As a clinical psychologist I have worked extensively with trauma, abuse and neglect both past and present and as well as those experiencing symptoms consistent with PTSD, Complex PTSD, Depression, Anxiety as well as Bipolar and stabilised Psychotic disorders.
My sessions are focused on you:
My therapeutic aim is to provide a space that is safe, compassionate, free of judgement, supportive and collaborative, to encourage exploration of issues, increase insight and awareness, to empower growth and change and build resilience.
A little about me: your relationship with the field of psychology
My professional approach draws from my training as a clinical psychologist as well as my personal experience of trauma and the struggles this created in my life. I completed my initial training in Melbourne before working as a psychologist in Darwin, Port Hedland and Kalgoorlie. This early work provided a deep understanding of the challenges experienced by those living remotely particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and established a strong motivation to improve life chances for those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. I developed further competency when employed for 10 years at an Aboriginal School here in Brisbane where my work prioritised the establishment of positive, trusting relationships with children and their families and the enactment of unconditional positive regard.
As one who believes in the unity of body and mind, I have a daily yoga and meditation practice which helps keep me emotionally balanced and physically well. I am a parent to two adult children, but no grandchildren yet! I am also a mad keen AFL fan, love my garden and enjoy being outside in nature.
I embrace the following philosophies
Western medicine often fails to treat the whole person, ignoring how the toxicity of modern culture stresses the body, burdens the immune system, and undermines emotional balance.
Healing is a natural movement towards to an innate sense of wholeness. It is a direction not a destination. It is about building the positive capacity to live life in the present, free to experience life as it is rather than how our minds tell us it should be.
The aim of healing work is to free ourselves from the mind’s automatic programming giving us access to what is underneath, to reconnect to what is essential about us.
The path of healing begins when we open ourselves to the truth of our lives past and present as plainly and objectively as we can, and acknowledge the impact of those experiences on our current life and those around us.
You are not your trauma. It is about what happened to you rather than who you are.
Qualifications and registration/memberships
I am a registered psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a member of the APS Clinical College. I am registered with NDIS and have extensive experience working with and supporting NDIS clients. I also provide services under Workcover QLD, Victims Assist as well as Medicare and Private health funding (if your provider covers psychology).
Preferred therapeutic modalities
I work within a trauma sensitive framework and have received training in a range of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, ACT, DBT, Mindfulness and Experiential Chairwork. I draw on these different approaches to collaboratively build an individualised, flexible treatment plan that reflects your needs and goals for therapy. I am also a qualified Trauma Sensitive Yoga teacher and Kundalini Yoga teacher and able to incorporate aspects of these practices into your healing journey as required.
I am open to negotiating reduced rates to tertiary students and Health Care card holders.
