Rebated Psychology Sessions Now Available

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Head Start
Counselling & Psychology

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  • Home
  • Services
  • Bookings
  • Our Team
  • Couples Counselling
  • FAQs
  • Resources
  • Contact

Our Team of Geelong Counsellors & Psychologists

Paul Clifford - Registered Psychologist

Paul is an AHPRA registered psychologist based in Geelong, providing evidence-based psychological support for adults and couples. His therapeutic approach is collaborative, insight-driven, and grounded in a holistic understanding of wellbeing — addressing not only presenting symptoms, but also the underlying patterns contributing to distress.


He holds qualifications in psychology, having completed his postgraduate studies through Monash University and his Master’s degree at La Trobe University. Paul has delivered psychological support across public and private mental health services, including private therapy and NDIS-funded settings. He has worked with a wide range of client needs and complex presentations, supporting individuals with diverse goals, diagnoses, and life circumstances.


Areas of support

  • Anxiety (e.g., generalised anxiety, social anxiety)
  • Depression (including persistent low mood and major depressive episodes)
  • Trauma and PTSD (including complex trauma)
  • Emotional regulation and impulse-control difficulties
  • Anger management
  • Identity exploration and life transitions
  • Stress, burnout, and resilience building
  • Relationship challenges and communication issues
  • Personal development, motivation, and values-based living


Approaches

Paul's work is guided by each client’s individual goals, values, and context. He draws on a variety of evidence-based approaches including


  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), 
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), 
  • Schema Therapy, 
  • Mindfulness-based techniques, and 
  • Motivational interviewing


Professional memberships

  • AHPRA Registration: PSY0002664560
  • Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi): Member No. 16275
  • Registered Medicare Provider — obtain a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP to access rebated psychology sessions with Paul


Outside of psychology

Paul enjoys playing guitar and discovering new music, following financial markets, getting out in nature and staying active, and trying new restaurants in Geelong and Melbourne.


Learn more about what to expect with Paul or book a session.

Maja Graljuk - Registered Counsellor

Maja (pronounced “My-ya”) is a dedicated counsellor who works with individuals and couples in our Geelong counselling room. She offers face-to-face relationship and marriage counselling for couples at all stages of their relationship. Maja has received training in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy and integrates its research-based principles into her work to support connection, understanding, and lasting change.


Her therapeutic approach is compassionate, non-judgemental, and holistic — focused on helping clients reconnect with themselves and each other. Maja believes that life’s challenges can be opportunities for insight and growth, and that through greater self-awareness, couples can build deeper intimacy and move forward with clarity and purpose.


Maja holds a Diploma of Holistic Counselling, Bachelor of Arts, and is a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). She supports clients navigating the effects of stress, burnout, anxiety, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and disconnection.


Areas of support

  • Couples counselling and relationship therapy
  • Communication difficulties
  • Conflict management
  • Separation and divorce
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Depression and low mood
  • Self-esteem and personal confidence
  • Overcoming failure and fear of setbacks
  • Emotional awareness and resilience


Approach
Maja’s approach is insight-oriented and emotionally attuned, grounded in the principles of the Gottman Method and a belief in each client’s capacity for growth. Her work focuses on developing self-awareness, improving communication, and strengthening the emotional foundation of relationships.


Languages spoken

  • English
  • Bosnian
  • Croatian
  • Serbian
  • Ukrainian


Professional memberships

  • Australian Counselling Association (ACA)


Outside of counselling
Maja enjoys time in nature, exploring music and creativity, sharing meals with friends and family, and continually expanding her understanding of relationships, culture, and personal growth.


Learn more about what to expect with Maja or book a session.

New to Therapy?

Find Out More
  • Home
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  • What to Expect
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  • Service Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Abandonment
  • ADHD
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Attention Dysregulation
  • Behaviour Change
  • Burnout
  • Communication Improvement
  • Conflict Management
  • Couples Counselling
  • Depression Counselling
  • Divorce & Separation
  • Emotional Difficulties
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Overcoming Failure
  • Grief & Loss
  • Happiness
  • Strengths & Talents
  • Life Change & Transition
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Mindfulness
  • Motivation
  • Neurodivergence
  • Panic
  • Perfectionism
  • Fears & Phobias
  • Relationship Counselling
  • Schema Therapy
  • Social Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Subjugation

Head Start Counselling & Psychology

5/194 Pakington Street, Geelong West Victoria 3218, Australia

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ABN 53 439 026 214

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