The team

Leading the team at Byron Private is Dr Tessa Cookson, a registered Psychiatrist with extensive experience in the field of mental health, eating disorders and associated psychological trauma. Dr Cookson is passionate about supporting people in their recovery through an individualised approach, incorporating evidence based lifestyle intervention and therapy.

Dr Cookson brings to her role as Clinical Director expertise in diagnosing and treating a range of mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic illness and eating disorders through a warm and empathic approach.

Anthony is Byron Private’s dedicated General Practitioner and is also an Addiction Specialist with over 15 years in clinical practice including as the Principal GP of the North Coast Medical Centre. He graduated from UNSW in 1991 and completed post graduate training in Paediatrics and General Practice. Anthony is a Fellow of the RACGP and also Fellow of the rural arm of the RACGP. Anthony’s special interests are addiction medicine, acupuncture, aboriginal health and integrative medicine.

He is also Co-Director of the Byron Integrative Medicine Conference. Anthony brings to Byron Private extensive experience in medicated detox and withdrawal from both alcohol and illicit substances and complements the integrative nature of the Byron Private Treatment Centre Program.

Luke is a trained gestalt therapist who embodies a holistic approach to his work. He draws on studies as a Somatic Psychotherapist and mindfulness practices to adopt a trauma informed approach to his work.

Luke’s experience is a result of work in private practice and residential treatment centres. Through engagement with some of Australia’s leading treatment centres he has come to specialise in group work and treatment approaches for addiction, depression, anxiety and trauma. With a particular focus on trauma informed care, Luke has engaged in trauma treatment programs and trauma focused modalities to target one of the primary drivers for addiction and mental health presentations. Through an integrative, person centred approach he endeavours to facilitate connection, awareness and healthy emotional relationships for residents, and in turn those around them.