About

I am a Counsellor with over 25 years’ experience working in the mental health field in various settings including hospitals, community health services, schools, and residential settings. Much of my counselling work has been with children and young people, parents and families, however I have experience working with people of all ages and stages. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, applying my experience and understanding of effective counselling approaches to explore real solutions.

Outside counselling, I have business and work experience in a variety of fields including mixed farming, holiday accommodation, residential care and real estate.

I have had six children, with 2 daughters still living at home on our lovely 3 acres just outside Coffs Harbour. One of my children had a moderate physical and intellectual disability which has informed and challenged my view of what is  normal and well. I grew up in Sydney and lived in the Snowy Mountains for 20 years, Canberra and on a mixed farm in country NSW. 

therapeutic Style

My personal life and experience has influenced my therapeutic style. I have a relaxed, warm and accepting counselling and personal style. I acknowledge, respect and consider individual values, beliefs, uniqueness, life stage and other external factors that contribute to stress and to joy, and I welcome people who want the space to talk openly. I like to encourage people to find their inner resources, solutions and strengths, to cope better with their situations.

Special Interests

• Stress and Adjustment to life circumstances,

• Anxiety, Depression, Sadness, Moods

• Relationships

• Anger

• Self-esteem

• Trauma

• Grief

• Neurodiversity, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD/ADD).

• ‘Disabilities’

• Families and Parenting

Education

• Graduate Diploma in Psychology

• Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology & Sociology)

• Final placement of a Master of Counselling (90% complete)

additional training

• Brief Solution Focused Therapy,

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT),

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT),

• Internal Family Systems (IFS),

• Play Therapy,

• Gaming Addictions,

• Substance Abuse,

• Autistic Spectrum Disorder,

• Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Risk Management, and support with Deliberate Self Harm.

Modality & Approach

My approach is tailored to and informed by each person’s unique needs, personality, beliefs, strengths and concerns. I have a client-centred, strength and resilience focus, with a holistic, evidence-based approach. My therapeutic approach integrates Mindfulness, Solution-Focused and Person-Centred approaches, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My holistic approach includes consideration of all facets of lifestyle that contribute to wellbeing and coping including diet, substances, sleep, exercise, activities, social life, faith, purpose and meaning.

Personal Insight

What is a quote or phrase you live by?
‘God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference’ - Reinhold Niebuhr.

What book have you read more than once?
Recipe books!

What makes you happy?
Kayaking, time with my people, board games, my dog, my garden.

What makes you feel grounded?
Outside in nature, the beach, tea

What is one thing you do daily that supports your mental and emotional well-being?
Prayer

fee

Individual or Family Therapy | $100 / session