About Our Castle Hill Psychologists

About Us

Over 30 years of experience supporting Castle Hill individuals, couples and families through evidence-based, body-centred counselling. Our mission is to help you reconnect and move forward with confidence.

John Bartram

Registered Psychologist | Couples & Family Therapist | Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist

With over 30 years of experience, John is a highly skilled psychologist based in Castle Hill, offering individual, couple and family counselling. He holds a Master’s degree in Couple & Family Therapy (UNSW), is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS), and is a Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist.

John specialises in evidence-based modalities, including Family Systems, CBT, Mindfulness Practices and body-centred approaches, particularly Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, to help clients navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, stress, sleep issues and relationship difficulties. In addition to his extensive private practice experience, he has also held senior roles at both Relationships Australia and CatholicCare where he provided group, individual therapy to both men and women with complex presentations in addition to couples experiencing intense relational conflict and whole families seeking reconnection.

Clients value John for his warm, grounded presence, clinical expertise and commitment to lasting change.

Genevieve Mangan

Couple & Family Therapist | Accredited Social Worker | Over 35 Years Experience

Genevieve Mangan is a highly experienced therapist and accredited member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). She holds a Master’s degree in Couple & Family Therapy (UNSW) and has over 35 years of experience supporting individuals, couples and families across a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, stress, relationship issues.

Genevieve draws from a rich toolkit of evidence-based modalities including Systems & Attachment Theory, the Gottman Method, Emotion Focused Therapy, CBT, EMDR and Energy Healing. With a long-standing background at Relationships Australia and in private practice, she has worked extensively as a clinician, supervisor and trainer in family therapy.

Genevieve enjoys working collaboratively with her clients toward their goals. Clients appreciate her depth of knowledge and open presence.

Dianne “Di” Mangan

Practice receptionist

Dianne Mangan, known to most clients simply as Di, is the welcoming voice and friendly face behind Staying Connected. As the practice receptionist, she is often the first person you speak to when you call or arrive at the clinic.

Di manages appointments, responds to enquiries, and helps connect clients with the right therapist for their needs. She also keeps the day-to-day operations of the practice running smoothly, ensuring every client feels supported from their very first contact.

Clients appreciate Di’s warmth, patience and genuine care. Her calm, organised approach helps create the welcoming environment that Staying Connected is known for.

Training and certifications

Proud Qualifications from University of New South Wales

Proud qualifications from Australian Psychological Society

Proud qualifications from Australian Association of Social Workers

Our evidence-based approach to counselling

At Staying Connected, we offer a holistic healing experience. Our unique approach integrates traditional psychological talk-based therapies with a body-centred, somatic framework to support deeper, lasting healing.

We understand that lasting change often begins not just in the mind – but in the body. That’s why, as well as offering CBT, we also work from the bottom up, helping you tune into physical signals like tension, restlessness or fatigue, and explore how these sensations relate to your emotional wellbeing.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress or family conflict, our holistic, evidence-informed approach supports the whole person – body, mind and emotions. As mentioned above, we draw from modalities such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Family Systems, Attachment Theory and CBT, tailored to suit your unique needs.

Case study Anne*

Anne came to Staying Connected Counselling feeling overwhelmed by persistent anxiety and a deep sense of depression. She described constant worry, low energy and a loss of confidence that was beginning to affect her work and relationships.

Working with John, Anne began to understand the patterns driving her anxious thoughts and low mood. Through counselling, she learned practical ways to challenge unhelpful thinking and recognise how emotional stress was showing up in her body as tension and fatigue.

Over time, Anne developed new tools to regulate her emotions, respond differently to stress and reconnect with her sense of self. As the sessions progressed, she reported sleeping better, feeling calmer and gradually regaining her confidence.

Today, Anne says she feels more resilient and equipped to handle life’s challenges with clarity and balance

*Name changed for privacy reasons

Our services

Individual therapy services

Including:
• Anxiety counselling for managing worry, panic and overwhelm
• Depression support for low mood, fatigue and loss of motivation
• Trauma counselling for PTSD and developmental trauma
• Stress and burnout management for better balance
• Anger management for healthy emotional expression
• Sleep issues and insomnia support for restful nights

Couple therapy services

Including:
• Relationship counselling for conflict resolution and emotional connection
• Marriage counselling to navigate challenges and deepen intimacy
• Pre-marital counselling for stronger foundations
• Infidelity recovery and rebuilding trust
• Support for separation, co-parenting and blended families

Family therapy services

Including:
• Family counselling to resolve conflict and restore harmony
• Parent-child counselling for stronger connections
• Teen and adolescent support for emotional challenges
• Support for blended and separated families

Our welcoming practice

Our clinic is located at 46 Old Castle Hill Road, in a peaceful suburban setting just 100 metres from the town centre and Castle Towers shopping centre. Easily accessible by train, metro or bus, we also offer free parking on-site.

Clients enjoy a secure, private entrance, a calming waiting room, and serene garden surroundings where native birds often feed. It’s a quiet, welcoming space designed to help you feel at ease from the moment you arrive.

Get in touch today

Case study: Mary and George*

“When we first came to Staying Connected Counselling, we were on the brink of divorce. Years of conflict had left us feeling distant and unsure if our marriage could survive.
Working with John and Gen helped us slow down and understand the patterns behind our arguments. For the first time in a long while, we both felt heard.
We learned how to communicate differently, rebuild trust and reconnect as partners. It wasn’t always easy, but it changed our relationship.
Today we’re still together, and our marriage feels stronger than it has in years. We’re so glad we reached out for help.”
*Names changed for privacy reasons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is counselling in simple words?

Counselling is a safe, confidential space where you talk with a trained professional to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It helps you better understand yourself, manage challenges, and make positive changes in your life and relationships.

What can I expect in my first counselling session?

Your first session is all about getting to know you. You’ll discuss what’s brought you in, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve. It’s a gentle, collaborative conversation — no pressure, no judgement — just a chance to feel heard and supported.

Is therapy covered by Medicare or private health in Australia?

Yes. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for psychological services. Many private health insurers also offer rebates for counselling sessions, depending on your level of cover.

What types of counselling do you offer at Staying Connected?

We provide individual counselling for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, anger and more. We also offer couple therapy, marriage counselling, and family therapy. Sessions are available in-person in Castle Hill or via secure telehealth.

Start Here - Free Resources

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Stress, Burnout, and the Point of No Return: Knowing When Rest Isn’t Enough

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Terms of Service

Welcome to Staying Connected Counselling & Psychological Services.

Before accessing our services, please take a moment to review the terms and conditions that govern our work with you.

→You can read the full terms here.

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