Meet our Caloundra Psychologists and Counsellors
At My Wellness Mindset, our therapists are dedicated to helping you nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Each member of our team brings a unique blend of professional expertise, compassion, and genuine care, creating a safe, supportive space for your personal growth and healing journey.
Clinical Psychologist
Educational and Developmental Psychologist
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons I), Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology
*Medicare & Private Health Rebates Available
Shakayla | Clinical Psychologist
Paris Hughes | Psychotherapist/Counsellor
BPsychSc (Psychology) / MCounsPsych (Counselling & Psychotherapy) / Trained & experienced in Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy.
NDIS Registered
Masters of Psychology / First Aid + CPR + AED / Gottman Level II (Couples Therapy) / Fluent in Spanish and English
Elisa (Elly) | Counsellor
Taylor Connelly | Counsellor
Diploma of Counselling / Cert IV Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) / Diploma of Counselling / Bachelor of Business (Human Resources) / Gottman Level II (Couples Therapy)
Kierra | Founder & Counsellor
Shakayla | Clinical Psychologist
Shakayla is a psychologist with a warm, down-to-earth approach that helps clients feel genuinely comfortable and understood. She completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science with First Class Honours at the University of Queensland, followed by a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology at QUT, and is fully endorsed as a Clinical Psychologist as well as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist.
Shakayla has experience across private practice, hospital-based adult and adolescent inpatient units, and schools, providing her with a broad perspective on supporting people through a wide range of challenges. She has a particular interest in working with young women and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, disordered eating, and relationship or attachment concerns.
Her therapeutic style is warm, person-centred, and holistic. Shakayla believes in seeing the whole person—not just their difficulties—and creating a safe, supportive space where clients can feel at ease. She draws on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy.
Assessment
Shakayla provides comprehensive assessments for children (6+) and adults, including assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disorders, as well as cognitive and emotional/behavioural functioning.
Outside the therapy room, Shakayla brings the same warmth and authenticity to her life. She enjoys being active, heading to the beach, surfing, practicing Pilates and yoga, and spending time with her family, friends, and her Golden Retriever, Phoebe—who tried life as a therapy dog before deciding napping was her true calling. Having recently made the Sunshine Coast home, Shakayla is loving every minute of coastal life.
Shakayla is passionate about connection and looks forward to walking alongside her clients as they move toward growth, healing, and self-understanding.
Medicare and Private Health rebates available.
For Psychology bookings and information, please contact us or email Shakayla directly at hello@saltandsagepsychology.com.au
Paris | Counsellor/Psychotherapist
Paris is a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, and has additionally supports NDIS participants in her role as a Behaviour Support Practitioner. Paris brings a holistic and person-centred approach to her work, tailoring each session to the unique needs and strengths of her clients.
Paris believes deeply in the courage it takes to begin therapy. She honours the integrity, resilience, and lived experience each person brings to the room, viewing the therapeutic process as a collaborative and safe space where clients can explore their stories at their own pace. Her warm, grounded presence aims to support clients to feel seen, heard, and understood.
Paris has experience in a range of creative therapeutic modalities, including Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy, offering clients alternative ways to process emotions and experiences when words are not always enough. Her areas of interest include:
• Anxiety
• Life transitions and adjustment concerns
• Attachment and relational challenges
• Trauma-informed approaches with children and young people
• Creative therapies for emotional expression and regulation
Having lived across both Victoria and Queensland, Paris now calls the Sunshine Coast home. Outside of the therapy room, she continues her holistic lifestyle by spending time in nature; whether at the beach, on a walk, or camping. She values slow moments, connection, and creating a life grounded in balance and wellbeing.
Paris looks forward to walking alongside her clients on their growth, healing, and self-discovery journey, offering support and guidance every step of the way.
You can contact Paris directly at paris@mywellnessmindset.com
Kierra | Founder of MWM & Counsellor
Kierra is a qualified counsellor with a Bachelor of Psychology, a Bachelor of Human Resources, and a Diploma of Counselling. She is also Level 2 trained in the Gottman Method for couples therapy and is passionate about helping individuals and couples build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
As the founder of My Wellness Mindset on the Sunshine Coast, Kierra created the clinic with a vision of offering holistic care that supports the mind, body, and spirit. Her passion lies in walking alongside people as they work through life’s challenges—whether that’s managing anxiety, strengthening relationships, navigating personal growth, or overcoming limiting beliefs.
Kierra’s counselling style is warm, genuine, and person-centred. She places a strong emphasis on creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and understood, while also integrating practical tools and evidence-based approaches to support real change.
Beyond her one-on-one work, Kierra is dedicated to growing My Wellness Mindset into a welcoming community where people can access different areas of wellness under one roof, knowing that healing and growth often require more than just one pathway.
You can contact Kierra directly at kierra@mywellnessmindset.com
Taylor | (Student) Counsellor
Taylor is a student counsellor who finds genuine joy in helping people.
She is currently completing her Diploma of Counselling and holds a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management. With a background in Human Resources and hands-on experience as a Support Worker in the aged care sector, Taylor brings a well-rounded understanding of people, care, and connection.
Taylor’s passion for supporting others is evident in her day-to-day interactions, but it truly shines in conversation. Her approach is compassionate, encouraging, and grounded in evidence-based practices. She supports clients in navigating complex feelings and developing greater self-understanding.
Creating an inclusive space where clients can show up as their full, whole selves and genuinely feel heard is at the heart of Taylor’s work. She has experience supporting people with anxiety, grief, and overall well-being, and has a particular interest in working with young adults. Her strengths include helping clients reframe thoughts, build confidence, and better understand their emotions.
Outside of work, Taylor is a self-described social butterfly who finds happiness in life’s simple pleasures. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing (usually covered in glitter!), going to Pilates, swimming in the ocean in the early morning, or walking and chatting with whatever dog she’s currently dog-sitting.
Taylor is dedicated to helping people feel supported, understood, and empowered to find happiness within themselves.
You can contact Taylor directly at taylor@mywellnessmindset.com
Elisa (Elly) | Counsellor
Elly is a passionate psychology graduate with a strong background in clinical psychology and a heartfelt commitment to supporting others in their emotional wellbeing. She completed her Bachelor of Psychology in Uruguay (U.S.), with an international exchange at the University of Leeds in England, where she further developed her clinical knowledge and cultural perspective.
Throughout her training, Elly gained experience providing one-on-one clinical sessions under supervision and completed research exploring childhood sexual abuse and borderline personality disorder. Her areas of interest include trauma, emotional regulation, and supporting individuals through complex life challenges.
Elly’s warmth and empathy shine through in her work. She has volunteered extensively with children, adolescents, and older adults, including caring for children with autism, coaching young girls in hockey, and supporting elderly individuals with disabilities. Her professional experience also extends internationally, where she worked in the UK as a private caregiver for an individual with a profound brain injury. This role allowed her to develop skills in neurorehabilitation, seizure management, and creating structured routines that enhanced both comfort and quality of life.
Outside of psychology, Elly is passionate about building meaningful connections, living a balanced lifestyle, and embracing new experiences. With her bilingual background (Spanish and English – C2 level) and her genuine care for others, she brings a unique global perspective to her work.
Elly is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate space where clients feel understood and supported on their journey toward healing and growth.
As Elly completed her psychology training overseas, her title as a psychologist does not carry over in Australia. Here, she is registered to practice as a counsellor, bringing her rich international experience and compassionate approach to her work.
You can contact Elly directly at Elisa@mywellnessmindset.com
At My Wellness Mindset, we love collaborating with like-minded health and wellness professionals who share our passion for holistic, person-centred care.
If you’re a practitioner interested in joining our team or working alongside us, we’d love to hear from you.
Please email your expression of interest to hello@mywellnessmindset.com and tell us a little about yourself, your services, and how you align with our values.
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📍Our central Caloundra location makes us easily accessible to clients from Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Noosa, and surrounding Sunshine Coast areas as well as available by Telehealth Australia wide.