Grounded expertise.
Uncommon care.
This is what therapy should feel like. Trauma and couples therapy in Wollongong - built around you from day one.
Medicare rebates available
Mental Health Treatment Plans accepted
Telehealth available
Wollongong, NSW
Medicare rebates available Mental Health Treatment Plans accepted Telehealth available Wollongong, NSW
Built differently.
On purpose.
ABOUT US
We're Lucy and Maddy - two psychologists in Wollongong with a shared belief that therapy should feel different. Not clinical and cold. Not vague and directionless. But grounded, warm, and genuinely helpful.
Between us, we bring years of experience working with adults navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, and the kinds of patterns that are hard to shift alone. We use approaches that are backed by research — like EMDR, IFS, and the GottmanMethod — because we want you to feel real progress, not just talk in circles.
This is serious therapy. Real care. Nothing less.
Therapy that actually
goes somewhere.
WHAT WE DO
Individual
Therapy
we support adults experiencing anxiety, depression, eating difficulties, emotion regulation, self-esteem concerns, and the long-term impacts of complex or intergenerational trauma.
If you're not sure whether we can help, please ask.
Gottman Method
Couples Therapy
Whether you're stuck in the same argument, rebuilding after something painful, or just feeling disconnected — we offer a structured, research-backed process that gives you both a clear path forward. Lucy is trained in the Gottman Method, one of the most well-researched approaches to couples therapy in the world.
Gottman Method Relationship Assessment
This is where couples therapy with us begins. Over five sessions, we get a clear picture of what's happening in your relationship — what's working, what's not, and what's driving the disconnection. You'll both leave with a roadmap, not just a conversation.
Trauma
Therapy
If you've been carrying something heavy, whether it's from childhood, a difficult relationship, or an experience you haven't been able to move past, this is what we do. We work with complex trauma, PTSD, and the patterns that form when hard things happen. We go at your pace, and we're clear about what we're doing and why. Trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRACTICE
Meet Lucy and Maddy.
Dr Lucy Hobby
Clinical Psychologist · Co-Director
Dr Lucy Hobby is the Co-Director and Clinical Psychologist at The Uncommon Practice. She balances her compassionate, open, and authentic approach with the no-nonsense directness that is required to support psychological change.
Lucy holds a PhD from the Australian Catholic University, a Master of Psychology (Clinical) with Distinction from the University of Wollongong, and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Western Sydney — where she received the Dean’s Medal, University Medal, and the Australian Psychological Society Prize. Her years as an academic researcher underpin a commitment to evidence-based practice that informs every clinical decision she makes.
Lucy specialises in trauma therapy and couples therapy for adults. She brings an ecological systems lens to her work — building a genuine shared understanding with her clients and moving towards recovery and growth in real partnership.
Her trauma expertise spans post-traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, and the impacts of intergenerational, attachment, and relational trauma, developed through years in adult mental health and child protection within the government sector and private practice. Lucy draws upon her extensive training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and attachment-based approaches to support meaningful and lasting change.
For couples, Lucy is trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy — a structured, evidence-based approach grounded in decades of research on what makes relationships succeed or fail. It gives both partners a clear assessment of what is driving disconnection and a practical roadmap for repairing conflict, eroded trust, and past hurt — and strengthening intimacy, emotional connection, and the foundations that make a relationship last.
Madeline Franklin is the Co-Director and Registered Psychologist at The Uncommon Practice. She brings a warm, engaging, and authentic therapeutic style, balancing genuine connection with the depth and challenge required for meaningful psychological change.
Madeline completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at the University of Wollongong in 2017. She began her career in regional New South Wales, completing her Provisional Psychologist training in Tamworth before working across Canberra, Batemans Bay, and Wollongong. These experiences have allowed her to work with diverse client groups and develop a broad understanding of the challenges people face throughout different stages of life.
Madeline has developed particular expertise in trauma therapy and supporting individuals who have experienced complex trauma, attachment injuries, and post-traumatic stress. She is passionate about helping clients make sense of the patterns that have developed in response to difficult experiences and supporting them to move towards healing, self-understanding, and lasting change.
She also works with adults experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, emotion regulation difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and relationship challenges.
Madeline’s therapeutic approach is collaborative, practical, and tailored to each client's needs. She believes that meaningful therapy occurs when clients feel genuinely understood and safe enough to explore both the difficult and hopeful parts of their experiences. She balances deeper therapeutic work with humour, curiosity, and a down-to-earth style that helps foster strong therapeutic relationships.
Drawing from evidence-based approaches including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy, Madeline works alongside clients to process difficult experiences, develop greater self-compassion, and create meaningful and sustainable change.
Registered Psychologist · Co-Director
Madeline Franklin
What makes our
practice different?
PhD-level training. Evidence-based approaches only. Years of experience in individual, trauma and couples work. We don't offer what we can't stand behind.
We know what we're doing.
Everything is straightforward.
From your first enquiry to your ongoing sessions — it's all clear, simple, and designed around you.
Every part of this practice has been built with your experience in mind. You'll feel held, not handled. Seen, not processed.
You'll feel the difference.
Transparent fees.
No surprises.
FEES
Medicare rebates are available for individual therapy sessions with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.
Individual Therapy
Dr Lucy Hobby: $280
per 50-minute session
Madeline Franklin: $230
per 50-minute session
Medicare rebates available with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP — up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Lucy: rebate of $149.05 per session
Maddy: rebate of $101.52per session
Gottman Method Relationship Assessment
Dr Lucy Hobby: $2,400
full assessment
What is included
Gottman Relationship Checkup — online questionnaire, administration and interpretation
Initial joint session for relationship and history assessment
An individual session for each partner
A joint feedback and treatment planning session
Booking Formats:
Standard
All four sessions completed across a two-week period at a pace that suits both partners.
Marathon
All four sessions completed in a single day from 9am to 2pm — ideal for couples with busy schedules or those who prefer an immersive start.
The Relationship Assessment is not eligible for Medicare rebates at this time.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Dr Lucy Hobby: $360
per 50-minute session
Booking Formats:
Standard
Weekly or fortnightly sessions booked in a two-hour block (2 × 50-minute appointments)
Marathon
A concentrated intensive format — approximately 5 × 50-minute appointments plus breaks in a single day
Couples therapy is not eligible for Medicare rebates at this time.
To access Medicare rebates, you will need a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP. Plans cover up to 10 sessions per calendar year. If your plan has expired or you are unsure whether you have one, your GP can arrange this at a standard appointment. If you have any questions about fees or rebates before booking, please reach out at admin@theuncommonpractice.com.au
