About Me

My Clinical Qualifications and Accreditation Biography

Master of Mental Health in the Field of Psychotherapy (The University of Queensland, UQ) Master of Counselling (University of New England, UNE), Bachelor of Psychological Science (UNE),  Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology (Central Queensland University, CQU), Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Therapeutic Approaches (UNE), and Certificate IV in Mental Health (TAFE Qld).

 I am a fully accredited Psychotherapist, Mental Health Practitioner, and Counsellor with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia as a Clinical Registrant- Registration number: 28993, and the Australian Counselling Association- Membership number: 23111.

Additionally, I also hold a Practitioner Membership with the International Positive Psychology Association.

I completed my undergraduate education with UNE in 2016 before receiving the Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology (The scientific study of optimal human functioning and what makes life worth living) from CQU in 2017. Three weeks after I commenced my undergraduate education in the Bachelor of Psychological Program in 2012, I also simultaneously commenced and completed the Certificate IV in Mental Health (TAFE) which I attained in 2012. Upon the completion of my post graduate studies in Positive Psychology (CQU) in 2017, I commenced my education in the Master of Counselling Coursework (UNE) which I completed in 2020. During this period, I also completed the Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice Therapeutic Approaches (UNE) in 2019 with an emphasis on Psychotherapy Research and Approaches. Following that, I undertook the Master of Mental Health Coursework in the Field of Psychotherapy (UQ) which I graduated in 2022.

Professional Recognition

2019-Recipient of the prestigious University of New England Award (NEA) for academic excellence, extra-curricular accomplishments, and contribution to community

Professional Background

Through my extensive working career spanning almost a ten year period working with several not for profit organisations as well as private Mental Health, Psychology and Counselling services, I have gained valuable experience across a range of roles which included working as a: Psychotherapist specializing in Psychometrics (Psychological Testing and Assessment) working with injured workers and helping them to gradually return to the workforce, Child and Family Therapist, Family and Relationship Counsellor, Disability Services, Early Intervention, Sexual Abuse, Trauma & Complex Counselling and General Counselling as well as a Positive Behavior Support Practitioner. Before qualifying as a Therapist, I worked as a Youth Worker and as a Mental Health Worker and my journey personally and thus professionally has been an evolutionary one which synergized with my continued ongoing professional development via the education that I have undertaken and continue to do so. I am also a practicing artist and have previously worked in Art Galleries.    

 I have been in private practice since 2018 as a Psychotherapist, Mental Health Practitioner, and as a Counsellor. Additionally, since 2019 I have also been working as an Academic with a private institute whereby I undertake the role of a Level 1 Marker for the Master of Counselling Program. Being in Academia is wonderful as in addition to mentoring students and future therapist, I am also simultaneously practicing what I preach and likewise preach what I practice as everything that I do as a therapist is embedded and guided by science and thus backed by robust research findings.  

Personality profile, qualifications, and skillset

I am an authentic, engaging, inspiring, and energetic person who is passionate and deeply committed in helping people to re-imagine the possibilities of their lives. Filled with emotional intelligence I am guided by the mantra of upholding the ‘Power of Listening’ framework as enunciated by Carl Rogers.

I am an empathetic practitioner who embraces the magic and miracles of witnessing the unfolding storying processes to emerge thus giving credence to the root causes of a person`s affliction and suffering and validating how it corresponds with their psychopathologies. I have been working in the service for about 10 years in various capacities and my own evolution both personally and professionally continues to be a valuable resource when I am in a clinical setting.

Sterling credentials across five fields of study- I am a holder of 2 Master`s Degree, a Bachelor`s Degree, 2 Post Graduate Certificate, and a Certificate IV: all from the faculties for the study of human behaviors (Psychology, Positive Psychology (the science of well-being and happiness), Mental Health, Counselling, and Psychotherapy. I accomplished all these qualifications in the space of 10.5 years of full-time university studies whilst often working two jobs simultaneously. Currently I am undertaking the Master of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with Griffith University, and I expect to complete my studies in August 2023.

I shall commence my PhD with Alef Trust and Liverpool John Moores University (online) a widely acclaimed Transpersonal Psychology institution in September 2023. I expect to complete my doctorate in 2025 and my dissertation will be in on Dreams and examining its clinical value & therapeutic positive affects.

Accordingly, my own personal and professional journey is reflected in my clinical work. My approach to therapy and thus to therapeutic interventions is one that is based on an “Integrative Framework”: all guided by evidence-based modalities underpinned by robust empirical findings.

My own personal narrative is integral to my therapeutic work and accordingly an empathetic approach and one that is in alignment with my client`s aspirations, their hopes and optimism, and how it corresponds with their dreams and desires, serve as guiding principles.

Other attributes and employment competencies

• A current National Police records clearance.
• Blue and Yellow cards.
• Profound knowledge of various psychopathologies and associated aetiology and the challenges faced by clients.
• Excellent awareness of the resources available and thus being able to engage and collaborate with colleagues from multidimensional services thus creating an optimal supportive environment for clients.

• Highly trained in matters concerning cultural awareness and thus being mindful of contextual factors affecting the CALD (culturally andlinguistically diverse) population. Accordingly, a specialized approach working therapeutically with Indigenous people and adopting the framework of SEWB (social and emotional wellbeing) approaches are critical to my practice. Likewise, I am also well experienced and qualified when working with other non-traditional clients such as LGBTIQA, people with disabilities, and refugees. In this regard I am empathetic and cognizant of their challenges and therefore am knowledgeable at employing the best practice to support these groups.

• Fully experienced working in the NDIS sector

Personal and Professional Traits

An eternal optimist and am the personification of calmness and resilience. My own personal story is profound and one that embodies transformation, and it resonates with my clinical work.

Power of Listening and Free Association

• I am person-centred, empathetic, insightful, filled with emotional intelligence, sensitive, and a patient therapist thus embedded in upholding what Carl Roger`s conceptualizes as being immersed in the “Power of Listening” session, thus creating the ambience for the “unfolding storying process to emerge” when I am with a client.
• The “Power of Listening” framework central to my approach is also synthesized and thus corresponds with the Freudian approach of “Free Association whereby the ‘process of verbalizing whatever enters the mind without censorship or conscious selection no matter how embarrassing, immoral, illogical, or silly it may seem is upheld and thus validated”. On many occasions, I have witnessed the therapeutic benefits and clinical value of this approach.

• I have Excellent interpersonal skills, conscientious, reliable, and above all professional.