About Me
I’ve been working as a psychotherapist and counsellor in private practice since 2004. I love my work and feel grateful for the privilege of being in service in this way. Being an introvert, I like to ‘dive deep’ to make sense of why we think, feel and behave the way we do. I see my sensitivity and capacity for empathy as strengths that are of great help in my work and in my life.
Being committed to ethical practice and client safety, I abide by professional codes of ethics that prioritise safety, boundaries, and confidentiality. I believe there is always more to learn and that personal growth is an ongoing process, so I attend regular professional supervision and ongoing personal and professional development.
Approach
Having completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, a Certificate IV in Holistic Counselling and an Advanced Diploma in Transactional Analysis (Psychotherapy), I draw from a number of psychological theories and therapy modalities in my work. My interest in somatic (body-oriented) therapy has recently led me to complete a training course in Integral Somatic Psychology.
Holistic Counselling is an approach that views the individual as a whole – addressing not only mental and emotional aspects but also physical, social and spiritual dimensions. The word “holistic” comes from the Greek word “holos”, meaning ‘whole’ or ‘complete’.
Holistic counselling recognises the interconnectedness of aspects of a person’s life and takes all aspects into account when addressing your counselling goals.
Relational Transactional Analysis (TA) Psychotherapy is a social psychology, theory of communication and method of therapy. The basic philosophy of TA is that we are all inherently okay – we have worth and value as human beings. One of the aims of TA is to facilitate the development of autonomy – expanding our capacities for awareness, intimacy and spontaneity.
TA uses an attuned therapeutic relationship to bring awareness and understanding to the conscious and unconscious dynamics and patterns of communication in your relationships with yourself and with others. Once we’re aware of these patterns, we can choose to change them instead of automatically repeating them.
The relational TA perspective integrates psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive behavioural theory. Transactional Analysis is a theory that is continuously evolving, incorporating current research outcomes in attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology and mindfulness.
As in holistic counselling, TA take all aspects of you into account – mind, emotions, body and spirit; your values and beliefs; history and lived experience; culture; work; socioeconomic and social environments.
Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP) is a somatic (body-oriented) approach that facilitates emotional embodiment – building our capacities to stay present, think clearly and respond effectively to situations even during times where we are feeling heightened emotions. ISP uses various techniques to expand these capacities whilst regulating our emotions in our bodies.
When our nervous systems can remain regulated even when we feel strong emotions, we are more able to stay present (rather than dissociating), think clearly and respond to situations in a healthy way.
Trauma-informed therapy
I have completed many hours of professional development training relating to working with survivors of trauma. The term ‘trauma’ refers to an emotional, psychological, and physiological response to a distressing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. It can result from a single event, such as an accident, natural disaster, or violent encounter, or from prolonged exposure to stress or adversity, such as ongoing abuse or neglect.
Trauma can have a big impact on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It may manifest in various ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, somatic symptoms, and difficulty trusting others. Trauma can affect our relationships, work, and overall quality of life. It is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. Trauma can be experienced at any age and can have long-lasting effects if not addressed.
As a trauma-informed therapist I aim to create an environment that promotes healing and empowerment for individuals who have experienced trauma, tailoring the trauma treatment to each person’s specific needs.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology)
Certificate IV Counselling
Advanced Diploma in TA (Psychotherapy)
Certified Transactional Analyst (Psychotherapy)
Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP) practitioner
Professional Associations
Certified Transactional Analyst Member of the International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA)
Member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP)
Clinical Member of the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia (PACFA) – Register No. 21432
Ready to connect?
Call me on 0432 941 237 or send a message via the contact form, so we can have a FREE 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your therapy needs and schedule an initial assessment session.