Inspiration for my work
My involvement with psychotherapy started with my own transformative experience many years ago. That journey allowed me to turn my life around and inspired me to want to offer others the same opportunity.
Having gone through that process myself means I know what it feels like to open up to a therapist, face your fears and confront your difficulties. It means I understand first hand both the vulnerability of this place, as well as its potential for healing.
Counselling and Psychotherapy credentials
I have a Diploma in Somatic Psychotherapy, a Diploma in Applied Counselling and I have completed a Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies through the Trauma Centre at JRI (Boston). I am a NeuroAffective Touch® practitioner and Teaching Assistant. I am also a Safe and Sound Protocol provider.
I am continually engaged in professional development and integrate the skills of various modalities into my work with clients. Offering a high quality service is very important to me and I prioritise new learning to continue to enrich my practice.
I work from a trauma informed framework and keep up to date with new developments in this area. Some of the leading authors who inform my practice include: Bessel van der Kolk, Peter Levine, Janina Fisher, Dr Daniel Siegel, Stephen Porges, Deb Dana, Pat Ogden, Babette Roschild, Dick Schwartz to name a few.
I also attend regular clinical supervision, which ensures the quality of my work and meets the professional standards of PACFA.
I am a clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and abide to its code of ethics.
Professional experience
I have been working in helping professions since 1984 in a variety of settings, both overseas and in Australia. Over the years I have worked with children, adolescents, young women at risk of homeless, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander young people, the LGBTQI+ community, people living with HIV, migrant and refugees as well as the general population.
My focus has always been helping people deal with the impact of childhood trauma. This can manifest in a myriad of ways in our lives, as anxiety, numbness, self-esteem issues, depression, emotional overwhelm, shame, hyper-vigilance, feeling hijacked by emotions, flashbacks or somatic complaints.
I have been in private practice since 2010, I joined the Birchtree Centre of Excellence in 2016 and I moved to my own practice in Rozelle in October 2018.
My philosophy on people’s ability to change
It has been a privilege to work with such a variety of clients, from various ages, cultures and issues they were facing. I am constantly amazed at the human capacity to thrive and find ways to live a meaningful life, despite obstacles, difficulties and traumatic experiences.
With the right support, most people are able to make sense, grow, adapt, change and overcome trauma, depression, anxiety and many other life challenges.
My experience has shown that the stronger and healthier the relationship with ourselves, the better we can deal with whatever circumstances life presents us with. This is one of the main reasons I feel passionate about supporting people in ‘befriending themselves’.
On a personal note
I am committed to my personal development, which has been supported throughout my life with my own psychotherapy, a regular yoga practice, meditation, workshops and a curious and open attitude to other practices that may benefit my wellbeing and that of my clients.
I am grateful for the path I have chosen and I appreciate growing older with some more wisdom and contentment.
