About.

I am committed to providing a space where we can connect and explore what is happening for you. A therapeutic session is for you and you have the choice and control around what/how much you share, the journey we go on together and if you prefer talk therapy or creative self expression.

My work in the community sector spans more than 20 years, including working as a counsellor and art therapist over the last 8 years. I am an experienced trauma informed clinician.

I have worked with a wide range of client groups with varying needs, including but not limited to:-

• people with mental health concerns.

• people with disabilities.

• women escaping domestic and family violence.

• people experiencing homelessness

• gender diversity and non-binary people.

• people with chronic health issues and chronic pain

• people experiencing isolation, anxiety and depression

• people experiencing PTSD and who have complex trauma backgrounds.

As well as having my own private practice I am a Sessional Academic at Western Sydney University working as a tutor and clinical supervisor on the Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling program within the School of Social Science.

For 3 years I worked as a phone trauma counsellor with Blue Knot Foundation, supporting people with disabilities and mental health concerns who have experienced violence, trauma and abuse. This program supports people who are effected by the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. Included in this role was doing counselling for people in Correctional Centres around Australia.

Working as an Art Therapist I have facilitated open studio art therapy groups at the Kiloh Centre Psychiatric Ward at Prince of Wales Hospital. In my capacity as an Art Therapist and Counsellor I have repeatedly experienced how important the connections between the creative process of image making and health are, and I have enormous admiration for the people who have allowed me to join them on this potent journey of self-expression and transformation.

I have extensive work experience with people with disabilities. I have been a front line worker and had the pleasure of participating in community access groups and facilitating art making workshops, as well as being a program coordinator. I have been a case manager with what used to be known as The Department of Family and Community Services/Aging Disability and Home Care, working with clients and their carer’s.

Other work roles include being a case worker in a Domestic and Family Violence organisation, as well as being a Therapeutic Practitioner for children and their foster carers in out of home care.

I am passionate about Psychotherapy, Counselling and Art Therapy, and how the process of person centred counselling and/or making art without judgement offers people the opportunity to express emotions that can otherwise be difficult to access and verbalise.

Focusing on the process of art making, externalising emotions and transferring them to the art work can help people achieve personal insights and a feeling of being more attuned to their thoughts and feelings.

I feel honoured to be part of a person’s journey, supporting people through person centred counselling and/or creative self expression.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Social Science (Social Welfare) with Distinction, Charles Sturt University.

Graduate Diploma Counselling with Distinction, Western Sydney University.

Master of Art Therapy with Distinction, Western Sydney University.

Research

Research project, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University, Master of Art Therapy.
Exploring the research question “How can the use of art therapy for chronic pain management effect long term/permanent relief?”.
The repeated experience of long term pain can result in structural and functional changes in the brain, the research project looked at the possible use of art therapy and art making to affect neural pathways and reduce the experience of physical pain.

Memberships and registration

ANZACATA Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association

PACFA Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia

Victims Services NSW Government - Approved Counsellor