The Treehouse team

Rebecca Croxford

Director / Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

Rebecca is the director of Treehouse Child and Perinatal Services and an experienced Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, clinical supervisor, consultant and trainer with over 15 years’ experience. Rebecca has worked extensively with children, young people and their families in various roles within non-government and education sectors.

Rebecca found a passion for supporting children and families early in her career when her brother was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. As a mother of three neurodivergent children, one with complex medical needs, she deeply understands the pressures families face. Her philosophy is to create a safe, welcoming, and non‑judgemental environment where clients feel empowered to navigate challenges, build resilience, and discover their inner strengths.

Rebecca’s counselling style is grounded in psychotherapy and trauma-informed therapy, complemented by creative and play-based approaches. Rebecca often incorporates expressive modalities such as art, play principles, and symbol work, which provide clients with meaningful, nonverbal ways to explore and communicate their inner thoughts and emotions.

She values building a strong therapeutic connection, meeting clients where they are, and tailoring her approach to suit their age, stage, and unique needs. Known for her caring and gentle presence, Rebecca creates a safe and welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable and supported. At the same time, she brings a sense of focus, energy, and fun to her work, aiming to empower and uplift the women, children, and families she supports.

Rebecca provides counselling for children, adolescents, families, and perinatal clients, along with EMDR, the Safe and Sound Protocol, the Rest and Restore Protocol, Clinical Supervision, and Professional Development

Rebecca is accredited and skilled in:

  • Bachelor of Social Work – La Trobe University

  • Certificate in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health – Centre for Perinatal Psychology

  • Certificate in Clinical Supervision – The Bouverie Centre & La Trobe University

  • Guided Drawing – Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy

  • EMDR Levels 1 & 2

  • Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Certified - Unyte

  • Rest & Restore Protocol (RRP) Certified - Unyte

Rebecca is available Monday to Friday to see clients under Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Program, Private and NDIS.

 

Lian Phillips

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker/child and adolescent counsellor

Lian is an accredited Mental Health Social Worker; with 18 years of professional practice working with children, adolescents and families within community organisations and private practice.

Lian is committed to client centred practice, compassionate understanding and an integrative trauma informed approach to therapeutic interventions. Lian’s practice principles are based upon the tenets of personal accountability, self-determination and humanistic values.

Lian draws on a range of therapeutic frameworks tailored to the individual needs of her clients, including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Attachment Theory, Compassionate Inquiry, and the use of imagery and play. Her approach is also grounded in trauma-informed practice, polyvagal theory, and Internal Family Systems.

Lian has a passion for working alongside clients to build Self: efficacy, belief and agency. Lian's practice is informed by her understanding that we each have unique strengths, gifts and life paths to navigate. Connection and feeling ‘seen’ and valued foster steps towards change, capacity for self-regulation, renewed sense of Self and strengthening our relationships.

Lian holds a Bachelor of Social Work from La Trobe University, and is a certified Safe and Sound Practitioner (in progress) through Unyte.

Lian offers counselling for children, adolescents and families, and will soon be offering the Safe and Sound Protocol.

She is available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and works with clients under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Scheme, with NDIS and private.

Ellie O’Halloran

Child and Adolescent Counsellor

Eliza (Ellie) is a warm, compassionate counsellor who is deeply passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She creates a safe, nurturing space where young people and families feel seen, heard, and accepted exactly as they are. With a belief that connection and trust come first, Eliza tailors each session to meet the unique needs, pace, and personality of the child, blending fun and creativity with evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

Her practice is grounded in trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and strengths-based principles, drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and ongoing training in anxiety and trauma-informed care. Eliza supports clients to explore their inner world, build emotional regulation skills, and develop confidence and resilience—always at a pace that feels safe and empowering.

Eliza holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Human Services from La Trobe University.

She is a certified:

  • Lego® Therapy Facilitator - Progress Play

  • Fantastic Friendships Groupwork Facilitator - Bloom Within

  • Berry Street Education Model Practitioner - Berry Street

  • Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) Practitioner (In Progress) – Unyte

  • EMDR Practitioner – Trauma Recovery Network Australia (In Progress)

  • Collaborative Proactive Solutions (CPS) Practitioner - Dr. Ross Greene


Ellie is also a facilitator of various parenting programs, including:

  • Circle of Security

  • Tuning Into Kids & Teens

  • Bringing Up Great Kids

  • Engaging Adolescents

She provides counselling for children, adolescents, and families, and will soon be offering the Safe and Sound Protocol.

Eliza is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, working with both NDIS and private clients.

 

Madeline Carter

Telehealth Child and Adolescent Counsellor

Madeline is a dedicated and compassionate Child & Adolescent Counsellor with a strong foundation in psychology. She has worked as a Senior Therapy Assistant and allied health team lead, supporting a diverse range of children and families, including many with neurodivergent needs, across home, school, and community settings.

Madeline believes in a holistic, client‑centred approach that helps young people recognise their strengths and move toward values‑aligned goals. She integrates Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) processes, CBT‑informed skills, creative expression (art, movement, playful regulation strategies), and coaching‑style motivation to support change. Her work focuses on emotional literacy, social communication, and building confidence in teens navigating stress, identity, and relationships.

She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science, minoring in Sociology, from the University of Wollongong and is a certified Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Practitioner through Unyte.

Madeline provides counselling for adolescents and offers the Safe and Sound Protocol for both adolescents and adults.

Madeline is available Monday to Friday via telehealth, supporting clients aged 12 and over through both NDIS and private sessions.

Michelle Dean

Child and Adolescent Counsellor / Group Program Coordinator

Michelle has a diverse background in emergency nursing, tertiary lecturing (Charles Sturt University & Wodonga TAFE), and remote Indigenous community work as a nurse and wellbeing officer for local school children. These experiences shaped her passion for accessible, culturally respectful, and creative mental health supports.

Michelle offers trauma‑informed, attachment‑based, and play‑centred counselling for children and families. She is skilled in using rhythm, story, movement, and symbolic play to support emotional expression and regulation. A highly experienced group facilitator, Michelle designs and delivers therapeutic programs that build resilience, emotional literacy, and peer connection across school and early childhood settings.

Michelle is accredited and skilled in:

  • Bachelor of Nursing

  • Master’s Degree in Child & Adolescent Health (in progress)

  • Certified Children’s & Parents Life Coach

  • Certified Interplay Therapist

  • Certified Trauma-Informed Play Therapist

  • Certified Drumbeat Facilitator

  • Certified Bringing Up Great Kids Facilitator

  • Certified Seasons for Growth Facilitator

  • Certified Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) Practitioner – Unyte

She provides counselling for children, adolescents, and families, offers the Safe and Sound Protocol, and facilitates Group Programs at Treehouse, as well as in schools and early childhood settings. Additionally, Michelle leads the free support group Healing Hearts, which supports adults coping with miscarriage, perinatal, or neonatal loss

Michelle is available Mondays and Tuesdays, supporting clients through both NDIS and private sessions.

Rebecca Jones

CHild and adolescent counsellor

Rebecca provides compassionate, collaborative counselling that centres connection, emotional safety, and family involvement. With experience across community and education settings, she understands how school environments, behaviour, and family systems interact, and works closely with caregivers to support whole‑of‑family wellbeing.

Her approach integrates strengths‑based practice, play‑based engagement, CBT‑informed coping tools, trauma‑aware supports, and family systems collaboration. Rebecca also assists with advocacy and system navigation when families need help coordinating services.

Rebecca holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Human Services from Latrobe University, as well as a Diploma of Community Services from Wodonga TAFE. She is currently completing her certification for the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) through Unyte.

She provides counselling for children, adolescents, and families and will soon be offering the Safe and Sound Protocol. 

Rebecca is available on Wednesdays, supporting clients through both NDIS and private sessions.

Sue Bourke

Art Therapy Student

Sue is completing her Master’s in Therapeutic Arts Practice through the Miecat Institute and offers supervised, lower‑fee Creative Arts Therapy sessions at Treehouse. Her sessions invite expression through image, colour, movement, story, and symbol—gentle pathways for emotional processing, regulation, and self‑discovery. A supportive option for families new to therapy or seeking creative, sensory‑friendly approaches.

Sue facilitates the free support group Healing Hearts, providing support for adults coping with miscarriage, perinatal, or neonatal loss

Sue offers creative arts therapy on Tuesdays, supporting clients through both NDIS and private sessions at a discounted student rate.

Debbie Potter

Office Manger / Administration

Debbie is the friendly face you will first see when you arrive at the Treehouse office. She is warm and welcoming and will greet you on arrival. She manages the day-to-day running of the practice, including client books and service enquiries.

In her broader role at Treehouse, Debbie manages bookings and enquiries so families feel supported from first contact. She helps little people transition in and out of sessions, offers fun waiting-room activities when needed, and creates space for parents to check in with therapists before or after appointments. With many years’ experience in customer service, she also assists families with referrals, funding questions (Medicare, NDIS, Private), scheduling across multiple supports, and guidance on funding pathways.

Debbie provides front desk support and is available in the office Monday through Friday. She’s here to help you feel at home at Treehouse.

Milo and Otis

Wellbeing Dogs (in training)

Milo and Otis, our playful toy poodles, are loving, affectionate, and full of fun. They enjoy visiting the Treehouse office to meet the children and families who come through our doors. You’ll often find them relaxing with Rebecca on the couch, and if you look closely, you might even spot them featured on our art mural in the sensory garden.

Discover the magic of our beautiful therapeutic space and let our highly trained and experienced team welcome you within the branches of our care.