About

Since 2007, I have undergone retraining in psychotherapy at the Churchill Clinic (Diploma Psychodynamic Psychotherapy) and done studies in graduate psychology. I also have a Diploma of Counselling. Psychodynamic therapy is a global therapy, or form of therapy with a holistic focus on the perspective of the client. The alternative, “problem-based” therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, aim to reduce or eliminate symptoms without perhaps exploring the client’s deep-seated needs, urges, and desires (McLeod, 2014). This means differences between these therapies in terms of goals, techniques, and general approach. Clients create insight on applying new knowledge about themselves to the practical reality of their lives. To provide understanding, compassion, and guidance through traumatic times, I use my personal experiences of grief and loss in addressing the challenges that my clients are facing.  I have also had many hours of my own therapy to ensure that my personal experiences are not impacting my ability to be present for others' concerns, whether it be grieving a loss of a family member, an experience of divorce, parental alienation of children, or difficulties with our family of origin.

I have the capacity to utilise diverse therapies for different needs for clients mainly using interpersonal psychodynamic therapy. But also using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on occasion.  The primary focus is on person-centred therapy.  I've been working one-on-one with clients since 2015. In addition, I have conducted professional training and development programs utilising my post graduate qualifications in conflict resolution and presenting on assertiveness and communication skills for corporate clients at the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) and many other organisations.

The impact of relationships on everyday interactions is of great interest to me. That is why I have worked part-time at Relationships Australia since I acquired the Certificate IV in Facilitating Relationship Education from RA. Since 2012, I've facilitated numerous relationship education courses, bringing my wide range of interests to the daily nitty-gritty of how people can best relate to each other.

In my private practice, I utilise my workplace experiences to inform my understanding of issues that people have, including conflicts, confusion, and bullying at work. Having started my working career as a professional communicator (journalist), I find that the subtlety of how we use language as individuals is one of the keys to becoming more self-aware, which contributes to our own self-understanding.

I am a qualified Resolution Institute mediator/member, with a post-graduate qualification in dispute resolution. I am also a qualified PREPARE/ENRICH counsellor and offer couples counselling, encouraging clients to talk in a safe environment and prioritise their relationship as divorce is highly traumatic for many. I take a curious unbiased approach and engage with both parties prior to their booking a session.

I am a seasoned relationship expert who has personally experienced a toxic relationship, recovery after divorce, and a long-term partnership that includes step-parenting. My expertise includes giving a neutral perspective to your problems, being empathetic without sitting in judgement, and using attachment theory, the Gottman's research which I have had training in to promote strong relationships.

If you would like to understand yourself better and gain insight into untangling concerns and working on self-acceptance, I can be of help to you. I focus on how people engage with themselves and how they can optimise their lives.

I am passionate about how the mind and brain work. Through The Listening Guide, I apply what I have learned in helping clients move on from their relationship struggles or develop their knowledge of themselves to more readily create the life direction they want. 

I will help you identify your range of emotions, particularly in conflicts and repeated patterns, to promote reflection and clarity.