Trauma and relationship support for Empaths & Highly Sensitive Souls
Frequently Asked Questions about Counselling Supports
I know that your time is precious....I thought I would capture some of the most frequently asked questions that have arisen when clients have contacted me in the past…. Just in case any of the same questions resonate with you.
What qualifications do you have? And what about your clinical experience?
I originally trained as a Counsellor- undertaking a Diploma of Applied Science (Counselling) around 24 years ago. Since my early academic training I have gone on to obtain an undergraduate and Masters in Social Work. My Diploma qualifications are in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Art Therapy and Eating Disorders. My Post Graduate training includes a Diploma in Family Therapy and Certificates in Expressive Therapies- Sandplay and Symbol Work and a Certificate in Expressive Therapies with Children and Adolescents. I have also obtained further qualifications in Transactional Analysis and Life Coaching (where I specialize in Life Cycle coaching and Health and Wellness). Most recently I have completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (E.M.D.R) and also Emotional Freedom Technique (Level 1-3). My clinical experience includes 23+ years working in a variety of both community and clinical settings including- Family Services, Schools (both Primary and Secondary). I have also worked in the area of Addictions/Substance Abuse (both inpatient withdrawal and post-withdrawal support). I have worked in hospital settings, Palliative care, Clinical- Community mental health and sexual assault (including crisis response work).
Are you registered to provide services under Medicare?
Yes. I am registered to provide psychological services to people who have a current mental health care plan. This is funded under the 'Better Access- Better Outcomes to Mental Health program'. With a current mental health care plan, roughly $83.00 is rebated through Medicare.
I believe that counselling/ therapy works when-
- We work in a way that assists you to demystify what it is that is causing you the confusion in your life. -
- We are both truly invested in your healing and embrace the commitment to change. (That change is absolutely possible but it does require a commitment and willingness to invest in yourself).
- You have the experience of being held in a safe, supported and trusted place.
- I work with you to harness your strengths and natural resiliency to promote change by helping you to reclaim long, lost or forgotten strength based parts of yourself.
- A light is shone on opportunities and possibilities, that maybe hidden or unrecognizable to you at this time.
- You are assisted to find your own solutions using a range of therapeutic tools and creative modalities.
What can I expect from you, when I meet you for the first time?
I really get that attending counselling for the first time can be fraught with anxiety, apprehension and uncertainty. Hopefully you will get a sense for how I am, when I speak with you on the phone initially. Creating a warm, comfortable and calming environment is my number one priority. I always invite (actually strongly encourage) you to share with me any concerns or worries that you have.
How long will we work together?
Sometimes client's come for a short burst of sessions (around 3-6), others around 10. What I have observed is that people often seek to re-engage with me as 'new' themes, stresses or other factors present in their lives. My approach is that counselling is often 'episodic'- people seek to work with me when, and as they need to. And that is fine! People enjoy knowing that I remember their story, so they do not have to explain their whole family situation or past traumas all over again. (Can I even share that I have remembered my clients’ pets’ names? - much to my clients utter surprise!).
Whilst on the matter of courts..... Do you write court reports?
The general answer to this is "No". My skills are embedded in working therapeutically not writing up lengthy court reports (especially where there are family court proceedings). I also respect the privacy of my client's personal information and feel that the whole court processes can rupture this therapeutic working relationship. There are other organisations / agencies that specialize in this line of work and I am more than happy to share this information with you. Please note however, that I do work with Victims of Crime and will write up VOCAT reports.
Do you offer after hours or weekend appointments?
I have a degree of flexibility in relation to appointment availability especially with the use of video sessions via zoom.
Do you practice at multiple locations?
No. I work from a purpose built studio in the Dandenong Ranges and will use zoom for telehealth sessions.
Can the expressive therapies / Sandplay and symbol work, be used by adults?
Absolutely..... In-fact I have found that when this modality of work is introduced to adults, 'therapy' really becomes enhanced. In my clinical counselling experience, some incredible shifts are observed by me, but more importantly felt by the people I work with.
Have I missed anything?
Please don't hesitate to reach out. I am only more than happy to answer any questions you may have.