MEET THe clinicians
Lauren Cavati, Founder, Director and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Lauren founded Deep Speak in 2020 with the hope that her genuine care for people would be felt by those who found their way to the service — and that this connection would allow the practice to grow, so she could help as many people as possible in a meaningful way, while doing what she loves most.
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Social Work and has worked in mental health since 2011. Lauren brings a warm, down-to-earth, and person-centred approach to therapy, supporting adolescents and adults across a wide range of concerns. She is trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT, and narrative therapy, with clinical interests including trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting, grief, emotional regulation, confidence, stress, life transitions, behaviour, neurodiversity, health, perinatal mental health, and both men’s and women’s mental health.
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Jaime Nannestad - Psychologist
Jaime is a registered psychologist and clinical registrar with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. Originally from Ohio, USA, she has a genuine passion for connecting with people from all walks of life and has worked in community mental health since 2018.
Jaime supports adolescents and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, personality disorders, substance use, stress, life transitions, and identity exploration. Her counselling style blends clinical expertise with a deep respect for each client’s lived experience.
Jaime brings a direct yet compassionate approach to therapy — one that is grounded, collaborative, and respectful. Jaime draws on a range of evidence-based modalities including EMDR therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), DBT-informed strategies, and strengths-based interventions.
Mark Jones - Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Mark is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who’s passionate about helping people understand and navigate their mental health challenges. He provides a safe and compassionate environment with a focus on clarity, insight and guidance for life’s complex challenges.
Mark has experience working with ADF personnel, veterans, emergency services and those navigating Workcover who need return to work support. He has a strong understanding of trauma and its mental health effects such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief & loss and relationship challenges. Mark also has interest in supporting men with challenges such as difficulty with relationship communication, navigating conflicting ideas of masculinity, and finding purpose.
Mark draws on a range of evidence-based approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed strategies, strengths-based practice, and psychoeducation to support clarity, growth, and lasting change.
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Kara McMinn - Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Kara is an experienced and down-to-earth Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who is passionate about walking alongside people through life’s ups and downs. She provides a respectful, compassionate, and supportive space for adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, and life transitions.
Kara brings honesty, empathy, and genuine care into every session, drawing on practical tools and evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed strategies, narrative therapy, and strengths-based practice. Her approach is flexible, grounded, and tailored to meet each person’s unique needs.
Nicole Thompson - Counsellor
Nicole is a PACFA Registered Counsellor who brings a gentle, thoughtful, and person centred approach to her work. She creates a space where adolescents and adults feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported through life’s challenges.
She works with concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, low self esteem, trauma recovery, relationship and communication difficulties, and major life transitions. She also has a strong interest in relationship counselling and supporting individuals and couples to build healthier patterns and deeper connection.
Her therapeutic style is integrative, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, mindfulness based approaches, and person centred counselling. She tailors sessions to the person in front of her, ensuring therapy feels collaborative, grounded, and meaningful.
OUR ADMIN TEAM
Lara Stevens - Administrative Coordinator
I have many years of experience with administration and book keeping. I have a huge interest in mental health. Working for Deep Speak allows me to utilise my skills in an area that I care about.
Bridie Abenzi - Administrative Assistant
Bridie is an integral part of the Deep Speak team, bringing her exceptional organisational skills and client-focused approach to support our practice. With valuable experience as a previous receptionist in a health care setting, she has a strong background in managing patient records, coordinating appointments, and delivering outstanding customer service.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Business and Psychological Sciences at James Cook University, Bridie is passionate about mental health care and is dedicated to creating a seamless experience for our clients. Her attention to detail and warm communication style ensure that every client feels supported from their first contact with Deep Speak.