About the Therapy
"When I have been listened to and when I have been heard,
I am able to re-perceive my world in a new way and to go on.
It is astonishing how elements that seem insoluble become soluble when someone listens, how confusions that seem irremediable turn into relatively clear flowing streams when one is heard...
empathy allows us to re-perceive our world in a new way and to go on.”
— Carl Rogers, psychologist & founder of Person-centred therapy —
There is no one right way to work through loss or any life changes. Although there are many similarities, people experience loss, grief and change in many different ways and what might seem like a small loss for one person might be devastating for another - you are welcome to bring whatever it is you need to explore.
Women have come to see me for many different reasons and from many different walks of life - students, retired women, young women starting a family or a new career/job, women who identify as LGBTQI+, women who’ve become carers for a family member or friend, those who are bereaved or struggling with a medical diagnosis, divorce/separation or family issues, as well as women who are nearing the end of their life or receiving palliative care.
My training is in Person-centred counselling, which recognises that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in predicting a positive outcome in counselling. The approach was founded by Carl Rogers, who derived the theory from his painstaking research which investigated what was most helpful for clients in therapy.
As a Person-centred therapist I hold an attitude of empathy and non-judgement towards you, creating an emotionally supportive space for you to contemplate, understand and make sense of your experiences and feelings. Many women find that being deeply heard by someone they trust helps them to reconcile and come to terms with the changes in their lives. When you come for counselling, it is your time to explore what you want to bring - I am there to facilitate, guide and accompany you in your journey, not to control it.
As the therapy progresses, clients typically become more open and accepting of their feelings and experiences and they begin to trust themselves and their own sense of judgment more. They also begin to feel more creative and compassionate towards themselves and others, finding new ways to connect to themselves, their loved ones, and becoming open to new ways of being and living.
My main professional qualifications and specialisms are:
- Person-centred counselling (Dip. & BA Hons.)
- Person-centred art therapy (Cert. PCAT)
- Grief, loss & bereavement
- End of life support
- Focusing
- Non-violent communication
Face to face counselling - Central Coast or Sydney CBD
I practice from peaceful secluded rooms near Umina Beach on the Central Coast, and from a room surrounded by trees in the Sydney CBD, a 5 minute walk from Wynyard station.
The Green Oasis on the Central Coast looks out onto a beautiful patch of forest. Being in this natural environment brings peace, tranquility and solace to the work needed for healing. You may want to sit and talk, or simply take some time being in silence. Or you may want to explore using art materials - there is a large table with plenty of space to explore making marks or doing collages. Some women travel quite a way to do the therapy in this space - like taking a mini-break, they find they are better able to do the work 'away from it all'.
The Sydney Green Oasis is in Millers Point (The Rocks) and is very easy to get to - only 5 minutes walk from Wynyard train station in the CBD, and also has 2 hour parking on the street outside.
Home, hospital or residential care home visits
For those that can’t easily travel to see me for face-to-face counselling sessions I offer home visits, as well as hospital and residential care home visits, both on the Central Coast and in the Sydney area.
This also allows me to consistently support women who have a disability, or may be going through medical treatment.
Online Counselling
Counselling using online Zoom video calls, allows more women to access therapy - those in regional & rural areas and those who would usually find it difficult or impossible to see a therapist due to their situations; being disabled, agoraphobic or who cannot travel easily to appointments. Online sessions also allow clients who are immune compromised or worried about catching Covid-19 to still participate in regular therapy without risking their health.
Benefits of Online therapy
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You can create a comfortable and private space in your own home for the therapy sessions
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You may find it easier to talk, focus and express yourself
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You can enjoy wearing comfortable clothes and bringing a cup of tea/coffee
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You'll avoid having to travel before & after the therapy session
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You'll be able to continue therapy regardless of any COVID restrictions
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Research shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy
Online therapy will not be suitable for everyone however, but if you feel online therapy might work for you, please get in touch to discuss this further.