At first, therapy can be daunting.  Finding a therapist you like is key to getting started, so here I’ll share a bit about myself to help you with your decision.

Most people who seek out support like to feel immediately confident that their counsellor is well trained, qualified, and experienced – so I will get straight to that point, but please read on below to find out more about me.

Training and Qualifications:

I have four formal qualifications across three Universities (including a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Honours, a Masters in Counselling and a PhD).  For the past 15 years I have also lectured and course co-ordinated in a related disciplines at the University of Melbourne and Monash University. I now direct the post-graduate counselling programs in Deakin’s School of Psychology, where I also teach Masters-level counselling students.

In addition to the above degrees, I have undertaken an enormous amount of professional development training across a range of therapeutic modalities, including: Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dignity Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology and Strengths-based work. I also continue to participate in a range of courses every year.

Experience:

For 18 years I worked in the correctional/forensic, government and private sector with regard to serious problem behaviours. During that time I came into contact with some of the most challenging problems a human being can face. The client group was remarkably diverse and needs and abilities varied widely. Whilst helping people with these problems to find a way forward could often be incredibly demanding, it was also profoundly rewarding work.

I also have 10 years consulting experience in both government and NGO sectors on best-practice work for clients with serious and complex needs. During this time I also delivered corresponding staff training throughout Australia and conducted program evaluations.

Presently, alongside my current University teaching and research pursuits, I run my own private practice, specialising in relationship therapy after having worked with individuals for many years.

About me:

There are lots of qualified therapists to be found online. We’ve all done training and completed qualifications of some kind; so generally speaking, you’re in good hands. Aside from qualifications, however, it’s important to find a therapist that you like and you connect with. I suggest you give me (and anyone else you are considering working with) a phone call before your first appointment. This allows you to get a sense of me and my approach, and how we might work together as a team to address the issues you are struggling with.

In the meantime, here’s some insight into me as a person: I live in Bayside,Melbourne, with my little family and a dear old dog who appears to favour me above all others and is my sole groupie (we all need a fan!). My personal anchor is yoga and mindfulness. 

I have experienced many highs and lows associated with living this human life, including relationship breakdown and have on many occasions undertaken my own personal therapy. Based on this, I’ve concluded that relationships can be both profoundly difficult and utterly exhilarating.

I adore people, the fragility of the human condition, and the vulnerability of relationships. Likewise, I am extremely fond of all animals and I’ve never met a ‘fur-person’ I didn’t like.