Trauma Support Providers

Professional Biography

I am a clinical psychologist and EMDR therapist. When I began in private practice, 9 years ago, following 15 years as a school psychologist, I quickly became aware of the significant trauma which many of my clients had experienced, including institutional abuse. I set about deepening my own learning in this area. Nine years later, I am working with clients with complex trauma every day and what motivates me is not just the change that I witness but the strength and courage which clients already have, to do the work.
One of the most powerful tools I have come across is EMDR therapy and I still get goosebumps when someone no longer feels disturbed by an event which haunted them in their life for many years. Many courses in EMDR therapy and other trauma treatment approaches later, I am now training to be a facilitator and consultant in EMDR Institute training courses. I have also trained specifically to work with all levels of dissociation. I learned many years ago that dissociation is commonly experienced by those who have a significant trauma history.
However, even EMDR therapy does nothing if one feels unsafe in the therapy space, with me. Hence relationship is key and I work hard every day to meet my clients where they are, to be authentic and to respect their right to set their own pace of change. I learn during initial sessions, what clients already know and find helpful, and then add to these skills to increase safety, e.g., stabilisation and grounding strategies.
People often come with competing aspects of self as well, some aspects which are ready to move forward and some which are not comfortable with change. All of these aspects or parts of a person must be respected and the journey towards healing must be acceptable to all parts of self. Mindfulness, acceptance and non-judgment are also important here. I do a lot of mindfulness work and I believe that when people learn to be truly mindful, this is a skill which extends far beyond therapy and throughout life. I have certainly experienced this in my own journey and being mindful and honest with myself about my own triggers during sessions is what allows me to grow as a therapist and to keep doing this work.
As I still have children at home, I work mainly in school hours, face to face, although I offer sessions on alternate Saturdays for those who cannot manage other times. I am fortunate to work in a friendly practice, very close public transport, with other therapists who are trained and as passionate about working with trauma as I am. I work with DVA clients, WorkCover and Better Access. The gap I charge under Medicare is $55.00. I also support culturally and linguistically diverse clients including those who have who come from a refugee background.
I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal from trauma and I feel privileged to be part of this journey.

Client Types

• Child
• Adolescent
• Adult
• LGBTIQ