Our Team
Allied Health
Cressida Jones
Occupational Therapist
Cressida Jones was awarded the Bachelor of Health Science (Major in Psychology) at the University of Adelaide in 2008 and completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia in 2012.
She has broad experience working in a range of settings including children, aged care, disability, mental health and neurological rehabilitation. Cressida is passionate about working with people to clarify their needs and wants and identify the barriers preventing them from achieving their goals. Cressida works collaboratively with her clients and empowers them to become independent in the areas of most importance and meaning to them. She is a strong advocate for clients to access the services they deserve.
Outside of her occupational therapy work, Cressida is a busy mum to 4 young children.
Uduma Idika Uduma
Counsellor
Uduma Idika Uduma was awarded a Diploma in Sociology and a Degree in Social Work in 2008. In 2010 Uduma graduated from Flinders University with a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Science. He has over 12 years experience in practicing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Behavioral Therapy (BT) Graded Exposure and Behavioral Activation Therapy. He has numerous years experience in working with men to develop effective strategies in managing Domestic Violence related issues and creating a safer and happy home for families.
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Uduma has supported clients to develop strategies to manage different range of issues such as:
- Co-Morbid mental health and substance abuse disorder
- Different anxiety disorders
- Drug and alcohol
- Domestic violence issues
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anger issues
- Problem solving
- Addictions
- Suicidal issues
- Adjustment issues
- Lacking focus in life
Uduma is an Olympian, and a public speaker and he has helped clients live a meaningful life by motivating them to develop passion for life and problem solve different life challenges. He is competent in creating a safe environment for clients to explore their vulnerabilities and develop strong willpower and resilience to overcome issues. Uduma is there with you in your journey to discover your purpose and provide support to discover strength within you.
Voluntary Services:
Uduma is the CEO of Uduma Charity Organization who partnered with EQUALS Foundation to build a free vocational school for over 150 less privileged children in Africa.
Uduma provides free coaching to young athletes and helps them to develop athletic potential and teaches them life principles and disciplines.
Uduma is an active member of South Australian African Health Advisory Committee, who are committed in creating HIV awareness and supporting people living with HIV.
Jaclyn Loh
Counsellor
Hello, I’m Jaclyn. I am passionate about supporting individuals to cope with or overcome psychological and emotional challenges, and to make sense and meaning of their lives.
I offer support to resolve issues and concerns ranging from grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, autism, life as a parent of autistic children, anxiety, depression, relationships and more. My approach is to work empathetically with you, walking alongside you to navigate through the darkness of your challenges and uncertainties, towards a path embraced with self-discovery, healing and personal growth.
My practice is underpinned by values of compassion, integrity and authenticity and my warm and empathic nature. I will meet you in a non-judgmental, safe and secure space, where you are able to express freely whatever is going on for you. My approach is person centred and other evidence-based modalities. I will hold the space, listen and being present to you , therapy will be tailored to meet your needs.
At some point in our life journeys, we all experience moments of confusion and suffering. It is completely normal to seek assistance when we’re going through challenging times, to find support, insight and encouragement. My commitment is to empower you to find your own inner light and direction in life.
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Qualification
Membership with Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Degree from Ikon Institute of Australia in Bachelor of Integrative Psychotherapy
Graduated 2021
My Practice at A Glance
I speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese
Specialties and Expertise
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Adapting to a new culture
- Autism
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Anger Management
- Bereavement
- Career and Development
- Depression
- Family conflict
- Finding Life purpose
- Life Transitons
- Parenting
- Trauma and PTSD
- Stress
- Suicidal and Self Harm
- Violence Issues
Client Focus
Age
Teen, Adults
Participants
Individuals, Couples
Types of Therapy
- Family Systems
- Gestalt
- Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
- CBT
- Multicultural
- Person-Centred
- Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
- Strength-Based
- Trauma Focused
- Culturally Sensitive
Integrative Health
Dr. Shweta
Ayurveda Doctor
Dr. (Vaidya) Shweta Rao is a qualified Ayurveda Practitioner from India, with more than 8 years experience consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurvedic medicine and surgery from one of the renowned colleges in Mumbai (India). She is also a certified yoga instructor from Yoga Vidya Dhaam Nasik (India).
She believes that a proper blend of Ayurveda lifestyle, diet and yoga is essential for a healthy body, mind and soul and for establishing harmony amongst them. Dr. Shweta, also believes that one cannot control the extrinsic factors which affect our health but one can always make the intrinsic system strong enough with the help of Ayurveda.
Her interests include management of chronic health ailments, issues related to women’s health, children’s health and lifestyle disorders which can all be managed with Ayurveda and Yoga.
Saori Ato
Remedial & Ayurvedic Therapist
Saori is an experienced Remedial Massage Therapist, also qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, and Aromatherapist who moved to Australia from Japan in 2016. She began her journey as a therapist 8 years ago in Melbourne, after working in beauty advice/care for 7 years back in Japan.
Her passion as a remedial massage therapist lies in helping clients improve their range of motion and alleviate muscle soreness through a wide range of techniques, including therapeutic deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, active release therapy, and muscle energy techniques. Saori works meticulously on every muscle to achieve better effectiveness for her clients.
In addition, Saori promotes holistic deep relaxation treatments by using Remedial therapy or Ayurvedic bodyworks to ease your mind stress from daily life.
By combining her all expertise, she aims to enhance the overall well-being of her clients. She believes that true beauty arises from a healthy body(internally/externally) and mind, and her approach reflects this philosophy.
Meredith Russell
Ayurveda Practitioner
Meredith Russell is a registered Ayurveda Practitioner, graduating from Equals International with a Cert. IV in Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultation and Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda. She is also a registered Yoga Teacher with a Diploma of Yoga Teaching Y.T.I.S.A. and Yoga Teaching certification from Adelaide Ashtanga Yoga Shala, with over 30 years of experience as a yoga practitioner incorporating healthy lifestyle advice to restore health and wellbeing. Meredith’s academic background is in Creative Arts and Community Education, and she passionately combines the richness of these experiences in her consultations.
Meredith believes in a holistic, nurturing approach to healing by nourishing every aspect of the whole self, including diet, lifestyle, nutrition, yoga, meditation, visualisation and creativity to suit individual needs. Ayurveda allows people to be personally responsible for their health and wellbeing, opening the door to wellness, creativity and balanced lifestyle by using a full range of healing modalities in one complete, integrated system. This involves an individual health assessment and advice, education and guidance on nutrition and lifestyle. In this way Ayurveda can be life changing and transformative and has a lasting effect on body, mind and spirit, allowing each individual to live to their full potential.
Gabriela Carvalho
Remedial Massage Therapist & Ayurveda Therapist
The idea of becoming a Remedial Massage Therapist started taking shape back in 2015 when Gabriela was studying to become a Yoga instructor. During the training she was introduced to the philosophy of Ayurveda, and the knowledge she’s developed with that course inspired her ongoing interest for Natural Health. This took her to her first Massage course. Here in Australia, Gabriela has completed a Diploma of Remedial Massage and has been working in the area since her graduation.
Massage Therapy is one of the most commonly used forms of Holistic Medicine. This means that, as a practitioner, Gabriela takes into consideration all aspects of each person (e.g. Physical, Mental and Emotional), treating the root of the problem, and not just the symptom. For that reason, she likes to use an intuitive approach to her treatments, incorporating a variety of practices and techniques to help clients to achieve better health.
She believes in the healing benefits of Holistic Medicine. Living this modern way of life causes many to develop issues such as stress and anxiety, that turn into physical imbalances. Gabriela usually says that: “the body talks”, and if that we learn how to listen, we can treat it naturally and free from side effects. That’s why she became so passionate about Massage Therapy. It means a lot to Gabriela to help people to feel less pain and improve their quality of life.
Paige Olsen
Acupuncturist
Radhika Shrestha
Co-ordinating Supervisor
Meet lovely Radhika, who is here to take care of your every need.
Having grown up in Nepal, Radhika developed a deep love of nature and respect for living a peaceful life from a very early age. Family means everything to Radhika, and she thanks her parents for the lessons learned and the values instilled in her, throughout her life. Amongst them, to work hard at cultivating all aspects of life, and to serve others. That it’s this spirit of dedication and service that brings the ultimate reward. In other words, making others happy brings inner contentment.
Radhika comes highly qualified, with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Masters in Accounting. She originally joined the Equals family to complete her internship, bringing with her great business acumen, in addition to strong personal values.
Radhika believes that when you are happy, you feel good from the inside out. Remaining connected with loved ones, eating healthy food, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest, are her key self-care strategies. She enjoys nature-time, cooking, and surrounding herself with happy people.
Kiran Kaushik
Ayurveda Doctor
Dr. Kiran has several years’ experience in treating disease and supporting clients to achieve lasting wellbeing. She has a special interest in treating inflammatory diseases and infections through Ayurveda, as well as treating clients with IBS and skin problems.
Having graduated from her medical studies at Dhanwantari Ayurveda College and Hospital in Ujjain, India, Dr. Kiran has practiced Ayurvedic medicine extensively in India before moving to Australia in 2019. Her self-proclaimed passion is in educating clients towards wellbeing and longevity through the adoption of correct nutrition and eating habits. Dr. Kiran is an active advocate and educator of Ayurvedic herbal medicines and enjoys conducting seminars and workshops that share knowledge about dis-eases, their causes and precautions, as well as practical strategies that support clients to make informed choices towards achieving a state of wellbeing.
Raquel Ferguson
Receptionist, Naturopath & Skin Solutions
Raquel is a degree-qualifed naturopath and has always been interested in natural health from a young age. This has given her a complex understanding of the human body, and the way environments and lifestyles can impact health.
Raquel has an interest in skin and gut health and views it from a holistic perspective, rather than just addressing symptoms. She aims to identify the root cause of concerns and to educate clients, to equip them with knowledge to improve their own health and wellbeing. Raquel believes that a whole and balanced life leads individuals to feel, live, and look great.
Raquel has a deep passion for helping people with skin concerns like acne and eczema because she has seen the impact of these conditions on the physical and mental body, and how improvements can lift mood, regulate emotions, and increase outlook on life.