Marriage and Relationship Counselling, Trauma-informed.

I'm a trauma-informed couples, and family therapist and registered counsellor who wants to see people building loving relationships and healing through healthy relationships. 

Relationships (with self and others) are one of the most important aspects of our lives and can be either a source of joy and stability or become a source of distress or even trauma. My journey has helped me learn how important relationships shape our identity and how adverse experiences can get us stuck in dysfunctional ways of dealing with others and life challenges. 

There are ways to maintain peace and harmony regardless of any circumstance. It is possible to maintain balance and to stay grounded not only during peaceful times but also during times of challenges and tragedy. We can only achieve this through healing and achieving growth that strengthens us.

No matter where you are in your journey, therapeutic conversations can give you clarity and confidence to navigate your life map and find your way. 

Safety and security are the foundation of healthy relationships. We all long to be understood and validated. We want to feel important to our loved ones and that we matter. Not all of us know how to know what we need in relationships or how to ask for it. I endeavour to model safety and security by providing this in the therapy room, where everyone feels heard and understood. My therapy approach is to create connection and safety during the sessions so that you can truly experience what it is like to be heard and understood by your loved ones. 

We are emotional for a reason!

Emotions carry important information that makes us act out to get what we need. It is our basic right and need to feel safe, loved and accepted.

Humans are emotional animals. Western societies have treated negative emotion as a disease you need to get rid of. Emotions contain vital information we need to make important decisions and changes. We also need to learn to communicate our feelings better to our loved ones. I believe to live a life of peace and harmony we need to become emotionally intelligent. We can have peace in our hearts regardless of our circumstances. I help my clients understand their deeper emotions, using emotions as the powerful force that leads to the change we want to see. Don't let big emotions be a hindrance. Use emotions as a compass to navigate your relationships. 

Therapeutic Approach

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapy developed to assist couples to improve attachment bonding. It helps clients understand the function of their emotions and triggers as well as that of their loved ones. The deeper understanding allows you to hear what your loved ones are trying to say without feeling overwhelmed or defensive. It will also help your loved ones hear you express your needs, strengthening the bond. It allows deeper conversations and understanding. 

I have been trained in integrative counselling approaches, meaning that sessions will be personalised to your specific needs and goals.  

You can find out more about EFT from the link here. https://iceeft.com/

Formal training: 

Masters of Counselling (ACOM) 

Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Integrated Psychotherapy (Australian Institute of Family Counselling), 

Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Monash).  

Professional training: 

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Core Skills A&B, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (Level 1 & 2), Gottman Method couples therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and trauma-focused psychotherapy.

Professional Affiliation: 

Australia Counselling Association Member (Level 4), Christian Counsellor Association Member, Member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

Find me on Psychology Today

If you live in the western suburbs, I also work from Mind Up clinic at Spotswood Monday-Wed evenings, Friday. Online digital appointments are also available at Mind Up.