Life is messy, and when it becomes overwhelming it can feel hard to be fully present.
Our brain, mind and body work hard to protect us from the stresses in our lives. To deal with traumas — big and little — we can sometimes develop strategies as a kind of coping mechanism.
​
But although they may have been intended to help us survive and keep us going in times of stress, they can ultimately hold us back and keep us stuck in place.
​
Somatic therapy, EMDR therapy or a combination approach can help to untangle those internal obstacles and shift towards a brighter outlook, where you’re more mentally and physically capable of living your life to the fullest potential.
Regain a sense of control.
In my practice, I focus on the treatment of complex trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, and addiction. I understand the deep internal struggles that these conditions can cause:
-
Low mood, energy, and/or motivation
-
Anxiety
-
Phobias
-
Poor quality of sleep and/or nightmares
-
Flashbacks and rumination
-
Distressing thoughts and memories
-
Feeling overwhelmed with emotions
-
Feeling stuck with conflicting motivations
-
Friction in relationships with partner, family, or children
-
Challenges in workplace
Feel at home in your body again.
This work isn’t about discarding your past. Instead, it’s about reflecting on your experiences so you can accept everything that makes you who you are, and come home to yourself.
With therapy, you may be able to:
Learn adaptive strategies to help you cope with life.
​
Participate actively in your life, relationships and communities.
​
Find rhythm again in your life with regular sleep and higher motivation.
Be comfortable with feeling the feelings, and empowered by your ability to express yourself.
Build and navigate compassionate relationships rooted in respect and safety.
Make choices that aligns with your values, and set and maintain your limits.
Let’s find the modalities that best suit you.
In my practice, I emphasise modalities, such as somatic therapy and EMDR, that work with the body as a whole.
​
I encourage my clients to learn to hear and listen to what their own body truly needs, and to lead their own therapy, with my guidance.
Like any skill, your time in therapy allows you to develop stronger and stronger capabilities. I’ll add my skills and experience to the instinctive knowledge you have about yourself, so your healing journey is always steered by what you truly need.
I’ve been privileged to learn from teachers who have walked the path before me, and honour the wisdom and expertise they have shared. The scientifically-supported therapies that guide my approach include:
-
​​Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
-
Trauma-Informed Stabilisation Treatment (TIST)
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
-
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
-
Interpersonal Neurobiology and Polyvagal-informed approaches
-
Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP)
-
Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies
I’m also committed to continually expanding my knowledge, and especially to learn from teachers from diverse backgrounds emphasising on learning from lived experience teachers.
How does this work?
If you’re interested in starting therapy with me, here’s what you can expect:
STEP 1
DISCOVERY CALL
This complimentary call gives us an opportunity to start getting to know one another and ask initial questions. We’ll talk about your expectations, hopes, challenges and fears, and what I can offer in our ongoing work together.
STEP 2
FIRST SESSION
We’ll ease into discussing your goals and the modalities that will best suit your needs. You’ll be invited to share the chapter titles or bookmarks of your life story, or we might start practicing some new strategies.
STEP 3
YOUR JOURNEY
This part of therapy looks different for everyone. Your therapy will be led by you and what you want to work on, with my unwavering support. That may involve short or long term work — or something in between — to best suit your needs.
Fees
Privately funded/self-funded
$200 for 60 mins (50 mins of therapy and 10 mins of admin).
No Bulk Billing available. If you have a Centrelink Healthcare card, you are welcome to access sessions with a reduced rate of $170.
​
NDIS
Currently NDIS registered for therapeutic supports. Follows current NDIS price guidelines. $193.99
​
Victorian Victims of Crime
Follows current counselling rates. in 2024, $190. Nil out of pocket for approved sessions.
Carer Gateway or other funding organisations
Approval and referral to be received from the organisation. If you are carer, you could access counselling via Carer Gateway and I am approved Therapeutic Provider.
​
Current Private Health Fund
Bupa, HCF, Teachers Health
Fees are reviewed regularly.
​
For those experiencing financial difficulties, please ask your GP to refer to funded sessions via local Primary Health Network. In the Greater Shepparton Region, please contact APMHA Healthcare for more information.
Ready to book your discovery call?
I know this first step can be worrying. After all, you don’t know me, and to share what might be your deepest concerns with a stranger is quite challenging.
​
But you are here. If you’ve been thinking about this, let’s get on a call and simply see how you feel about working with me.
-
Who is a counsellor, psychologist, Mental Health Social Worker, psychiatrist, Mental Health Occupational Therapist?I would like to guide you to appropriate associations to answer this question. Counsellor » Social Worker » Psychology » Occupational Therapy » Psychiatrist » Being an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I would like to share a link to a Youtube video by a dear colleague explaining what we do as a MHSW.
-
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia provides these definitions: "Professional counselling is a safe and confidential collaboration between qualified counsellors and clients to promote mental health and wellbeing, enhance self-understanding, and resolve identified concerns." "Psychotherapy is an evidence-based practice within a multidisciplinary group of helping professions, including counselling, psychology, psychiatry, social work, mental health nursing, and pastoral care. Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples, and families." For their full explanation of these two practices, click here »
-
Do I need a GP referral?Absolutely not. You can refer your self from the Contact page. Please be mindful that to access Medicare rebates (up to 10 sessions in a calendar year), you need a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan. If you are thinking about getting a GP referral, please check in with your GP clinic. Some GP clinics will ask you to make double appointment due to the time it takes for GP to have the conversation with you and do a mental health review. Since July 2024, Medicare rebate for a session with valid referral is AUD 85.20. Currently there is no Bulk Billing Available.
-
What is your cancellation policy?Currently within 2 clear business days of scheduled appointment. As I work alone, 2 business days gives me the time to offer the appointment to someone else. I understand life happens - unexpected events happen. Please have a conversation with me. Please note I work solely in this business. When you cancel an appointment within that window, three people are missing the opportunity. You, another person on the waiting list as well as me missing my income. If your sessions are funded, appropriate cancellation policy will be applied, which will be mentioned in your consent form. Please confirm the cancellation policy before booking your first session.