The Bardo

We are a leading private and confidential health retreat located between Brisbane & the Gold Coast regions.

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Our Team

Greig Sutton

Director of The Bardo

Greg Roberts

Director of The Bardo

Greig is a passionate advocate for addiction recovery, with a commitment to transforming lives by providing high-quality, personalised care. His journey into the realm of mental health and drug and alcohol services began in 2008, a path profoundly influenced by his personal battle with alcoholism and addiction.

Since starting his career, Greig has assumed pivotal roles in the field. For 10 years he served as a program coordinator for a 15-bed withdrawal unit and independent living program in Victoria. There he gained invaluable experience in helping individuals navigate the challenging process of mental health and addiction recovery. More recently, he managed a private retreat in New South Wales, further honing his expertise in providing holistic care and support to those eager for change.

Today, as the Director of The Bardo Health and Wellness, Greig, alongside his wife Lesley, a registered nurse, realised a dream of creating a private retreat offering highly individualised programs of recovery. Greig’s guiding principal is that ‘no two client’s lived experiences are the same so why should their program of recovery be the same?’ Having worked for over 12 years in a system which favoured the medical model and ‘one size fits all approach’ Greig identified a gap in support services which he has endeavoured to plug with The Bardo.

To accomplish this, they have assembled a formidable team of compassionate professionals who share their dedication to helping individuals rediscover a path to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

The Bardo embodies Greig and Lesley’s dream of creating a sanctuary of hope, a place where transformation and healing flourish under the team’s compassionate and considerate client centred approach.

Lesley Sutton

Clinical Nurse Manager

Lesley Sutton

Clinical Nurse Manager

 

Lesley, a co-owner of The Bardo Health and Wellness, brings over 25 years of experience as a registered nurse in diverse sectors such as Community Nursing, International Health, Paediatrics, and Practice Nursing. She holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and has taught courses in the Bachelor of Nursing and the Diploma of Nursing.

For more than a decade, Lesley dedicated her expertise to the Humanitarian Aid and Community Development sector, primarily managing health and nutrition programs in countries like Afghanistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Africa.

At The Bardo, Lesley serves as the Clinical Nurse Manager, where her primary responsibility is guiding clients through the detox phase. She collaborates with The Bardo's Nurse Practitioner to create safe and comfortable withdrawal plans for clients. Lesley assists clients in transitioning into the rehabilitation phase by providing education, informal counselling, and being readily available to address their needs. With the client's consent, she can also coordinate with their external medical team.

Lesley also handles various management tasks and supports Greig in the operational aspects of The Bardo. In her free time, Lesley enjoys outdoor activities, spending quality time with friends and family, and showcasing her culinary skills in the kitchen.

detox-gold-coast

Bronwyn Schlesinger

Counsellor

Bronwyn

Counsellor

Bronwyn has supported and counselled people struggling with addiction, homelessness and mental health for 20 years. Bronwyn also has extensive experience counselling Veterans. She holds a Social Science and Policy degree with a major in Sociology, as well as a Dual Diploma in Mental Health and Addiction. Her employment spans from crisis accommodations, mental health organisations, ten years in a public rehabilitation setting to now private retreat style, health and wellness settings. She has worked with clients from every walk of life and with every type of issue. She is passionate about helping people find themselves and their truth so they can lead a life that accepts more and struggles less. She also aims to lead clients to work on their relationship with the most important person of all: themselves. She believes that self compassion and self honesty is the key to experiencing a life that will finally be about living and not just existing. With a keen interest in the field of counselling and finding the missing puzzle of one's life, she is a keen researcher of all philosophies and methodologies that aim to achieve this outcome. Bronwyn is therefore flexible and adaptable and able to adopt whatever approach is needed to meet the clients individual needs. Bronwyn is ready to help you explore your issues and to be with you on your journey.

addiction-rehab-gold-coast

Nicole Duffy

Wellbeing Counsellor

Nicole Duffy

Wellbeing Counsellor

 
Nicole is passionate about creating a safe space for individuals to explore their challenging thoughts and emotions with curiosity, compassion, and non-judgment. Her work is based on the belief that every person possesses an inner wisdom and strength that naturally guides them toward healing and wholeness. She aims to empower individuals by deepening their connection to this aspect of themselves, through which they can gain insight into their experiences, cultivate self-compassion, and develop practices to support their well-being.
 
Nicole tailors her work to align with the unique needs and preferences of the individual, drawing from several modalities, including:
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
  • Somatic Psychotherapy
  • Breathwork Practices
  • Meditation Practices
  • Mindfulness-Based Techniques

Jesska Leroy

Yoga, Yin Yoga & Bodywork Therapist, Breath-Centred Anatomy

Jesska Leroy

Yoga, Yin Yoga & Bodywork Therapist, Breath-Centred Anatomy
(BS. Behavioural Science & PGDip Psychology)

 

Jesska is a breath-centred movement and stillness therapist at The Bardo, offering targeted and personalised practices to all clients.  Through the development of versatile and individualised programs, client’s needs will be met.  She has a wealth of knowledge in Psychology, Yoga and Human Anatomy, Zen Thai Shiatsu Therapy, Chinese Elemental Therapy, Breathwork, Meditation and philosophy.

Jesska has a passion for teaching, and her goal in every client session is to form a non-judgemental and reciprocal relationship where learning can be freely shared between herself and the client. Part of this includes

She aims to facilitate self-respect and guides self-connection demystifying the inner functions of the biopsychosocial system (the mind-body-energy triad). When these three elements are brought into harmony, you are more capable of adaptation, enjoyment and experiences in life, creating empowerment, stability and vitality. Eventually, together you will seek to release old patterns and behaviours that impede your health and happiness.

The underlying philosophy that guides Jesska's work is - 'You have the power to heal yourself', and she endeavours to support this journey whilst creating space for your unique experience.

Email: jesska@vividlifeco.com.au

Website: www.vividlifeco.com.au

Namaste.

Chad Noble

Chef

Chad Noble

Chef

 

Chad is a dedicated chef with a lifelong passion for the culinary arts, having honed his skills in kitchens both in Australia and abroad. In recent years, he has cultivated a deep appreciation for local, seasonal, and organic produce, which forms the cornerstone of his culinary creations. He takes great pleasure in uncovering the diverse flavors that the local land has to offer.

Under the banner of his current venture, Community Table, Chad brings his culinary expertise to life. Through this business, he orchestrates his own events, caters to a wide range of industries, and provides private chef services.

When Chad isn't busy in the kitchen, he indulges his creative side through activities such as drawing and dance, expressing his artistic flair in any way possible. Additionally, he finds solace and balance in practices like yoga and meditation. Chad's adventurous spirit also leads him to explore the world, fueling his love for travel.

Marja-Liisa Rintala

Art Therapist

Marja-Liisa Rintala

Masters in Mental, trained Art Therapist and Drama Therapist

 

Marja-Liisa serves as The Bardo's Arts Therapist. With over 8 years experience in Art Therapy, she has a passion to help others live lives of authenticity, self connection and creativity. Marja-Liisa draws on her training as an arts therapist, drama therapist and her Masters in Mental Health to provide a well rounded approach to creative based therapy.

Marja-Liisa's art therapy approach focuses on supporting clients to express themselves effectively through art making, with the attention being on the process and not the end product. Using the art materials as a way to communicate, clients are supported to approach their concerns in new ways and seek out new solutions.

Clients may wish to continue their art therapy journey, and can find Marja-Liisa at her private practise at www.artstherapyco.com

Debra Woodfine

Massage Therapist

Debra

Massage Therapist

 

Debra, the owner of Tranquil Massage, holds qualifications in Massage, Aromatherapy, and Reflexology since 1998. She is also a Reiki Master and teacher, constantly dedicated to expanding her skill set to remain at the forefront of her field.

Currently, Debra resides and operates as a mobile therapist on Tamborine Mountain while serving clients in the Gold Coast and its surrounding areas. In addition to her core offerings, her range of treatments includes Swedish, Hot Stones, Pregnancy, Corporate, Hawaiian, Balinese, Couples, and Spa treatments. Debra collaborates with five other qualified and fully insured therapists to ensure an exceptional service.

Debra has been happily married for 33 years and has two grown children. Originally from the UK, her family relocated to the Gold Coast in 2006.

Website:  www.tranquilmassage.com.au

Email: tranquilmassage@live.com.au.

Trent Taylor

Personal Trainer and Fitness Professional

Trent Taylor

Personal Trainer

 

For the past 15 years, Trent, a dedicated personal trainer, has been transforming lives through expert guidance in fitness and nutrition. His exceptional work has not only earned him three national awards but also the opportunity to work with elite clients in the health industry. Trent harbors a deep-seated passion for helping others and believes in the power of physical activity and proper nutrition to enhance both physical and mental well-being, viewing these as crucial steps towards a more fulfilling and controlled life.

Adopting a holistic approach, Trent assesses the overall health of his clients, tailoring training, nutrition, and supplementation plans to meet their current needs. His training techniques are more than just exercise routines; they're tools to build confidence, leaving clients feeling capable and positively charged after each session.

Nicole Pritchard

Life Coach

Nicole Pritchard

Life Coach

 

Nicole serves as The Bardo's Life Coach and resides in Auckland, New Zealand, having previously practiced life coaching during her time in Australia and continuing her work since relocating to New Zealand.

During Nicole's sessions, clients have the opportunity to discuss their current challenges and embark on a journey to explore their aspirations for the future. To facilitate this process, Nicole employs a variety of methods aimed at addressing the barriers holding clients back and fostering their motivation to embrace a promising future.

An essential aspect of Nicole's coaching approach is the creation of a relaxed, enjoyable, and supportive environment. She upholds a non-judgmental stance and meets each client where they are, placing emphasis on their individual priorities and goals.

Nicole guides clients in comprehending the science of how their minds operate and how they can harness this knowledge to bolster their progress. At the end of each session, clients leave with practical tools to empower them in their daily journey.

Should clients wish to continue their coaching journey beyond their time at The Bardo, they can arrange further coaching sessions with Nicole by reaching out to her via email at coaching@nicolethecoach.com

One of Nicole's guiding principles is "Your life is too important to settle for less than what you can be."

 

Sara Kallis

Clinical Nutritionist

Sara Kallis

Nutritionist
(BHSc.Nut, CPN, B.IntBus)

 

Sara is a Certified Practicing Nutritionist with a unique dual degree – a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition) and a Bachelor of International Business. With over two decades of experience in the health industry, Sara has been practising clinical nutrition since 2021. She firmly believes in the transformative power of food as medicine and provides evidence-based nutrition advice and guidance at The Bardo through tailored workshops and private consultations designed to address the individual needs and health concerns of our guests.

In her private practice, Sara collaborates closely with her clients to uncover the underlying causes of their health concerns and assists them achieve their health goals. She understands that the journey to long-term health lies in making realistic and sustainable changes that integrate into an individual's lifestyle.

Sara specialises in a range of health issues including:

  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Allergies and food intolerances
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Fatigue
  • Skin conditions
  • Mood disorders
  • Fertility
  • Weight management
  • Chronic disease management

In her spare time, Sara enjoys spending time with her family, doing yoga, reading, gardening, strolling sandy beaches, and testing out new recipes.

To find out more about Sara and her services, you can visit her at:

Website: www.holisticfamilyliving.com

Instagram: @holistic.family.living

Facebook: @Holistic Family Living

 

Sean Wright

Acupuncture Therapy & AOD Support Worker

Sean Wright

Acupuncturist, AOD Counsellor, Addiction Support Worker.
(BHSc(Acupuncture), DipAODcounselling, CertIVBowentherapist)

 

Sean is an allied health professional with over 7 years of experience successfully managing his own health practice. For over 5 years Sean has worked specifically in alcohol and other drugs detox and rehabilitation. During this time, Sean has consistently applied a comprehensive approach to promote healing in the realms of mind, body, and spirit for individuals affected by alcohol and substance use.

Driven by a deep passion for knowledge and a gift for connecting ideas from the scientific, spiritual, and emotional landscapes, Sean applies these insights to his current practice. As a result, each session is custom-tailored to the individual, accommodating their unique needs and circumstances.

Sean firmly believes in the power of mental and emotional healing to instigate behavioural and life transformations. He places great importance on the practice of establishing healthy boundaries, fostering acceptance, and promoting self-care and self-love. Sean's primary goal is to create a secure environment for clients to explore, comprehend, and address their past traumas, focusing on delivering tangible results in the process.

Rachel Fitzpatrick

Acupuncture Therapist

Rachel Fitzpatrick

Acupuncture Therapist

 

Rachel is a compassionate and empathetic practitioner deeply dedicated to holistic medicine. Her educational background in Chinese medicine, coupled with her expertise in remedial massage, has provided her with a profound understanding of the intricate functions and interplay of various systems within the human body, fostering lifelong health and vitality.

Rachel's primary focus is on pinpointing and addressing the root causes of her clients' symptoms, with the aim of achieving enduring and transformative results. She offers a diverse range of treatment options, drawing on her skill set that includes acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, guasha, massage, Chinese dietetics, Chinese exercise therapy, and Chinese patent herbal formulas. Rachel's extensive knowledge in these fields allows her to support her clients in reaching their health objectives within a safe and nurturing environment.

While Rachel is adept at treating clients with a wide array of symptoms, she holds particular interests in managing musculoskeletal pain and injuries, as well as providing essential support for mental health. She is well-versed in the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, a technique involving the gentle placement of up to 5 needles into specific ear sites to aid with addictions, mental health challenges, and emotional trauma.

One of Rachel's remarkable qualities is her soothing and calming energy, which proves invaluable when working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and sleep-related concerns.

 

Kaye Dallow

Counsellor

Kaye Dallow

Master of Educational Practice, Master of Guidance and Counselling, Member of Australian Counselling Association

 

With 15 years’ experience working to support others through psychoeducation and counselling, I am now working with the team at The Bardo. My role enables me to guide each client’s exploration of their life experiences, developing greater self-awareness and understanding the connections between thoughts, emotions and behaviours. I walk alongside each of my clients, giving them the tools to take ownership of their our own personal journey of self-discovery, finding hope, gratitude, happiness and fulfilment. My passion is in helping others to apply these tools and principles within their own lives.

I provide a non-judgemental environment offering trust and empathy to support inner healing and growth. My mission is to share my knowledge, tools and resources to support others to find ways to uncover and find their true potential. I have the lived experience of working through trauma and coming out at the other end as a much better and happier version of myself. I will honour your journey and sit with you as we rediscover your narrative and find a new pathway for the future.

Dr Dawn Macintyre

Clinical Counsellor

Dr Dawn Macintyre

Clinical Counsellor

 

Dr Dawn Macintyre is an experienced clinical counsellor who has worked in private practice for nearly 3 decades and supervises counsellors to assist them in their professional practices.  Dawn's career has been diverse, encompassing academic, clinical, and managerial roles in universities, government agencies, and private practice.

Dawn’s personal and professional life reflects her passion to make a difference, to speak up when others are silent and to actively provide opportunities for every person to become the best they can be. 

In 2008, she authored 'Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes' to demystify the counselling process, reduce the confusion, and establish a more balanced relationship between therapist and client. Her goal was to place information and opportunities in the hands of consumers where they rightfully belong.

In 2010, following a life-altering event, Dawn enrolled in a PhD with the intent to be a voice for those that had not been heard, highlighting the needs of traumatised families and the existing gaps in support. Little did Dawn realise then that she herself was about to go down a deep dark tunnel, experiencing emotions of loss and grief, stigmatisation and desperation which reflected many similar signs to those identified in her doctorate research.

Dawn hopes that her book, ‘Living with Chronic Pain – From OK to Despair and Finding My Way Back Again’ whilst showcasing her own story, also represents the voice of many, so we can collectively have a better understanding of life with chronic pain and find the support we need to be the best we can be.

Dawn is also a proud and happy daughter, wife, mother, foster mum, grandmother, animal lover and she says, hopefully, good friend. She has 4 rescue ‘oodles’ who are a major part of her life.

 Website: www.drdawnmacintyre.com

 

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