About Me
My Therapeutic Approach
I would describe my therapeutic approach as first and foremost humanistic. I believe everyone has their own unique life story and experiences and I have a deep interest in understanding the individuality and uniqueness of every client I have the privilege to work with. I see you as the expert in relation to your life journey and take a supportive, empowering and non-judgemental approach in my therapeutic work, assisting you to make meaning of your life experiences. I primarily use Internal Family Systems (IFS) in my therapeutic work. IFS is a wonderful therapy that allows you to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of yourself, by exploring the various "parts" that make up who you are as a unique human being. IFS is not so much focused on diagnosis, but rather, connecting you with your own inner wisdom to promote healing and change. When we learn to connect with ourselves from a place of curiosity and compassion, over time, we increasingly develop more inner calmness and clarity, and this is what lies at the heart of the model. I am also trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, and Somatic approaches and incorporate these approaches into my therapeutic work as required. I also enjoy using creative interventions such as Sand Tray work and Art Therapy, where symbols and images are used to explore your inner world, rather than just talk therapy. My primary focus is not about "fixing" you, but guiding you towards inner healing. I see the therapeutic relationship as one of the most powerful tools in my therapeutic work and the basis for a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. I look forward to meeting you.
Background and Experience
I have worked within the mental health and broader community services sector for 19 years, within government Child Protection and Intellectual Disability services and the Workers Compensation sector. As a Clinical Psychologist I have worked with people from all walks of life presenting with a broad range of life challenges and mental health difficulties. In recent years I worked for the Schizophrenia Fellowship working with clients with complex mental health issues, including Psychosis. During this time I completed training in the Maastricht Voice Hearing Approach to assist my clients who were distressed by their voice hearing experiences. I also completed my Master's Thesis in relation to the recovery of young people following First Episode Psychosis. I have experience working with people across the lifespan from sixteen years of age right up to people in their eighties.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Areas of Interest / Strengths
I enjoy working with people who are interested in getting to know themselves at a deeper level and are committed to a longer term therapeutic journey. My clients would describe me as genuine, caring and curious. Although diagnosis is sometimes important, I am more focused on the uniqueness and individuality of each client I work with and like to support my clients to have a better understanding of themselves and help them to connect with their own inner wisdom and move towards a fuller sense of wellbeing. I also like to use creative approaches to therapy like Sand Tray work and Art Therapy where traditional "talk therapy" is not enough.
Some of the concerns/issues I can assist my clients with include (in no particular order and not an exhaustive list):
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Self-development
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Wellbeing and self-care
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Neurodivergence (including but not limited to High Sensitivity, ADHD and Autism) - I work in a Neurodiversity affirming framework.
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Trauma
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Voice Hearers
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Psychosis
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Intellectual Disability
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Bipolar Disorder
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Stress and burnout
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Work/study dissatisfaction
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Adjustment to stressful life changes
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Perfectionism
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Panic attacks
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Social anxiety
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Health anxiety
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Somatic conditions
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Obsessions and compulsions
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Grief and loss
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Addictions
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Relationship issues
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Communication skills
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Sleep problems
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Self-esteem and self-confidence
I also enjoy providing support to other health professionals who are experiencing work related stress or burnout. I can offer you a confidential safe space to heal and reset.
Please note that as I am a sole practitioner in private practice I am not suitably equipped to support people with complex mental health conditions such as Eating Disorders or people struggling with significant issues around self harm or active suicidal ideation. If you’re experiencing complex mental health issues I suggest reaching out to SANE Australia for support and referral pathways - (Ph: 1800 18 7263) https://www.sane.org/referral#registering-myself
Please note that I don't work with children or couples.
Therapeutic Modalities
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Somatic approaches
Sand Tray Therapy
Art Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Schema Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Values
As a therapist I value genuineness, curiosity, compassion and deep understanding in my clinical work.
Me as a person
Outside of work you will find me taking in the wonders of nature. I also have a love for the creative arts. I also have a deep love for animals, with three cats of my own.
Appointments and Fees
I am currently available Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 5pm (AEST). I offer face to face appointments on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, along with Telehealth appointments to clients Australia wide on a Thursday. Telehealth appointments can be held over the phone or via video link up.
All sessions go for 60 minutes with a fee of $190. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP you can claim back a Medicare rebate of $137.05, meaning you pay $52.95 to attend each session. All Australian's are entitled to 10 Medicare funded sessions per year. At the end of your session an invoice will be emailed to you where you can pay by Credit Card or Bank Deposit and your Medicare rebate will automatically be transferred into your bank account (via Medicare) overnight.
I am no longer able to provide Bulk Billed Psychology sessions. If you require bulk billed psychology services please contact Remote Therapy or Someone Health. I am committed to keeping my gap rates as low as possible to make Psychology sessions affordable.
I am able to see clients through the NDIS who are plan managed or self managed. Please send me a message or give me a call for further information.
I feel it is important to make sure I am a good fit for you as a therapist, therefore I like to connect with any new clients over the phone for an initial free 15 minute consultation. This also gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have to determine whether I am the right therapist for you. If I don't think I am the right person to support you, I will provide you with alternate referral options. If we proceed with sessions and after the first 1-2 sessions I don't think I am the right therapist to support you, I will discuss alternate referral options. The first two sessions are also an opportunity for you to ensure I am the right fit for you as a therapist.
Please note that I appreciate as much notice as possible regarding any cancellations, 48 hours is ideal. This is so I can backfill your appointment. I do understand that there are occasional emergencies / sickness that cannot be avoided. I do not have a policy of charging cancellations fees, but rather, a relationship with my clients that is built on mutual respect knowing that on occasions life happens and appointments need to be rescheduled.
I don't provide psychological assessments, support letters or reports for court, legal, insurance or centrelink or other similar services. I also don't provide psychological services for workers compensation claims, forensic clients or clients who require mandated counselling (e.g clients on parole or probation).
As a sole practitioner in private practice I don't provide crisis mental health support. If you require immediate mental health support please contact one of the following support services:
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
Emergency Services - 000
NSW - Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511
Bookings
Online bookings can be made by clicking on the button below. Please be sure to select the correct location for your appointment.
I have very limited capacity to take on new clients. Please contact me via email to enquire whether there are any openings.
Please note that I conduct an initial free15 minute consultation with all new clients before any appointment bookings are made. This is to ensure I am the right therapist to support you.
Contact
40 Gavey Street, Mayfield, NSW, 2304
Postal address:
PO BOX 129, Mayfield, NSW, 2304
This psychology practice acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands across our region and pays respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging. This psychology practice recognises these lands were never ceded and acknowledges the continuation of culture and connection to land, sky and sea. This psychology practice acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as Australia's First Peoples and honours the rich diversity of the Earth's oldest living culture. This psychology practice is located on Awabakal / Worimi land, working in the city of Muloobinba.
My practice welcomes and celebrates LGBTIQ diversity.