In 2003, my private practice was established counselling individual adults. From 2006, counselling services were extended to include Relationship counselling. I utilise a trauma-informed holistic approach, using integrated eclectic modalities to incorporate mind, emotions, body & spirit/soul in the healing journey. Modalities utilised include Psychotherapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Schema Therapy, Existential Therapy, Creative Therapy and Mindfulness. The eclectic model is in recognition that we are all different and one counselling model doesn't suit everyone.
As a trauma-informed Holistic counsellor I seek to help clients to explore issues with a focus on identifying and dealing with the deeper root causes of their difficulties, rather than focusing on and treating symptoms alone. Counselling generally begins with conscious awareness of the symptoms a person is struggling with, the process of counselling then moves to bring into awareness deeper unconscious root causes of difficulties. When we understand where something is coming from it is much easier to begin to change. Through this process client’s gain a deeper understanding and awakening to themselves, opening up new opportunities for personal growth and empowerment.
Life is like a symphony of many experiences whereby some parts have unexpected tones when issues emerge. Whilst I have completed accredited training and have many years’ experience, the client is the expert of their life, clients are respectfully and compassionately supported to explore their concerns and difficulties with a listening ear for clues in the story of what possibly needs to be expressed, processed and resolved through connecting more deeply with themselves.
Additional professional experience:
I joined the team of counsellors at Relationships Australia (Vic) in 2010 working with individuals and couples with a wide range of personal and relationship issues which includes supporting family's experiencing relationship difficulties, affairs, family violence. Since the commencement of the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse my role included being a designated counsellor working with survivors. The focus of therapy includes individual survivors of abuse, their spouses and other family members affected by vicarious trauma.
An extension of the therapeutic work included developing & delivering a one day psycho-educational workshop for couples called "Relationship Skill Building".
Professional supervision, secondary consultation & mentoring is offered to support professional development and clinical work with clients using a reflective model.
Adjunct Lecturer (3 years) for full semester modules...
- Human Lifespan Development
- Marriage & Family Counselling
teaching under- & post-graduate students at Tabor College in Victoria
Workshops and professional development training seminars. Co-development & lead therapist for two Trauma & Abuse Recovery Programs (9 Week program & 5 Day Residential program). (The recovery programs were specifically designed for survivors of childhood trauma resulting from abuse and neglect. Grounded in recent research showing how trauma impacts the development of the brain, the concept of self, and ways of relating to others. The program uses information and therapeutic tools to assist survivors to better understand how they have experienced life, their coping strategies and further their recovery process.)
Types of therapies I offer