About Us
The Health Continuum
The Health Continuum is a specialised Psychology Clinic nestled in the leafy South Eastern suburb of Wheelers Hill in Melbourne. It was first established in 2016 by Clinical Psychologist, Manal Darwish and Clinical & Counselling Psychologist, Susan Cavarra.
The Clinic is the culmination of many years of clinical experience in both the psychiatric and alcohol & other drugs sectors. With the combination of their passion for enhancing others’ wellbeing with their respect for the uniqueness of each human’s experience, they have created a space for healing and rejuvenation.
Our Story
Prior to establishing The Health Continuum, Susan and Manal worked together for almost ten years. Together they managed a large group of dedicated psychologists and other allied health professionals in a private hospital in Melbourne.
Hampered by factors that made it challenging to deliver a purely client-centred experience, they dreamed of the day they would be free to craft a therapeutic experience for clients that they could be proud of, one that was single-mindedly focussed on best practice and the client’s needs.
Eventually they took the leap of faith with the knowledge that they had the dedication and experience to make a difference to the quality of peoples’ lives. Since that time, the practice has gone from strength to strength and has established a reputation of excellence in the field.
Meet Our Team
Susan Cavarra
Clinical and Counselling Psychologist & Board Approved Supervisor- Director
B.A., GradDip Psych, MPsych (Counselling), AAPI
Susan Cavarra is an AHPRA Endorsed Clinical and Counselling Psychologist with twenty years experience working within the private, psychiatric and drug and alcohol sectors. Susan has training in relationships and couples counselling and undertook a further four years training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy . She has held senior management positions in a private psychiatric hospital, Psychosocial Community Sector and also within the Dual Diagnosis Community Sector. Susan is an APS Board approved student supervisor providing supervision to both provisional psychologists and experienced clinicians.
Susan predominantly works within a Psychodynamic, Trauma-Informed and Attachment Theory framework assisting clients to build insight and self-awareness, as a precondition for change. She views a client’s presenting difficulties through the lens of their experiences growing up in their first family. Her work is strongly underpinned by the principles and practices of Mindfulness in order to support clients to build awareness and live more intentionally. Susan incorporates elements from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into her work. Susan is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Manal Darwish
Manal DarwishClinical Psychologist, EMDRAA Accredited Practitioner & Board Approved Supervisor - Director
B.Sc (Psych). GradDip Psych, MPsych (Clinical), AAPI
Manal Darwish is an Endorsed Clinical Psychologist with over ten years of clinical experience within a range of mental health settings. She has held senior hospital management positions, leading a team of allied health professionals to deliver psychiatric and addiction services. Manal currently consults at The Health Continuum with people seeking to address a range of mental health difficulties, which may include; anxiety, depression, grief, issues of identity, and trauma. She supports clients to honour their personal strengths and resilience, by tapping into mind and body resources that can be tools for awareness, understanding, and re-connection.
Manal is a trauma-informed therapist, drawing on the science of our brains and basic hardwiring (neurobiology and Attachment Theory) as a foundation for therapy. She engages clients in interventions that match their needs and preferences. These may involve; EMDR, sensorimotor psychotherapy strategies, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Manal is also passionate about self reflective practice and self development for professionals, and as such is a Board-approved supervisor for psychologists, as well as other mental health professionals seeking to learn about themselves and their therapeutic craft.
Taylah McCarthy
Administrative and Client Relations Support
Taylah is a positive and friendly support to our psychologists and clients. You may meet her as she greets you on entry to the practice, or you may encounter her via online communication as she prepares your paperwork and rebates.
Taylah is passionate about providing a warm, welcoming experience for all whom she may make contact with at The Health Continuum. Studying to be a psychologist herself, she values the opportunity to expand her mental health knowledge, and provide professional and compassionate interactions. Taylah aims to provide a seamless administrative experience for our clients, and is always happy to have a chat.
Compassion lives here
Get in touch and let us help you