Help close at hand to navigate life’s challenges

Marni Hietbrink, Andrew Lindsay and Penny Kempton work from shared premises in Guyra

11th Aug 2026

For many people, taking the first step towards seeing a psychologist can feel daunting. But for Guyra residents, professional psychological support is available locally, with three psychologists now working from the same shared practice.
Marni Hietbrink, Penny Kempton and Andrew Lindsay bring extensive experience and different areas of expertise, supporting people of all ages with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to trauma, relationships and everyday life challenges.
For all three psychologists, building a trusting relationship is an important part of the process.
Sessions generally run for 50 minutes, with an initial appointment focused on gathering information and understanding what is happening before working together on strategies and goals.
People do not necessarily need a referral to contact a psychologist and can approach any of the three practitioners directly.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan through a GP can provide Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychological therapy sessions per calendar year. The sessions are partially rebated, and the psychologists do not bulk bill, so patients should discuss fees and rebates when making an appointment.
With three experienced psychologists now available locally, Guyra residents have access to a broad range of psychological support close to home.
Whether dealing with anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, challenges at school or work, trauma, neurodiversity or simply feeling that life is becoming difficult to manage, the message from the team is clear: asking for help is a positive step, and there is no need to wait until things become overwhelming.

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Marni Hietbrink
Through her private practice, Peak Psychology, Marni has worked in Guyra for more than 10 years. She also works one day a week as an Associate Lecturer at the University of New England and as a psychologist with Armajun Aboriginal Health Service in Armidale.
Marni has particular interests and experience in eating disorders, sport and exercise psychology and anxiety.
She describes psychology simply as the study of human behaviour, with psychologists helping people understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviours so they can improve their lives.
“Everyone at some point in their life is likely to have a mental health issue,” she said, emphasising that mental health does not discriminate based on wealth, education or background.
Marni highlights four important pillars of mental health – sleep, social interaction, exercise and light – along with maintaining a well-rounded diet.
Her message to the Guyra community is to seek help when needed and to show understanding towards others.
“We should all be very kind and tolerant, because we don’t know what the person next to you is going through,” she said.
Contact: Marni Hietbrink https://peakpsychology.com.au/ phone 0428 296 396

Andrew Lindsay
Andrew Lindsay brings more than 20 years of experience in private practice with adults, along with extensive experience as an educator and trainer.
Andrew moved to Guyra from Brisbane a few years ago after spending 20 years working at the Bardon Counselling Centre, Brisbane’s longest-standing counselling and therapy centre.
He describes his approach as practical and broad, with a particular interest in understanding what is “under the bonnet” and helping people work out how things can function better.
His areas of interest include couples coaching, men’s wellbeing, adult ADHD and neurodiversity, trauma and PTSD, anxiety and difficult emotions such as anger and depression. He has also worked with people experiencing chronic pain and illness, grief and loss.
“I’m basically happy to work with anybody who walks in the door,” Andrew said.
He particularly enjoys helping people understand their problems more deeply, believing that greater understanding can make it easier to deal with challenges effectively.
For Andrew, creating a safe space where people can talk openly is one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.
Contact: Andrew Lindsay alindpsych@gmail.com https://www.andrewlindsay.com.au/
Penny Kempton
Penny Kempton is a registered psychologist with 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people, adults and families across a range of mental health and wellbeing concerns.
Penny has strong connections to the New England, beginning her career with Centacare NENW in Armidale before working with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in Broken Hill. She returned to the New England in 2014 and established Have-A-Chat Psychology in 2015.
For the past eight years, Penny has also worked at PLC Armidale, supporting students and families and contributing to the broader wellbeing of the school community. This has strengthened her particular interest in supporting children and young people as they navigate the social, emotional and developmental challenges of growing up.
In private practice, Penny works with people across the lifespan and supports individuals and families to develop practical strategies that can be used in everyday life.
Contact: Penny Kempton: haveachatpsychology@gmail.com or phone 0413 612 218

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