Dr Jaya Valvoi
Clinical Psychologist dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in Brisbane, Australia.
At the heart of my approach is creating a safe and supportive space where challenges can be explored with openness and curiosity. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about understanding your experiences, strengthening your coping skills, and helping you move forward with confidence.
I work with people of all ages and backgrounds as they navigate life’s challenges, with a particular interest in supporting children, adolescents, and young adults. I’m an endorsed Clinical Psychologist, registered with AHPRA and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
What We Can Do Together
 Make sense of your emotions and experiences |
Develop strategies to navigate challenges in the present |
Work towards long-term, meaningful change |
Common Concerns I Support
Therapies I Use
I take a collaborative and personalised approach to therapy, drawing on my expertise in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and integrating other evidence-based treatments.
No two individuals are the same, and therapy should reflect that. Together we’ll find an approach that works best for you.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), including training in approaches for self-harm, insomnia, suicide prevention, and anxiety |
Unified Protocol for transdiagnostic disorders (an advanced cognitive behavioural approach) |
Trauma-focused interventions, including trauma-focused CBT and attachment-based therapy |
Motivational interviewing (MI), including training in addiction support |
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and compassion-focused mindfulness |
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) |
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) |
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) |
Schema Therapy |
Supporting Children, Adolescents &
Young Adults
I work with clients across different life stages, and my approach shifts depending on age and developmental needs. While the core of therapy remains collaborative and evidence-based, the way we engage, set goals, and involve families naturally evolves over time.
More About Me
I’ve always been curious about people: the way we think, feel and connect. That early curiosity paired with a deep empathy for others led me to a career in psychology. I began my clinical training at UQ in 2008 and have worked in mental health across hospital, government, and school-based services for over a decade.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of mental health settings, which has given me a well-rounded understanding of how therapy can support people at different stages of life. At Child and Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS), I worked with young people facing complex mental health challenges, gaining insight into different perspectives on mental health. In a specialist Queensland Health service for children in the care of Child Safety, I provided trauma-focused therapy, helping children process adversity and build resilience. Working within private school wellbeing teams, I supported students navigating academic pressures, friendships, and emotional challenges.
For the past several years, I have been in private practice, drawing on these diverse experiences to provide therapy that is evidence-based, compassionate, and tailored to each individual. My experience across different settings has shown me that mental health care isn’t a “one size fits all” - everyone’s experiences are different, and my role is to help tailor therapy in a way that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Do I need a referral to see you?
No, a referral from a GP or psychiatrist is not required to book an appointment. However, a referral is often recommended as it provides useful background information and may allow you to claim a Medicare rebate under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
If you do not want to use a referral please contact me on info@drjaya.com.au to discuss whether my services would be suitable considering your personal situation.
How do I know if you’re the right psychologist for me?
If you’re unsure whether I’d be a good fit for your needs, you’re welcome to contact me or my reception to discuss your concerns before booking. I review new client referrals to ensure I have the appropriate skills and experience to support you.
Phone Reception: (07) 3163 6102
Email: info@drjaya.com.au
About Therapy
What can I expect in a session?
Sessions are collaborative and tailored to your needs. We’ll explore what’s bringing you to therapy, work towards your goals, and develop practical strategies to support your well-being.
Do you offer telehealth sessions? Is telehealth as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes, I provide online therapy sessions across Australia via a secure telehealth platform. Yes, research indicates that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns. It also offers greater flexibility and accessibility.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and the challenges you’re working through. Some people benefit from short-term therapy, while others prefer ongoing support. We’ll regularly check in on progress and adjust as needed.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Therapy is strictly confidential, except in cases where:
- There is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
- Information is required by law (e.g., subpoenaed by a court).
- A child or vulnerable person is at significant risk of harm.
If you have any concerns about confidentiality, we can discuss them in your first session.I’m an adolescent and don’t want my parents to know everything I talk about.
Depending on your age and situation, involving family in therapy can sometimes be helpful. This will always be discussed with you first, and your privacy will be respected as much as possible. If any information needs to be shared with your parents or caregivers, I will talk with you about what will be discussed and why. However, if there is a serious risk to your safety or someone else's, I am legally required to act to ensure everyone remains safe.
- Sometimes, involving family in therapy is helpful.
- Other times, therapy remains focused on the adolescent alone.
- We will openly discuss what feels appropriate for you.
If you have concerns, we can discuss them in your first session.
Can I bring someone with me to my session?
This depends on your needs. Parental or carer involvement can be helpful for younger clients. If you’d like to involve a support person, please discuss this with me in advance.
Fees & Rebates
What are your fees?
Initial Consultation: $270
Standard Therapy Session: $250Can I get a Medicare rebate?
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from a GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. As of January 1st 2025, Medicare rebates with a Clinical Psychologist are $141.85 per session.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Some private health funds provide rebates for psychological services. You’ll need to check with your insurer to confirm coverage.
Do you see clients on NDIS?
Yes, many clients use their NDIS funding for psychological services. Please contact me to discuss eligibility and billing options.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations within 48 hours of the appointment may incur a cancellation fee.
Booking Your Session
New Referrals
Current Clients
Contact Details
Location
537 Stanley St, Mater Hospital
Mater Young Adult Health Centre
South Brisbane, QLD 4101
More about Dr Jaya
In addition to my clinical work, I teach at the University of Queensland, where I train future mental health professionals in therapy approaches, ethical practice, and mental health research. I am also collaborating with colleagues to advance integrative, process-based therapy, which focuses on the underlying processes driving mental health challenges. Rather than debating which therapy is best or applying a mix of disconnected techniques, our goal is to develop a unified framework that helps therapists use strategies in a way that makes sense and is backed by research. This approach ensures therapy remains adaptable to each individual while reinforcing the key elements that make it effective.
Balancing teaching and clinical work help me stay up to date with the latest research while keeping my practice grounded in real-life therapy. No matter where I’m working, my goal is always the same: to create a space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Supporting Children
For younger children, therapy is often more playful and creative, with more parental involvement, helping them express emotions in a way that feels natural and engaging. I integrate:
- Play and art-based approaches to support emotional expression and engagement.
- Developmentally adapted therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
- Parent and carer sessions to explore how manageable adjustments in parenting can support therapeutic change at home.
Supporting Adolescents
Adolescence is a time of increasing independence, and therapy reflects this by balancing autonomy and support. While parental involvement remains important, I focus on:
- Working collaboratively on goals, giving teens space to explore their own experiences.
- Helping teens build emotional regulation, self-awareness, and coping skills.
- Supporting families and schools in creating an environment that fosters healthy emotional and social development.
Supporting Young Adults
Young adulthood comes with new responsibilities, transitions, and identity shifts. Many young adults seek therapy to navigate:
- Self-worth, confidence, and identity exploration.
- Relationships, boundaries, and social dynamics.
- Study, work, and balancing expectations.
- Emotional well-being, self-care, and future planning.
Enquire
Appointments
Thank you for your interest.
Online bookings will be available soon.
In the meantime, please contact admin at Emotional Health Unit for appointment enquiries:
Phone: (07) 3163 6102
Email: EHU.Private@mater.org.au
Parking
Paid parking is available at:
- Mater Car Park P1 (Hancock Street)
- Mater Car Park P2 (Stanley Street)
- Limited metered street parking is also available.
Public Transit
Train: South Bank station is a five-minute walk to the Mater campus. Timetables are available on the TransLink website.
Bus: Mater Hill Busway Station is near the Salmon Building. Timetables can be accessed via TransLink.