About Me

As a mature, experienced therapist and a survivor of childhood abuse myself, I am dedicated to working with both individuals in therapy and couples counselling. I believe that at the heart of human existence is creativity, pleasure and fulfilment and that difficulties in sexual expression and functioning can go to the core of a person’s relationship to self and others. I therefore am, amongst other training, a certified Sexual Health Therapist and a registered member of ASSERT (Australian Society of Sex Educators Researchers and Therapists). Sexual Health Therapists are qualified counsellors, and healthcare professionals who have had extensive training in human sexuality, behaviour and relationships. Combining my strong academic background and extensive clinical experience- issues like Erectile Dysfunction, performance anxiety, delayed and premature ejaculation, compulsive sexual behaviour, and painful sex or Vaginismus are areas that I am well versed in and bring a wealth of knowledge.

Additionally, and importantly when dealing with the long-term effects of childhood trauma, I am a practicing accredited trauma therapist with Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). This is a specific therapeutic approach to help people understand how their brain processes information and makes sense of experiences, which can help to shape their behaviours, thoughts and feelings in a more positive way. Past difficult situations can be processed so you are better able to understand the impact of past traumatic events on your current life and assess the triggers that create challenges in everyday relationships and life generally.

My Approach

I work with individuals and couples struggling with issues pertaining to gender, sexuality, self-acceptance, grief and loss, adoption, depression and anxiety, eating disorders, and interpersonal relationships. Together we explore your values, we identify your commitments and the aspects of your life that are important to you, and peel back the numerous life stressors that might keep you from not living the life you want.

I offer an integrated holistic approach, working with the emotional, the physical, the mental and the existential/spiritual. I believe that a treatment plan should be individually tailored to each client or couple.

I use an eclectic approach integrating different therapeutic modalities: Psychodynamic Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Relational Life Therapy (RLT),amongst others.

My role as role as a caring and non-judgemental therapist is to help you feel understood your life and your relationships. No matter which therapist you choose, the number one most important predictor for success in therapy is the therapeutic relationship between you and the therapist. Every relationship in your life, ours included, has the power to transform you.

I am based on the Central Coast at Erina and the Hunter Valley at Cessnock. My special focus is working sensitively with couples and individuals, regardless of their age, sex, gender orientation, religious or cultural heritage who have had childhood trauma, and who want to process it and regain their true sense of joy that may have been squashed, but not destroyed in childhood.

I see clients from all walks of life. I am always respectful and discreet. I abide by the extremely strict code of ethics that ensures all information shared by the client is strictly confidential.

Are you ready to take the first step?

Get Started

Here are a couple of links that help explain how EMDR Therapy works:

(explanation of trauma and EMDR Therapy, 30 minute interview with Dr Derek Farrell)

(Short animation about Trauma and EMDR)

(Short animation on how EMDR Therapy works)

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Counselling, Australian College of Applied Psychology.
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Macquarie University.
Graduate Diploma in Education, London University
Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Literature, London University
EMDR Level 2, Master level. Australia
Healing the Fragmented Selves – Janine Fisher
Mandala Advanced Psychodynamic Counselling Skills with Clinical Experience
Diploma of Couples Therapy: The Developmental Model, Couples Institute, USA

Certificate in Hypnosis, Australia
Kinergetics Levels 1,2 and 3, Australia
Dialectic Behaviour Therapy. M.Schiell Australia
Disarming The Narcissist. Australia
Certificate in Thought Field Therapy, USA
Working with Difficult Couples, PCP Workshop, Australia
Expanding the Practice of Sex Therapy: Training for Professionals, USA
Mindfulness, USA
Transforming Desire Workshop, USA

Affiliations

ACA Australian Counsellors Association Level 4
ASSERT Australian Society of Sex Educators Researchers and Therapists. Professional level
AASECT American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists

Reach out to me today!

Please complete the form below to schedule an appointment.
I will try my best to accommodate your request and will be in touch ASAP.

Healing is possible and you are not alone. Reach out and together we can begin to navigate the path to recovery and help you emerge stronger than ever.

Contact Today