Prior to Therapy Works, I worked for several years as a Family Counsellor (both in-office
and in-home) in government funded programs through Connections (Formally known as
Uniting Care Connections) a not- for-profit agency. These programs included the
Counselling Clinic (Croydon), Families First (Eastern Region), Family Residential Unit
(Canterbury), and Family Services (Croydon and Blackburn). I developed and facilitated a
therapeutic group for parents who were going through separation and divorce. I also
participated in setting up and running the Single Session Therapy Program through the
Counselling Clinic and Family Services programs in Blackburn and Croydon.
My work history also includes working as a Counsellor for Parentline, The Greater
Murray Access Line, and several gambling help lines across Australia. In the USA, I also
provided phone counselling for parents in Seattle for a similar service as Parentline.
My qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma in Family Therapy from La Trobe
University. The course was held at The Bouverie Family Centre and has since been
replaced by a Masters Degree course. I completed her BA (four year) in Psychology at the
University of Washington, in Seattle.
I am a Clinical Member of VAFT, the Victorian Association of Family Therapists. Click
here to view the VAFT code of ethics, which I adhere to.
Please feel free to click on the highlighted names to find links to these organisations and
learn more about them. All underlined text contains a link to further information when
clicked.
Therapeutic Approach:
The theoretical frameworks I use in my work include: systems theory, trauma theory,
solution focused therapy, structural therapy, strategic therapy, and narrative therapy. I have
an eclectic approach and utilises a combined network of therapeutic thinking and
interventions, tailoring my work to individual clients, couples, and families. I believe in
collaborating with clients and empowering them to be full participants in the work, versus
being in a one-down position from the "expert".
As is stated on the home page:
I believe in providing supportive and effective counselling in a safe and nurturing
environment. I empower clients to identify problems with renewed clarity and shift any
patterns that may be keeping them stuck in unhappy situations or feelings. I am non-
judgemental, non-blaming, and highly respectful with all clients, am creative and dynamic in
approach, and I use a variety of therapeutic interventions, strategies, and techniques.
I am careful to ensure clients are:
- Comfortable with the therapeutic work
- Informed about the purpose of various therapeutic interventions and given the choice
as to whether they wish to use them - Encouraged to give honest feedback about the work (I believe that such feedback helps
to make sure I am 'on the right track' and that the work is indeed helping) - Given important information about the issues they face,
books/websites, etc.
