About Me

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I must admit that I fell into psychology by accident. My mother suggested it as a path of study – despite me not really having any idea what psychology was about – and I like to think it was because, as someone who knew me very well, she knew that psychology was probably a good fit for my nature. Since very early in my life, I have always been interested in understanding people and why we do the things we do more deeply. More than mere curiosity, however, I have, for as long as I remember, cared deeply about people and, to the best of my ability, about being a helpful, supportive presence in their lives as they negotiate the joys, sorrows, challenges and obstacles, sometimes terrors, of life. Becoming a psychologist simply gave me, thus, some tools and a language for expressing my natural inclination.

I am still in the process of ‘becoming’ as I continue to learn, develop and grow in understanding of what it is to be human and of my role in supporting others’ journey. What does not waver is my belief in the importance of connection through the relationships we experience across the lifespan, and of the self-awareness that connection makes possible. Through my own relationship with clients, I hope to provide connection that leads to understanding and, where appropriate, healing.

I have been a practising psychologist for nearly 30 years. Over this time, I have worked in a variety of settings and locations, including overseas. I have worked in community and non-government organisations with individuals – children, youth and adults – who have experienced trauma and violence, and in public health settings such as Child and Youth Mental Health and a regional child and family assessment and intervention service. More recently I worked with the Queensland Department of Education as an inaugural supervisor and policy maker to establish the Student Wellbeing Package implemented to provide mental health intervention for children and young people across all State schools in Queensland. For the past 15 years I have worked in private practice part-time, whilst also working for Queensland University of Education as a psychology educator, researcher and supervisor of provisional psychologists.

I consider myself to be an integrative therapist which means that I draw upon a number of frameworks in order to tailor a therapeutic intervention that fits best for my clients. I primarily use the theory and techniques of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, solution-oriented therapy and family therapy. 

Above all this are the overarching principles of 

• Rogerian Counselling: person-centred and emphasises the importance of empathy and authenticity
• Developmental Psychology: how and why individuals develop psychologically, socially and emotionally throughout life, and
• Systems Theory: the interconnectivity and interdependence of individuals and the various systems e.g. family, work, school, community, culture in which they are embedded.

I am always very happy to talk with clients and others about my ways of working and the various influences on my practice. Please don’t hesitate to ask me if you are interested.