Dave is a Counselling Psychologist with over 40 years of clinical experience. He is the co-founder and director of Misso Psychology & Consulting, established in 2001. Dave has previously managed one of Australia’s most prominent counselling agencies. He was a member of the Queensland Domestic Violence Council and a trainer for the Queensland Police Service on domestic violence perpetrator typologies. He is a supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia for the psychology registrar program and a clinical supervisor for the Australian Government’s Veterans and Families Counselling Services.

Dave has integrated various models of practice into his therapeutic approach throughout his career, having trained and established professional relationships with many pioneers in narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, systems theory, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and transpersonal psychology. He has collaborated and published with Dr Giancarlo Dimaggio, Professor Robert Schweitzer and colleagues on the incorporation of metacognition to enhance treatment interventions for male perpetrators of domestic violence. The theories and research of the late Professor Paul Lysaker have influenced his doctoral work. Their collaboration has contributed significantly to the understanding and application of metacognitive strategies in clinical settings, offering new perspectives on client engagement and treatment efficacy. Dave’s approach to clinical practice is deeply rooted in his belief in personal growth, self-awareness, and the unique subjective experiences of every individual. He adopts a humanistic approach, viewing individuals as complex beings with a rich tapestry of emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. He rejects simplistic categorisations, instead valuing the dynamic and evolving nature of personal narratives. This empathetic understanding forms the foundation of his therapeutic approach.

Dave’s PhD research at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) focuses on developing an integrative approach to address domestic and family violence. This approach aims to reduce the incidence of domestic and family violence and encourage men to engage in a broader conversation about their roles in fostering safety. Dave’s initiative highlights his dedication and passion for promoting positive change and establishing safer communities through innovative therapeutic practices and community involvement. Dave’s expertise in psychology extends beyond therapy. He has demonstrated his leadership and versatility across various industries, leading and facilitating significant change projects. His involvement in organisational strategic and business planning, leadership development, and coaching with executive, senior, and middle-level managers showcase his adaptability and broad skill set. This diverse experience has enriched his understanding of human behaviour and further honed his professional skills. Dave has recently founded the Institute for Integrative Psychotherapies (IIP). IIP trains mental health professionals, facilitates discussions, conducts research, and develops innovative global mental health collaboration and enhancement solutions.

Donna is the co-founder and co-director of Misso Psychology and has over thirty years of experience in human services. Her leadership in community initiatives has focused on improving service delivery systems, leading to consultancy roles with State and Federal governments in implementing Quality Assurance Systems for community-based agencies. Holding a Bachelor of Human Services with a specialisation in child and family studies, Donna has additional qualifications in counselling, expressive therapies, breathwork, and community services management. Her clinical focus encompasses body-centred therapies, breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness practices. She has co-facilitated breathwork workshops in Australia and internationally, developing an integrated approach recognising the connection between physical and psychological well-being. As an experienced facilitator, Donna contributed to Australia’s initial training programs for mental health professionals in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Her experience provided participants with a practical understanding of client support techniques in this emerging field. Co-founding the Institute for Integrative Psychotherapies (IIP), Donna works to enhance global mental health care through professional collaboration and knowledge sharing. She is currently developing a training program in breathwork facilitation specifically designed for mental health professionals, combining her extensive practical experience with evidence-based methodologies.