About

About Us

Since 2003, we have been making a real and lasting difference to the more than 5,500 clients who have completed our program. Today, we are dedicated to helping you improve your mental health and quality of life.

We understand the need for an individually tailored program which will assist people who are committed to overcoming mental health conditions such as stress, anxietydepressionsubstance dependencies and trauma.

Our results are achieved by using a range of evidence-based therapies and treatments selected to target a particular mental health condition. Our residential retreat program combines psychological, physical, educational and social strategies along with a focus on nutritional elements to help you combat and eradicate the root cause of your condition. 

Palladium Private’s psychiatrist and psychologists are registered with AHRPA, Australia’s regulatory body for healthcare professionals. The retreat meets all Workplace Health & Safety standards and certifications. Palladium Private is a registered NDIS provider, partnered with Release My Super, and works closely with DVA to intake veterans seeking treatment for mental health issues.

Our Program

The duration of our programs varies between two to twelve weeks and are specifically designed to deliver outcomes for a range of mental health conditions. For example, if you have chronic depression, long-term anxiety or substance abuse issues, you will require a longer period than 14 days as you will need more time to eradicate old habits and replace them with new, benefical, sustainable beliefs and thought patterns. 

All talk therapy is delivered on a one-on-one basis with group activities essential for social integration as you transition for going home.

The program cost is determined by the intensity, length of stay, accommodation preferences and travel logistics. During the admissions consultations, we match the nature of your condition to the best program to deliver results. Our admissions process is professional and confidential.

We welcome you to contact our admissions consultants to discuss your needs and start the journey towards full recovery.

To get in touch, simply call 1300 573 095 to speak to an Admissions Consultant.

Retreat Management

Kalyani Gardner - General Manager at Palladium Private

Kalyani Gardner

General Manager

Kalyani lives and breathes Palladium. Her aim is to see every guest walk away with results and long-lasting change they can be proud of.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Business Marketing
  • Graduate Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy
  • Level 2 Yoga Teacher

Georgia Ray

Clinical Director

Georgia is a highly qualified Psychologist with over 15 years experience in both forensic/criminal and clinical psychology. She values trust, empathy and a good sense of humour. Georgia strongly believes in treating the whole person, not just the presenting issue or disorder.

Georgia ensures respect, safety and acceptance and defines her approach as non-judgemental and individualistic – tailoring the treatment style to meet the requirements of each individual’s needs.

“Over and above my experience or knowledge of therapies, I have found the relationship and ultimately the connection with the person to be the most important factor in determining treatment success”

Qualifications:

  • Masters in Forensic Psychology
  • Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons)
  • Member – Australian Psychological Society (APS)
  • Associate of the APS College of Forensic Psychologists
  • Member – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Karl Gratton

Program Manager

Karl is a qualified Counsellor/Psychotherapist and a long-term meditation teacher and instructor. After practising as a monk for ten years, studying philosophy in-depth and practising in Australia, India and Sri Lanka.

Karl brings an integrative approach to therapy through the sharing of poetry, music, philosophy and meditative experiences.

Karl’s interests include: Deep nature connection, poetry, dream observation and analysis, existential psychotherapy, depth psychology, human development, philosophy, music and meditation.

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Bachelor of Integrative Psychotherapy
  • Buddhist Studies Program, Masters Program (Chenrezig Institute Australia, India & Sri Lanka)
  • Certificate of Commendation for Academic Excellence (Griffith University, Brisbane)
  • Certificate III Individual Support
Pau Francis - Admissions Manager at Palladium Private

Paul Francis

Admissions Manager

Paul spent the first part of his career working for the British Diplomatic Service. He migrated to Australia in 2008.
For the last ten years he has been working in the personal development and mental health industries.

Paul is passionate about Palladium Private’s holistic approach to mental health and heads up a team of admission consultants who share this passion.

Therapy Team

Dr Sampath Arvapalli - Consultant Psychiatrist at Palladium Private

Dr Sampath Arvapalli

Consultant Psychiatrist

After completing his primary medical degree, Dr Arvapalli pursued advanced specialist Psychiatry training in the United Kingdom. He was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatry (London) in 2010 following which he practiced within the NHS in Glasgow, Scotland across tertiary hospitals and outpatient community care settings.

 

Dr Aravapalli relocated to Australia in 2017 to join the mental health team at Mackay Base Hospital. In 2018 he was admitted to the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. While at Mackay Base Hospital led the community mental health outreach clinic teams in Proserpine, Bowen and Moranbah, developing a thorough understanding of the challenges of accessing mental health care for rural patients and their primary care providers.

 

Dr Arvapalli brings a wealth of knowledge with special interests in general adult psychiatry, the treatment of addiction disorders, adult ADHD, personality disorders and psychotherapy.

 

Over the years, Dr Arvapalli has been involved in teaching medical students, mentoring post-graduates in psychiatry and appraising specialists (enhanced appraiser for General Medical Council, UK).

He also holds a specialist certificate (CCT) in Substance Misuse Psychiatry from the General Medical Council, UK.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Surgery
  • Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists – UK (MRCPsych)
  • APRHA-registered Psychiatrist (Australia)
  • Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP)
  • Member of the Faculty of Addictions Psychiatry

Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Individual, Couple, Group and Family Therapy
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy
  • Dialectical and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (DCT, CBT)
  • EMDR
  • ACT
  • Neuropsychotherapy
  • Cape Cod Model for Couple Therapy
Dr Lisa Jones-Psychologist at Palladium Private

Dr Lisa Jones

Psychologist

Dr Jones has extensive experience in treating an array of mental health issues including depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety and stress, as well as a specialised interest in treating C-PTSD, PTSD, trauma, and dissociation.

She has supported many clients from diverse backgrounds through their struggles with addictions to alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs, food, gambling, sex, and pornography. 

She works broadly from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) framework and incorporates evidence-based therapeutic modalities to customise treatment plans for each client.

Qualifications:

  • APHRA-registered Psychologist
  • Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
  • Member of the EMDR Association of Australia
  • Credentialed by the Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED)

Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Schema Therapy
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Ego State Therapy
Rebekah Bateman-Psychologist at Palladium Private

Rebekah Bateman

Psychologist

Passionate about helping clients achieve their wellbeing goals, Rebecca’s special interests are in the treatment of addictions, eating disorders and trauma.

She utilises Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy to develop individualised treatment plans that meet the needs of the client – not a one-size-fits all approach; non-judgemental, caring, and compassionate.

Rebecca is experienced in various sectors from public, to private, homelessness, domestic and family violence and acute psychiatric mental health.

She is also the proud mother of two beautiful therapy dogs.

Rebecca Batemand - Psychologist at Palladium Private with her therapy dogs

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Psychology
  • Post-Graduate Diploma of Psychology
  • Masters in Counselling
  • Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
  • APHRA-registered Psychologist

Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)
Josie Coco - Psychotherapist at Palladium Private

Josie Coco

Gestalt Psychotherapist, Group Facilitator

Josie’s psychotherapy approach supports her clients to overcome obstacles to thriving and living well.
Gestalt, in conjunction with other therapy modalities – coupled with her living experience – means Josie’s presence and awareness facilitates her clients’ meeting their challenges.
She has a keen interest in complex trauma and neurobiological advances in trauma recovery.
With extensive health and wellbeing experience and as the founder of two successful businesses, Josie has a broad understanding of the challenges of our modern lifestyles.

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Masters of Gestalt Psychotherapy
  • Certified Practitioner – The BodyTalk System™
  • Graduate Certificate in HR Management & Development
  • Nursing, Midwifery
Scott McKay - Psychotherapist at Palladium Private

Scott McKay

Mental Health Social Worker

Scott is a compassionate, attachment-based therapist who brings a warm, non-judgmental, style to his practice, supporting clients to collaboratively explore, understand and transcend their challenges. He has over 12 years’ experience working therapeutically with clients in both public and private settings.

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Master of Arts (Oxford)
  • Master of Social Work
  • Member – Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
  • Mental Health Social Worker Accreditation
  • Clinical Trauma Professional Training Certification
  • Trauma, Attachment and Neuroscience (Bessel van der Kolk – The Body Keeps The Score)
  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Tina Bloemer - Psychotherapist at Palladium Private

Tina Bloemer

Therapist, Group Facilitator

Tina holds a deep passion for supporting others in addressing issues such as addiction, trauma, relationship & parenting, mental health and wellbeing. 

With a Graduate Diploma in Counselling, and her experience as a group facilitator in Family Constellation therapy, Tina brings a unique wealth of experience to her therapeutic approach.

Her work has become a fusion of relational, scientific and intuitive therapy modalities, which she has applied and fine-tuned whilst working in private health retreats, not-for-profit organisations, as well as her own private practice over the last 15 years on the Sunshine Coast.

The heart and soul of Tina’s passion resides in the BioPsychoSocial approach, whereby the person is but one element of a much larger environment, constantly interacting, responding and evolving. 

Tina has a deep compassion for the human experience and feels incredibly privileged to witness and support others by exploring and resolving the core issues that subsequently create challenges within themselves and their lives.

 

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities: 

 

  • Graduate Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy
  • Graduate Diploma in Counselling
  • Family Constellations Facilitator
Jude Carlsson - Kinesiologist at Palladium Private

Jude Carlsson

Kinesiologist

Jude has an impressive background, having practiced Kinesiology for more than 35 years. She also holds a diploma in Naturopathy which helps her to address any natural medicine requirements her client may have. Alongside her work as an energy practitioner, Jude is also a registered nurse and midwife.

She blends her medical knowledge and energetic healing skills to provide a holistic approach – treating every aspect of her client’s mental, physical and spiritual health.

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Registered Nurse
  • Kinesiologist
  • Bachelor of Behavioural Science
  • Diploma in Naturopathy

Duty Management

Allison Bright - Duty Manager at Palladium Private

Allison Bright

Duty Manager, Host and Mindfulness Facilitator

Allison’s mission is to make a positive difference to as many people’s lives as possible. She strives to help people become empowered, self directed and at peace with themselves through mindset management.

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Graduate Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy
  • Certificate IV Life Coaching
  • Practitioner Neurolinguistic Programming
  • Certificate IV in Small Business Management
  • Certificate III Education Support
Thelma Vlamis - Duty Manager at Palladium Private

Thelma Vlamis

Duty Manager, Host, Mindfulness Facilitator

Thelma is a certified Holistic Counsellor who went through her own self-discovery process and career change from Environmental Science to Counselling. 

Thelma takes a client-centred, process-orientated and somatic approach to working with her clients. She is passionate about guiding clients to connect into the body and its innate wisdom, feel emotionally stronger and find the strength to make changes in their life that align with what gives them purpose and fills their cup.

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Bachelor of Science with First Class Honors
  • Post-graduate Degree in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Certified Holistic Counsellor
Claire Meraki - Duty Manager and Palladium Private

Claire Meraki

Duty Manager, Host, Mindfulness Facilitator

Claire is passionate about holistic wellbeing and assisting others to enjoy their best life. She is a qualified Social Worker with experience in education, festivals, domestic violence, and homelessness settings. She worked with horses for many years, including Horse Facilitated Learning programs for at-risk youth and veterans. 

Her relational approach features genuine listening, connection, and authenticity. Integrity and compassion empower her trauma-sensitive, person-centered and strengths-based practice. 

Claire’s interests include Deep Ecology, blossoming beyond trauma, and facilitating connection with inner resources. She is inspired by the potential of the human spirit. 

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Masters of Social Work
  • Certificate in Sandplay and Symbol Work, Expressive Therapies
  • Yogic Studies 1A & 1B (Satyananda Yoga)
  • Member of the Australian Society of Social Workers (AASW)

Retreat Team

Brad Evans - Admissions Consultant at Palladium Private

Brad Evans

Admissions Consultant

Brad has been with Palladium Private in various roles since 2008 and is  passionate about the program and its outcomes. In his Admissions Consultant role, he is the first step in a client’s journey to Palladium Private and he finds it extremely rewarding.

Brad comes with lived experience that helps him understand, empathise and provide valuable advice to each individual who reaches out to him. 

Brad firmly believes in the holistic approach and loves the uniqueness of being human. He values building trust and a close relationship with each potential guest. Every individual is unique, and he personally finds it incredibly rewarding to watch their lives change as they learn to create a new way of life.

Juliette Kalifa

Art Therapist

Juliette is a registered creative arts counsellor and supervisor with over 20 years experience. Working with individuals, families and groups has contributed to her understanding of existential dilemmas, trauma, grief and loss, and their impact on relationships. She combines counselling, psychotherapy and the arts to explore who we are and how life is for us. Juliette holds a Masters by Supervision in Experiential and Creative Arts Therapy.

Cathy Baxter

Chaperone, Support Host

Cathy loves the opportunity Palladium Private gives her to  connect with people and support them on their journey journey back to mental health. She is inspired everyday by the strength and beauty of the human spirit. Cathy brings joy and lightness to the space she holds with guests and makes everyone feel welcome in their retreat home.

Shivani Shoederer - Yoga Teacher at Palladium Private

Shivani Shoereder

Yoga Teacher, Workshop Facilitator

After studying and teaching in various disciplines, Shivani found her passion in Yoga, which she has been teaching for 6 years (as at Oct 2022).

After witnessing the transformation that Yoga practice brought to her own life and the lives of others, she firmly believes Yoga has the power to bring people to a more peaceful and integrated state, and ultimately back to their true Self.

 

Qualifications

 

  • Level 2 Yoga Teacher
  • Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Training (Centre for Trauma & Embodiment, JRI Yoga Program)
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences
Brendan O'Shea - Somatic Mindfulness Facilitator at Palladium Private

Brendan O'Shea

Somatic Mindfulness Facilitator

Brendan draws on the life experience of managing his own depression and anxiety to teach mindfulness. He was a Buddhist monk for six years before studying yoga, then counselling, both of which taught him the power of mindfulness to change a life from within.

Learning about mindfulness in Brendan’s sessions can be challenging, however there is usually plenty of laughter and insights in the mix. Each session begins with an educational talk about mindfulness, followed by somee theatre/improvisation warm-up games to relax and loosen-up before finishing with a healing guided meditation.

He brings all his passion, performance skills – and his own personal experience of living with depression – to Role Play.
Role Play is a great way to deepen our mindfulness by becoming more aware of our bodies and our emotions. It’s challenging but rewarding work. Knowledge is power, and self-knowledge is self-empowerment.
Each session begins with a talk about mental health and finishes with a guided meditation for relaxation and integration.
Kyle Merillo - Head Chef at Palladium Private

Kyle Merrilo

Head Chef

Kyle began his culinary journey a little over 20 years ago and it has allowed him to travel all over this beautiful country – a passion of Kyle’s.

He believes in high quality, honest food that brings people together Kyle plans each meal with care and attention to flavour profile, nutrition, balance and satisfaction.

Qualifications:

  • Certificate III in Hospitality (Asian Cookery)
Matt Fleming - Head Personal Trainer at Palladium Private

Matthew Fleming

Head Personal Trainer

Matt has over 10 years’ experience as a Personal Trainer. It has been his passion to help others learn the correct training and form principles to achieve the best desired results – which is unique to each client.

Matt was previously the Gym Manager and Head Coach with Eclipse Gym in Kyneton, Victoria. He is currently the PT Leader at Palladium Private.

Matt has an extensive background in strength and conditioning as a former competitive National Champion Powerlifter. He specialises in boxing, group classes and individualised programming for specific health and fitness goals.

Matt consistently receives glowing feedback from our departing guests and is valued for his energy, adaptability and caring approach to each client’s challenges and aspirations.

Qualifications:

  • Certificate III in Fitness
  • Certificate IV in Personal Training
  • First Aid & CPR
Lee Gordon - Personal Trainer at Palladium Private

Lee Gordon

Personal Trainer

After seeing the profound benefits that a health & fitness lifestyle has brought to her own life, Lee decided to become a Certified Personal Trainer so she could help inspire, motivate and guide others into cultivating the same profound change in their own lives.

Qualifications:

  • Certificate III in Fitness
  • Certificate IV in Personal Training
Christine Clegg - Mindful Movement Facilitator at Palladium Private

Christine Clegg

Remedial Massage Therapist, Mindful Movement Facilitator

Christine brings a diverse skill set and broad life experience to Palladium Private. She began her career as a Marine Scientist and has also worked as a professional Musician, Yoga Teacher, Installation Artist and Host of Ceremonies.

Christine has an enduring passion for the healing arts, centred around the power of the mind-body connection.

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Diploma of Remedial Massage
  • Massage Therapy (Kahuna and Heartworks Lomi Lomi)
  • Level 2 Yoga Teacher
  • Mindful Movement and Embodied Dance Facilitator
Bec Combs - Duty Manager at Palladium Private

Bec Combs

Dance and Drumming Facilitator

Bec is undertaking a Masters in Gestalt Therapy with Gestalt Therapy Brisbane. She facilitates Drum & Dance workshops at Palladium Private and has trained in West African Drum & Dance in Guinea, West Africa.

Bec is co-founder of Rhythm Culture and continues to share rhythm and dance to organisations and schools in South East Queensland. She has a passion for mindfulness, music and all things fun.

Radhika Evans - Massage Therapist at Palladium Private

Radhika Evans

Remedial Massage Therapist

Radhika has had an interest in astrology, yoga, meditation and holistic health for quite some time which has led to her studying many modalities over the years, including massage.

She loves helping others achieve their goals and enjoys sharing her knowledge. Massage therapy allows Radhika to work with the body as a whole, taking a holistic approach to healing – incorporating body, mind, emotions and environment.

Her treatments are tailored to each client’s needs, what will be most beneficial for them and have the greatest impact at this stage of their life experience.

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy
  • Myotherapy
  • Yoga Instructor
  • Reiki Master
  • Acutonics Level 1
Alyssia Hall - Remedial Massage Therapist at Palladium Private

Alyssia Hall

Remedial Massage Therapist

Passionate about holistic wellbeing, Alicia is a dedicated Remedial Massage Therapist with expertise in Sports, Deep Tissue, Relaxation, and Lymphatic Drainage techniques.

Embracing a BioPsychoSocial approach, she customises client sessions to prioritise integrative wellness outcomes.

Alyssia’s dedication to mindfulness and breathwork enriches the healing experience. She strives to relieve pain, ease stress, enhance vitality and guide her clients on their path to wellness.

Qualifications & Therapeutic Modalities:

  • Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy
  • Diploma of Business