Trauma Support Providers

Michael provides direct client-focused psychology services under Medicare, ATAPS, DVA, Victims Services, NDIS and Work Cover (NSW) systems. Private treatment services are also offered, with HICAPS facilities onsite. He is an experienced and trained psychotherapist with clients which include children (5+), adolescents, and adults.
Michael is skilled in the use of specific psychological interventions such as: Psychometric Assessment and Evaluation, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Imagery Rescripting & Reprocessing Therapy (Sexual Abuse and Trauma), Clinical diagnosis, assessment & management of Eating Disorders and Emotional Focussed Couple’s Therapy.

Mike Spiller – Registered Psychologist

Mike Spiller is an experienced, energetic and results oriented psychologist who works with adults, adolescents and their families. Mike seeks to connect with clients by engaging with them in the story of their life.

Mike has trained in a range of therapy methods, including:

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Cognitive-Behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Emotion Focused Therapy (Couples)
• Family Therapy
• Group Psychotherapy

Mike’s work includes assisting people to identify and achieve their goals and address the difficulties and challenges they are experiencing. This includes supporting people to identify their strengths, learn a range of coping skills and deal with problems relating to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• Grief and Loss
• Trauma
• Sexual Behaviour
• Stress
• Substance Use
• Relationship issues
• General Life Concerns
• Forensic/Mental Health issues

Mike uses a collaborative approach in working with individuals or groups in a therapeutic setting. Deciding to work with a psychologist can be a difficult decision to make at a time when people are experiencing difficulties. Mike is happy to speak with prospective clients, either by phone or in person, to assist in deciding whether he is someone who may be suited to work with him or her or an adolescent in their care.

My primary psychology practice interests are in Social Health and Counselling. Holding a Master’s Degree in this field that focused on assisting children, individuals and families develop well across a life span led into the study of families of dysfunction and working with victims of crime. I work with families that experience domestic violence or individuals that have survived childhood sexual or family abuse. I am a Specialist Counsellor for Victims Services for victims of crime, though the free service provided for them by the Justice NSW Attorney General’s Office. Applications for Counselling can be made for Counselling on the Lawlink website with a request made for me as the counsellor. Other agencies also will allow your counselling to be funded through their services directly to my private practice for trauma focused interventions that have a direct focus on wellness and symptom improvement through trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

I am a couple & family therapist with 20yrs experience in various community based settings & having run my own private practice for the last three & a half yrs. I am a clinical member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, & also a clinical member of PACFA (Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia) My background is in social science with a post grad. in Family therapy & have trained in a range of models including Attachment, Gestalt, Schema & significant training with complex trauma through the blue knot foundation. Whilst working for Relationships Australia for 14yrs I was privilege for 3 of those yrs to carry a case load of clients specifically attached to the Royal Commission for Institutionalised Sexual Abuse. This was some of the most challenging however rewarding work I have done in my 20yrs. It is with this in mind that I would appreciate being part of the redress team , to further support the process as people continue to heal & recover from childhood trauma.

I am a senior clinical psychologist with experience since 1979 in both the public and private sector. I have worked for Victims Services for over 20 years, and have kept my trauma-focused skills up-to-date by attending international workshops overseas and in Australia. I trained in EMDR with Francine Shapiro in 1994.

Education
Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Masters of Clinical Psychology - Alliant International University, San Diego, USA (2001)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - University of Miami, USA (1996), Member of EMDR Australia Association
Registered with AHPRA and a member of the Australian Psychological Society
Published author (Weight Off Your Mind)
17 year post-doctoral clinical experience; presenter at international and Australian Conferences

Hi, My name is Kim Gillespie, I have been working in the area of trauma for the past 25 years as a individual and group therapist. My approach is trauma informed and respectful. I am an accredited counsellor with Victims Services NSW and have been for 13 years, I also work under Medicare (Mental Health Care Plans), ATAPS/BOMH and other referral pathways. I worked for 2 1/2 years on 1800RESPECT line counselling those effected by trauma. I have trained with Blue Know Foundation and engage in ongoing professional development. As a person I am down to earth and relaxed in my approach. I am who I am. My office is a calm and comfortable space and I try and make it feel like home with tea, coffee and comfy lounges or bean bags to sit in (your choice :-) ). I am located directly opposite Wyong train station. I would love to join you in your journey, whatever that may be.

Dr Laurel Morris FAPS is a psychologist in practice on the Gold Coast. She is a Fellow of the APS Colleges of Clinical Psychologists, Health Psychologists and Forensic Psychologists. She is endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia to offer specialist services in those three areas as well as general psychological services. She provides supervision for psychologists and provisional psychologists. She is the co-author of a book, ""Surviving: Coping with a Life Crisis"".

I am a Counsellor and Psychotherapist practitioner with a background in law enforcement and education. I have researched extensively and have experience in the areas of trauma and post traumatic stress.
Each trauma survivor has unique experiences and their journey is as individual as their responses to the trauma. I am passionate about working with clients to acknowledge their strengths, embracing their resilience in the journey towards healing and recovery.

While many trauma survivors show remarkable resilience, many are left struggling daily with their health, wellbeing, emotions, relationships and a sense of self and identity. I empower individuals so they recognise that they are the center of the care they receive. I have experience working with a variety of trauma survivors including survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, trauma related to military experiences and first responders. I am culturally aware and sensitive to the needs of culturally diverse groups. I am currently working with Aboriginal adult survivors of child abuse and have gained their trust in providing a collaborative approach to their healing.

I focus on five core principles of trauma informed care – safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment as well as respect for diversity. I do not re-traumatise or blame victims for their efforts to manage their traumatic reactions, and I encourage a message of hope and optimism that recovery is possible. Trauma survivors are unique individuals who have experienced extremely abnormal situations and have managed as best they could.

I provide a non-judgmental, safe environment, with support, acknowledgement and compassion. Individual sessions are specifically tailored to meet the clients' needs and are usually scheduled for 50 minutes, however this timeframe may vary depending on client needs. Counselling sessions may be conducted in counselling rooms at various locations, in the Clients home or via telephone/skype.

I have access to a wide variety of professionals within my network who I am able to refer clients to, if required, ensuring they receive the appropriate and timely support needed. I have regular professional supervision and practice self care to ensure I am at my best when working with clients.

I am passionate about using my experience and research to promote good mental health practices with practical and positive coping mechanisms. I understand the dynamics of traumatic stress, survivors in the context of their lives and the role of coping strategies. I ensure safety from harm and re-traumatisation, emphasise strength building and skill acquisition rather than symptom management, and foster true collaboration and power sharing between myself and those seeking help.

Counselling Fees
Face to Face - $95
Telephone / Skype / Zoom - $75

‘’I highly recommend Leisha..I was very nervous initially..When I met Leisha, I instantly relaxed. She is extremely down to earth, easy to talk to and speaks openly and honestly..I am [now] loving life and doing many things I have wanted to do for a long time.’’ Michael H (1)

Hello, I am Leisha Townson, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Counsellor with over 25 years working alongside individuals & families from many different cultural, religious/spiritual and ethnic backgrounds and who live/have lived a life challenged by complex trauma. Ie: Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Veterans, Refugees, Rehabilitation, Palliative Care, Renal Failure and Carers.

Three main mindsets shape my thinking –
Every individual has unique strengths, inbuilt resilience and the ability to achieve positive change;
Every individual is entitled to the basic human right of living a life filled with safety, recognition, inclusion, knowledge and connectedness; and,
Even a single thread of hope can be very powerful in creating a strong foundation for positive change.

Why do you want to work with people with Trauma?
The courage it takes to come talk to a stranger still fills me with awe.

A strength-based approach is my underlying framework foundation; combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour, Schema, Narrative, Music and Art Therapy I have the experience and confidence to assist in finding the specialised approach and the spark for change for any individual. 25 years has developed an extensive 'toolbox' of techniques for relaxation, self-esteem, anxiety, etc. I often use the fish tank in my office to relax and ‘drift’ for a bit.
I am an international presenter and author focusing on topics such as resilience, hope, coping, trauma, empowerment and the ‘Survivor Self’(2) concept. Eg: ‘Subduing the Trauma Dragons: Finding hope and empowerment through engagement with the ‘Survivor Self’.

I work from a GP clinic or my private room which has no signage and private off-street parking. With a concession card and not working, I bulk-bill Medicare only. Fees thereafter are $150 per session. I offer a longer session time of 1 1/12 hrs - experience has shown that the most beneficial work occurs from 40 minutes onwards. I keep 1-2 sessions free for the unexpected which ensures I have no or a very small wait time. It is a personal choice for individuals as to the frequency of sessions.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

(1) https://www.google.com/search?ludocid=10924415676856997673&q=Boundless%20Counselling%20and%20Consultancy&_ga=2.242603394.1052958149.1535070328-471662906.1530850996#fpstate=lie
(2) The ‘Survivor Self‘ is an integral facet of each person which remains intact despite the trauma and has the capacity to anchor the individual to their core of resilience and the therapist to the narrative of the survivor.