Our Team

Tonia Martin

Clinical and Counselling Psychologist | Talking Sleep Psychology Founder & Director

Tonia Martin is a Clinical Psychologist with a deep passion for improving sleep quality in both adults and children. With over 25 years of experience, she combines her background as a Registered Nurse with her knowledge in psychology to provide effective strategies for treating insomnia and associated anxiety/depression.

In her psychology practice, Tonia specialises in working with individuals and families struggling with sleep issues using the leading evidence-based practice, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. Recognising the impact of sleep disturbances on familial dynamics, she collaborates with parents to develop calming bedtime routines and instil confidence in their children’s ability to sleep, fostering healthy sleep habits for the entire family.

Through her warm and friendly approach, coupled with her deep understanding of sleep difficulties, Tonia helps her clients achieve healthier sleep patterns and improved overall well-being.

Tonia currently offers Telehealth appointments on Monday to Thursday and is in the Melbourne rooms once per month – Please email us for her upcoming dates in Melbourne in 2025.  Tonia also works out of the Scarborough rooms in Brisbane.

Tialara Harris

(she/her) | Psychologist

Tialara is a compassionate and open-minded registered psychologist dedicated to fostering collaborative relationships with her clients to support their well-being and therapy goals. With a firm belief in the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance, Tialara provides a safe and empathetic space for individuals to explore their challenges.

Tialara tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client. She is committed to providing psychological support to people from diverse backgrounds, and is particularly passionate about providing an inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Tialara works with adolescents and adults across the lifespan.

With over two years of experience specialising in sleep-related difficulties and mental health, Tialara employs evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based interventions. She is dedicated to helping clients overcome depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, trauma, and sleep-related difficulties.
Tialara offers both in-person and Telehealth appointments Mon & Tues. With obtaining her general registration in mid-2024, she looks forward to continuing her journey of supporting individuals on their path to healing and growth.

Availability
Monday | 10AM – 6PM
Tuesday | 10AM – 6PM

Victoria Heywood-Smith

(she/her) | Psychologist & Art Therapist

Victoria (Tori) is a compassionate registered psychologist and art therapist who combines empathy with evidence-based expertise to support clients. With specialised experience in mental health and sleep-related challenges, Tori works with diverse client groups, including children, adolescents, and adults of all ages, helping them navigate and overcome obstacles in their mental and sleep health.

She incorporates therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art Therapy, and Mindfulness-based interventions. Her warm and engaging approach ensures a safe space for self-expression and growth, empowering clients to build resilience and achieve their goals.

Whether in-person or via Telehealth, Tori is dedicated to providing accessible, personalised care that fosters meaningful change.

Availability
Wednesday | 10AM – 6PM
Thursday | 9AM – 5PM
Friday | 10AM – 6PM

Sheri McDonald

Psychologist

Sheri is a registered psychologist with over 22 years of experience in the provision of psychological counselling. Working for 10 years in a community health service offering generalist counselling, and 12 years in a sexual assault service, she has worked alongside clients across the life span, facing a broad range of mental health and life challenges, as individuals and within supportive or therapeutic groups. Sheri draws on her skills and training in a range of therapeutic approaches in the provision of psychological first aid, brief, short-term and long-term counselling. In her counselling practice she offers narrative, cognitive, behavioural, interpersonal and somatic techniques as well as EMDR and single-session and solution-focused approaches, tailored to each person’s unique circumstances, issues and needs.

Sheri’s passion is in providing quality trauma-informed, client-centred services. She has held leadership positions in the sexual assault service, providing supervision and developing programs guiding the service’s response to clients starting their counselling journey and to those in crisis following an experience of sexual assault or family violence. Sheri strives to listen and take the lead from clients, working alongside them so they may find their path forward toward their goals.

Availability

Tuesday |10AM – 2PM | ONLINE

Inga Parks

Administration - Health Promotion & Awareness

Inga’s background includes 40 years as a Clinical Registered Nurse.  Recently obtaining a Public Health certificate in Epidemiology and Health Awareness.   her role,  oversees the general day-to-day management of the practice, ensuring smooth operations and efficient service delivery. Inga also addresses any concerns regarding invoices and funding pathways. Inga plays a vital role in health and well-being promotion initiatives. She co-ordinates talks in workplaces and with the aim of supporting businesses and their staff members in improving their sleep and overall well-being & mental health. Feel free to reach out to Inga for any inquiries or assistance related to practice management or health and well-being promotion.