I am passionate about supporting people to heal and connect with themselves and others. I am a social worker, counsellor and IFS and EMDR psychotherapist who has worked for 35 years supporting teenagers and adults in a variety of settings . I have taught and supervised trainee counsellors for 20 years.
Before working as a counsellor and psychotherapist, I was a English as an Additional language teacher, youth worker and community development worker with refugee communities.
I bring warmth and humour to my work and have a gentle and empathic approach. My aim is to create an environment where you will feel heard and supported.
.I enjoy singing, dancing , walking my dogs and reading voraciously and cooking for friends and family.
I am available for in person sessions in Kyneton in the Macedon Ranges. I am also available for telehealth appointments.
I offer a 15-minute free telephone chat so you can assess if I am a good fit for you.
Fees : $ 135 for an hour appointment
Lower rates can sometimes be negotiated for low income people.
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Services
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Counselling helps us to become aware of our thoughts, feelings, values and relationships with self and others. It is a safe place to work through painful experiences and feelings, uncover habits that show up for you, and fosters growth and development. I truly believe we all can heal and grow with the support of a non-judgemental and warm therapist. I can help you to gain an awareness of the parts of your internal self that affect your behaviours, life choices and mood, so you can gain more inner peace and increase your wellbeing .
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Adolescence is time of change Young people can grapple with their identity and experience challenges in friendships and family relationships . Exploring these challenges with a youth focussed counsellor can assist young people to get in touch with feelings of overwhelm, set boundaries and articulate their values and hopes for the future .
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Counselling helps us to become aware of our thoughts, feelings, values and relationships with self and others. It is a safe place to work through painful experiences and feelings, uncover habits that show up for you, and fosters growth and development. I truly believe we all can all heal and grow with the support of a non-judgemental and warm therapist who makes you feel seen. I can help you to gain an awareness of the parts of your internal self that affect your behaviours, life choices and mood, so you can gain more inner peace and increase your wellbeing .
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If you have ever said “A part of me wants to do this, but another part of me just can’t “you are already speaking in IFS language.
IFS is an evidenced based psychotherapy developed by Dr Richard Shwartz. As a family therapist, he was working with dynamics within families, and noticed that individuals often spoke about various sub-personalities or “parts” within themselves
IFS is based on the idea we all have a family of inner parts – each having their own feelings ,beliefs, and a Self which is calm, curious, compassionate, courageous and capable of healing.
In IFS we do not try and get rid of or change these parts – we try to get to know them, what they are carrying and how they are trying to help us?
Due to life events, trauma and adversity some of our parts have developed to protect us – known as manager / protectors, and specifically, to protect our vulnerable, young parts- known as exiles.
What’s different about IFS?
Rather than treating symptoms, such as silencing your inner critic or your perfectionist part. (just two examples- we all have unique parts) IFS works to get to know your parts through gentle curiosity. What are they protecting? What are they afraid would happen if they stopped doing what they do? Once parts are heard and understood, they soften, and a shift occurs.
IFS is also creative and can be fun!
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What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy that does not require talking at length about a traumatic event. Instead, it uses guided bilateral stimulation (like side-to-side eye movements, auditory tones, or tapping) to accelerate the brains natural capacity to heal. EMDR helps resolve past disturbing memories, reduce present triggers, and establish positive coping skills for the future.