Who I work with

The reasons people seek psychologists’ support are very diverse. Each of the people I work with have life experiences, aspirations, strengths and challenges that are unique to them. My intention is to meet each person where they are at and provide a setting in which their story can emerge, along with their goals and hopes about engaging in therapy. Common issues clients seek help with include depression, anxiety, self esteem, assertiveness, workplace issues, PTSD and trauma, painful childhood experiences or memories, sexuality, and relationships. Some of the issues I am passionate about are discussed below in more detail.

I am an SIRA-approved Psychologist and can work with clients under their Work Cover plan.

I am also able to work with clients who are on self managed NDIS plans.

I am also an approved Vic TAC service provider able to work with victims of motor vehicle accidents in Victoria under their Vic TAC entitlements.

I have a special interest and experience in working with the following issues:

  • PTSD & Trauma recovery

  • Sexuality

  • Relationships

  • Attachment issues

  • Mother/Daughter relationships

  • Gender Diversity

  • LGBTQAI+ issues

  • Spirituality

  • Neurodiversity (ASD or ‘Aspergers’)

  • Existential questions (life purpose & meaning)

speciaL INTERESTS

Sexuality

I have a particular interest in sexuality in all its forms and expressions. The ways in which we engage sexually - with ourselves and with others - seems to both reflect and influence many important aspects of life. This includes identity, self esteem, the capacity for joy and deep connection, general quality of life and access to energy and vitality among other things.

I have undertaken extensive training in many aspects of sexuality. I am a long-standing Full Member of the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS) and Past-President of the ACT branch of SAS.

I offer a Queer-, Kink-, Polyamorous-, Sex Worker- and Trans-friendly environment to explore whatever issues you face.

Relationships

The quality of our personal relationships is often central to our emotional and psychological wellbeing, whether this is our intimate partners, family members or close friendships. Conflict, dissatisfaction and disconnection in this vital domain of our lives can be the trigger for much suffering. These difficulties can also point to other underlying issues in each individual’s inner life that play out in relationships, and which therapy can help surface and address.

My intention is to help people learn how to reconnect in more loving ways with the important people in their lives, increase attachment security, avoid destructive conflict and communicate with and understand each other more clearly.

My training in the Gottman model of couples therapy provides a strongly evidence-based structure for this work.

Gender Diversity

My assumption is that virtually all human characteristics are ‘non- binary’. Rather they exist on a spectrum or a continuum. Gender and gender identity (and sexuality in general) are no exception. Individuals who do not sit comfortably within the ‘either/or’ categories of male and female have long suffered from this misapprehension of gender being binary. Gender identity goes to the core of who we are, how we relate with others and how we feel about ourselves.

I have undertaken training with recognised leaders in this area and have supported a number of people working through gender identity issues, including their transitioning to a more authentic, comfortable and ‘right’ place for themselves on that spectrum. I am in awe of the courage, integrity and dignity of the clients I work with who face and deal with these issues.

Neuro Diversity

I have worked with many individuals who are ‘on the spectrum’ (i.e. the Autism Spectrum or ASD and previously known as Asperger’s Disorder) over many years.

This is an area I feel passionately about because it seems that individuality and diversity is something that ought to be celebrated and embraced, rather than punished or repressed.

I know the difficulties and pain that being ‘different’ can cause for people and know that learning new skills and frameworks can help people to feel more accepted and confident in their dealings with others.

However a large part of my work with clients facing this challenge is encouraging self-acceptance and finding pride in their own unique and often very adaptive way of being in and experiencing the world.