Trauma Support Providers

Professional Biography

I have worked with people experiencing the effects of trauma for over 30 years, using a variety of client-centered, trauma-informed and strengths-based therapeutic approaches including narrative therapy, sandplay, mindfulness, CBT and somatic techniques that work with the neuropsychology of trauma to developed felt safety and reduced emotional reactivity to memories or triggers related to trauma. I started my work with survivors of domestic violence, and then became involved in the early movements in Melbourne to undercover sexual abuse within the churches. I have worked in sexual assault services in Victoria, NSW, SA, NT and Tasmania, and have worked extensively with individuals, families and communities experiencing disadvantage, including those affected by substance misuse, and within Aboriginal communities. I understand that building trust and rapport is the foundation of any successful therapy. While this work is demanding, I am constantly inspired by the ways in which people survive, recover and thrive in their lives after trauma.
I clarify with clients the issues they wish to work with, knowing that different aspects of trauma will demand attention at different times, and over time. I match my ideas of change and recovery with those of the client, and describe my ideas about ways we might work and how long this might take, to make sure this fits with the clients expectations and availability. I am based at North Queensland Psychology clinic, although I have also offered choice of location to clients who prefer home or other places to meet.
I use mindfulness practices of grounding, regulation, and focus to help clients feel safe in the presence of difficult emotions, thoughts and memories, and stay attuned to the clients tolerance level so I can offer to reduce intensity of the conversation if the client becomes overwhelmed. I offer art and play therapy as alternatives to verbalising when this is difficult, and to strengthen a clients knowledge of their values, strengths and skills which support their goals and hopes for themselves. I dont use approaches which invite reliving or re-exposure to trauma, and use çurrent neuroscience informed approaches which validate experience, enhance self compassion, release trauma from the body, and strengthen self-conceptualisations based on the fact of their survival.
I see my role primarily as a mirror reflecting to my clients the qualities, skills and values they had lost of sight of: clients regain connection to their preferred version of themselves, and feel empowered to keep themselves safe and to express their values in the ways they choose in their lives.

Client Types

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