Therapy
Some experiences or concerns people reach out about:
Trauma, abuse and/or violence
Experiences can include what we name relational trauma, domestic and family violence, childhood trauma, childhood sexual abuse, sexual violence, sexual trauma, structural violence and/or experiences of oppression.
Persistent Pain
Experiences of persistent pain including chronic pain and pelvic pain, as well as concerns relating to navigating healthcare, the normalisation, pathologisation, minimisation and/or dismissal of pain and distress.
Ongoing Stress
Experiences of ongoing stress that may relate to pressures with work, societal pressures, and/or relationships.
To explore external world influences on individual experiences
Reflecting on the impacts of social, political, physical and cultural systems can support us in understanding how we are affected, how society is collectively responsible for upholding norms that tolerate abuse, and how we can affect broader change.
To explore to ways of surviving, coping, strengths and/or resilience
In understanding our experiences, bringing awareness to ways of resisting, surviving and strengths can support us in centring dignity and moving towards safety and justice.
To explore navigating life choices, including those outside social norms
There are many life choices we navigate including relationships, caregiving, study, careers and living arrangements. Exploring options and choices in counselling can be supportive in a space centering you and your needs, preferences and what is meaningful for you.
My practice is informed by
Social Justice Informed Therapy
Social Justice informed therapy brings awareness to our histories, identities and the sociopolitical context in which we live. When viewing personal experiences within context, we make visible broader social issues influencing our lives, name problems outside of us and consider how to address them.
Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal theory can support us in understanding our nervous system and how we respond to the world by shifting between states. In learning to recognise these states, we can explore practices that support our ongoing journey and return to sensing safety, connection and joy.
Narrative Practices
Narrative practices support us to understand the context in which our stories are formed, including the influence of power dynamics and dominant societal knowledge structures. With curiosity, narrative practices support externalising problems outside of individuals, making visible the effects on people’s lives and exploring alternative story lines.
Response-based Practice
Response-based practice can support us in acknowledging and honouring the responses to abuse and other forms of oppression. This can include responses that aim to stop, limit or prevent abuse.
My practice also draws upon:
De-colonising Practice
Critical Race Theory
Critical Disability Theory
Ecological Systems Theory
Trauma-Informed Practice
Intersectional Feminist perspectives
Qualifications and Professional Experience
My professional experience in community work has included eight years working in community agencies supporting people impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence. Additionally I have held leadership roles, facilitated training and provided supervision to support practitioners in reflection, justice-doing and continuous improvement in our work supporting clients and community members.
I regularly attend supervision for reflections and learning from conversations with clients and community, and deepening my skills and knowledge.
Professional Experience
Qualifications and professional development
Bachelor of Social Work
Additional specialist trainings and professional development in:
Healing Attachment Trauma
Complex Trauma
Circle of Security (relating to parenting and attachment)
Safe and Together Model
..and more.