Helping Humans Navigate Growth

Psychologists Meeting You Where You’re At

Meet the Team

  • A woman, psychologist with long blonde hair, wearing glasses, a black shirt, and gold jewelry, smiling at the camera.

    Manuela Schmitten

    REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

    I'm a psychologist and coach who brings curiosity, compassion, and a grounded, real-world approach to helping people navigate life’s messy and meaningful moments.

  • Smiling woman, Psychologist with long blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a white shirt, a necklace, and earrings.

    Vanlea Matthews

    REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

    I'm a down-to-earth psychologist who believes that real connection, empathy, and a good dose of honesty can make all the difference in therapy.

  • A person sitting on a bed using a silver laptop, wearing a pink outfit, with their legs crossed and slightly elevated. The person's left hand is on the keyboard, and their right hand is near the trackpad. The bed has white sheets.

    Telehealth

    Video or Phone - Prefer to chat from the comfort of your home or a quiet space on your lunch break? Telehealth sessions offer flexibility without compromising the quality of your care. Whether by phone or video, we can connect safely and securely, no commute needed.

  • Thirroul Beach with sandy shore, a person walking in the distance, and the sun setting over the horizon in the sky.

    Walk and Talk

    Sometimes it’s easier to open up while moving. Walk and Talk sessions combine gentle exercise, fresh air, and therapy, helping you process thoughts in a more natural and grounded way. Ideal if you feel more comfortable side by side than face to face in a room.

  • Modern living room with teal sofa, black and gray pillows, wooden wall, abstract art, and marble coffee table with black dish and white sphere.

    Face-to-Face

    Want a more traditional setting? In-person therapy takes place in our calming practice space — a private and welcoming environment where you can slow down, reflect, and feel supported. A good option if you value structure and dedicated time away from daily distractions.

Contact Us

A sandy beach with gentle ocean waves and a partly cloudy sky, with buildings and trees in the background. In North Wollongong. You can see the lighthouse. Puckeys beach.

Follow us on social

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A person diving into the ocean at sunset with illustration of the moon and a smiling ghost. Text overlays say: "Songs, memes, and cute animals on social media" near the person labeled "Me" and "Negative thoughts trying to get me" near the ghost, with a logo for The Break Psychology and a social media handle @thebreakpsychology.
A beach scene at sunset with a circle overlay listing steps to increase wellbeing, including setting boundaries, connecting with nature, getting enough rest, cultivating creativity, connecting with others, practicing self-reflection, staying active, and finding your purpose. The top right corner features a logo for The Break Psychology, and the bottom center shows the Instagram handle @THEBREAKPSYCHOLOGY.
An aerial view of a person surfing on a wave in clear blue water alongside a motivational quote about healing and taking a pause in life. The quote says, 'Sometimes healing starts with a single wave - a break from the noise, the pressure, the past. This is your space to pause and begin again.' In the top right corner, there is a logo for 'The Break Psychology.'