Meet the ISPA Board

The ISPA Board is a team of dedicated people who seek to promote the benefits of Strategic Psychotherapy to the world and provide ISPA members with a uniquely member-centric experience.

Jonathan Smith ISPA Board Member

Jonathan Smith

ISPA President

Jonathan is currently the principal at New Day Strategic Psychotherapy, after completing a diploma in clinical hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy as well as becoming a certified NLP practitioner through the Institute of Applied Psychology. He has a genuine, individual based approach with each client and is highly skilled at identifying and correcting limiting behaviours. He is committed to working towards productive outcomes for our members, particularly in promoting ISPA members as the therapists of choice for people looking to deal with the finest professionals in the industry.

Jonathan previously has twenty five years of international business and entrepreneurial experience in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, during which time he became known for a highly successful, people focussed management style and is recognised as an expert in building and maintaining exceptional company culture that maintains integrity across multiple geographies. This was achieved through a highly focussed and individual based mentoring and upskilling process offered to staff at all levels, an approach he sees as key to the success of any organisation.

During his time in the BPO industry, Jonathan was a pioneer in the outsourcing drive to the Philippines which currently employs over 1.5 million people. He spent eighteen years based in Manila and became labelled by the media as the “godfather of Australian outsourcing”, featuring as the key note speaker at the Asia CEO awards. During this time, he established, grew and then sold multiple companies dealing with clients from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and US and employed over fifteen thousand people along the way.

Jonathan’s most recent role before venturing into clinical hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy was as a shareholder and board member of Synchrony Global, an HRIS provider with offices in Australia, The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. He was key in the sale of the company to Rizing HCM.

He looks to use his vast business experience combined with his passion for strategic psychotherapy to great benefit for ISPA, it’s membership, and the wider community.

Gordon Young Vice President of ISPA

Gordon Young

Vice President of ISPA

Gordon Young is the director and lead trainer of the Institute of Applied Psychology, the president of the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia, and the creator of the Gordian Pillars of Psychotherapy.

Gordon is an internationally recognized name in the world of NLP and Hypnotherapy. He is considered by many to be Australia’s leading NLP Trainer and Hypnotherapist having studied in Australia and in the United States with both the creators of NLP and the leaders in the field of Hypnotherapy. Gordon trained at the prestigious Milton Erickson Foundation in Phoenix Arizona, the absolute pinnacle of training in modern hypnosis.

Gordon is the former President of the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists, Editor of the Australian Journal of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis, and the Chair of the Australian Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Moreover, he is not just a therapist. Gordian teaches a unique advanced form of hypnosis known as Strategic Hypnosis, a model that ISPA promotes and supports around the world.
Additionally, Gordon supervises over 120 psychologists, counsellors, and hypnotherapists, guiding them through difficult cases behind the scenes.

Ulrika Lobo

ISPA Treasurer

Ulrika Lobo, treasurer of ISPA, brings a distinguished blend of financial expertise and strategic leadership to her role. Holding a Master of Business Administration and Applied Finance, Ulrika has over a decade of experience managing capital-raising initiatives, financial systems, and organisational strategy. Her achievements include industry recognition as a Director of the Year Finalist in multiple National Women in Finance Awards and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Western Sydney Women’s Awards.
Ulrika holds a deep passion for empowering others, which is reflected in her diverse career, from developing and instructing topics for the TAFE Women in Business Program, which reached over 16,000 participants, to serving as Executive Director of the Women’s Commercial Finance Forum, overseeing Marketing, Operations, and member programs for over 1,000 members. She also brings governance experience as a Board Advisor for Catallyze, an advisory firm supporting entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses. In addition to her passion for empowering others, she has been guided by her lived experience of overcoming adversity; Ulrika has now pivoted toward a career as a psychotherapist, driven by her commitment to helping others build resilience and thrive.
As Treasurer of ISPA, Ulrika is committed to upholding the organisation’s financial integrity and transparency. Drawing on her extensive experience in managing budgets, reporting, and operational strategy, she aims to ensure ISPA’s long-term sustainability and growth. Ulrika brings a structured, collaborative, responsive, member-focused and forward-thinking approach to financial governance, supporting ISPA’s mission to empower practitioners, advance strategic psychotherapy, and positively impact the mental health community.

Theresa van Gessel

ISPA Membership

Theresa van Gessel is the Principal Therapist at Navigating Calm Pty Ltd, serving clients in Canberra, regional New South Wales, and online. A qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Strategic Psychotherapist, and Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Theresa specialises in helping clients transform their relationship with anxiety, trauma, and stress to achieve long-lasting mental well-being.
Theresa’s approach is client-centred and solution-focused, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs and goals of the individual. By combining evidence-based techniques with empathy and understanding, she helps clients develop practical strategies to overcome challenges, empowering them to create meaningful, sustainable changes in their lives.
Theresa's diverse professional background spans roles as a lawyer, public servant, small business owner, and business development manager. This breadth of experience enhances her work with clients and her contributions as a member of the board for the International Strategic Psychotherapy Association (ISPA). As a board member, Theresa is dedicated to advancing mental health practices, maintaining high standards of care for the community, and fostering ongoing learning and support for practitioners.
Mia Dalessandro ISPA Board Member

Mia Dalessandro

ISPA Board Member

Mia is the owner of the Road Hypnotherapy and Health Services. Her philosophy is to create an environment where various approaches can collaborate to help client's manage their problem space.

Mia's background is in financial services. Rather than look at traditional avenues to improve as a manager, she turned to strategic psychotherapy - and a whole new language and approach opened up. In her management role, she learned the importance good strategies and processes play in achieving success - and the same approach can be applied to life, so clients can strive and thrive.

She holds a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy, Certified NLP Coaching and Gut Directed Hypnosis Certification

Kerry Bailey Institute of Applied Psychology

Kerry Bailey

ISPA Co-Secretary

Kerry Bailey founder and principal therapist of Sydney Hypno & The Functional Mind Coaching Clinic has a broad range of experience and skills acquired over decades spent in many caring and business fields.

This wide platform of expertise is what Kerry brings to her work as a dedicated, caring and results oriented therapist and coach for her clients, and to her role as a qualified trainer.
Kerry has spent decades serving in both business and people management, including as a General Manager for several successful start-up companies and had also worked in small business practices, right through to corporate roles also including, Sales and Marketing management, Business and IT Solutions Analysis, Project Management plus several of her own continuing, successful businesses created over the last 14 plus years.

Kerry brings this knowledge and skillsets from across many fields into her role as a therapist, navigating new and powerful solution-based processes and patterns for positive, long lasting change for clients who seek assistance with their issues, helping clients to get unstuck and stop struggling.

The probability of positive change is significantly greater when you get a coach &/or therapist who can help you hone and enhance your mental, emotional and physical processes. High achievers know to engage coaches for far better outcomes.

Kerry has been an active practitioner and master of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) for over 25 years and has trained at the Institute of Applied Psychology (IAP) in Strategic Hypnosis with the creator of the Gordian Pillars of Psychotherapy - Gordon Young who is an internationally recognized name in the world of NLP and Hypnotherapy along with other luminaries in their fields such as Michael Yapko and Steven Gilligan as continued professional development training is a focused pursuit for Kerry.

Kerry understands the stresses of modern life, and how to help people stop struggling and start enjoying life more. Through the therapeutic process of guiding clients to more skilfully utilise better strategies and processes that will serve them better, clients soon understand how to improve thoughts, communication and even play, for better outcomes in all aspects of their lives.

Kerry is passionate about the work that she does and loves helping people to transform their relationships, their work, and their performance, in fact, improve everything for the better.
Kerry’s Clinical Hypnotherapy and Strategic Psychotherapy practice is available through online telehealth apps, (sessions Australia Wide and Internationally).

When logistics and conditions are appropriate – there are also client rooms in Sydney’s Inner West, and some sessions can be arranged both ‘In Home’ or ‘In Office’ environments, due to the fact that Kerry works with individuals, couples, families and business clients and their teams to assist with relational dynamics that can improve communications and performance.

Kerry Bailey has a Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy 10450NAT, a Diploma of NLP Leadership and Strategic Coaching, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment amongst other qualifications and was invited to join the faculty of IAP - the Institute of Applied Psychology in 2020

Stef Mustac ISPA Board Member

Stef Mustac

ISPA Board Member

Transitioning from the precise world of Aeronautical Engineering with the Air Force, Stefanie Mustac embarked on a profound journey that led her to discover a different calling rooted in understanding the complexities of human emotions and behaviors. With a steadfast commitment to growth and self-discovery, Stefanie has dedicated the past 17 years of her life to delving deep into the intricacies of the human psyche.

As a Strategic Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist at Gold Coast Strategic Psychotherapist, Stefanie has had the privilege of immersing herself in various modalities, continuously expanding her knowledge and honing her skills in helping individuals navigate the depths of their own minds. Her work encompasses a holistic approach that integrates therapeutic techniques with a deep understanding of human behavior and the subconscious mind.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Stefanie is also a mother to two incredible boys, whose presence in her life has provided her with invaluable lessons in patience, resilience, and unconditional love. Balancing the demands of motherhood with the challenges of running her fourth business has been a transformative experience, further deepening her understanding of the human experience and the importance of self-care and self-love.

In addition to her clinical practice, Stefanie is passionate about sharing her knowledge and insights with others. She regularly speaks about Authentic Self Leadership in front of groups of entrepreneurs, guiding them on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through her speaking engagements, she strives to inspire individuals to tap into their inner strengths and embrace their authentic selves, both personally and professionally.

Theresa Potter

ISPA Board Member

Theresa Potter is the founder of a thriving therapy practice dedicated to supporting clients in overcoming challenges and unlocking their potential. Her approach is rooted in creating a collaborative and supportive environment where tailored therapeutic methods help individuals manage their unique problem spaces effectively.
Theresa’s background as a social worker and strategic psychotherapist has equipped her with a deep understanding of human behavior and resilience. Her journey into hypnotherapy added a powerful dimension to her practice, enabling her to help clients access deeper awareness and break through subconscious barriers.
Theresa holds a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy and is certified in NLP Coaching and Gut-Directed Hypnosis, blending these skills to empower her clients to achieve meaningful and lasting change.
Tahn Miller ISPA Board Member

Tahn Miller

ISPA Board Member

Tahn Miller is a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapy, Strategic Psychotherapy and NLP Master Practitioner.

Working with her clients, Tahn utilises the benefits of hypnosis and neuro linguistic techniques to achieve life changing outcomes – from limiting beliefs to patterns of behaviour that may be causing tremendous blockages in their lives.

Tahn helps her clients realise they are not their thoughts, beliefs or feelings, that they don’t need to stay stuck – they have the capacity to change anything in their lives that is preventing them from living their greatest life.

Meet Our Advisory Board

The ISPA Advisory Board brings together over 150 years of experience in business and therapy. The Advisory Board supports the elected board by bringing this vast depth of experience to the table.

Peter McGuire ISPA Advisory Board Member - Business

Peter Macquire

ISPA Advisory Board Member - Business

Peter McGuire is Chief Executive Officer of XM Australia and is a responsible manager on the firm’s Australian Financial Services License. He comes to XM with over 20 years’ experience from the financial services industry and real estate market. Peter is responsible for representing XM as a regular commentator on some of the world’s leading media including Bloomberg, CNBC and Sky TV on a weekly basis where he connects via Sydney, where he resides.

Peter graduated with an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Technology Sydney. He holds a Graduate Certificate of Commerce / Risk Management from the University of New South Wales and also is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program, from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, USA.

Peter is a proven communicator, conference and media presenter for the financial services industry and has presented over the years to audiences in Manila, Sydney, Singapore, Tokyo, Mumbai, Berlin, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

With global markets operating 24 hours a day, Peter can work across numerous time zones due to Australia’s geographic location and the Asia - Pacific business day.

Mike Conway ISPA Advisory Board Member - Coaching

Mike Conway

ISPA Advisory Board Member - Coaching

Mike is the Founder and CEO of XVenture, a unique learning, leadership and media group. TV
Director, writer, business leader, clinician and mental coach to elite sports stars, senior executives
and entertainers.
Mike is also currently the Emotional Agility and Mind Coach for the Australian National Soccer team,
(the Socceroos) and Technical Director for the Tottenham Hotspur/UOW Global football program.
He has been appointed honorary professor at University of Wollongong in recognition of his work in
the areas of emotional agility, resilience and leadership. His latest research relates to
communications and language in elite sport.
He was the Emotional Agility, Resilience and Mind Coach for the championship winning Sydney FC Aleague
team from 2017-2019. This work translated into working with many of Australia’s national
team players individually including EPL goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Awer Mabil, Matt
Jurman and Matilda, Amy Harrison.
He has written and directed three tv series, now on to his 4th and numerous documentaries.
Prior to establishing XVenture, Mike’s global career has seen him work as a strategist, leader and
consultant at executive level with Deloitte, EY, Standards Australia, The Wiggles Pty Ltd and holding
Board positions Central Coast Mariners and Australian Children’s Music Foundation.
Mike’s qualifications include: BA Hons Pub Admin (health) (UK) Diploma in Health Services
Management (UK). MBA (UK) Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy. Certified
Member of the Australian Human Resources Institute. CBT Beck Inst USA. His health and clinical
memberships include: Member of the Australasian Society of Behavioural Health and Medicine;
Member of the Australian Hypnotherapy Association; Member of Institute of Positive Psychology
Association; Member of Australasian Neuroscience Society. He is also a member of the International Society for Psychotherapy Research.
Amanda Dounis ISPA Advisory Board Member - Building Practice

Amanda Dounis

ISPA Advisory Board Member - Building Practice

Amanda Dounis is the Director and Founder of four Early Learning Education Centres
located in Sydney. She is also the Founder of The Positive Thinking Clinic ( Private
Practice: Strategic Psychotherapy: Clinical Hypnotherapy : Master NLP : and Professional
Counselling).
In private practice Amanda consults with individuals, couples and families, offering
services for children, teens, and adults. Amanda is also a professional supervisor, author
and course creator.
Credentials
Bachelor of Counselling
Bachelor of Science (in Psychology)
Bachelor of Teaching (0-5)
Diploma Clinical Hypnotherapy and Strategic Psychotherapy
Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming
Sally Tiltman ISPA Advisory Board Member

Sally Tiltman

ISPA Advisory Board Member

Sally Tiltman is the Executive Director and Digital Transformation Consultant at Tiltman Coaching.

Sally is recognised as a change leader having led digital transformation across organisations impacting 45,000 employees. Sally is respected for her passionate, curious, and innovative ways of working. Sally is sought after by executive teams who want to partner with a truth talker to achieve digital transformation that takes a people-first approach.

Richard Hill ISPA Advisory Board Member - Research

Richard Hill

ISPA Advisory Board Member - Research

Richard Hill, MA, MEd, MBMSc, is a practicing psychotherapist, author, educator, and professional supervisor. He is Science Director for CIPPS in Salerno, Italy; Clinical Science Director and Managing Editor for The Science of Psychotherapy; and resident therapist at The Davis Health Centre in Sydney, Australia. He is co-author with Ernest Rossi, PhD, of The Practitioner’s Guide to Mirroring Hands (Crown House, 2017), and with Matthew Dahlitz of The Practitioner’s Guide to the Science of Psychotherapy (Norton, 2022). He is Patron of The Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists and Past-president of the Global Association of Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies (GAINS). He is the author of several other books and book chapters. More information can be found at www.richardhill.com.au and www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com
Dr Bill Herfel ISPA Advisory Board Member - Ethics

Dr William Herfel

Ispa Advisory Board Member - Ethics

Dr Bill Herfel is a philosopher of science and technology interested in the study of complex and chaotic dynamics wherever it is found. He co-edited a book, Theories and Models in Scientific Processes, and he has published articles on a wide range of topics including the dynamics of the scientific process, the role economic dynamics in technological development, complex systems ecology, academic integrity, and the complex dynamic foundations of Chinese medicine.

Currently, he coordinates a critical thinking course playing a foundational role in the biomedical sciences major at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He has lectured extensively in Asia, Europe and North America. He coordinated a course in the PSB engineering program in Singapore and delivered more than two dozen lectures in universities, hospitals and research institutes in China, whilst maintaining a close research relationship with several Chinese research institutions, including the prestigious China Academy for Chinese Medical Science in Beijing.

He has supervised postgraduate students at PhD and Honours levels. He has taught across a wide range of the philosophy curriculum, including the philosophy of science and technology, social dynamics of science, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of sex and sexuality, engineering ethics, social work ethics, business ethics, Chinese philosophy and the philosophies of Marx, Nietzsche and Foucault.

He believes that the IAP is at the leading edge of personal development and the approach to applied psychology pursued under the leadership of Gordon Young at the IAP will be the next big development, following on from CBT and ACT, in fostering mental health in the community. This made the offer to join the faculty very appealing, and Bill is currently developing courses and pursuing research for the IAP.