Meet the Team
We Meet You Where You Are
At The Joy Circle, we understand that selecting the right therapist goes beyond qualifications. It's about finding someone you feel comfortable with—someone who makes you feel safe, understood, and supported in your mental health journey.
Our team brings together a wealth of experience working with children, teenagers, young people, adults, parents, and families, addressing a variety of mental health support needs and life challenges. Each therapist contributes their unique personality, skills, and expertise, united by the same commitment: offering warm, compassionate, evidence-based family therapy that meets you where you are.
We take pride in creating a relaxed, welcoming environment where therapy feels approachable and comfortable. Whether we're sitting on the floor building Lego, enjoying a coffee chat, supporting a parent through a tough season, or helping someone process trauma, our goal remains consistent—to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered.
Our team maintains professionalism while being genuine, down-to-earth individuals who believe that connection is essential for meaningful change. We are dedicated to providing culturally safe, trauma-informed care that is neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTQIA+ inclusive. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities, abilities, and life experiences.
No matter where you are in your journey, there is a place for you here.
Our Services
We offer a range of counselling services tailored to the unique needs of each person we support, including family therapy designed to strengthen relationships. Whether you’re seeking individual counselling, mental health support for your family, or assistance navigating a difficult season of life, we’re here to walk alongside you with compassion, understanding, and care. Our therapists provide trauma-informed care, helping individuals through a variety of challenges, including addiction, anger, grief and loss, and other life experiences that can feel difficult to navigate alone.
Our Approach
At The Joy Circle, we believe that effective therapy, including family therapy, works best when you feel comfortable, heard, and genuinely understood. Our experienced therapists provide mental health support by working alongside you to understand what’s important to you, what you’re going through, and what you hope to achieve.
Together, we’ll explore your goals and find a trauma-informed care approach that feels right for you. We emphasize building a trusting, supportive relationship where you can feel safe to be yourself, talk openly, and work through things at your own pace.
Your Therapists
MEET ALARA NOLAN
Director | Accredited Mental Health Social Worker | Child & Family Therapist
Hi, I'm Alara,
If I had to describe myself, I'd say I'm warm, approachable, honest, direct, and down to earth.
I genuinely love working with children, teens, young people, adults, parents, and families to create positive change through family therapy, strengthen relationships, heal from trauma, and build more fulfilling lives. I see individuals holistically and consider their mental health, physical health, nervous system, life experiences and situations, culture, religion, spirituality, trauma, and intergenerational experiences in my work.
I'm Newy born and bred, raised by Kiwi parents, and proudly identify as both New Zealand Māori and Chinese. My connection to culture, community, and whānau (family) is incredibly important to me and influences both my personal life and my work.
When I'm not working, you'll usually find me chasing after my whānau, reading a good book at the beach, getting outdoors, playing sport, going to the gym, catching up with friends, or finding somewhere great to eat.
Qualifications and Experience
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and a proud member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). I am also an approved Victims Services Counsellor, Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator, EMDR Therapist, and Child and Family Therapist, committed to providing trauma-informed care.
In addition to my counselling work, I serve as a Panel Family Consultant for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCoA), preparing Family Reports. I also complete Family Reports and Child Impact Reports privately as a Single Expert Witness and am a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
I am dedicated to lifelong learning and constantly seek opportunities to enhance my knowledge and skills to provide the best mental health support for my clients.
I am passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges, heal from trauma, and create meaningful change.
I bring warmth, humour, and genuine care to every session—sometimes barefoot, occasionally with food and drinks, and always ready to help you feel supported, engaged, and empowered.
Look forward to meeting you!
MEET HAYLEY ROBINSON
Social Worker | Children's, Young People's Counsellor & Family Counsellor
Hi, I’m Hayley,
I’d describe myself as honest, compassionate, passionate, persistent, and approachable. I love working alongside children, adolescents, parents, and families, supporting them through life’s challenges, building resilience, and creating meaningful, positive change through family therapy.
I am a proud Aboriginal woman from Wakka Wakka Country, and my cultural identity and connection to community are deeply important to me and inform the way I practice. Whilst I identify as Aboriginal, I work with people from all cultural backgrounds.
My passion for supporting children and families began in early childhood education, where I cared for and advocated for children before beginning my Social Work journey. I completed my final university placement here at The Joy Circle — and loved it so much that I’m now part of the team, providing mental health support and counselling to our community.
In my spare time, you’ll find me spending time with my threenager, getting crafty, trying new cold foam flavours, walking (or being walked by!) my two dog babies Bentley & Lola, or laughing the day away with friends and family.
Qualifications and Experience
I am a qualified Social Worker (eligible for AASW membership) with experience across paediatric and family-focused settings.
I have experience working for NSW Health across multiple roles, supporting children and their families through acute, complex, and often traumatic health experiences, utilizing trauma-informed care.
I bring experience supporting individuals and families across a range of areas, including mental health support, counselling and case management, trauma, adjustment to new diagnoses, child protection, domestic and family violence, parenting support and child behaviour challenges, paediatric illness, hospitalisation and cancer care support, and cultural supervision and culturally safe practice.
I am passionate about walking alongside children and families, as well as adult individuals during some of their most vulnerable and important moments. I bring authenticity, care, and dedication into every session, and strive to create a space where you feel supported, safe, and understood.
I’m here to help you feel confident, connected, and supported every step of the way.
Hope to see you soon!