HOPE & GROW
Counselling Services & Mental Health Training
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Professional Bio
I am a Social Worker and Counsellor with over 15 years of experience spanning private practice, employment services, community programs, and educational settings. My journey into counselling began in my early 20s, fuelled by a strong desire to support individuals and couples. However, as a young mother of two, I recognized the need to grow personally and professionally before fully embarking on this path.
In my 30s, I worked as a family support worker in community settings and schools, gaining valuable insight into the challenges families face. Once my children graduated from high school, I pursued my passion for counselling, completing an undergraduate degree in counselling and later working in the employment services industry for seven years as a consultant and counsellor.
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Determined to deepen my knowledge and expand my practice, I earned a Master’s in Social Work. After a brief tenure at Headspace, I established my private practice in 2018, specializing in relationship counselling and guiding couples and individuals through life transitions. My work is dedicated to helping people navigate challenges, strengthen their connections, and achieve personal growth.
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In addition to my counselling work, I am passionate about mental health education. As a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, I strive to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness by empowering individuals and communities with knowledge and tools to support mental well-being. I firmly believe that mental health is everyone’s business, and through open conversations and education, we can create a world where seeking help feels natural and accessible.
What I Thought I Wanted to Be When I Grew Up
When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a hairdresser and joining ABBA. Sadly, I can neither sing nor dance, so those ambitions stayed in my imagination! Instead, I found myself drawn to the beauty industry.
After getting married at a young age, I moved to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory in 1989, where I had my two children (who are now adults—one is married, and the other lives in London).
Over the years, I’ve lived in four other states and held a variety of roles, including in hospitality, as a family support worker, teacher’s aide, and programs director.
What Happened Next
After 20 years, my first marriage came to an end, and I returned to Wollongong to heal and pursue my studies. Back in the Illawarra, I met my now-husband and became part of a blended family with his son. Wollongong once again became home. Life has brought me through many stages, from joy-filled moments to incredibly challenging times, each shaping who I am today. Now, I find myself in a wonderful new chapter of life: being a grandmother—or "Nana," as my granddaughter calls me.
What Makes Me Tick
I am passionate about travel, nurturing relationships with family and friends, and making memories over card and board games (though Monopoly is a hard pass—there’s a story there). I love the theatre, comedy shows, savoring delicious food and wine, and, most importantly, sharing a good laugh.
My Guilty Pleasures
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A good bottle of wine
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Netflix marathons
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Scrolling through Instagram (I’ll admit, I’m hooked)
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Chocolate
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Cuddling my granddaughter
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Diving into piles of half-read books
Supporting You on Your Journey to Growth and Connection
With my down-to-earth personality, strong listening skills, and a deep understanding of life’s challenges, I’m here to provide the support you need. Our experiences—shaped by family, society, school, and work—play a significant role in how we think, feel, and behave. Together, we can work to understand these influences and create meaningful change.
How I Can Help:
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Compassionate support for mental health challenges like anxiety, stress, or depression
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Guidance in navigating relationship issues and building stronger connections
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A safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts and emotions
My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and evidence-based practices. Whether you're seeking clarity, healing, or personal growth, I’ll meet you where you are and help you take the next steps.
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Qualifications
Masters in Social Work: Flinders University: 2018,
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling): Australian College
of Applied Psychology: 2012
Diploma in Counselling 1997
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Associations
Member of Australian Association of Social Work, (AASW)
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Additional Training
Relational Life Therapy (RLT) level 1
Institute of Relational Intimacy Level 1
Gottman Method Couple therapy 1 & 2
Gottman Affairs and PTSD
Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT)
Schema Therapy
Emotional freedom technique (EFT) Tapping
Prepare/Enrich Premarital Counselling
ACT for Adolescents
Understanding Dementia MOOC
Understanding Eating Disorder
Mental Health First Aid MASTER Instructor,
Lifeline Crisis Counselling Certificate
Negotiation & Crisis Intervention
Counselling Clients with Complicated Grief.
My Approach
I provide evidence-based therapies including:
Mindfulness,
Schema Therapy
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT),
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
Expressive Therapy,
The Gottman Method,
Emotionally Focused Couple therapy, (EFT)
Emotional freedom technique (EFT) Tapping
Solution Focused,
Values and Strength Based.
Let’s Begin Together
Ready to start your journey toward a healthier, more connected life? Contact me today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how I can support you