Meet the Team
Professional, experienced, and committed to walking alongside you on your journey.
Joshua Surgenor
Founder, Mindful Mates Social Services
Qualifications
- Master of Social Work
- Qualified Social Worker (AASW Member)
- Registered Paramedic (AHPRA)
Joshua Surgenor is the founder of Mindful Mates Social Services and a qualified social worker with a strong background in frontline service and mental health support.
Joshua is a former serving member of the Royal Australian Air Force and a registered paramedic with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). He holds a Master of Social Work and is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), practising in line with the AASW Code of Ethics and Practice Standards.
Joshua specialises in supporting veterans, first responders, and individuals experiencing trauma, cumulative stress, burnout, and major life transitions. His practice interests include suicide prevention, psychosocial assessment, recovery-oriented care, and community-based mental health support.
Joshua's approach is trauma-informed, client-centred, and strengths-based. He works collaboratively with clients to build trust, increase self-understanding, and develop practical strategies that support wellbeing, identity, and long-term recovery. He believes meaningful change happens when people feel safe, respected, and genuinely understood.
Practice Approach
Joshua practises using trauma-informed, client-centred, and recovery-oriented approaches. His work draws on:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Strengths-based practice
With extensive training in suicide prevention, risk assessment, and mental health support.
Note: Mindful Mates Social Services provides social work and psychosocial support services. While Joshua is also a registered paramedic, services are delivered within a social work scope of practice.
Magic
Our Resident Golden Boi
Magic is the heart and soul behind the Mindful Mates Social Services logo. This majestic golden boi may not have formal therapy dog training, but he has an unmatched gift for bringing comfort, calm, and smiles to everyone he meets. Whether he's greeting clients with a wagging tail, singing his happy golden retriever "welcome song" while proudly carrying a toy, sitting quietly by someone's side, or curling up for a cuddle, Magic has a natural way of making people feel seen, safe, and supported.
He's more than just a dog—he's part of our team, our community, and our story.
If you'd like Magic present during our sessions, let me know.
Ready to Work Together?
Book an appointment or get in touch to learn more about how we can support you.