacities.
Collette is the psychologist at #Thoughts, a practice with appointments in Shepparton and Belmont, Geelong. She works with children, adolescents and adults, and welcomes referrals for children.
A Background In Children, Families And Schools
Collette’s career began in early childhood education. She established a private childcare centre and served as its director for approximately a decade. During those years, she worked closely with babies, young children and their families. She still refers to herself as the centre’s “sandpit expert”.
She later became a primary school teacher and worked as a reading specialist with children who were finding literacy difficult. Her work then moved into literacy coaching and mentoring with teachers and school leaders across primary and secondary settings. She subsequently held acting and substantive school principal roles.
This work showed Collette how often people have strengths, knowledge and emerging skills that they may not yet recognise in themselves. It was part of what led her to pursue psychology.
Today, Collette brings together her experience in early childhood, education, leadership and psychology. Her approach is warm, practical and evidence-based.
How Collette Works
At #Thoughts, we begin with every person through an intake appointment. We value hearing your history directly from you and in your own words. We talk about what matters to you, what feels difficult, what you have already tried, and the strengths and supports in your life.
We then develop a psychological formulation with you. It considers what may have contributed to the difficulty, what may be maintaining it, and what could help. We review this together so that you can correct anything we have misunderstood or add anything we may have missed.
Our approach is collaborative and practical. Sometimes we begin with a small, achievable step that creates an opportunity for success. We may also use standardised questionnaires or other measures to clarify concerns, guide our work and help make progress more visible.
#Thoughts uses a range of therapy approaches informed by research and chosen in consultation with clients. Collette’s training includes approaches helpful for trauma, EMDR, cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy and chair work, to name a few. Collette regularly engages in continuous professional development to enhance her skills and knowledge base.
Make an enquiry
Call 0456 410 183 or send an enquiry online.
Working With Children, Young People And Families
Collette enjoys working with all age groups and welcomes referrals for children. Her work with children is family-inclusive, with parents and caregivers actively involved and supported to help their child develop psychological, emotional and behavioural skills.
How parents, carers and young people are involved is discussed at the beginning. With appropriate consent, Collette may also draw on information from schools, GPs, paediatricians and other allied health professionals.
Assessments And Areas Of Support
Collette provides psychological and neurodevelopmental assessments for children, adolescents and adults. These can include cognitive, educational, autism, ADHD, functional capacity, memory, emotional and behavioural assessments.
She also works with people seeking support for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive difficulties, trauma-related concerns, post-traumatic stress, loss and grief.
Qualifications And Registration
Name registered with AHPRA: Ms Collette Ann Caffrey
AHPRA registration number: PSY0002215890
Registered as a psychologist since: 26 November 2018
Medicare provider number: 6149425A
Collette’s qualifications include:
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), Central Queensland University, 2017
Bachelor of Psychological Science, Central Queensland University, 2015
Bachelor of Education, Deakin University
Master of School Leadership, University of Melbourne
Collette is a member of the Australian Psychological Society, the Australian Association of Psychologists and the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
Locations And Enquiries
Shepparton: #Thoughts, 174 Corio Street, Shepparton VIC 3630
Get directionsBelmont, Geelong: Belmont Counselling Rooms, 44 Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont VIC 3216. Saturday appointments are available, with assessments prioritised.
Get directions
Appointments are arranged in advance. You can self-refer. Contact #Thoughts by phone or through the website to make an enquiry.
Enquire About An Appointment
There is immediate availability, as Collette is opening up her booking diary. You can call 0456 410 183 or send an enquiry through the website. #Thoughts will explain the available appointment options and what is needed before booking.
You do not need a referral to make an enquiry or book an appointment. A GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan are needed only if you want to claim an eligible Medicare rebate. #Thoughts is not a walk-in service. Appointments are arranged in advance.
Shepparton
174 Corio Street, Shepparton VIC 3630 Get directions
Geelong
Belmont Counselling Rooms, 44 Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont (Saturdays) Get directions
Phone
Emergency And Crisis Support
This psychology practice does not provide crisis or emergency services, and messages may not be reviewed immediately.
If you or another person is in immediate danger, call 000 or attend the nearest hospital emergency department.
For confidential crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.