Trauma Support Providers

Professional Biography

MPsych (Clinical) 1999, MArts (Forensic Psychology) 1998, BArts (Psychology) 1997
APS Member (24 years) Member No.: 101829, Fellow of the Clinical College APS (22 years)
Treatment Approaches - Trauma Informed Therapy Approach, Schema Therapy, CBT/ Imagery Rescripting / Exposure therapy, DBT, ACT
Professional Development
2019 - Trauma, Neuroscience and the Evolving Therapy of Traumatised Children and Adults. by
B Van der Kolk
Working therapeutically to support children living in separated families.
Family Law Essentials by Frank Law
Feedback Informed Treatment by S Miller
2018 - Working with over-compensating clients, a schema therapy approach
2017 - Schema Therapy by Schema Therapy Australia
2016 - St John of God - PTSD
Recognising and Working with Complex Trauma by P Stavropoulos PhD
2015 - The Body Keeps the Score by B Van der Kolk
The Role of Families in Treatment of Borderline Personality by Dr A Fruzetti
Schema therapy by Prof Dr A Arntz
Treating Clinical Perfectionism by Prof T Wade
Advanced DBT Skills by Prof A Fruzetti
Approach - Stabilisation is always my initial focus of trauma informed therapy. Ensuring they have safe and secure living situation, managing any threats in their environment and they are able to attend sessions without issues. A clear discussion of confidentiality and its limitations to ensure they are aware of disclosure and its outcomes.
Developing rapport and a safe and reliable environment. This takes time however consistency and reliability of the therapist is paramount. Doing what you say you will, providing warning about changes that may affect client and ensuring the rooms are quiet, without interruptions and they have the freedom to end
sessions if they require.
Constant regular feedback on their experience of their therapy and the session at hand is essential. Reading body language and checking in. Providing a non-judgemental stance of acceptance of any differences of the client and allowing them to provide guidance as to their cultural and identity or any other requirements. We are clear that therapy will be long term and that the outcomes of such trauma is complex and multifaceted so we can approach it in parts. The client is free to cease therapy at any time without judgement.
Clients are encouraged to take on new skills, new approaches, new insights and to report back. They are met with encouragement, and all emotions are welcomed. The focus of treatment remains on their developing self-directed, self-management of emotional regulation, distress, and interpersonal skills, and identity development. The long term plan is to learn to manage independently. They are able to be the ones choosing when to disengage so as not to facilitate abandonment experiences. Review of current safety from all sources is essential. Ensuring any dependants are safe and mandatory reporting requirements are met and communicated.

Client Types

• Child
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Couple
• Family
• LGBTIQ