Personal Wellbeing
Integrative Social Work
Integrative social work blends diverse theories and methods to address clients' multifaceted experiences, emphasising social justice, cultural competence, and trauma-informed care. Recognising the interconnectedness of social, psychological, and environmental factors, this approach promotes resilience, self-determination, and positive change.
MY APPROACH TO PERSONAL COUNSELLING
I am dedicated to fostering a welcoming, safe, and non-judgemental space where you can explore what truly matters to you. Your well-being is my priority, and as your counsellor, I will listen attentively, providing support, guidance, and advocacy to help you achieve your best possible outcomes while nurturing your inner strength and resilience.
Drawing from my background in social work, family therapy, and yoga therapies, I draw from evidence-based and time-honoured practices to navigate the complexities and challenges of the human journey. My approach is integrative, trauma-informed and holistic, addressing both social and emotional development, offering pathways to reconnect and find balance.
Whether you prefer talk therapy or incorporating body movement and breath awareness, my goal is to provide a personalised approach that respects your preferences and fosters growth.
The ability to identify, understand and regulate our own emotions is the key to unlocking the mystery behind our feelings and moods, and better responding to the people and world around us. It’s also the secret to finding our own happiness.
WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE THERAPY?
Integrative therapy offers a flexible approach to healing, acknowledging the rapid changes our planet, communities, and selves undergo. Instead of rigid paradigms, it draws from diverse philosophies and sciences, including neuroscience and yoga therapy, to tailor treatment to each individual's needs.
This approach embraces adaptability, linking theory, evidence, and practice to address the mind, body, and spirituality of clients. By integrating various practices, it fosters a person-centred and empowering experience, enabling clients to connect with themselves, make desired changes, and better cope with life's challenges.
Through self-enquiry and understanding, clients gain clarity and inner peace, allowing them to authentically navigate their lives. It takes courage to explore one's inner world, but in doing so, clients often find that external circumstances mirror their internal state. By cultivating self-awareness, clients can choose how to manifest their authentic selves in the world.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Healing from abuse and trauma and injustice
Managing stress anxiety and depression
A desire for authenticity or better ways of being in the world
Family, couples and relationship matters including building better ways of relating together after separation, or with co-parenting.
Resolving workplace problems including bullying and unfair treatment
Sexual harassment and sexual assault
Recovering from workplace or other injuries
Body acceptance
Navigating menopause and women’s life cycle changes
Friendship and interrelating issues
Achieving life goals and coaching for confidence and success
Support through legal and court processes
Support through medical procedures or wellness challenges
Changing habits including diet, lifestyle, digestion and sleep
Enhancing intuition and self connection
Exploring meditation, mindfulness and self-nurture as wellbeing strategies
Navigating change, loss or significant life transitions
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STUDY AND EXPERIENCE
As a registered social worker with a Bachelor of Social Work with First Class Honours and a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to my practice.
My training spans various therapeutic modalities, including family systems therapy, psychotherapy, brief therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, yoga therapy, trauma-sensitive yoga, and professional supervision. I am dedicated to continuous professional development and my own personal growth.
My academic background includes a degree in environmental science with a major in social studies, reflecting my passion for environmental and social regeneration. This passion informs my holistic approach to counselling, which considers the interconnectedness of individual well-being and environmental sustainability.
While I am equipped to address a wide range of issues, my extensive experience in leading a women's not-for-profit (Working Women’s Centre) for over 15 years has given me valuable insights into gendered workplace and personal issues, including domestic and family violence, sexual assault, and the impact of cultural and societal norms on women's self-worth and well-being. I believe in the importance of systemic change alongside personal growth, recognising that resolving internal conflicts and doing inner work is also essential for creating a world where all individuals can thrive.
I welcome all individuals and group configurations in my practice, including families, couples, communities, special interest groups, and workplaces (EAP).
Please note that while I no longer accept GP referrals through the Better Access Program, I am happy to collaborate with medical professionals, yoga teachers, and other allied health workers to support your holistic well-being journey.
(For more information about my work with organisations please visit HERE.
Supervision
Social work and leadership supervision for students, practitioners, teams and managers in the not for profit sector.
Professional supervision with a trusted colleague can assist you to develop personally and professionally through collaboration, honesty, accountability and empathy. In supervision I offer a connection that is emotionally supportive, while inviting you to reflect on your practice and on the needs of the people you support.
Supervision can look different depending on where you work. In the not for profit sector it may be in teams or individually. As an experienced former senior manager, I enjoy working with developing leaders in the sector and have great awareness of some of the challenges that these roles can face.
Supervision, can assist you to prioritise what matters most to you and can assist in aligning your values and judgements and allow you to explore your practice, including ethical dilemmas, cultural issues and decision making.