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Melbourne Psychologist Wisdom panel

Monday, August 18, 2025
6:15 PM - 7:00 PM
Melbourne | Rendezvous

Details

Gain insights from experienced psychologists and their advice for students and early-career professionals.


Speaker

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Ms Bianca Comfort
Clinical Psychologist
APS Vice President

Melbourne | Psychologist Wisdom Panel

Biography

Bianca is an Early Career Clinical Psychologist from Melbourne. She currently serves as the Vice President of the APS and is a Non-Executive Board Director. She has been a member of the APS for over 10 years, having been actively involved in various committees and leadership positions. Bianca is also the Director of Comfort Psychology, a telehealth practice focused on chronic illness and neurodivergence, and is the Founder/Co-Chair of the Australian EDS & HSD Network. Bianca has a particular interest in Autism, ADHD, EDS, POTS, MCAS, and other chronic illnesses. She is a leading practitioner in the intersection of these conditions, with experience spanning across Australia and internationally. She also draws from her own lived experience of these conditions, offering a unique perspective that enriches her professional practice. She has spoken at various national and international conferences, shared her insights on podcasts, and is deeply involved in advocacy endeavours.
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Mr Gavin Duarte
Early Career Representative
APS National CEDP - Committee Member

Melbourne | Psychologist Wisdom Panel

Biography

Gavin is an Educational & Developmental Psychologist and Psychology Board Approved Supervisor, for those who are just starting their journey in Psychology (Masters placement, 5+1 internship, Ed/Dev registrar program). Since graduating he has worked extensively in educational, community and private practice settings. Gavin regularly engages with multi-disciplinary teams (i.e. Paediatrician, Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Youth Workers, and Teachers) to provide evidence based psychological services to individuals across the life span. Starting out as a research assistant for organisations such as Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Deakin Child Study Centre and the University of Melbourne School of Positive Psychology, Gavin now works for the Victorian Department of Education, and practices for his own clinic - Daily Growth Psychology. He is passionate about supporting individuals individuals, families, educators and early career Psychologists who present with a range of presenting issues related to mental health, learning difficulties (SLD), disabilities (IDD), neurodiversity (Autism, ADHD), including those from LGBTQIA+, AATSI, and CALD communities. Feel free to drop a message on LinkedIn or email if you have any questions that I can help with. www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-duarte www.dailygrowth.com.au
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Mrs Jessica Kaufman-Wood
Clinical Manager
Bridging Psychology

Melbourne | Psychologist Wisdom Panel

Biography

Jess is a registered psychologist and Clinical Manager of Insight PBS and Bridging Psychology, leading teams that deliver Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and psychology services. With a strong foundation in early childhood and PBS, Jess has progressed from practitioner to clinical leadership and is committed to ethical, person-centred practice that upholds human rights. She plays a key role in service quality, practitioner development and operational strategy. Jess is also a group facilitator through Psychology Squared, supporting provisional psychologists preparing for the National Psychology Exam. She was recently named a finalist in the National Disability Sector Awards for her leadership and impact in the sector.
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Mr Greg Nathon
Founder
Franchise Relationships Institute

Melbourne | Psychologist Wisdom Panel

Biography

Greg Nathan has pioneered the application of evidence-based psychology to the global franchising sector, which represents almost 10% of Australia’s GDP. His books on how franchisees and franchisors can work together to achieve profitable partnerships have sold over 350,000 copies, and his articles and talks have provided tens of thousands of business owners around the world with practical techniques to improve their workplace cultures and personal lives. As President of the APS Queensland Branch in the early 1990’s, Greg pioneered the Psychology Week concept and spearheaded the evolution of APS National Conferences to have more of a blended academic and practitioner focus. With his team of psychologists at the Franchise Relationships Institute, he has developed a number of innovative models and psychometric tools that promote high performance, ethics and collaboration in business. His work has been recognised globally with Awards from the International Franchising Association and induction into the Australian Franchising Hall of Fame. Greg also plays the guitar and has integrated his passion for blues, psychology and business into musical posts on LinkedIn, which were popular for lifting peoples’ spirits during the lockdowns.
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Mr Maxim von Sabler
Director
MVS Psychology Group

Melbourne | Psychologist Wisdom Panel

Biography

Max von Sabler is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and the Director of MVS Psychology Group, a large private practice in Melbourne. Max leads a team of over 40 staff, fostering a culture of clinical excellence, safety, and collaboration. With a strong background in public and private mental health, he brings deep expertise in trauma, personality disorders, and complex presentations. Max is known for integrating psychodynamic and contemporary approaches such as EMDR into his clinical work. As a leader, he is committed to creating supportive environments for clinicians, underpinned by robust clinical governance and a focus on professional development. Max is also a board-approved supervisor, honorary lecturer at the University of Melbourne, and a passionate advocate for high standards in psychological care. His leadership has been pivotal in shaping innovative, patient-centred models of care that prioritise long-term outcomes and clinician wellbeing.
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Dr Courtney Walton
Academic Fellow and Psychologist
The University of Melbourne

Melbourne | Psychologist Wisdom Panel

Biography

Courtney is a Senior Lecturer and Academic Fellow within the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Melbourne. In addition he works one day a week as a Psychologist with the AFL. His research primarily focuses on clinical sport psychology. He has published more than 80 peer reviewed articles and book chapters, and his research has had direct translation and impact across elite, professional, and recreational sports.
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