Dr Bree Hayes attained a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Swinburne University under the mentorship of Associate Professors Simon Knowles (Clinical psychologist) and Rebecca Burgell (Gastroenterologist). She has over 15 years experience working in mental health across community settings, hospitals, and private practice. Offering a compassionate and evidence-based approach to care, Bree works with people 16+ years.

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Bree is passionate about mind–body health and has a particular interest in psychogastroenterology, also known as gut-focused psychology. This field involves applying psychological science and practice to gastrointestinal (GI) health by exploring the brain–gut connection. Her doctoral research explored the biological, psychological, and social impacts of living with inflammatory bowel disease, and she has contributed multiple articles to international journal articles in this area.

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Having trained as the psychologist in the Alfred hospital gastroenterology department, Bree has since established a private practice with a focus on promoting the well-being of people living with GI conditions, such as:

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• Crohn’s disease (CD)

• Ulcerative colitis (UC)

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Coeliac disease

• Gastroparesis

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

• Cancer

 

Brain-gut behavioural therapies are at the forefront of Bree's practice, which involves:

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• Psychoeducation about the bidirectional nature and impact of the brain-gut axis

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for unhelpful thoughts (e.g., pain catastrophising, visceral sensitivity)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Exposure-based therapies (to help people gradually reduce avoidance behaviours related to GI symptoms, such as avoiding certain foods or situations)

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Bree also provides therapy for a broad spectrum of other psychological concerns. These include (but are not limited to):

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• Chronic disease management (e.g., Endometriosis, Auto-immune diseases, Long-Covid-19)

• Pain

• Anxiety & phobias

• Survivors of abuse

• Relational problems

• Depression

• Life transitions & adjustment difficulties

• Grief & loss

• Stress & anger management

• Trauma

• ADHD

• Peri/menopausal challenges

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

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Bree's sensitive therapeutic approach is informed by the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model, and attachment and polyvagal theories. She utilises CBT and positive psychology, and embraces a strengths-based framework that honours each client’s individuality, resilience, and inner resources. Bree also integrates a variety of other evidence-based modalities tailored to each client's needs, including:

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• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

• Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness

• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Solution-Focused Therapy

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She offers both in-person and Telehealth consultations in a supportive, client-centered environment.

 

Bree is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and a registered provider with Medicare and private health insurers.