MY approach

Curiosity, compassion, warmth and humour

I have had the good fortune to work with people from many walks of life and I greatly value diversity. Understandably, people often fear being judged by others. Judgment and good therapeutic work are not a good mix! My commitment to you is to bring curiosity, compassion, warmth and humour to the work we will do together.

I am greatly influenced by the field of “interpersonal neurobiology” which proposes that relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are. This field of knowledge helps us understand how our early experiences may be causing current problems. Early experience develops our current memory system. Our memory systems are changeable. Our conversations and the strategies you can apply will change your brain, literally, at the physical level. New networks in the brain can form which in turn changes your experience of anxiety, depression, grief and many kinds of distress. The brain is relational and changeable, and this knowledge in itself can generate hope.

I enjoy using ideas tested by science (evidence-based approaches) that heal the past in the present in practical and robust ways, relevant to the life and situation you have right now. These approaches include:

• Family systems therapy
• Eye-Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Compassion Based Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Solution Focused Therapy

Over the years I have worked in the Employee Assistance Program context, the disability and aged care sectors. I have also worked with adolescents, couples, and families with organisations such as Relationships Australia, Headspace and in private practice with Northside Psychology. This experience has highlighted the relational aspects of mental health issues. It has also given me experience in working with a wide-range of issues including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders
• Depression, poor self worth
• Sexual abuse
• Childhood neglect, abuse, trauma
• Gender and sexual identity
• Adjustment and life transitions
• Bullying and harassment
• Chronic pain and other health issues
• Grief and loss
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Substance abuse
• Relationships
• Parenting and family dynamics

Before beginning my training as a psychologist in 2006, I spent many years in the communication field, working across government, corporate and private sectors. This included working as a facilitator, workshop designer, trainer, and an accredited mediator and coach. I also did a Theatre/Arts degree and worked briefly in the realm of acting and comedy.

I am passionate about helping individuals, couples and families increase their capacity to have rich and respectful relationships.