At The Grounding Place Psychology we know that life can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, and, well.... alot!
Our aim is to give you a space where you: Feel at ease , Feel heard, Supported and Understood
Rediscover, uncover your strengths
Build acceptance and celebrate being yourself
Whether you’re wanting to find yourself, seek clarity, healing, or simply a place to feel at ease to work through challenges;
The Grounding Place could be a good fit for you.
About
The Grounding Place Psychology
Kristie Scudds
Hello, I'm Kristie; owner and psychologist at The Grounding Place Psychology
I'm a mum, a daughter and a sister: a grounded and down to earth person who believes in keeping things real. I value kindness and compassion and prefer openness and honesty, with humbleness and gratitude at the forefront of my practice as a psychologist.
My intention is always bring respect, safety and understanding right from the start.
I’m passionate about learning and have a passion for 'all things' psychological, but what matters is being professional and bringing 'humanness' to my work.
I am committed in my work and feel it to be an honour and privilege to help guide people to discover strengths, gain new insights, and experience the 'light bulb' moments.
Areas of practice
I offer help with a range of concerns, including:
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Autism and ADHD assessments and neuroaffirming support
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Recovery from narcissistic abuse, coercive control, and tough relationships
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Trauma and post-traumatic growth
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Workplace stress, injury, and burnout
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Anxiety and depression
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Childhood trauma,
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anxiety, and behaviour challenges
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Strengthening parent-child connections
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Adjusting to big life changes and transitions
How I Work
I use a mix of evidence-based therapies, and I’ll always tailor my approach to suit you:
Schema Therapy: For those patterns that keep showing up in your life
CBT: For tackling those “what ifs,” “should's,” and “musts” when your mind is racing
ACT: For making space for tough feelings instead of fighting them
Somatic Techniques: For the times when stress shows up in your body
Art Therapy: For when words aren’t enough
Play-Based Therapy: For kids (and sometimes grown-ups!) who learn best by doing
A Unique and Calming Space in Nairne
My practice is tucked away in the old Nairne Railway Station cottage—a place with a lot of character and history. We’re carefully renovating the space to keep its heritage charm, and I hope you’ll find it relaxed and welcoming. It’s a peaceful spot to take a breather from the busy world outside.
i’m proud to be part of the Nairne community, and it’s important to me that our room rental fees go back into supporting local people and projects, thanks to the Lions Club who look after this special place.
Services
The Grounding Place Psychology offers psychological services designed for adults, young people, and children.
Adults
Psychological sessions provide a safe space for adults to explore their thoughts and feelings Whether it’s dealing with stress, anxiety, or relationship issues, having a dedicated time to talk can lead to valuable insights and coping strategies. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to prioritize self-care and mental well-being!
Special interests in supporting people in the recovery & rebuilding after harmful relationships and individuals recovering from narcissistic abuse or psychologically controlling relationships. We focus on:
Psychoeducation and understanding trauma responses
Finding yourself again
Building your self-esteem and confidence
Learning to set and honour healthy boundaries
Restoring your nervous system to find clarity and calm
Trusting yourself again- reducing self doubt
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Young People & Children
Life as a young person can be full of ups and downs. Our sessions help explore feelings, independence, and responsibilities, with parents and supports on board. The goal? Helping young people be their confident, quirky, funny, serious, wonderful selves—facing challenges; feeling at home in their own skin.
Children
Our psychological services for children focus on understanding what helps your child thrive. We work closely with you and the key people in their life to create supportive, practical strategies to build resilience and wellbeing.
And yes—sessions may look like fun playtime, but that’s the magic of it, through play your child is learning important social, communication skills and building confidence (don’t tell them we said so!).”
Parent/carer involvement is essential
NDIS & Third Party (RTWSA/CTP/DVA)
NDIS referrals are welcome
At The Grounding Place Psychology, we create a safe, supportive space where you are understood and respected. We take the time to get to know your individual strengths, challenges, and goals, and we work with you in ways that fit who you are and how you experience the world.
Return to work
Our Return to Work psychology sessions offer a supportive space to explore how your workplace injury has affected you and what you need for recovery. Together, we build practical strategies and a clear, achievable pathway back to work. We work with your support team to create a plan that’s coordinated, supportive, and focused on your recovery and wellbeing
Fees, Rebates & Appointments
Your guide to getting started at The Grounding Place.
Our Fees
The current recommended fee for a 50-60 minute psychological consultation is $318 (Australian Psychological Society, 2025).
Your care is our priority, and we aim to keep our fees as affordable as possible.
While we are not able to offer bulk billing at this time, we have set our rates to be accessible.
Our Fee: $230 per 50-60 minute session.
Payment is required in full at the time of your consultation. If Medicare rebates apply this will be processed the same day.
Concession rates may be available; please feel free to discuss your circumstances with us.
Medicare Rebates
If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your doctor, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We can process this for you on the same day as your appointment, and the rebate is typically in your registered bank account within 24 hours. Alternatively, you can claim your rebate yourself through the MyGov website.
Private Health Insurance If you have private health insurance with extras cover for psychology, you may be able to claim a rebate. Please check directly with your provider for details on your coverage. We will provide you with a receipt of payment to submit your claim.
Assessment & Report Fees
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Autism Assessment: We offer comprehensive Autism assessments. As this is a detailed process, a personalised quote will be provided. This service is self-funded.
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Report Writing & Support Letters: Any requested reports or support letters (excluding standard reports for your Mental Health Treatment Plan) are charged at the hourly rate of $230.
Getting Started: Referrals & Booking
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist. You are welcome to book an appointment with us at any time.
Using a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a referral from a medical practitioner (like a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician) that allows you to claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions.
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An MHTP provides access to a maximum of 10 rebated sessions per calendar year.
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Your doctor will typically refer you for an initial block of 6 sessions.
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After these sessions, a summary report is sent to your doctor. You can then schedule a review with them to consider a referral for the remaining sessions if needed.
Ready to Make an Appointment?
Booking your first session is simple. You can reach us in one of the following ways:
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Phone: Call us on 0467 466 151.
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Please leave a detailed message, and we will return your call as soon as possible.
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Email: Send your enquiry to admin@thegroundingplace.com.au
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Online Booking: Use our online booking by clicking here
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Booking Form: Fill out the contact form below, and we will be in touch to arrange an appointment for you.
Enquiry and Booking Form
GP's, Support Coordinators, Other Professionals
How to Refer
We accept referrals via GP, NDIS, RTWSA, CTP and DVA, DCP
There are several ways to send a referral:
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Via secure fax number: (08) 62563137
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call 0467 466 151
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email: hillstgp@outlook.com
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Bookings available online
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Enquiries can be made online
Referral details
Kristie Scudds: Psychologist
The Grounding Place Psychology
Nairne Railway Station,Old Princes Highway,
Nairne SA 5252
PH: 0467 466 151
Enquiries or contacting Kristie can be made by clicking on the email link: email: hillstgp@outlook.com
MBS Better Access via Mental Health Care Plan
For eligible patients-access to Medicare rebate
Please note we are not able to provide bulk billing, as much as we believe in care before costs, we appreciate your understanding.
Referral Letter and Mental Health Treatment Plan
To avoid unnecessary delays please ensure the Referral Letter and Mental Health Treatment Plan must include:
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Patient's date of birth and address.
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The number of sessions the patient is being referred for: The maximum number of sessions a patient can be referred for under Better Access items is 6 sessions at a time.
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The current allowance is up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year, which is usually achieved over 2 referrals.
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States that a Mental Health Care Plan/healthcare home shared care plan/referred psychiatrist assessment and management plan has been created
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Requests the provision of psychological treatment.
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States an eligible diagnosis or symptoms
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Must be signed and dated
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Contains practice address and provider number
As of 1st November 2025 - To be eligible for a Medicare benefit, a patient’s MHTP for mental health treatment services must have been undertaken by either a GP or PMP at the general practice they are enrolled in for MyMedicare, or their usual medical practitioner.