Our Certified Team

Dr Samir Benjamin

Dr Benjamin is a senior consultant psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience. He is bilingual and he speaks Arabic language fluently. Besides treating Anxiety, Mood and Psychotic Disorders, Dr Benjamin has special interest in Attention Deficit Disorder. He also has an extensive experience in Medicolegal Psychiatry, including Civil and Criminal Litigation. He is an International Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is also a Fellow of the Australian College of Legal Medicine. He has admission rights to The Hills Private Hospital, Baulkham Hills.

Ms Irene Dohne

Irene is a registered psychologist and accredited Sex Therapist. She provides a safe place to discuss sensitive and intimate issues to enhance mental health, sexual identity and interpersonal relationships. The treatment is tailored to the unique needs of individuals and couples to improve understanding and facilitate communication. Irene has special interest in Complex Trauma, Personality Development, Sex Addiction, Sexual Dysfunction and Mismatched Desire.

Ms Lydia Ghaly

Lydia is a registered psychologist and an Associate Member of the AAPi. With a special interest in children, she has exceptional experience in treating childhood disorders and works collaboratively with parents and teachers to support their child with managing social and emotional difficulties. She conducts IQ and academic assessments for Cognitive and Learning Disorders for all ages. She administers ADHD assessments for all ages from 6+ to adulthood. She also helps adults who experience difficulties with managing thoughts and emotions such as anxiety, depression and anger. She is a WorkCover and CTP Health Provider. With her compassionate demeanour and evidence-based methods, Lydia strives to make a positive impact on her clients’ lives, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth and recovery.

Lydia has a special interest in working with children and possesses exceptional expertise in treating various childhood disorders. Her approach is tailored to each child’s unique needs, ensuring that they receive the most effective and supportive care possible. She is skilled in conducting IQ and educational assessments for Learning and Intellectual Disorders, providing valuable insights and guidance for individuals of all ages.

In addition to her work with children, Lydia is adept at helping adults navigate the challenges of managing unhelpful thoughts and emotions. Utilising Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic modalities, she effectively addresses issues such as anxiety, depression, and anger. Her empathetic and evidence-based approach empowers clients to develop healthier coping strategies and achieve lasting positive change.

Lydia is also a recognised WorkCover Health and CTP Provider, demonstrating her expertise in supporting individuals recovering from workplace and motor vehicle-related injuries. Her comprehensive care and dedication to her clients’ rehabilitation process ensures they receive the best possible support on their path to recovery.

With her broad range of skills and compassionate approach, Lydia is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

Ms Lillian Mawad

Lillian is a registered psychologist with more than 20 years’ experience. She is bilingual and she speaks Lebanese fluently. She helps people who experience Anxiety, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Childhood Trauma, Family Conflict and Adolescent Psychological Disorders. She is an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Mr Don Coles

Don is a Social Worker, Counsellor and Family Therapist with 35 years’ experience in these fields. He recently completed three years with the Counselling Team at the Child Abuse Royal Commission, supporting individuals who experienced child sexual abuse. He also has interest in managing psychological trauma, addiction and coping with disability. He is an approved counsellor for NSW Victim Services, State Insurance Regulatory Authority, NSW Workers Compensation and National Carers Counselling Program.

Ms Meray Tahan

Meray Tahan is a highly motivated and compassionate Clinical Psychologist. She works with individuals experiencing mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Meray has a special interest in treating individuals diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive disorder, (OCD). She provides evidence-based treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, (ACT) and Schema Therapy. Her main goal in therapy is to help individuals alleviate their suffering and to obtain a sense of empowerment. 

Ms Mary Salama

Mary is a Clinical Psychologist who has an open and collaborative therapeutic style. She is a dedicated clinician who is committed to improving an individual’s overall well-being and quality of life by ensuring that an individual is not defined and limited by their mental health diagnosis.

Mary has previous clinical experience in private practice and community hospital settings. She has worked with a range of clinical presentations and implements a range of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Schema Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). 

Mary has obtained a Master of Clinical Psychology and is fully registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Our Admin Team

Christine

Christine is a certified Medical Secretary who plays a pivotal role within our esteemed Allied Healthcare team, dedicated to providing unparalleled client care. Demonstrating a profound commitment to assisting clients, she strives to cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment. With a tenure at Sydney Centre for Psychological Medicine since 2014, Christine brings forth over 15 years of extensive experience across diverse administrative capacities. Holding a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) degree with a Minor in Child and Community, she aspires to pursue a career as a Clinical Psychologist in the future.