Psychology is my passion. I am fascinated by how the mind drives behaviour and decision making, and how to improve the mind to be happy and realise your potential.
For the services I offer, I set a high standard of professionalism, service and value. I integrate a number of tools from various psychological models including interpersonal, existential, Jungian, positive psychology, object relations, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), humanistic, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Read more about my approach here.
Abraham Lincoln once wrote “He has a right to criticise, who has a heart to help.” I believe it is important to challenge clients because that’s how they learn. One client once remarked “I have found someone who I can’t pull the rug under their eyes.” I take this as a compliment, knowing that even when people want to improve, something in them resists change and holds onto the familiar.
I have been a psychotherapist for over twenty years, an organisational trainer and coaching psychologist for over ten years. I have now seen over 2000 individual clients for over 20,000 one on one sessions. I have facilitated hundreds of teambuilding and leadership development sessions for many different organisations, both public and private, small and large.
I have a commitment to lifelong learning and thus to my own professional and personal development. I have many years of being supervised (both group and individual), and both regularly attend professional development sessions and keep up to date on developments within the profession.
My formal qualifications include:
Bachelor of Arts, University of Melbourne
Graduate Diploma of Counselling Psychology (RMIT)
Graduate Diploma of Business Administration (Swinburne University)
Graduate Diploma in Trauma Counselling and Psychotherapy (Cairnmillar Institute)
Diploma in Couple and Relationship Psychotherapy (Cairnmillar Institute)
I have also held several positions in private and public institutions including Staff Psychologist, Manager Corporate Services, Training Consultant, EEO Program Coordinator, and Debriefing Coordinator.
I do what I do to make a positive difference to people’s lives. I have created a theory of emotional needs that helps people heal and connect, and have developed a map of human psychology that I use to help people improve their awareness of themselves.
When I was fifteen I had a compulsory visit to my school careers counsellor who told me my personality was suited to being a Psychologist. She said I had compassion for others, by the way I took care of the more vulnerable kids in the classroom and on the playground. At the time I laughed and dismissed the advice, yet it planted a seed that has been growing ever since.
I do what I do because it fits so well with my personality and natural abilities, it helps me live my values and helps me continue to learn and develop whilst helping others reach their potential. Psychology is my passion. I am fascinated by how the mind drives behaviour and decision making, and how to improve the mind to be happy and realise your potential.
In this complex profession there is always more to learn and put into practice in helping others, and the journey is a very rewarding one. In my work I endeavour to display integrity, loving kindness, professionalism, and to provide actionable strategies tailored for the individual.
As a Coaching Psychologist, I have considerable experience with small business owners, family businesses, CEOs, directors, partners and line managers. I facilitate professional development programs, and have trained employee groups in conflict resolution, teambuilding, leadership, negotiation skills, counselling skills, customer service, managing change, preventing burnout and work-life balance.
My integrated approach covers a wide range of presenting issues, including:
Anxiety
Depression
Personality disorders
Panic Disorder
Narcissism
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anger management
Assertiveness training
Bullying
Behaviour Problems
Grief and Loss
Life transition and adjustment issues
Chronic Illness
Chronic Fatigue
Self Esteem
Shyness and Social Skills
Conflict resolution
Couples therapy
Divorce / separation
Relationships
Parenting
Stepfamilies
Loss of Family Members
Alcohol dependence
Drug dependence
Gambling
Impulsive behaviours
Gaming
Pornography
Work stress
Managing Staff
Leadership skills
Strategy
Career Change
Motivation
Work/life Issues
Workplace bullying
Fear of Public Speaking
Interview and exam preparation
If you are ready for change, I would love to work with you.
The average number of sessions a client has is 6-12. Even though clients often get immediate results, it’s important to turn these into new habits, and this takes a few sessions. That is when real change occurs. I typically see people weekly or fortnightly at first, then after about a month or so I shift to monthly sessions.
