"The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely."

Hello and welcome to 

Flourish 

Counselling & Psychotherapy

A little about me:

I am a mother of three beautiful neurodivergent children, an author and a counsellor. Each of my children has taught me the meaning of resilience, the virtue of patience, the power of advocacy and the importance of embracing individuality and neurodiversity with curiosity and understanding. 

My personal journey and lived experience:

My journey has been complex, and I want to be transparent about who I am. My life experiences have shaped my values and approach to counselling and enabled a deep empathy for those who are also working through trauma, grief, betrayal and self-exploration. 

My journey is ongoing, bringing with it the ups and downs of life's challenges, but my dedication to growth and advocacy has been a catalyst for change. My childhood entailed an environment of alcoholism, substance addiction, neglect and various forms of abuse.

Learning to trust my instincts has been one of the most difficult challenges to navigate. Healing my deepest wounds and advocating for others, alongside rediscovering the parts of me that were lost, suppressed, or forgotten, have been my biggest motivators in helping others heal their wounds.

Now, as an adult, a mother, a counsellor, and an author, I advocate for those seeking freedom from the strongholds of family violence, trauma and abuse, championing the rights, dignity and integrity of all individuals, families and communities who have faced adversity, so they too can embrace life fully and break free from the chains that confine them. 

Who am I:

I am a kind and compassionate individual who sees the value in every individual, experience and lesson that life brings. I have a deeply caring nature with a strong sense of social justice, and I strive to approach life with curiosity and authenticity. I am a lover of nature, music, history, learning, self-reflection and books. I deeply value positive connections built on a sense of safety, unity, trust, kindness and mutual respect. 

Experience and qualifications:

With over 25 years of experience in the community services sector and counselling field, I am passionate about advocating for and guiding individuals through life’s complexities, helping them find a pathway that aligns with their values and strengths to overcome struggles and get the most out of life!

I hold a triple diploma in applied social science (behavioural science), counselling, and counselling practice. I am also a certified Lifeline DV-alert practitioner, EFT practitioner and a certified life coach whose knowledge and expertise are rooted in trauma-informed counselling and advocacy of children and families impacted by domestic and family violence, poverty and disadvantage and those who have been disempowered through systemic barriers and other life challenges. 

Additionally, I also specialise in counselling individuals within the NDIS community, helping neurodivergent communities in capacity building, achieving their goals and improving their daily lives through personalised and targeted treatment plans and collaboration with their support team.

My skills and knowledge enable me to work closely with a range of diverse clients to build confidence, resilience and promote healing by fostering an environment of personal empowerment and safety, where individuals are supported to live a life of courage, strength and purpose.

I am a published author of a series of neurodiverse social storybooks that are designed to help children with intellectual disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and other cognitive impairments. They are beautifully crafted to help children learn the fundamental skills of emotional literacy and personal empowerment.

Values that shape my practice:

My life experiences have instilled a passion for social justice and brought an awareness of the need for inclusion, acceptance, and equality. These three values are the bones of Flourish Counselling & Psychotherapy and are important values that I hold very close to my heart.

My awareness, lived experience, academic and professional pursuits have given me a defined skillset in understanding social issues, which have largely contributed to the values I have established for my counselling practice. They inspire my dedication to creating positive change and supporting those who face systemic barriers and life challenges.

Overcoming oppression in marginalised communities requires a collective call to action, advocacy and recognition of systemic barriers that hinder rather than support individuals. Dismantling harmful structures and stigma attached to mental health creates more equitable societies for all, and it is my mission to empower and support those who need it most.

The values of my counselling

practice is upheld with integrity and transparency, which shape the foundation on which the organisation was built. 

Therapeutic framework and approach:

My framework is a strengths-based and integrative approach, drawing from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Experiential Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). 

These approaches help to address presenting issues, manage symptoms, and improve mental health outcomes and interpersonal relationships while leveraging an individual’s strengths to foster meaningful growth, healing and change. 

My vision is to empower my clients through a therapeutic framework that supports autonomy, self-determination, collaboration and transformation.

Commitment to growth and empowerment:

I am committed to ongoing personal and professional development by maintaining my registration and membership with leading peak bodies in the counselling field. Our affiliation with these organisations is founded on accountability, integrity, uphold high ethical standards, and adhere to best practices that foster excellence in the counselling profession.

Creating a safe and supportive space:

With an empathetic and client-centred approach, I ensure everyone I work with feels heard, valued, and supported. This foundation of trust and respect fosters a profound client-counselling alliance that encourages growth in all domains of life. My approach and framework adhere to the ethical principles and values of confidentiality, sensitivity, unconditional positive regard and integrity when working with clients. 

Understanding social issues and advocacy:

I have a deep understanding of the profound impacts of social issues such as domestic and family violence, poverty, disadvantage, discrimination, and the oppression faced by marginalised communities. It is with this knowledge that I have come to realise that working towards a collective healing of the emotional and generational wounds left behind requires commitment and dedication.

A vision for a kinder world:

Last, but not least, I endeavour to contribute to a world where kindness and equality lay the foundation for growth, where inclusion, acceptance and equality guide our work to overcome barriers and challenges with courage, determination and resilience.

Our mission is to provide accessible, specialised and practical counselling that empowers individuals and communities by:

🌿 Advocating for systemic changes to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health through collaboration and community outreach to foster empathy, inclusion, and meaningful connections.

🌿 Advocate for the respect and community acceptance of culturally sensitive practices for First Nations peoples and diverse populations, while acknowledging the vital role that culture and kinship play in Indigenous communities.

🌿 Promoting self-awareness and empowering clients with tools to navigate life’s challenges effectively.

🌿 Creating a space that fosters emotional and psychological safety, contributing to positive physical, emotional and psychological well-being.

🌿 Making counselling accessible within a supportive community where individuals feel respected and valued.

🌿 Utilising holistic and evidence-based approaches that cater to the diverse needs of my clients and the wider community.

🌿 Pursuing ongoing professional development to stay informed of best practices and innovations in the field.

🌿 Addressing the social challenges faced by individuals and within communities.

🌿 Supporting clients in recognising their strengths and abilities.

🌿Working towards clients' goals to overcome life’s difficulties so they can thrive and flourish!

My approach to addressing life's complexities, such as trauma and recovery, anxiety, relationship difficulties, addiction, neurodiversity and disability, recognises the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit to achieve goals and values-based living. 

Using a multi-system lens, we focus on facilitating self-awareness, emotional safety, and holistic well-being that inspires hope, growth, and healing.

We specialise in addressing and advocating for change in the following areas of life:

 🌿 Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

- Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders

- Stress management

- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

- Grief, loss, and bereavement

- Self-esteem and low confidence

- Suicide and self-harm

- Domestic and family violence

- Navigating mental health challenges as a neurodivergent individual

 🌿 Relationships

- Couples and marriage counselling

- Family dynamics and conflict

- Building healthy communication skills

- Life after separation or divorce

- Supporting neurodivergent individuals in relationships and social interactions

 🌿 Personal Development

- Self-awareness and personal growth

- Handling life transitions

- Motivation and goal setting

- Building resilience

- Emotional intelligence

- Understanding and embracing neurodivergent identity

- Goal setting and achievement

- Developing practical strategies to meet NDIS goals

 🌿 Behavioural Concerns

- Anger management

- Boundary setting and assertiveness training

- Coping with addictive behaviours 

(substance use, gambling, co-dependency, etc.)

- Developing healthier habits and routines 

- Navigating executive function challenges and sensory sensitivities

- Supporting skill-building and routines aligned with NDIS goals

 🌿 Life Challenges and Adjustments

- Workplace stress or career concerns

- Bullying and harassment

- Navigating cultural or identity-related challenges

- Adjusting to significant life events

- Advocating for neurodivergent inclusivity in workplaces and social spaces

- Building independence and achieving NDIS goals

 🌿 Health and Body Image

- Chronic illness and pain management

- Eating disorders and body image concerns

- Weight loss and weight management

- Developing healthier lifestyles

- Understanding the intersection of neurodivergence and health-related challenges

🌿 Spirituality and the Meaning of Life

- Exploring spiritual growth and self-discovery

- Finding purpose and alignment in life

- Navigating existential questions and beliefs

- Healing from religious trauma and spiritual wounds

- Cultivating mindfulness and inner peace through faith-based practices

- Integrating spirituality into daily life and decision-making

- Exploring spirituality through a neurodivergent lens

We draw from various counselling approaches and techniques, utilising strategies that support many life challenges. Additionally, I am a certified Lifeline DV-alert and EFT practitioner, giving me extensive skills in trauma recovery that promote emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing and healing. 

I firmly believe that individuals are the architects of their own lives and possess the strength, courage, and ability to create the lives they truly envision!